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Am I allowed to travel within Thailand while my retirement visa application is processed?

Retirement Visa Non-O Visa Visa Application Process Travel During Visa Processing Immigration Regulations Thailand Expatriate Living

April 20, 2024

5 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

I will submit my application on May 7th for retirement visa. It takes approximately 15 days I have been advised. I don't intend leaving Thailand until 27th May and I have been advised that is ok. As far as travel within that 15 day period it will be necessary for me to go to Sakon Nakhon for 2 days and return to Hua Hin where the application has been submitted. Now my simple question am I allowed to make that journey within the 15 day period. I have heard people say you can't go anywhere for 15 days as immigration may check you live at the address given

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is concerned about traveling within Thailand while waiting for their retirement visa application to be processed, specifically if they can make a trip to Sakon Nakhon during the 15-day waiting period. Comments from other users clarified that there are generally no restrictions on traveling during this time, and while some immigration offices may conduct home checks, it is not common for retirement visas. The conversation indicates that traveling is permissible, with one user noting their successful experience with minimal issues.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
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Paul *******

Did my retirement visa in udon

An officer came to the house I’m staying and took all sorts of photos, spoke to neighbours, got signatures etc.

We were not given a day or time. He rang wife in the morning and said he would arrive in 2 hours time.

Hope this helps.

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Nigel ********

We had what they called a home visit but they did it via Line app video chat showing entry to the house , number and quick look around the house inside

They did let us know in advance

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Chuck *********

I did my retire.ent

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Chuck *********

Sorry fat fingers. I did mine last year in Pattaya and it took 30 days. No issue with travel unless you check I to hotel or fly

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Chuck *********

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Lee *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Ah yes thanks guys you all make sense from what I can see the post was long enough without me putting every detail in. I had to supply a Google map from immigration to my Condo. I did confirm they wanted this and was told yes if I need to come see you. But I couldn't see any reason I couldn't go visit family in that time frame. So thank you all for your comments 😊

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Andy *******

15 working days. You can travel all you want, to the best of my knowledge

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John **********

usually its 15 days not working days and you can travel inside Thailand, you can't leave the country. Normally they will give you a date to return

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Andy *******

@John *********

mine was working days for the 1st yr visa

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John **********

I think usually they try and align it with the expiry of your current stamp which you need a minimum of 15 days remaining on in order to apply for the non-o

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John **********

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Stuart *********

I’m not aware of an office that checks where you live for a “retirement visa” (Non O based on being over 50 applied for in Thailand).

They do for “marriage” visas but some now do this via video calls rather than a physical home visit.

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Lee *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I can't imagine that they actually come out and check addresses as has been mentioned but it's my 1st application for 'O' and I don't want any mistakes. For the last 10 years my visits have been visa exempt

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Lee *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I think through my bad Thai and officers limited English I think he was saying allow 15 days just in case of delays

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Will ************

@Stuart ********

Nakhon Nayok do 30 day consideration AND house visits for retirement extensions.

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Stuart *********

@Will ***********

Ok thanks for that. Where the F is Nakhon Nayok?

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Stuart *********

Ok I googled it. Just never heard of the province before.

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Stuart *********

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Steve **********

@Will ***********

yet they have address confirmation every 90 days as well as GPS of your phone, and can track

your movements.

Oh well, Mai pen rai

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Steve **********

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Steve **********

@Stuart ********

why 15 days ? Takes a couple or a few hours.

Also if for some reason, you're waiting on docs. You have no travel restrictions, other than leaving country and trying to reenter without the delayed stamp

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Stuart *********

@Steve *********

Many offices don’t have the “authority” to issue the retirement visa straight off so they send the paperwork to their HQ (which is why you provide 2 copies of everything). It takes that sort of time to get the paperwork there and signed off on and returned.

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Steve **********

@Stuart ********

OK , I'm in Chiangmai. And they've finally re-settled into the old original office. Although changed the way ' we're herded ', but, if resolved there will be some, ' playing with us ' it's just once a year.

Hope all goes well.

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Steve **********

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Andy *******

@Steve *********

renewal is quick, 1st one up to 3 weeks. They started address reporting but haven't heard of them visiting (yet)

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Steve **********

didn't know. Got my 1st 'O' about 21 yrs ago. Don't even remember ( a lot of things ) but each year, it's just part of the participation system. Don't mind it, they ( IO ) always change something to keep you on your toes.

Good luck

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Steve **********

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