Answered3 years ago
Do I need to reapply for a new retirement visa or just request an extension for my O visa in Thailand?
Just reading some of the many issues that others are having or had.. I’m currently on a retirement O visa, doing my 90 day reporting on time etc. my renewal is up in August for the visa, just to clarify do I reapply for a new visa or an extension, I used an agent when I first applied, got the 3 months extension and 12 months retirement all at the same time so essentially 15 month, I’m in Korat and the immigration office is very good… do I just apply for a new retirement visa and does the extension automatically come with it.. ?
Answer summary
The user currently holds a retirement O visa and is looking to clarify whether they need to apply for a new visa or simply request an extension upon renewal in August. Comments from the community clarify that the individual is actually on an extension of stay rather than a visa and that extensions should be handled through the local immigration office. The necessity to utilize an agent and the availability of funds in a Thai bank account are also discussed.
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Travers **********
Mar Cus..do you mind saying how much you paid. I was quoted 46,000bht for 3 months plus 12 months retirement in Hua Hin. Thanks
Mar *****
OP@Travers *********
hi I paid *****
because I had the funds, I know it’s double or more if they facilitate the financial aspect.Travers **********
@Mar ****
thank you
Peter *********
Stuart top man for any advice 👏
Stuart *********
Some terminology issues here. You are not on a Non O. You may have entered with a Non O or obtained it in country but you are on an extension of stay. That is not a visa. It’s an extension that allows you to stay in the country for X amount of time.
Whether you can extend that extension for a year would be dependent on your local immigration office. The fact that you used an agent may tie you in to using that (or another agent again) - especially if you used them to circumvent the need for funds in a Thai bank account.
Whether you can extend that extension for a year would be dependent on your local immigration office. The fact that you used an agent may tie you in to using that (or another agent again) - especially if you used them to circumvent the need for funds in a Thai bank account.
Steve **********
@Chris ******
I believe I texted " if you have extention already, based on income " , thats how you should continue.Not a letter ! but bank statements showing mo income, with letter from bank.
Mar *****
OP@Stuart ********
thanks for your answer. Just had a look at my passport and the stamps. One stamp says retirement and the other says Non-Imm with multiple re-entry. I know I was surprised that when I had this done it added up to 15 months in total. I provided all income information pension etc and statements of my uk bank account. I didn’t circumnavigate the financial details. I used an agent to assist with opening a bank account. I thought this would just be the quickest way to assist me… not sure now what I’ve got? 🤦🏻♂️😂Stuart *********
@Mar ****
ok the two stamps you have are an “extension of stay stamp” - it will also say something like “permitted to stay until X date”. Above it may well have a stamp that says “retirement”. The other stamp is a multiple re-entry permit which allows you to exit Thailand and re-enter as you like. Each entry they will stamp you in until X date from the previous mentioned extension stamp.
Whether you can DIY a new year extension at your local immigration office is unknown. You’d have to go and ask them. Some may let you. Others may not.
Steve **********
@Chris ******
if you have extension already based on income you just continue as long as FTT stays above 65k. do not need any nesting funds.
Steve **********
@Mar ****
?...things get easier with a smile
Chris *******
@Mar ****
yes you are on an extension.The original non-o visa was 90 days. And yes that allows the money to season for 60 days in the bank.
All should go well if money was there.
Mar *****
OP@Chris ******
yes had the money, did say I didn’t circumnavigate the financial system as I know some can. I have a regular pension income more than the 65k needed each month and provided proof of both UK and Thai bank accounts but I see now how this has worked. Provided the bank balance from the date of opening the Thai bank account which showed 900k though I suppose the 3month extension then allows that to sit in the account for a period before granting the 12 month extension on a note of retirement…. So I’m assuming I’m not on a retirement visa after all but as Stuart says some form of extension… I originally had this done in Pattaya and so used one of the many agents there… I’ll do my homework now I’ve got time. Thanks.Chris *******
@Stuart ********
what concerns me is his comment of pension income etc.Did not answer whether he had the 800k in a bank in Thailand at the time of application.
As we know UK does not endorse income.
So the question I will ask:
Did you have 800k in the bank for 2 months prior to application?
3 months after approval?
And never dropped below 400k?
If so you should have no problem doing it yourself, as long as it's back to 800k again 2 months before application again.
Also check your stamp to be sure it was obtained at your local office.
Otherwise will need the agent again.
Stuart *********
@Mar ****
Korat is a very “low volume” office so may handle things way differently than your major offices like Bangkok or Jomtien. In those offices they’re shifting 100s of people a day through and can’t afford to spend time on individual applications. I have no clue on the number Korat handle per day but it is possibly less than 20. They have time to process and help individual applications.Mar *****
OP@Stuart ********
thank you Stuart that gives me a better understanding, I’ve just done a 90 day report took 2 min at Korat no paperwork just handed over the passport…. Ding dong done… Ive gotta go back in June so I’ll ask then… one of the officials did give her phone number and said when I need to renew just give her a call… I’m assuming in an official capacity 🤦🏻♂️🤣 thanks again.
David *******
You just get an Extension each year. I assume you’ll have the cash in bank for a long enough period?
Steve **********
@David ******
extention, but will need 12 mo's income from overseas, or nested 800k.I prefer the income, rather than nest virtually interest free a large amount.
Insure any monthly, is over 65k, with fluctuating conv rates, I always exceed to cover.
Mar *****
OP@David ******
thanks David, yes got the cash just wasn’t sure what I’d need to apply for. Korat Immigration office is very quick and friendly. 👍🏻David *******
@Mar ****
Each office can have slightly different requirements so check what they want. eg bank letter, updated bank book, photos, address proof, passport copy etc etc.Activity
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