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Can I change my guardian visa to a retirement visa at Samut Prakan Immigration?

Aug 4, 2025
a day ago
Visca *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello everyone, I hope you’re all well. I would like to ask for your advice and help regarding my visa situation.

I am currently holding a guardian visa issued by Bangkok Immigration (Chaeng Wattana) since my son is studying in Bangkok. My residence address, however, is in Samut Prakan province.

I am planning to change my visa type to a retirement visa.

* Can I process the change of visa in Samut Prakan Immigration, or do I need to go back to Chaeng Wattana?

* Do I have to wait until my current visa expires before applying for the retirement visa, or can I apply for the change at any time?

Any guidance or experience you could share would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much in advance for your help.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user seeks advice on changing their guardian visa to a retirement visa while residing in Thailand. They inquire whether the process must be completed at the Chaeng Wattana Immigration office or if it can be done at the Samut Prakan office. Additionally, they ask if they need to wait for their current visa to expire before applying for the new visa. A commenter clarifies that it is essential to check the terms of their current visa, suggesting that they may be on an extension rather than a full visa and advises them to meet the necessary financial requirements for the retirement visa.
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.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Tod *********
Doubtful you have any visa at all and I would bet if you looked at your stamp you'd see it says "extension of stay permitted until" and has a date. <- That's not a visa, it's an extension which is different

You should be able to change the reason for your extension at the immigration office where you live (Samut Prakan). You'd have to meet the financial requirements for the extension you'd be applying for

Most people wait until their current extension is going to run out and then apply for a new yearly extension for a different reason.

You should go to the immigration office in Samut Prakan, see if they will allow you to change the reason for the extension from raising foreign child enrolled in school on ED visa to one based on being over 50 (retirement). If you can do the change of reason, get the hand out from them listing the requirements, TM30, lease, copies, bank letter, bank statement, bank book etc so you can change the reason

Samut Prakan allows people to apply for a new extension when you have 45 days or less left on your current extension.

Best of luck with it,
Visca *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
Thank you very much. You are right, it says "extension of stay permitted until..." Thank you also for taking the time to share such detailed and helpful information. Grateful for your help! πŸ™
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