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What are the recent experiences with home visits for retirement visa extensions in Thailand?

Thailand Immigration Retirement Visa Extension Home Visits by Immigration Visa Regulations Non-O Visa Expat Experiences

Doug ********

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asked Jun 16, 2026

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Hi all.

This is just as a point of interest. Not looking for any info.

Got my one year extension based on retirement on June  2 at Udon thani, first one for me and all very easy.

Got a phone call at 9am this morning from immigration asking if I can meet them at my condo at 10 for them to take a picture of me at the location for their records. Also asked if I can show them my bank balance,on app would be fine.

Turned up exactly at 10, 2 quick pics, outside,not even ask to see condo,checked my bank balance and left.10 minutes max but glad I had the funds and not used the agent route which I was considering. But maybe if I used the agent route I would not have had the visit ??

Answer summary

An expat shares their experience of receiving a home visit from Thai immigration for a one-year retirement visa extension, noting the convenience of the process and the verification of bank balance. The conversation reveals that such home visits are becoming more common for retirement extensions, with members sharing their own experiences, including occasional home visits, requirements for showing identification, and their thoughts on using agents for visa processes.

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Bernie *************

Bernie *************

There might be reasons why the agents have survived so long? 😉

0

Doug ********

Doug ********

OP

Bernie John Brown ..yeah. I think we all know that,but same thing applied to nominee business buying land ,that's being looked at now but who knows if and when the agent for visa extension will ever be looked into. Just personal choice and already today proved to me I was glad.I had the funds ..for real but I wouldn't criticise what any person chooses to do as its THEIR choice and only THEY live with the choice they made

0

Dave **********

Dave **********

People using the agents are begging for trouble. Sooner than later you are going to be black listed.

1

Mick *****

Mick *****

Dave Williams 100% - 18 months ago it was considered safe to border hop on a visa exemption, then there was a compliance crackdown and not anymore. Six months ago you could setup a fake company and buy land as a nominee, then there was a compliance crackdown and not anymore. Many regulation that have been considered safe to ignore for decades are slowly being enforced. How long before immigration start to enforce compliance on the visa process. You are though probably better off not being one of the cheats when they do.

1

Dave **********

Dave **********

Mick Lor samething is going on in Vietnam 🇻🇳 😳 . Expats in Vietnam do border run after border run. They think it's O.K. Vietnam 🇻🇳 immigration will soon start cracking down. Expats in all countries need to follow the laws.

1

Steven ***************

Steven ***************

I'm on an OA extension of stay, in 8 years had one home visit and 2 requests for updated pictures of me at my house showing the address. The last one was in their office when I was getting my extension, they had me send a couple pictures from my phone to their's and they either printed them or just added them to the file I didn't really pay attention. This is in Prachinburi. All very courteous. Everyone is always friendly and helpful. In turn I always have all my documents ready to go. Usually in and out in under 30 minutes. 90 day reports about 5.

2

John ********

John ********

I also had a home visit 10 years ago, then was rare but not unknown

2

Kevin *******

Kevin *******

John Fitton I had one 14 years ago at my condo in pattaya I wasn't even in the country at the time ! Just checking up I guess !

0

Charles ********

Charles ********

Yes, happened over the last two years for me.

Plus a hand drawn map of where you live.

Won’t accept Google Maps here in Petchaburi.

0

John **********

John **********

It's becoming more common to get a home visits on an extension based on retirement. I had 2 last year, I suspect the 2nd one was due to changing to online 90 day reports after many years of doing them in person half way through the year but who knows. Never been asked to show my bank balance though

3

Doug ******

Doug ******

Agents are generally a waste of money. The retirement extension is easy if you follow directions and have patience. However, it’s the first I’ve heard immigration wanting to take pictures of someone at their residence when it’s a retirement extension. It’s a requirement for a married to Thai extension though.

5

Bill ********

Bill ********

Doug Mann I am on a marriage extension and I get a visit every year, never ask to see bank, just have a chat and take a picture. Always nice guys never had an issue.

0

Chuck ********

Chuck ********

perhaps they are trying to catch the use of agents to fake the bank balance.

0

Terry ********

Terry ********

Chuck Conrad

"trying to catch the use of agents"

When you use an agent, who do you think the agent has on their payroll?

0

Doug ********

Doug ********

OP

Terry Corney I think we all know tbh

0

John **********

John **********

happened to me the last 2 years. Just did another retirement extension a few days ago so expecting a visit in the next week or two. Unlike a marriage extension photos are not part of the requirements, I'd assumed the photo was just to show their boss that they are doing their job

3

Doug ********

Doug ********

OP

@John *********

..agree,think its a box ticking excersize,was surprised they didn't even ask to see the actual apartment ?

0

Doug ********

Doug ********

OP

Paddy Kan .yeah I get that, I had already done that but seems they wanted.a.picture with me and an immigration officer in it .

0

Paddy *****

Paddy *****

Doug Powell they wanted the outside picture to show the address.

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