Answered3 years ago
What are the best options for obtaining a quick visa extension or retirement visa in neighboring countries after experiencing issues with immigration in Thailand?
So I got kinda screwed over today. Went in to do my 1 year retirement extension. I had all the correct documents, including my bank stuff.
Got shut down.
After working 4 years in China, when I came back, I used a lawyer (agency) to move things along. They changed my visa to a non o and then at about 75 days after that, had immigration change it to a Non O retirement. I did all my 90 day reports everything was cool. That was done in Phetchaburi btw.
I’ve since moved to Bangkok I went in today and the immigration officer told me they have nothing on me ! My OA and extension don’t exist in their computers. I’ve basically been here for the last 15 months illegally.
He was cool though and knew right away what had happened between the agency and Phetchaburi immigration. I guess he didn’t also want to raise a stink on my local IO. So he told me I need to leave the country, get either a new OA or a tourist visa and then CW will change it to the one year extension (legally.)
So now I’m looking at flights around Thai embassy cities.
Any recommendations on the least painless, most simple Embassy to get a quick in and out ?
I used to go to Vientiane all the time , but that’s been many moons ago.
Got shut down.
After working 4 years in China, when I came back, I used a lawyer (agency) to move things along. They changed my visa to a non o and then at about 75 days after that, had immigration change it to a Non O retirement. I did all my 90 day reports everything was cool. That was done in Phetchaburi btw.
I’ve since moved to Bangkok I went in today and the immigration officer told me they have nothing on me ! My OA and extension don’t exist in their computers. I’ve basically been here for the last 15 months illegally.
He was cool though and knew right away what had happened between the agency and Phetchaburi immigration. I guess he didn’t also want to raise a stink on my local IO. So he told me I need to leave the country, get either a new OA or a tourist visa and then CW will change it to the one year extension (legally.)
So now I’m looking at flights around Thai embassy cities.
Any recommendations on the least painless, most simple Embassy to get a quick in and out ?
I used to go to Vientiane all the time , but that’s been many moons ago.
Answer summary
The user faced issues at the Bangkok immigration office regarding an extension based on their retirement visa, which reportedly did not exist in the system. They were advised to leave the country and apply for a new non-O or tourist visa to reset their status. In the comments, expats shared their suggestions for the easiest nearby embassies for quick processing, with mentions of Vientiane, Penang, and Yangon as potential options for acquiring the necessary visa, while also discussing the pros and cons of using visa agencies versus handling immigration paperwork independently.
79 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Guido **********
Penang
Royal Thai Consulate General
+60 4-226 9484
Royal Thai Consulate General
+60 4-226 9484
***********************
Andy **********
You don't need any visa to get onto a retirement extension. You can do it from a visa exempt.
Chulala **********
Same as my clients he got the same situation with his previous agency, don’t have his name on the system but have visa on his passport, recommend Vientiane but you need to book the schedule to the embassy, I believe Monday will be full schedule.
Jackie ********
Penang is easy
Terry ********
OP@Jackie *******
, yeah, I’ve already booked my air to Penang 😀
Yiba *******
@Jackie *******
not really. Vientiane is better
Gordon *********
Expose the agency
Brandon ************
@Gordon ********
that's illegalTerry ********
OP@Brandon ***********
agreed. The only thing I would mention is that it was in Hua Hin. Anyone who uses an agent should properly do due diligence, and even then, it’s still hit and miss
Gordon *********
@Terry *******
you take care m8Gordon *********
@Brandon ***********
not you payed a company to work for you save other people going down the same road lolBrandon ************
@Gordon ********
can still get sued and arrested for it as many have.
Janin ******
And still a lot of people recommend an agency! Now a bunch of people also in problems with different agencies!
Todd *********
@Janin *****
agencies are great. That’s why. Sure beats importing 800k and standing in line at your bank and immigration every yearJanin ******
@Todd ********
, did it myself from day one, nothing special if you inform yourselfTodd *********
@Janin *****
lol. U sure about that? How long did you wait at the bank? How long to drive to both bank and immigration. If you have 800k tied up, it’s a total waste of time and moneyJanin ******
@Todd ********
you don’t have to wait for one minute if you make an appointment!Todd *********
@David *******
hahaha. Yes! ExactlyDavid ********
@Todd ********
same here will never q for a bacon sandwich all day in the 40c heat lol they should have listened at school 😂😂😂 👍🏻Todd *********
@Janin *****
nothing special at all. But i don't like standing in line. And no reason to tie up 800k baht
Julane *******
I used Penang to get my O 90 day visa. Very easy. And flights are reasonable.
Yiba *******
Vientiane, Laos
Terry ********
OP@Yiba ******
that’s where I’m leaning towardsMaxim ***********
First of all, you are NOT on overstay. A lot of awful misinformation going on in the comments. What happened is that you used an agent last time, so you are bound to use the same agent + same immigration this time around too. It's the downside of using an agent, you are stuck with them for future extensions because they way you obtained said Non-O last time was illegally obtain but the stamps are legit. To erase that, you need to leave the country and apply for Non-O in neighbor country. So when you come back in u will be able to extend for a year no problem.
Paul ******************
Me and my friend just did it at the Thai Embassy in Manila, Philippines. Stayed at the St. Giles Hotel near the embassy in the district of Makarti. Went into the embassy on a Tuesday, got the 3 months (2 months with an extension for a 3rd month) tourist visa on the Friday. They are a quick embassy I’ve heard compared to others. Just over 3 hours flight from Bangkok Don Mueang airport on Air Asia.
John *******
Don't know the answer here maybe a law firm or agency but sounds like that's what screwed you already as I see it now you are here on 15month overstay can't believe immigration let you walk out and stay in the country I've known people to get thrown in the bin for much less you need to buy a lottery ticket chohk di getting back in you going to need it with that record
Terry ********
OPThose who suggested a good embassy to go to as I requested in my OP, Thank you very much
Garrett ***********
So what did the officer give you? They let you walk out of their office on a 15 month overstay? How are you going to leave the country?
Maxim ***********
@Garrett **********
He is not on overstay. But because he used an agent a year ago, he is stuck in using them again with that same immigration. That's the downside of using an agent, unless you leave the country and come back with fresh stamps you have to re-use the agent forever.Terry ********
OP@Maxim **********
I’m not on an overstay. It is a legal stamp from an immigration office, with all 90 day reports. It’s just not in CW’s computer. I don’t pretend to know any immigration offices mindset, nor do I care to. I’m just doing as the boss says
David **********
@Terry *******
yes if you leave your visa will be cancelled. I know of similar situations. But this seems to be clearly a problem with immigration if yiu havr a genuine stamp. Surely the offices can talk to each other. It doesnt make sense.Todd *********
@Maxim **********
I simply don’t think that is true at all anymore. I shifted from agent to LTR in country. No issues at all. No mention of it. Walked into immigration in BKK and they stamped in the 10 years. When I had the agent visa, it was seen and discussed at length when samui immigration. They even helped me register my residence on Samui in the system
Chris ************
@Todd ********
ok. Thx for your thoughts, Todd. Appreciate.Todd *********
@Chris ***********
even the BOI doesn’t understand at this point. They are unsure of what the actual requirement will be. But they did promise that is will be less onerous that the initial standard. There is no intent to not Re qualify people. I expect for my retiree LTR, will simply have to show income meets requirement. Send a bank statement and get the other 5 yearsTodd *********
@Chris ***********
it’s possible but should be the same. My stamp is 27 Oct 2032, but they add a validity stamp for the 5 years or if your passport will expire first. And they don’t know yet what will be required for the 5 year reset 😂🤷♂️Chris ************
@Todd ********
thx for the answer. It may be different with an LTR for purpose of working from Thailand (remote work)...i guess, yours is for retirement?
Todd *********
@Chris ***********
yes, you actually do receive a ten year visa stamp in your passport. But each time you enter, you will receive the earliest date of either the 5 years or your passport expiry. Whichever comes firstChris ************
@Todd ********
do you know, when is it the case at LTRthat you get 5 years and have to extend one time for the next five years
and actually you got the 10 years stamp?
David ********
@Garrett **********
it’s BS all immigration department have a cage in the rear straight in it and on next plane
Michel *************
Penang
Roy *********
I just got a new non o based on retirement in Savannakhet today, was so easy and smooth.
Much better than Vientiane.
Much better than Vientiane.
Albert *******
All that time and money you spent, you could have simply gone to a visa agency. Let them deal with all the paperwork bureaucracy, while you enjoy the country
Adrian ******
@Albert ******
probably because he got burned by last agency & wants to be totally legal this timeAlbert *******
Adrian Hide and you see , THATS where talking on groups like this can help to give advice on really good agencies . And when you use an agency you’re actually MORE protected than when you do things solo . Money talks like it or NOT
Dave *********
I’d try Penang
Marc *******
@Dave ********
Me not....Terry ********
OP@Marc ******
why not Penang ? Experience ?Marc *******
@Terry *******
Compare to Laos a Pain in the As. Look at the website.Todd *********
Have you gone back to the 'lawyer'? I still think Vientiane maybe your best answer, no visa required for entry. KL or Penang, Singapore, Yangon, Phnom Penh, HCMC. Will be interesting to see what happens on your return. But if you are truly on overstay, you are suspended for 3 years once you pay your 20k fine on exit. Best of luck
Terry ********
OP@Todd ********
I may be stupid ( lived here 20 years now) but the IO didn’t mark anything in my passport and I believed him. Didn’t ask or hint for anything and gave very helpful suggestions with both the tourists visa and the OA and then returning to CW for the extension or converting the tourist.Todd *********
@Terry *******
it's definitely an odd situation. The issue that looms large is what happens when you stamp out of Thailand?? If truly 15 month overstay, the fine is 20k and a 3 year ban.Terry ********
OP@Todd ********
great ! That’s what felt anyways. As to the agent, in 20 years I’ve always done everything myself. I just got a little jammed up this once coming back from China just after the CoVid
Todd *********
@Terry *******
they likely didn't say illegal, as clearly you were not illegal at all. Fair enough. Nothing to 'rat out' as there is nothing to rat out. Stand down folks, nothing to see here. Have a nice flight to the nearby RTE of your choice Terry, there will be no issue. Consider a reputable agent next time. Enjoy!Terry ********
OP@Todd ********
chaeng Wattana did not actually say I was illegal. They just said they couldn’t extend this extension and I needed to go out and basically do a reset. I think it is hushed because they don’t want to rat out their own
Todd *********
@Terry *******
This is a bit confusing overall. Were you in the country 'illegally' as you mentioned? Or on an extension? The outcomes are very, very different. It sounds like you haven't been illegal at all.Terry ********
OP@Todd ********
I don’t suspect it will be any future problems. My current “extension “ expires 9 July He gave me his business card and said to have border call him if there were any problems as well
Werner ************
@Todd ********
live stress free like Todd lol 🤦🏼♂️
Russell *******
Wait a few months for better exchange rates
Tony *******
18 months overstay, r u sure they'll let you back in?
David ********
Tony Goeds he will have a stamp in his passport relating to dates 555 and 800k bht in a bank account……or skint and moaning lol
Kool *******
The Thai Embassy in Yangon Myanmar is good, and not busy at all, and I'm not being sarcastic. It is the place to go now if you are flying.
David ********
Just return on a tourist visa you have your 800k in a Thai bank account still it only costs 1900 bht at immigration or go through an agent to save time about 10k bht no drama
Frank **********
@David *******
lol. He went through an agent before.Kool *******
@David *******
umm, that's what caused his current drama, using an agent...lolol.David ********
@Kool ******
it’s bull shit pal stamps in passports lol …..90 day check in you need to put visa exp dates and entry dates ummmmm 555
Andy ********
@David *******
I get that same smell also.Adrian ******
You don’t really need a Thai embassy city just leave return on tourist then extend & convert to O in country. But I would get exact details from immigration as time line etc. I did this a few years back changing from a O/A to a O flew to Nong Khai jumped on a bus & zipped over & back no problem
Albert *********
@Adrian *****
No airport at Nong KhaiAdrian ******
@Albert ********
your absolutely right my miss explaining Udon Thani & shuttle bus to border in Nong Khai
John **********
You're very lucky they didn't mark you as being on a 15 month overstay
Miles ***********
Laos
Ross ********
Play monkey games ..win monkey prizes
Werner ************
Yea that’s the issue with fixed agency visas - your stuck when you want to go legit or stop using them etc
Jin *******
PM sent
Brandon ************
Sounds like you got screwed a year ago, not today. Today you were lucky.
Terry ********
OP@Brandon ***********
maybe that came across wrong. The agency and IO down there screwed me. CW IO was very coolMaxim ***********
@Terry *******
In brief, it's bribery. The bribery in Phetchaburi is not recognized in BKK, and vice-versa. Went you pay an agent good money to help you, the agent pay IO and more down the chain of command. Only a fraction actually stay in the agent pocket.Maxim ***********
@Terry *******
Nobody screwed you. Agent are all illegal. But your stamps are legit. Your stamps won't be recognize by BKK because of how you got said stamps elsewhere. Not a single agent could have prevented what happened to you today. The recommendation you got from CW IO today is what everyone does went they want to extend without using an agent they previously used. You need to leave the country like he said and apply again.Activity
35 joined35
people
Related
25How quickly can a non-O retirement visa be approved at the Thai embassy in Los Angeles?
1.7k12215mo
What are the steps and requirements for applying for a Non O Immigrant Retirement Visa in Thailand?
1.6k6335mo
What are the best visa options for a US citizen currently in Thailand, and how can I apply for them?
11.4k482345mo
How can I obtain a Non-O visa if my UK pension is frozen?
11.8k891619mo
What are the experiences and processes for renewing an OX visa in Thailand?
1.6k12131y
What visa options are available for an Australian citizen looking to retire in Thailand with a Thai partner?
2.6k17272y
What stamp will I receive at immigration when returning to Thailand with a Non O retirement visa?
9612153y
How do I obtain a Non-O visa in Thailand if my tourist visa is expiring soon?
1k2163y
What is the renewal process and timeline for a 1-year Non-O retirement extension in Thailand?
2.1k16153y
Is it possible to stay in Thailand long-term on back-to-back tourist visa extensions?
11.8k821673y
What are the latest requirements and process for obtaining a Non-O retirement visa in Bangkok as of November 2023?
4.8k28773y
What are the steps and requirements for a UK national to retire to Hua Hin, Thailand, including visa options and pet travel?
2.4k17213y
What are the requirements and rules for obtaining a Non-O retirement visa in Thailand without marriage?
1.9k14124y
Can I leave Thailand and return on a 30/45 day visa after my retirement visa expires?
2k15154y
Can a UK citizen over 50 apply for a Non-O visa without a state pension using the eVisa system?
1.9k12174y
What are my options for extending my stay in Thailand after my Non-O marriage e-visa expires?
1.3k7124y
Do I need a bank letter for renewing my Non-O retirement visa in Thailand?
3.5k27335y
What are the options for extending a Non O visa in Thailand for a family visit?
1.1k686y
What are the options for extending a Non-O visa for medical purposes in Thailand?
7.4k69566y
What are the banking requirements for renewing a retirement visa in Thailand?
2k17126y
What are the options for extending my Non-OA visa in Thailand without leaving the country?
1.4k9116y
What is the length of extension I can get for my Non O visa and can an agent handle the application for me?
808617y
How can I prove my international money transfers for a retirement visa extension in Thailand?
1.6k9157y
Which visa should my husband and I apply for to stay in Thailand long-term?
2.1k17138y
Can I get a 90-day extension on my Non-Immigrant O visa in Thailand while planning to travel?
3358y
Resources
Need help with your retirement visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served