Can I switch from a business visa to a retirement visa without leaving Thailand?

I went to the labor office on the morning of my 50th birthday, cancelled my work permit, and then went to immigration in Khon Kaen and got an extension based on retirement. You need a bank letter (dated within 3 days in Khon Kaen), and the funds (800,000) must have been in your account for 2 months for your first extension (3 months thereafter).

Hi Peter, yes you can, I did it in the exact same way last year. I did not have to leave the country.

Googling around it seems reports are mixed on whether it can or can't be done, although I found no recent topics about it..

What I'd suggest is about 45 days before your current extension expires, go to your immigration office and ask them if you can change the reason for your yearly extension from employment to retirement.

What immigration office do you use in Bangkok, the main one at Chaengwattana or the One Stop Service Center at Cham Churi Square? I ask that because it says you're a copy editor for the Bangkok Post.

WTF ???

I personally cant see how they will accept anyone trying to extend a 'B' visa ( working visa) based on the fact that your no longer working (retired)

I would have thought you would need to get an 'o' visa.. and you would probably need to go to another country to get it. Then extend it here at immigration

So yes do get back to us and let us know how you got on.. be interesting to know.

You would be changing the reason for your extension of stay from one based on employment to one based on being over 50 (retirement). I personally have never seen it done, BUT in theory it certainly can be done. You'd need the money seasoned in your account for 60 days prior to you applying for the extension or you'd need the notary letter from your consulate stating you get the required income>

You would cancel your work permit, take the receipt of cancellation to the immigration office, cancel your extension based on employment and immediately apply for a new yearly extension based on being over 50.

Like I said, that is how it should work in theory, and there's nothing in immigration rules that say it can't be done..