Retirement visa post Covid

[Rockitt]

The whole situation is very confusing right now. I’m planning on visiting immigration in Bkk next week to get a list of things I need for a Non O visa and retirement extension.
So many You Tube videos saying different things it’s hard to believe anything at this moment.

 

[Faz]

The whole situation is very confusing right now. I’m planning on visiting immigration in Bkk next week to get a list of things I need for a Non O visa and retirement extension.
So many You Tube videos saying different things it’s hard to believe anything at this moment.

Assume you're already in Thailand?
Did you enter VE and what date?

 

[Rockitt]

Assume you're already in Thailand?
Did you enter VE and what date?

Yes Faz.
came VE 2 weeks ago. Here until 20th December although I can extend if needed.

 

[bacwaan]

The whole situation is very confusing right now. I’m planning on visiting immigration in Bkk next week to get a list of things I need for a Non O visa and retirement extension.
So many You Tube videos saying different things it’s hard to believe anything at this moment.

when I lived in Thailand I ended up using Thai Visa for my OA Yearly Permissions (read extensions) to stay each year after a while....it just became too complicated and vexatious to deal with local immigration depts in both Phuket and Samui...every time i went they wanted additional forms and supporting docs towards the end..

It cost me around Baht B18K iirc and they do it all for you...no need to even visit immigration....and if you want they will do your 90 day reports as well for B500 each (well that is what they charged me up until I left about 2 years ago) without leaving home...

They will also do your initial application without you visiting immigration if you wish...it costs a bit extra for the first one...This does require you handing over your passport and bank book to them though but this is all done by registered post...I never had any issues with them and for me it was absolutely worth it not to ever have to visit an IMM office again..

 

[Faz]

Yes Faz.
came VE 2 weeks ago. Here until 20th December although I can extend if needed.

Thanks.
Can I also confirm your nationality and age.
What kind of accommodation are you staying in - owned or rented?
Which is your local Immigration office?

 

[Faz]

when I lived in Thailand I ended up using Thai Visa for my OA Yearly Permissions (read extensions) to stay each year after a while....it just became too complicated and vexatious to deal with local immigration depts in both Phuket and Samui...every time i went they wanted additional forms and supporting docs towards the end..

It cost me around Baht B18K iirc and they do it all for you...no need to even visit immigration....and if you want they will do your 90 day reports as well for B500 each (well that is what they charged me up until I left about 2 years ago) without leaving home...

They will also do your initial application without you visiting immigration if you wish...it costs a bit extra for the first one...This does require you handing over your passport and bank book to them though but this is all done by registered post...I never had any issues with them and for me it was absolutely worth it not to ever have to visit an IMM office again..

I'd never recommend using an agent unless you can't meet the financial requirements, then that's the only option.

 

[bacwaan]

I'd never recommend using an agent unless you can't meet the financial requirements, then that's the only option.

Best money I ever spent in my 14 years in Thailand....I hated and dreaded every visit I ever made to IMM...

probably a lot easier for guys living out in the country areas...but as far as Phuket and Samui went....much easier just to pay and get it all back in the post done and dusted....

 

[Faz]

Best money I ever spent in my 14 years in Thailand....I hated and dreaded every visit I ever made to IMM...

probably a lot easier for guys living out in the country areas...but as far as Phuket and Samui went....much easier just to pay and get it all back in the post done and dusted....

Phuket and Samui know to be rogue, corrupt offices.
If Immigration sense you don't know what you're doing, unsure, you open the door for bullshit and corruption.

 

[Rockitt]

Thanks.
Can I also confirm your nationality and age.
What kind of accommodation are you staying in - owned or rented?
Which is your local Immigration office?

Sent a message.

 

[kaptainrob]

Best money I ever spent in my 14 years in Thailand....I hated and dreaded every visit I ever made to IMM...

probably a lot easier for guys living out in the country areas...but as far as Phuket and Samui went....much easier just to pay and get it all back in the post done and dusted....

It's so much easier now compared with 2011 -14, although Chiang Mai immi was already far better than Phuket back then.

Over the past 10 years we've seen major office improvements and upgraded services which make extensions fast and relatively painless.

Online extension appointment dates and 90 day reporting plus a drive thru service have all streamlined the processes.

 

[Faz]

Sent a message.

Thanks.

The procedure for the Non O application can be downloaded here;
https://bangkok.immigration.go.th/wp-content/uploads/2022C1_09.pdf

The main points are that you must have at least 15 days permission of stay remaining from the 60 days permitted on entry.
I recommend you apply circa 20th November.
The 800K funds are only required to be in a Savings or Fixed term account in your sole name on the date of submitting the application. (no seasoning period for the Non O required).
Updated passbook, bank statement and standard bank letter addressed to Immigration on the day of submission.

Documents;
Completed form TM87 (Attached) Printed both sides on one A4 sheet.
Passport.
Passport photo, 4 x 6 cm.
Copy of passport data page
Copy of entry stamp
Original TM30 receipt (stapled in back of passport).
Copy of TM30 receipt
Signed copy of houseowners Blue book (address page and householder personal details)
Signed copy of householders ID card
Copy of Chanute (not always requested)

It's a two part process.
Non O applications are not approved on the same day as submitting the application, they must be approved at regional level.
You'll be notified to return within 14 days for the Non O stamp, and you'll be granted a further permission of stay for an additional 90 days, which should be dated from your current permission of stay (20th December).

Any questions so far?

 

[Rockitt]

Thanks, so far so good.
Girlfriend is happy to accompany me with house documents if needed.

 

[Faz]

Girlfriend is happy to accompany me with house documents if needed.

Yes, perhaps best to be on the safe side.

 

[Faz]

Thanks, so far so good.

OK, so once you receive the Non O and granted a further 90 day stay, that should take you to 18th March.
You can submit your 1-year extension application from at least 30 days in advance, 45 days in advance at certain IO's

I have a pre saved documents explaining and listing the requirements and required documents for the extension based on retirement, so I'll just attach that and the TM7 application form.

 

[Rockitt]

Excellent Faz, very helpful.
I will let you know of my progress when I get the ball rolling.

 

[MarcTwoSix]

when I lived in Thailand I ended up using Thai Visa for my OA Yearly Permissions (read extensions) to stay each year after a while....it just became too complicated and vexatious to deal with local immigration depts in both Phuket and Samui...every time i went they wanted additional forms and supporting docs towards the end..

It cost me around Baht B18K iirc and they do it all for you...no need to even visit immigration....and if you want they will do your 90 day reports as well for B500 each (well that is what they charged me up until I left about 2 years ago) without leaving home...

They will also do your initial application without you visiting immigration if you wish...it costs a bit extra for the first one...This does require you handing over your passport and bank book to them though but this is
all done by registered post...I never had any issues with them and for me it was absolutely worth it not to ever have to visit an IMM office again..

I spent 12k cad for an Immigration lawyer for myself, Ao and Nut
To be honest, I wasn't really impressed with him
Many questions I would ask, he would say "he thinks"
A few times I advised him on parts of the law

So I doubt I'd use him again

But, it was the reams of documents we needed and his assistant keeping track and organizing all that was what I paid for, basically

Thankfully I was able to write off a chunk of that on my taxes

I wouldn't say it was worth 12k

But definitely worth something for the documents organizing

 

[Rockitt]

My Non O visa has now been granted so I can apply for the 12 month extension in the new year.
Not too bad an experience so long as you go prepared with all the requirements.
Thanks you Faz for your help.

 

[Rockitt]

Following on from my last post, today I went to immigration and got my 12 month extension on my visa.. Bangkok immigration looked quite busy when I arrived but I was out of there in two and a half hours and that included going to the bank inside to get the bank statement and letter.
Thanks again to Faz for your help.