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Can I apply for my retirement extension in Pattaya after obtaining a 90-day Non-O visa in Bangkok?
Non-O VisaRetirement ExtensionVisa Rules ThailandImmigration ProceduresTM30Bangkok Immigration OfficePattaya Immigration Office
Sep 15, 2021
5 years ago
Scot *******
ORIGINAL POSTERHello. We did get our 90 day non-o visas today. The immigration officer quite specifically said we can only get our retirement extensions at that same office in Bangkok (CW - counter L). I have certainly heard otherwise on here, but she was quite clear about it. I don't know if it has to do with it being our first visa since we entered visa exempt. If it is correct, can we still go live in Pattaya then return to get the retirement extension? From what I've found, the documents required to apply for the extension are as follows:
- Application form. Tm7 I believe
- Copy of applicant’s passport. Not sure what all they want
- Account deposited (saving / fixed account) certificate issued by a bank in Thailand and a copy of a bankbook. Would that be the same type of certificate the bank gave us to apply for the visa?
That is all that I found. No photos, no rental agreement, no tm30. So where we live doesn't seem relevant, but it makes no sense that we have to get the extension in Bangkok, yet don't have to live there.
Anyone have any wisdom on this?
- Application form. Tm7 I believe
- Copy of applicant’s passport. Not sure what all they want
- Account deposited (saving / fixed account) certificate issued by a bank in Thailand and a copy of a bankbook. Would that be the same type of certificate the bank gave us to apply for the visa?
That is all that I found. No photos, no rental agreement, no tm30. So where we live doesn't seem relevant, but it makes no sense that we have to get the extension in Bangkok, yet don't have to live there.
Anyone have any wisdom on this?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user received clarification from the immigration officer in Bangkok that they must apply for their retirement extensions at that specific office. However, there is confusion regarding whether they can move to Pattaya and later return to apply for the extension. The comments suggest that although the office where the initial visa was obtained may complicate matters, one could potentially apply for the extension at the Pattaya office if the TM30 is filed correctly. It is recommended to visit the Jomtien Immigration office directly to inquire about applying there with the provided documentation.
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Tod *********
@Scot ******
which begs the question IF you were going to move to pattaya all along why didn't you just go down there and apply for the Non-O Visa ?You might indeed have an issue trying to get a year extension in Jomtien from a 90 day non-O you got at Chaengwattana.
BUT
Then again you might not, I'd say the only way you're gonna know is to slog on over to the Jomtien Immigration office, show them the 90 day Non-O and the TM30 that shows you now live in pattaya and see what they say. It's not brain science or rocket surgery. They'll either let you do it or they'll say go back to Bangkok to do it
Scot *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tod ********
- you think it begs the question? Let's go through examples. Just before we got out of quarantine Pattaya turned dark red and the place we normally stay closed for the duration. We took care of business here like get our 30 day extension, our bank account, and then got our visa. Other than that, we are retired travellers who like to move about as we please. Your 'begging the question' requires more scrutiny itself, it makes no sense. We may just slog on over, but before we do that, I think we will ask a Facebook page dedicated to advise on Thailand visas, for advise.Tod *********
@Scot ******
or make sure you have your TM30 filed in pattaya, get your bank letters, documents, copies, etc and go try to apply for the yearly extension. Do it a month before your current stamp expires so if they say you can't do it there you have time to come back to bangkok and get a hotel have them file a TM30 showing you do stay in bangkok and can file up here for the year. Once you get the year you're pretty much free to travel to your hearts content.Please realize no disrespect was intended or implied BUT many MANY people have done exactly what you intend to do and get a lot of push back or get denied outright.
Even a thai visa/extension guru like myself 😉 wouldn't wager what the real answer will be from the Jomtien Immigration office when you show up with a Chaengwattana Non-O stamp
Good luck, hope it works out, Slog on over and as they yourself so you really know.
Scot *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tod ********
- we will do just that. We will report our results.Reply to
Scot *******
Reply
Tod *********
@Stuart ********
careful tossing out "you can get the year extension at any office blah-blah-blah" advice IF you get a 90 day Non-O visa from the Chaengwattana office in Bangkok, even if you file a TM30 at a new office AND meet the requirements you're gonna get grief trying for a year extension at a different office (especially doing it in Jomtien)
Stuart *********
@Tod ********
ok thanks for the heads up. George *************
@Stuart ********
FWIW phuket immigration also warns the first extension of a non-o obtained in phuket can only be extended at the phuket office.Scot *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@George ************
- do they require that you reside there or can you just come back to get the extension? I'm concerned that Bangkok may want to see a long term rental agreement (3 months or more) just as they did for the non-o visa application. And it's only for the first extension?George *************
@Scot ******
I don't know Bangkok's rules. For Phuket it's only for that first extension. Thereafter can use immigration where you file your 90 day reports Scot *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@George ************
- OK, but is there a residency requirement in phuket? Can you leave, then come back and get the extension?George *************
I don't really have any advice, I would try either/both immigration offices. Just confirming for you that the first extension of a Thailand obtained non-o needs to be done at the issuing office.
Scot *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@George ************
- thank you, that does seem to be the current state of things. We only keep finding out things after we do something. George *************
@Scot ******
understand. It appears you were ill-served by Bangkok not telling you you would have to do your first extension there. George *************
@Scot ******
*******************************************************
George *************
@Scot ******
yes you need to prove you reside in phuket. Tm30 filed for you.Scot *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@George ************
- come in overnight, stay at a hotel, have them file a tm30, all good? Do you not understand I am trying to get information?George *************
OK here's some information; it appears you screwed up by not planning to apply for your first extension of stay at the same immigration office that issued your non-o. Your attacking people who aren't in a position to get you your extension. You'll have to talk to your immigration offices and see what they can do for you.
Scot *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@George ************
- nope, sorry I was kind to you. If you want to suggest we screwed up by getting advise here, you may be correct. Why would anyone know that info? Most here didn't. I've attacked no one but you right now. It's in response to your attack. George *************
@Scot ******
if you'd have asked me can I get my Extension done at a different office than the one that issued the non-o I would have told you, no based on my knowledge of phuket rules. At a minimum I would have asked the immigration office if it were possible. But I can't fix anything after the fact. Only the immigration offices can do that. Good luck.Scot *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@George ************
- it's certainly not obvious or a matter of fact thing, it's very much an oddity. We have been in here rather constantly asking all the questions we know to ask. We don't know to ask the questions we don't know to ask. I am not blaming anyone, but it is difficult when the answer given is not for the question asked. If you don't know the answer, say so. I don't want anything fixed, I am asking questions based on the current situation. Thank you.Reply to
Scot *******
Reply
Scot *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart ********
- OK, so are you now backing down from your position?Stuart *********
@Scot ******
if Tod says you may have issues then you may have issues. I was not aware there could be issues but Tod knows his stuff.Reply to
Stuart *********
Reply
Tod *********
@Stuart ********
I have seen people really be put thru the ringer pulling a Non-Imm visa from one office and then trying to get the extension at another (even WITH the change of address form, TM30, lease, etc). I honestly don't know why there's so much push back on people doing it because IF you move to a new area and file the correct paperwork showing you now reside there, you should be able to use that office. It's a conundrum to me 🙁
Reply to
Tod *********
Reply
Stuart *********
You get a extension in the area you live in (tm30 filing). It’s irrelevant where you got your first one. If you move, you file a TM30 and from then on you can use that office.
Scot *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart ********
- that seems reasonable, but that's not what she said. She even said other offices may give us trouble if we try to apply there.Stuart *********
@Scot ******
I get asked similar questions all the time. I’m happy to help people who have difficulty understanding the various rules and regulations that apply to their circumstances. Stuart *********
@Scot ******
did you use an agent?Scot *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart ********
- no. Stuart *********
@Scot ******
then you’ve been told bad advice. You can apply for an extension at any immigration office where you are legally resident (TM30 filed). It’s irrelevant where you got the first one. Scot *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart ********
- and that would be within 24 hours.Scot *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart ********
- assuming that is true, which I hope it is, my understanding is that if we move to Pattaya, besides the hotel submitting their tm30 requirements to immigration, we have to personally go to immigration to update our residence status. Is that correct?Stuart *********
@Scot ******
hotels are legally required to submit TM30 filings for all guests. Whether they do or don’t is speculation. Ask them for a screenshot of their filing your entry. You can use that as proof of a TM30. If you move to a rental property then you’d need to get a new filing from that landlord (or self file). Scot *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart ********
- do we need to go to immigration personally to update our address within 24 hours? That was the question.Stuart *********
@Scot ******
technically yes. How they’re going to know you’ve moved within 24 hours is up for debate. Scot *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart ********
- thank you. I have confidence that the hotel we stay at it Pattaya does proper reporting, unlike this place in Bangkok. I just wanted to know what our responsibilities are. Do you know where this information comes from? It seems that if stuff isn't handed down from old farang to new farang, or potentially correct information from immigration, it's lucky how anyone knows anything.Stuart *********
@Scot ******
I’m not really sure what you’re asking. If the hotel files a TM30 for you ask then for a screenshot. That’s perfectly fine as evidence of filing one. Advice from an old Farang 😀Scot *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart ********
- I wasn't really asking anything except wondering where all the information comes from. I think you read too fast sometimes.Stuart *********
@Scot ******
thank you. I read quite slowly. I maybe type too fast for my phone’s autocorrect to do it’s job😀Reply to
Stuart *********
Reply
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