Is it common for the Thai authorities to check your residence after receiving a retirement visa?

Phuket Immigration calls with the Line Video app and wants a second person to hold the phone while videoing you in front of your house number, in your living room, bedroom and dining room. Surprised she didn’t want to see my kitchen! It was pretty painless and only took a few minutes. They do it for marriage extensions as well as retirement now.

My first extension they came but this year they did not. They were very friendly and took some extra photos of us in the living room. Was in Bangkok living with my Thai wife in her house

I think it is a great idea to check on tourists, if you are living a legit lifestyle then you will be fine. I think it is more for people staying without extensions

With marriage visa it's normal. With retirement most of the time not.

Yes mate its very common on 1st extension

Do they at least tell you WHEN to expect them?

Can you get the standard marriage visa in thailand if you come on a tourist visa or have you got to apply in home country

Yes,

They are starting to check

Yes in Jontiem a captain Poo came and visited me. He phoned me first and then met me at the condo and wanted to meet the jurist. Then Captain poo and I and the jurist went up to the condo and took pictures of us in front of the door with the door number. And then inside the condo. It was not some sort of shakedown where he wanted money he just wanted to make sure that I live in the condo that was registered when I did my renewal. I thought it was quite strange. Keep in mind when I renewed my retirement Visa the guy at immigration told me Captain poo would be calling in the next week. He gave me a piece of paper with Captain Poo's last four digits of this phone number and told me to watch my phone and look for that phone number. And Captain Poo called.

Why do they assume that retirement means that you will stay in one place and won’t travel around the country staying in hotels?

i got 1 yr visa last year got married so now marriage visa they came out to check apparently only do it once

If you get Non O marriage, Yes they will check on where you are living but, if Non O retirement they won't bother you 😉 😀

How do they arrange it say if you are away for a month ? I am not just retiring to Thailand to stay in one place whilst i can still travel

all part of the no longer friendly to farangs policy 🥹

Never had this happen in my few years here nor to any of my expat friends

Remember, sex toys, vapes, stun guns, tasers, and pepper spray are illegal...also any Fake Rolex and Gucci

I had my first Non-O (Marriage) extension back in March. Had 5 Immigration Officers pitch up to check out I was legit and take some photos.

New marriage visa, getting first knock in 4 days

I’ve been here for 11 years. Last October when I renewed my visa they came knocking on my door the day after to take photos. It was a first for me!!

Totally standard in many provinces.

Yes

Have a beer ready for them. TIT. We would be happy if it was happening in our home country.

I like that Thailand wants to keep their guests accountable. I see it as protecting their nation and country.

Yes i got a visit in Kalasin nothing to worry about

Happened to me .. in jomtien ( first 12 month extension) was no issue at all , very friendly

Yes common theese days as there trying to wheedle out the bent tourists

I've done retirement and marriage for 20 years.

Never had a knock on the door

It's becoming more common. I'm on an extension based on retirement and they started doing home visits here about 3 years ago. They issue the extension and come for a visit afterwards, nothing to worry about if you're legit

It's not common, but happens occasionally

Where did you apply for visa before you got the extension for 12 months?