Answereda year ago
How can I resolve an issue with my Non O visa labeled for business instead of retirement in Thailand?
Ok so need a bit of advice from those in the know. I arrived in Thailand on a Non O visa on the 18/06 went to the local immigration office yesterday to get proof of where I am living ( to open bank account ) To get all things sorted for retirement extension. Hit a bit of a wall when the immigration officer said you can not ask for the retirement extension because in thai in the remarks line they had written business. The application was submitted via the London Embassy. Has anyone a) been in this situation, and what solutions did you find. The Officer said you need new Non O go to Laos and apply there.
My possible solution and happy to be shot down if this is a stupid thought is go to Laos return on a visa exempt stamp and convert that in country to a Non O and then take the retirement extension.
In a perfect world trying to get the authorities to reissue a copy of the original visa with that word removed.
My possible solution and happy to be shot down if this is a stupid thought is go to Laos return on a visa exempt stamp and convert that in country to a Non O and then take the retirement extension.
In a perfect world trying to get the authorities to reissue a copy of the original visa with that word removed.
Answer summary
A user is facing challenges with their Non O visa marked for business instead of retirement, which is preventing them from applying for a retirement extension. They seek advice on solutions, including potentially going to Laos for a fresh visa application and reissuing the original visa. Community members offer various suggestions, including uploading documentation for clarity, checking with immigration officers, seeking professional assistance, or going to another country for visa processing.
23 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Spencer *******
OPAs requested by some I did make the point to the I O that as far as I was aware there was no such visa and that on a standard non O for retirement and I believe Marriage that work was not allowed but all I got back was we can not do extension for that visa
Graham ******
@Spencer ******
The remarks says "contact business" so it looks like you applied for the wrong Non-O in which case you have to leave before/when it expires and apply again from the startMark *********
Ask an agent If they can "fix it" Might be cheaper than going to Laos.
Spencer *******
OP@Mark ********
that is one possible option but wanted to stay off that hamster wheel if possibleMark *********
@Spencer ******
Fair enough, just a phone call thoughJohn **********
@Wannikea ********
that appears to read "contact business", I'm guessing he applied using one of the other reasons for a Non-O such as trailing spouse of someone working inside ThailandSpencer *******
OP@John *********
not that I am aware ofJohn **********
@Spencer ******
there are so many Non-O options it's easy to pick the wrong one. They don't always enter something in the remarks, but if they do immigration can't provide an extension for anything but that reason.Wannikea *********
I wonder if you can just show your entry stamp at immigration and not the visa itself, don't volunteer showing the visa to them.
Wannikea *********
Strange remark on Non O
John **********
Can you share a photo of what you have? Particularly the visa type and the remarks. The first extension must always be for the reason the visa was issued but something doesn't tie up here
Mike ******
Go to Vietnam. Thailand just makes everything more and more complicated whilst driving away expats. They fail to see we are the Golden Goose.
Why****
@Mike *****
yep, more and more saying Adios AmigosSpencer *******
OP@Mike *****
not an option sadly as partner is a working School Teacher
Robert *********
@Mike *****
Agree. Had non immigrant o visa arrived Pattaya 14th May. Refused by 12 banks to open bank account so I could deposit *****
0 baht to get 1 year extention. Had 7 agents working on it and they could not help. Now in Da Nang Vietnam.
Bob ********
I went to Siam Legal and they will assist you with getting a Bank account. They go to the Kasikorn Bank office in their building. just under 6000 baht cost for their service.
Jeremy ********
Stuart ***********
Were you able to get a residence certificate and open a bank account?
Your plan will work if you can open a bank account before going to Laos.
As Stuart Cummings said, it seems like a strange comment on your current non-O.
Your plan will work if you can open a bank account before going to Laos.
As Stuart Cummings said, it seems like a strange comment on your current non-O.
Spencer *******
OP@Stuart **********
have a I think residence certificate that was the main reason for going. Got a Thai phone sim in my name reflecting the address where I live. So far not managed to get the bank account open, but in Bangkok Bank the girl was helpful, we were at central shopping centre and she said no bank ib shopping centres will open accounts for foreigners but that Local branches may well do. I along with my partner will go to her local bank and try there. We had on a previous visit asked for their requirements which we can meet. The proof will be in the pudding when we try next week
Sylvia ********
@Spencer ******
I heard of other banks being more lenient?Stuart ***********
@Spencer ******
Good luck, I hope you manage to open one.
Stuart *********
Any chance of uploading a picture (redacting personal information) of this? A non O isn’t issued for business reasons. It can be issued for various reasons but business isn’t one of them.
You’re right about getting it changed if that what it says - I doubt that would happen.
You’re right about getting it changed if that what it says - I doubt that would happen.
Activity
13 joined13
people
Related
25What are some affordable agencies in Bangkok for a third border run?
2k19162mo
What should I do if my US passport is expiring and I risk overstaying my visa in Thailand?
2.4k23212mo
Can I open a bank account in Thailand using a Yellow 'Tabien baan' book without a residence certificate?
1.9k19113mo
What are the current immigration wait times like at Bangkok Airport?
4.7k39563mo
Is re-entering Thailand with a DTV visa problematic at Phuket Immigration compared to Bangkok?
2.5k19268mo
Will I face immigration issues at Bangkok airport without a return ticket on my non-O visa?
2.8k25161y
What documents do I need to open a bank account in Thailand with a Non-O visa?
5.8k51391y
Can I use a 90-day tourist visa to apply for a retirement extension in Thailand?
3.7k37182y
Why were Thai banks refusing to open accounts for DTV visa holders in Chiang Mai?
6.3k51622y
What is the significance of 'and everything else' in this group for discussing complaints?
8.6k72872y
What are the pros and cons of using a visa agency to help obtain a visa and open a bank account in Thailand?
5.9k44502y
How does PromptPay work for payments in Thailand, and can expatriates use it safely?
16.9k931012y
Can you play poker in Bangkok, even casually or for fun?
13.5k1151022y
What are the options for purchasing travel insurance while on extended holiday in Thailand?
1.8k11153y
What challenges might I face when applying for a tourist visa in Thailand after several border runs?
6.8k47923y
What should I do to prepare for opening a bank account in Thailand on a retirement visa?
5k33673y
Can I open a bank account in Thailand with a 90-day visa while planning to apply for a retirement visa?
2.5k2564y
How Can I Open a Thai Bank Account with a Tourist Visa?
3.3k26244y
What are the options for an American spouse on a Non O Visa wanting to open a bank account and extend their stay in Thailand?
1.8k10235y
Where are expatriates currently located?
37.9k3463576y
Why are politicians in Thailand criticized for ignoring their own COVID-19 rules?
7.1k351376y
What are the benefits of using a visa run company for border crossings to Penang, and how does a history of multiple visa stamps affect my entry?
2.2k16217y
Can a US couple apply for a Retirement Visa in Laos, including a dependent spouse, after facing issues in Thailand?
1k917y
What should I do if I want to visit my parents in Thailand but have been advised to get a multiple entry tourist visa?
3288y
Which embassies or countries accept cash as proof of funds for a Thai Tourist Visa?
2.7k23169y
Resources
Need help with your retirement visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served