Answereda year ago

Can I extend my retirement visa in Thailand before returning from abroad?

Retirement Visa Visa Renewal NON-O Visa Immigration Visa Extension Process Expat Advice

Alan *********

asked May 26, 2025

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I'm on a retirement visa that needs to be renewed in September. I may need to leave Thailand next month and return in October. Is there some way of being able to extend the RV before I get back, or some other way to handle this without having to start the whole RV application process again from scratch when I return to Thailand in October?

Answer summary

If you're on a retirement visa in Thailand and need to leave before your renewal date, you cannot extend it while out of the country. You will either need to be in Thailand to apply for your extension or start the renewal process anew upon your return. Some suggest applying for a new 90-day non-O visa at a Thai embassy before you leave to avoid complications with the renewal process.

11 repliesnewest first

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Alan *********

Replies so far are what I was suspecting, I didn't think there was a way to navigate out of it but it was worth asking. I'll have to do whatever I can to get back in time to renew it.

a year ago

Peter **********

Go to a visa company on soi

****

called Maneerat Visa Service, they will help you.

a year ago

Peter **********

That is if your in the Chonburi area.

a year ago

Alan *********

@Peter *********

Thank you. Any idea what their advice will be? Are you saying that because you know the solution to what I am asking?

a year ago

Alan *********

@Lloyd ********

I'm presuming they would all have the same knowledge and know the same tricks. If I don't have any luck I will pop in and see them. Thank you.

a year ago

Lloyd *********

@Alan ********

when I said "they" I was referring to Maneerat Visa Service. Don't know if all Visa agents are the same.

a year ago

Alan *********

@Lloyd ********

Excellent, thanks Lloyd, will go and see my agent tomorrow

a year ago

Lloyd *********

@Alan ********

they can renew your extension of stay up to 3 months before expiry.

a year ago

Rob **********

No unfortunately not, most offices will let you do your next extension with 30 days left on your current extension, but if you are not going to be in the country, your extension will run out and you will need to start the process again.

a year ago

Brandon ************

No. You're either in Thailand to apply for your extension or you're starting over from scratch when you return.

If you're out of Thailand when your extension expires and it's convenient, I would apply for a new 90 day non-O visa from a Thai embassy before returning. It'll save you at least 2 trips to immigration and will free you from the requirement of showing your 800,000 was in the Thai bank was an international transfer.

a year ago