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What are the recent experiences and requirements for obtaining a Non-O retirement visa extension at Chaengwattana Immigration in Bangkok?
Non-O VisaVisa ExtensionRetirement VisaThailand ImmigrationCW Immigration OfficeBank Letter RequirementsDocumentation for Visa ExtensionExpat ExperiencesImmigration Process
Jan 19, 2026
3 months ago
Phil *********
ORIGINAL POSTERSome feed back from my visit to CW in Bangkok for an extension to my Non O visa ( Retirement).
I arrived at 8am and was first in the small queue at Bkk bank to get my letter and update my bank book. After photocopies of the pages in the book were done I went upstairs and got my ticket in immigration.
Had a 90 minute wait before I was called forward for my documents to be checked and put in order, then about 15 minutes later I had to present everything to the lady immigration officer.
She was very pleasant and was joking with my girlfriend.
All good, no problems and she handed my passport to another lady for stamping. All done before the lunchtime break.
I had my passport, copies of visa, entry stamp and information pages. My bank book and copies of the pages. Also a 12 month bank statement and a letter from the bank confirming my savings account.
Copy of girlfriend’s house book and her ID card and a Google map printout of her condo position. Not forgetting the TM30 printout.
A TM 7 and 3 other small forms filled out and a passport photo.
It sounds like a lot do but if you do it in stages and gather everything together is not too stressful.
I arrived at 8am and was first in the small queue at Bkk bank to get my letter and update my bank book. After photocopies of the pages in the book were done I went upstairs and got my ticket in immigration.
Had a 90 minute wait before I was called forward for my documents to be checked and put in order, then about 15 minutes later I had to present everything to the lady immigration officer.
She was very pleasant and was joking with my girlfriend.
All good, no problems and she handed my passport to another lady for stamping. All done before the lunchtime break.
I had my passport, copies of visa, entry stamp and information pages. My bank book and copies of the pages. Also a 12 month bank statement and a letter from the bank confirming my savings account.
Copy of girlfriend’s house book and her ID card and a Google map printout of her condo position. Not forgetting the TM30 printout.
A TM 7 and 3 other small forms filled out and a passport photo.
It sounds like a lot do but if you do it in stages and gather everything together is not too stressful.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user shares their detailed experience of the process for extending a Non-O retirement visa at Chaengwattana Immigration in Bangkok, highlighting the necessary documents such as bank statements, photos, and TM forms. They provide a step-by-step account of their day, from arriving early to the queueing process and getting their documents verified. The user emphasizes that although the process may seem stressful, being organized and prepared helps in making it smoother. The comments section includes experiences and tips from other expats on their own visa extensions, providing additional insight into varying requirements and common concerns.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the 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 Non-O 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.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Retirement Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Andrew *******
The bank letter is valid for 7 days. I was worried that it had to be done the same day. Bangkok bank needed 7 days notice before producing a letter.
Tod *********
@Andrew ******
bangkok bank can issue the standard bank letter on the spot, what takes the time is the year transaction detail report as they can only print 6 months on demand and have to order the year this is the 'standard' bank letter and they can issue it when you walk in and ask for it
Reply to
Tod *********
Reply
Andrew *******
I had a similar experience at Chiang Mai last week. One of my 65,000 + transfers did not show as from a foreign source but I was ok as I had kept 800,000 on deposit. This year I will update my pass book every month and check that the source is shown as foreign. I don’t need to keep 800,000 on deposit but it is my health insurance.
Eric ********
Just got my 14th ext at CW.
It’s always stressful wondering if some whack new rule is being implemented that I didn’t read about here. This time round my bank had closed its branch at CW forcing a new approach to providing the bank details.
It’s always stressful wondering if some whack new rule is being implemented that I didn’t read about here. This time round my bank had closed its branch at CW forcing a new approach to providing the bank details.
Robert **********
I went to Chaengwattana Immigration today. My ninth extension. No appointments available, I arrived about 815, had forms already filled out. Got queue number, then went and got bank letter, photos, and copies, back to the queue. The Q slip has a QR code that sometimes works to tell you how far ahead you are. I had everything done, including queuing up again for reentry permit before lunch time. 
Mike *******
Glad to hear it went smoothy for you. Doing mine myself next month for the 2nd time. 1st renewal was in Krabi, now in Jomtien. Line your ducks up and it 99% it isn't a problem.
George ********
I always say that this procedure is like rolling off a log. Nobody in Immigration wants to give you a hard time. Don't understand why people stress out. I can't explain that to my wife, though.
Andy ******
Why need a copy of the Google map with condo where his GF stays ,this has nothing to do with 12 month extension on a Non O retirement visa or is this a new thing you have to supply , immigration never ask me before and renewed my 12 month extension 5 times now ?
George ********
I've wondered why they ask for this too, but I don't think it's a big enough issue to get worked up over.
Phil *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andy *****
they asked for one last year so I had a copy ready this year also. Not sure if it was really necessary but I was prepared anyway.John **********
@Andy *****
it varies by office. I've been on retirement extensions for 8 years and have always had to produce a hand drawn map, Google not allowed. 2 years ago my office also started doing home visits, albeit after the extension was granted.Graham ******
@Andy *****
different offices different requirementsEllie *******
@Andy *****
, that is the place where OP lives and submitted with TM.30. IDs are not of the girlfriend, of accomodation ownerReply to
Ellie *******
Reply
Johnny *******
Why take your girlfriend up to the immigration desk?
Phil *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Johnny ******
no specific reason other than it was her day off and she wanted to join me. Last time I was alone. Again no problems or confusion.Rory *******
@Johnny ******
maybe they’re going somewhere afterwards? Or she supporting him in with the crap we have to go through every year, or she’s ensuring he’s not going on the piss after.Johnny *******
@Rory ******
I didn’t say anything about taking her to the office. I was referring to taking her up to the desk where the immigration officer is. No need for this and can lead to confusionRory *******
@Johnny ******
The desk is in the office, if you’ve taken her to the office, you might as well take her to the desk just in case there’s any other questions that he might not be able to answerReply to
Rory *******
Reply
Tod *********
Thanx for the update, glad it worked out
step by step is the way to do it, don't get ahead of yourself, don't stress out, give yourself plenty of time.
Congrats on your yearly extension (y)
step by step is the way to do it, don't get ahead of yourself, don't stress out, give yourself plenty of time.
Congrats on your yearly extension (y)
Phil *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tod ********
thanks TodReply to
Phil *********
Reply
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