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What are the procedures for senior travelers arriving in Thailand on a Tourist Visa, and how can one obtain visa extensions?
Tourist VisaVisa ExtensionSenior TravelersThailand ImmigrationVisa TypesTM30 FormImmigration ProcessE-VisaOnward Travel RequirementsThailand ConsulateTravel Tips for Seniors
Nov 24, 2022
3 years ago
James ***********
ORIGINAL POSTERCame through on a Tourist Visa from Canada. Heading to immigration I was approached by an airport attendant who asked my age and when advised of my senior status he ushered me into an area designated for Seniors and families...no lineup...had to choose between a male and a female official and after reading the odd post here, chose the male...he was a delight, welcomed me back, after breezing through the backpages of my passport, wondered why I hadn't gone for my usual OA, I told him just for winter this time. He sounded disappointed!
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post shares a senior traveler's positive experience coming to Thailand on a Tourist Visa, highlighting the designated fast lane for seniors at immigration. It includes discussions in the comments regarding necessary documents for extending a Tourist Visa (including the TM30 form), comparisons between different visa types (TR vs. OA), and advice on how senior travelers can navigate the immigration process, emphasizing that those 70 and older can use a special channel through immigration for a smoother experience.
OA RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the OA Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the OA Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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David ********
Nothing to do with Thai immigration fast lanes, but on a trip to the Philippines in Manila (I was around 55) I was getting on the LRT system and it was really really crowded ... as I got to the top of the stairs (I'm not tall, but I was still about a 'head' above the locals around me) one of the armed guards pointed at me as vigorously motioned for me to come toward him ... I was thinking, okay, he looks mad, what did I do wrong ... as it turns out I looked old enough to qualify for the seniors car at the front of the train, so while most of the people were pushing their way into crowded cars I got a nice comfy seat on the front train with a bunch of old people 😉
Not sure if they were being polite to me because they thought I was old, or they were just keeping the old White Pervert from mingling with the local women on the way to work (the station I got on actually had a separate set of stairs for women only so ladies with short skirts could walk up to the platform and guys couldn't walk behind them to 'catch the view'!)
Not sure if they were being polite to me because they thought I was old, or they were just keeping the old White Pervert from mingling with the local women on the way to work (the station I got on actually had a separate set of stairs for women only so ladies with short skirts could walk up to the platform and guys couldn't walk behind them to 'catch the view'!)
Chris *****
Are there porters at the baggage belts to help load your cart? Do you need dollars for a tip, or will uk pounds do? (My 77 yr old mum's arriving, I'll be as close as I can get but presumably can't get through customs.)
Dennis ***********
My Thai wife and I had the same pleasant experience,I have normally gone in the general line & wife through the Thai bar/line.we were also Approached by a friendly officer and directed to the new seniors line,I had my e-visa document/passport and we were processed in 2mins by a young friendly officer.It was a very pleasant experience.
Otto *********
If you are 70 years of age or more, you can use a special channel through Immigration, which is not taking so long. Just identify yourself as "Poo sung aju" to the staff.
Kool *******
@Otto ********
you don't even have to do that. You simply walk over to the other line. If anyone asks you just show them your passport. You don't have to learn any Thai, and actually that is bad as they could assume you speak Thai, and start explaining things in Thai.Reply to
Kool *******
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Gina ********
So what happens if 2 friends are travelling together and 1 is 71 and the other is 60? Do we have to separate? We will be coming February 1st for 8 weeks. Also, should we get a tourist visa in Toronto for 60 days from Thai Embassy? How long do we apply in advance? Thanks for any info.
Dennis ***********
@Gina *******
Note,the Thailand consulate has been closed during Covid,no onsite as when reopen,all Visa’s are now via Thai e-visa.it can take up to 3-4 weeks even though it states 10-15 days.You can go visa free and receive 45 days upon entertain,then you can extend for 30 extra days at the nearest Immigration ( 1900 Bhat-$80:00 Can)Helen ********
@Gina *******
if you enter visa exempt you get 45 days stamped and can extend for an additional 30 days while here for a total of 75 days. OR you could apply for the Single Entry TR as well, that will get you stamped in for 60 days with the option to extend for 30 while here for a total of 90 days. Visa exempt is easier, you just need to provide your airline proof of onward/return travel at you original departure point. Every time we have left Canada we get asked regardless of airline.Gina ********
@Helen *******
- Do you know the cost to extend for 30 days? Is there a shorter extension, say 15 days? Is it simple to extend while you are there? Are the immigration offices near Kamala Beach? Is the Single Entry TR obtained in Toronto at the Embassy? Is it cheaper in the long run to do that? How long does it take for them to process the application and can it be done online? Thanks for your assistance.Helen ********
@Gina *******
the cost to extend here is 1900THB, you get 30 days and it's really easy. There is no 15 day one. Just go to the immigration office by where you are staying, sorry no idea about Kamala beach Every immigration office has different requirements so you'd need to check the local one to see what you need.If you want the single entry tourist visa, 60 day stamp you apply using the evisa system and no longer have to mail your passport. Manitoba west, select the consulate in Vancouver. If in the east use the embassy in Ottawa. No idea how long it takes but I think the embassy shows 5-7 business days(?).
Reply to
Helen ********
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Stephen *******
@Gina *******
No, you can stay as a group. Like arriving with a Thai National. You both use the Thai lane.John ******
@Stephen ******
if your question is about the fast lane: as ar as i know only the one 70+ is allowed to use the fast lane. The 60 has to jse the regular routeGina ********
@Stephen ******
Thanks for the info. That's awesome.Reply to
Gina ********
Reply
Dylan *********
Female officer = more chance hassled?
Reidar **********
Great news as I am also a senior Canadian that will enter Thailand around the middle of January. Previously lived and owned business in CM.
Cliff *********
It’s really nice to feel wanted !
What age do they consider Seniors? ( Does 62 count?)
What age do they consider Seniors? ( Does 62 count?)
John ******
Winston *********
@Cliff ********
70+ - it's on the signs when you arrive.Cliff *********
Reply to
Cliff *********
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Ronald *****
Just pass him some money will let you pass
Russell *******
Great service , and nice to know you are wanted 🙏
John ******
The fast lane is for all people 70+ monks ,elite visa and many more
Chris *****
Thanks Brandon! And the comedy duo!
Chris *****
@John *****
my mother and sister are coming out next month. My mother is 77, will my sister (43) be allowed to accompany her in the fast lane? (They share surname, look alike, sister will be carrying everything, etc.)Brandon ************
@Chris ***************
yes if you're in the same party as an older person you can join them in the fast trackFrank **********
@Chris ***************
yikes your sister looks 73?Nicolas ********
@Chris ***************
damn throw your sister under the bus saying she looks like your 75 year old mae 😆Reply to
Nicolas ********
Reply
Henrik ****
TR and OA have each advantages and disadvantages. TR takes no money. Multi TR takes money and to leave country and re-enter once in a white. OA takes much more money, health insurance and more but then you can stay for one year without leaving country.
James ***********
ORIGINAL POSTERWhat government form and personal documents do I need to get the 30 day extension on the Tourist Visa ( I will assume TM30 for sure)?
Brandon ************
@James **********
Bangkok doesn't usually ask for TM30 but it's office dependant like everything else in Thailand.James ***********
ORIGINAL POSTERThanks, nice and clear!
Reply to
James ***********
Reply
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