A few days old now. Wife (German passport holder) and myself (British Passport holder) went along to Phuket immigration on the 23rd March (not due until 13th April) to get our new one year extensions for our non O's based on retirement (both based on separate bank accounts). A bit busier than last year. The officer outside room 103 who pre-checks the paperwork before allocating a queue number was being assisted by what I assume was a trainee. Due to the number of people waiting, you now need to take a number for the pre-check as well. Only difference in paperwork this year was that they wanted a photocopy of our TM30's. We always have a screen dump in the back of our passports, but have never been asked for a copy for the extensions. Wife just popped over to the photocopier place (moved from the back of the site to the right hand side) to get the copies.
Due to the volume of applicants, in addition to room 103, there is now another officer in an office around the corner, and every now and then, he comes around and takes the next in the queue. He told us that last year they were processing around 30/day. This year 100/day. Despite all that, we were in and out in 30 minutes, including waiting. Only other difference from last year is that the pick up time on the next day is now 2pm, not 1pm. Including going to our bank and then immigration, we were all finished by 10:30. All in all, all pretty painless. In fact in 8 years or so, have never had an issue. Everyone very helpful.
After collecting our passports (actually slightly before 2pm), we went around the corner, to get our multi-reentry stamps. Usual visit to the volunteer to check our paperwork and get a number. Very short wait to be called forward. This process has changed since last year. Normally you give in the paperwork and payment, and then go back to the waiting area. Later they call out your name and nationality, and you collect your passport. This year, you just give in the paperwork and payment, and then wait at the desk. 5 minutes later, we had our passports back, complete with multi-reentry stamps. Much more efficient than previous years.
TLDR : Answer Summary
A couple, with a German and British passport holder, shared their recent experience at Phuket immigration on March 23 while applying for one-year extensions for their Non-O visas based on retirement. They noted an increase in applicants this year, requiring a pre-check number for paperwork. A new requirement asked for photocopies of their TM30 forms. Despite the busy office, they were in and out in 30 minutes, with efficient service. The pickup time for their passports changed to 2pm from 1pm. Additionally, they described a new, quicker process for obtaining multi-reentry stamps. Overall, their experience was positive, highlighting helpful staff and no issues over the years.
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.
