Unanswered5 years ago
Can I apply for a Non-O retirement visa from within Thailand?
Dear group, I'm confused and overwhelmed, I've just returned from the Songkhla immigration office where I've been informed it's not possible to apply for a non immigrant 0 visa long stay based on retirement in Thailand, that I must depart and apply outside of Thailand ,they suggested Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos.
I'm here on a 60 TR that I extended 30 days. About money, They were not interested in any TTR codes or where my 800,000 came from. Have others in the group been successful in applying for non 0 inside Thailand?, if so, which province? TIA
I'm here on a 60 TR that I extended 30 days. About money, They were not interested in any TTR codes or where my 800,000 came from. Have others in the group been successful in applying for non 0 inside Thailand?, if so, which province? TIA
Summary so far
The original poster is confused about applying for a Non-O visa based on retirement status while in Thailand. They were told by Songkhla immigration that they must apply outside the country and visit Malaysia, Cambodia, or Laos. Many commenters dispute this, sharing their own successful experiences applying for the Non-O visa from within Thailand, particularly in places like Bangkok and Hua Hin. It seems that some immigration offices make the process harder than others, and using an agent may alleviate some difficulties. The post also highlights varied experiences with required documentation regarding funds and the integrity of different offices.
101 repliesnewest first
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Josh *********
Come to Guatemala.
Scot *******
We got ours in Bangkok. Their laws most definitely allow for it.
Meno *****
Anyone tried it in Phuket?
Easy to do ourselves?
Easy to do ourselves?
Meno *****
@Stuart ********
... Thanks. Good to hear
Stuart *********
@Meno ****
From reports Phuket is relatively easy. I believe they’re pretty hot on where the funds come from and to show overseas transactions, but that’s just from reports on here. No physical experience. 
Justin *****************
OPThankyou group for the information , I appreciate it.,I may need to apply for the covid extension to buy some extra time....I noticed that the application time for that is Nov 26th....has anyone experienced any pitfalls with that application? I looked up the required dox and it appears a affidavit is required.
Justin *****************
OP@Peter ************
thankyou for the moral,legal,and ethical guidance Peter...with respect, there are some other complicating and legitimate factors that I'm not at liberty to ventilate or disclose, but I do appreciate your sentiments. I do wish you well on your journey. 
Peter *************
@Justin ********
Is it then not deceptionJustin *****************
OP@Peter ************
prefer not toPeter *************
@Justin ********
but you can fly out off Thailand now a days for australia with now problem then you dont need a covid-19 extension do youJustin *****************
OP@Stuart ********
arghh good to know, particularly regarding the date and not adding to existing daysStuart *********
@Justin ********
most offices will give you an initial “under consideration” stamp and ask you to return in 5-14 days where they will stamp the remainder of the 60 days. Be aware that if it’s your first covid extension they’ll almost certainly date it from the day you apply and will not add it on to any existing days you may have left.
Stuart *********
@Justin ********
most offices seem to be issuing the extension with little fuss and pretty much the same paperwork as your tourist extension. Some offices are giving people a hard time before issuing it but I haven’t heard of outright rejection (except where they haven’t given the correct paperwork). They may ask you for proof of filing a TM30, some are still asking for a letter from the embassy saying you can’t travel (or as most embassies won’t issue that, proof that they won’t). A printout from the embassy website saying they don’t issue them is usually enough. Sorry don’t have specific information from anyone who’s done it in Songkla. Russell *********
I've done it twice. Once in Korat and once in Sisaket. You need to apply a couple of weeks before your visa extension (60 +30) is due to timeout. Maybe that's the reason they are not interested?
David ***********
@Russell ********
There was never any requirement to season funds before your initial application. Seasoning prior to extensions used to be three months; now it's two months.
Russell *********
I’m pretty sure the 60 days seasoning requirement before your initial application still applies.
Russell *********
@Justin ********
The first time (in Korat 10 years ago) I needed a document from the bank showing evidence of a foreign transfer. I think that is still a requirement. I guess they didn’t ask for that in July because they had done my annual extension based on my deposit account a few times before, so although I was making a fresh application, they knew I had shown evidence in the past.Justin *****************
OP@Russell ********
I may need to look into this further and arrange a further extension in my TR maybe the covid extension which the fellow at immigration suggested, reason being I received mixed info on the 60 day 800,000 seasoning for the initial application for non 0Russell *********
@Justin ********
Yes, I’ve had the money in a deposit account in Bangkok Bank for 10 years. While I was stuck in the UK my non O retirement extension ran out in February. That’s why I needed to reapply when I got back in July.Justin *****************
OP@Russell ********
about your application, did you need to season 800,000 for 60 days? Did you require a TTR Justin *****************
OP@Russell ********
agree, I thought that also when i saw you mentioned Sisaket , its perplexing. You are indeed blessed!!Russell *********
@Justin ********
Fair enough. You couldn’t get much quieter than Sisaket though. I’m always the only one in there. I came back through the Sandbox in July on a 45 day visa exempt stamp. It only took Sisaket Immigration an hour to process the application. Went back two weeks later to get the non O visa stamp. I guess I was just lucky.Justin *****************
OP@Russell ********
hi, i have more than adequate time on my visa extension. I think its as some of the group members mentioned, it appears certain places are just not processing it. Perhaps as there's less farang. 
Jae ******
I have encountered the same thing before, and in the end it was actually giving money to officers under the table.
In your case, it is best to find an agent, you can compare the quotations of several companies, it will be easier for them to do
In your case, it is best to find an agent, you can compare the quotations of several companies, it will be easier for them to do
Brian *******
@Jae *****
*****
baht under the table. 
Eliane ****
Havin. heard stories like that, I paid an agent to save myself time and trouble for my first retirement visa.
Филипп **********
Laos is closed
Dana *******
I did....
Dana *******
No, Jomtien (sorry...)
Michael ********
@Dana ******
in Songkla ?
Duncanc **********
Malaysia is closed
Michael ********
Get to Krabi I think best, then do your extension in Songkla afterwards
Justin *****************
OP@Frédéric ****************
ditto!
Frédéric ******************
@Justin ********
yes. Actually I'm living in Hat Yai.Justin *****************
OP@Frédéric ****************
arghh, so you initially applied outside Thailand? Then went to hstysi for an extension?Frédéric ******************
@Justin ********
I extended my non-OA visa and yes, for the first application they wanted a bank document showing the money came from abroad, they came to visit my house too. But for the subsequent renewals they just wanted to see my bank book with balance certificate and stamped my passport the same day.Justin *****************
OP@Frédéric ****************
did you apply for you first initial non 0 in Hatyai immigration office?If so, did you need to season the 800,000 for 60 days if you used that method.?did they require a TTR
Frédéric ******************
@Justin ********
Hat Yai immigration is closer. Never had a problem with them.Justin *****************
OP@Michael *******
I can imagine. Yes.Michael ********
@Justin ********
They are more used to dealing with Farangs there.Justin *****************
OP@Michael *******
hi Michael thankyou, makes sense distance wise, and I've never been to Krabi! Which I've been wanting to visit....I will make contact with their immigration to make sure, cheers 
Tony *******
The goalpost change each day and from District to district .good luck you would think they would use their common Sence expat money spent in Thailand and many support a Thai family if they refuse you they are refusing a Thai family a meal ticket putting it bluntly. But hey ho last time I witnessed common Sence hear was a soi dog opening a bag for food .this is the bottom line
Wayne *******
@Tony ******
yep never before has farangs been more prone to being scalped ...every stumbling block post covid, especially immigration or medical , and your wallet becomes dramatically thinner until vaporized .Benjamin ******
Not all immigration offices sell the in-country non-o visa based on retirement
Justin *****************
OP@Benjamin *****
my Fiancee has a suggestion. She is of the understanding that if I changed my accommodation that its a requirement to lodge a new TM30...if so, in those circumstances I could fly to bkk or hkt, lodge a new TM30 and have a crack at the non 0?Do you perceive any pitfalls with this idea?
Justin *****************
OP@Benjamin *****
jeepers, very sobering to hear. Might need a best man for a wedding! Stay tuned. Benjamin ******
@Justin ********
I never been to Hat Yai before. If there’s another immigration office (maybe in Muang Songkhla?) In Songkhla province, you can use that immigration office. Otherwise you’ll have to get the visa outside of the country. None of the bordering countries are open for general tourism now, but I know Cambodia wants to open up as soon as possible. You *may* be able to get the Non-o there if they reopen
Once you get the non-o visa, you can enter via the sandbox, or test-n-go (I think).
Justin *****************
OP@Benjamin *****
that raises some serious concerns for me. As hatyai emphatically stated a non 0 was not available to me within Thailand. I assume theres another office in Songkhla province is that possible? Or will ny only option be to fly out of the country?and try a neighbouring Asian destination? Any thoughts? I entered through hkt via sandbox 10 days is that of any value?or grasping at straws?Benjamin ******
@Justin ********
sadly, you can’t pick and choose the immigration office you use. You have to use the office where your TM30 is submitted. Benjamin ******
@Marlene *****
they sell the non-o visas based on retirement in Phuket. Each immigration office has slightly different requirements. Phuket has an excellent immigration office volunteer team. You can contact them at **********************
for specific requirements 
Marlene ******
@Benjamin *****
retirement!Justin *****************
OP@Benjamin *****
hi...I'm having quite a few issues with my transfers....specifically the TTR code.relaying to my 800,000..some members have had success with using paper trails and bank statements as an alternative. Do you know which immigration offices has the better reputation for being flexible with these matters ?I was, on Micheal suggestion, thinking of krabi as I'm based in Hatyai, but because of my partners busy schedule as a Dr. I'm thinking we will be better off flying into bkk or hkt...its logistics. ...
...As time is of the essence , any advice appreciated to minimise further pitfalls TIA
Benjamin ******
@Marlene *****
non-o visa for what reason?Marlene ******
@Benjamin *****
I have asked the following question many times but get conflicting answers…can I get the non o retirement visa at a consulate in the US and do I need to do a border up run when I extend it in Phuket?Benjamin ******
@Marlene *****
Phuket sells in county non-o visas. Marlene ******
@Benjamin *****
I hope they will do it in Phuket otherwise I will apply for it in the US….
David ********
I did TR then non O then retirement extension in Hua Hin. Lots of papers but no problems. It was easy with agent.
Justin *****************
OP@Daffyd **********
thanks for clarification. Justin *****************
OPI'm super appreciative that you clarified that.thankyou.
David ***********
@Justin ********
You do not need to season the funds to get an O-visa. Seasoning is only required for extensions, and note that the required period is two months - not 60 days.For O-visa (retirement) the 800,000 baht must have been brought on from overseas.
You need two weeks left on your current stay (three weeks if applying in Chiang Mai and perhaps some other provinces).
Justin *****************
OP@David *******
thankyou very much for your comment.David ********
@Justin ********
i deposited the 800k when i came in on the TR visa (60+30) then produced the transfer paper trail while getting the OJustin *****************
OP@David *******
just wondering did you need to season 800,000 for 60 days if you used used that method ? Did they require a TTR code?
David *******
@David *******
Last person I know that did it themselves at Jomtien took 8 visits to immigration as the lady kept on asking for more paperwork. Got there in the end but took a while.
Bob **********
Never heard of that
David *******
You can do it but some immigration offices make it very difficult or just refuse. It has to be sent to Bangkok to be processed.
TBH it’s often easier to use an agent for this part. They’ll get you a Non O plays the first Extension so you’ll have 15 months. Cost probably around 25k baht.
TBH it’s often easier to use an agent for this part. They’ll get you a Non O plays the first Extension so you’ll have 15 months. Cost probably around 25k baht.
Steve *******
@David ******
Not all Immigration offices sell the Non Imm O visa.Steve *******
@Greg *******
Well it should be 2000bt for the visa if you've got the money in the bank and 1900bt for the 1 year extention of stay.
Greg ********
@Garrett **********
Well it would not be 25k Baht to an agent if he has all the requirements. That is what I am saying. As for general use if an agent why does anyone use any service? Convenience, better knowledge/agency, imbalance of information. If there was no demand there would be no service.
Garrett ***********
@Gr**
1900 baht to do it yourself, 25k for an agent to do it? If he meets all the requirements I wouldn't be paying 25k baht just because this immigration office sucks. Cheaper to fly to Bangkok, spend a night in a nice hotel, and go get the Non-O there. Greg ********
@David ******
Agree going rate in PattayA for 1st 15 months. That is with them supplying the finance info and you not making any deposits though. If they charge 25k if you have 800k seeded it is a bit muchDavid *******
@Greg *******
Depends on agent. I’m only familiar with Pattaya agents and that’s pretty much the going rate for the initial 15 months. A couple a bit cheaper. Future extensions of stay would be much cheaper.Greg ********
@David ******
That is usually the cost without the money in the bank. Should be a lot cheaper if you have it.
Marguyvin **********
Extra time and money, but get yourself to Bangkok instead of dealing with that mickey mouse crap down there.
Garrett ***********
Who told you that at the immigration office? An Immigration officer, some guy at the front desk, a trainee in a white shirt?
Frédéric ******************
@Garrett **********
Songkhla is the capital city of Songkhla province, they are used to foreigners because a lot of Malaysians and Singaporeans are living there.Justin *****************
OP@Garrett **********
sorry, yes I should have concluded that I completely agree with your comments entirely I will take the advice of our group and get on with it. Thanks everyone for your comments and help super appreciate. Garrett ***********
@Jus***
Well I can tell you 100% that they are incorrect. HOWEVER, Steve may be correct in staying THAT particular immigration office might not be able to do them. Similar to police stations, each province has a headquarters (main office) and then smaller substations. Honestly I've never heard of Songkhla before, had to google to see where it was. This is something those on Koh Chang have to deal with, for anything substantial they have to take a ferry to Trat. You may have to go to the provinces main immigration office if that isn't it, or another immigration office (Bangkok, Phuket, surat thani) to get the Non-O.
Justin *****************
OP@Garrett **********
hi, we spoke with four different officals, we challenged their position, citing the widely available information to the contrary, didn't make any difference. Steve *******
@Garrett **********
Not all Immigration offices sell the Non Imm O. That must be one of them.Ray *****
They are giving you incorrect information. I did mine in country after arriving on visa exempt. I got a non O and a couple of months later I got the annual extension
Ray *****
@Daffyd **********
well doneDavid ***********
@Ray ****
It's also the law of the land that people applying for marriage extensions can use the combined income-plus-asset method to qualify for those extensions. But I don't know of any province that actually allows it. I know enough to have got by.Ray *****
@Daffyd **********
only 20 years here, it's still the law of the land however they apply it. I know enough to have got byDavid ***********
@Ray ****
Using phrases like "the law of the land" here makes you sound fresh off the boat. Provincial Immigration chiefs have quite a bit of discretionary power. This place doesn't operate like a typical western country.Ray *****
@Daffyd **********
it's incorrect if the law of the land allows itDavid ***********
@Ray ****
It's not incorrect information .... some provinces will do it; others will not.Justin *****************
OP@Ray ****
argh cheers, i was pretty sure it wasn't the Country Womens Association...Ray *****
@Justin ********
immigration at Bangkok Justin *****************
OP@Ray ****
I'm a bit of a newbie, what is CW please? Ray *****
@Justin ********
I did mine at CW. I had the letter from the British Embassy to do the monthly funds. Sadly this letter is no longer available from the embassyJustin *****************
OP@Ray ****
just wondering, where did you get your non 0 processed? Did you need to do 60 day season 800,000 ?if you used that method?did they require a TTR code?
Jaye ********
@Justin ********
Use an agent.Justin *****************
OP@Ray ****
the groups comments have definitely crystalized my fortitude to move the process forward, cheers. Ray *****
@Justin ********
it can be a pain but you will get it sorted. Without hiring an agent maybe get a consultation from a local agent for some lunch money. They could maybe grease the wheelsGreg ********
@Justin ********
Not to worry. It takes a while to get used to the ways and procedures. Water off a ducks back in a few months. 😉Justin *****************
OP@Ray ****
agreed 100%, im just taking awhile to adjust to Thaistyle process and procedures. Thankyou for your comments , I really appreciate itRay *****
@Justin ********
collectively they are all wrong. It can be done and many thousands are living proof. Greg ********
@Justin ********
Each office is a law unto themselves it would seem.Justin *****************
OP@Ray ****
Greg Berwick , thank you so much for your comments. My Thai Fiancee (a local Dr) came with me, she spoke with 4 different officers including someone who in appearance seemed of high esteemed authority .she challenged them arguing the position you are all outlining here in our group, it didn't make any difference. Activity
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