How can an ordained monk reapply for a Non-Immigrant R visa in Thailand after reaching the extension limit?

Non-Immigrant R visa Thailand visa rules ordained monastics visa reapplication process Buddhism in Thailand visa types Non-Immigrant B retirement visa Thailand Elite program DTV visa

Oct 31, 2024

2 months ago

Jun *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Anyone familiar with how one goes about reapplying Non-Immigrant R (religion) visa for ordained monastics once it's no longer extendable after 5 or 10 years extension (depending on what country's passport you hold) and do they set any limit as to how many times it can be reapplied (if not lifetime?).  

Also, is it true one doesn't necessarily have to have Non-Imm R visa to become a monk in Thailand just like one doesn't necessarily have to have Non-Imm B to work in Thailand (I was told so by immigration official at Chaeng Wattana)?  I don't think you can be a monk under Non-Imm B, but how about retirement visa or under Thailand Elite program?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post discusses the process of reapplying for the Non-Immigrant R visa (for ordained monastics) after its extension period expires, as well as whether there is a limit on how many times this visa can be reapplied. Additionally, it explores the possibility of becoming a monk under various other visa types, since it's stated that one doesn't necessarily need a Non-Immigrant R visa to be a monk in Thailand.

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Wannikea *********

Curious if the DTV visa is a route to go, Buddhism in Thailand has a hint of soft power

2 months ago

Phil ******

@Jun ******

Found some info from South Africa for you. Not a commonly asked or applied for visa. Suggest you also contact a Christian Church here too for additional information.

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c2de4

2 months ago

Mikkel *******

You can be a munk on any visa. Just like you can study on any visa. The time restrictions will of course depend on what visa you have, and the "stay until" stamp in your passport. You can't get a non b if you are not working, but yes, you can work on certain other visa types too. For example the ones based on marriage or kids.

2 months ago

Tod *********

I honestly have no idea about how you'd go about getting a new Non-Immigrant Type R once you extended the one you have as long as you can. You'd have to talk to what ever institution is giving you the documentation for the visa/extensions along with the immigration office and/or embassy where you'd get the Non-R visa

It's such a specialty niche visa that I don't believe there will be too many members on the group who can actually give you good solid answers

Still I let the post on to see if anyone has comments about it. Good luck in your endeavor

I may be wrong but I think you can be a monk under ANY visa you qualify for,

-So find a real job, have the employer provide the documentation, get a Non-B,

-Put 800K baht in a thai bank account in your name only and get a Non-O based on retirement,

-Pony up the money to buy a Thai PE (Elite) visa and get an elite visa.

I don't think being a monk stops you from ANY of those visas if you meet the requirements

2 months ago

Jun *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Yes, I was told you can take Bhikkhu ordination, remain in robe and stay in a monastery as a monk under retirement visa but I don't think you can show up to Chaeng Wattana or Chamchuree Square in robe asking for Non-Imm B extension. 😅

And the institution that has a final say in approving extension or reapplication? is the National Office of Buddhism (สำนักพุท) and without their endorsement/recommendation letter immigration bureau will not issue fresh new visa or extension.

If you're from non-Buddhist countries (all western countries) your Non-Imm R can be extended for up to 10 yrs (5 yrs if you're from Buddhist countries). That's not always observed and sometimes they issue recommendation letter toward 6th extention (or 11th for farang monks).

I know western monks who remained in robes in Thailand for 30 years or longer and at least one American monk who received a PR despite monastics not eligible for PR application other than under "special circumstances" category and two farang monks who were granted citizenships by HM the King but I heard reapplication will become more and more difficult to justify and convince National Office of Buddhism as years go by and beyond that I know nothing.

Wat Pah Nanachat, aka Int'l Forest Monastery in Ubon has a Thai lay supporter/secretary who is very versed in those matters but he has his hands tied up with so many foreign monks at his monastery and I'm not allowed to consult him unless I go visit him in person at the monastery in Ubon.

2 months ago

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Jun *******

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