Arrived in Bangkok 11 December
This is not something I dreamed up.
Previous retirement visa but COVID and a death in the family screwed that up. So in
November 2024 Visa exempt with 30 day extention. Left the country for a week and back from Vientiane to get another Visa exempt and left before the 60 days in April 2025. That entry did raise a few eyebrows and required input of a senior IO but nothing was said. That was the only visa run done.
For the record, no over stays or any other issues in 35 odd years. A clean slate as far as I am aware.
On arrival got taken out the queue to the immigration office. Had to fill out a Passenger Information Form and was told I needed a Wife visa. The IO supervisor, firm but polite, wanted to see Baht 20,000 CASH, marriage certificate 35 years married to a Thai, wife ID card and a ticket out of Thailand. I had a genuine reservation to Ho Chi Ming city, thought that might be helpful.
I was given a 60 day visa exempt and TOLD in no uncertain terms to get the correct visa. I doubt if a 30 day extension will be given
On a side note there was another Brit who seemed to have been stopped for visa "irregularities" and told to return to the UK. When he asked if he could buy a ticket to Loas he was told no, go back to the UK.
There were at least 6 others in the office, the one where seniors over 70 can fast track, being interviewed.
So there will be two types people that will read this.
1. Those who think this will not happen to them and continue to think visa exempt is the way to long term stays. Your entitlement will be your undoing.
2. Those that will take on my experience and be prepared. I honestly believed that the ticket to Vietnam saved me from being sent back to the UK.
So why did not get the correct visa before coming. I have been trying to get funds out of a fund run by STM Malta, useless company, for 4 months. They keep changing the goal posts.
Far too many posts thinking this is a joke it is not. Long term stays require a visa.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post provides a detailed account of a recent experience with immigration in Thailand, highlighting the challenges and requirements faced by expats regarding visa regulations. The author describes arriving in Bangkok under a visa exemption and the subsequent request for a marriage certificate, cash, and proof of onward travel. The narrative stresses the importance of obtaining the correct long-term visa rather than relying on visa exemptions, emphasizing that immigration processes are increasingly strict and that missteps could result in serious consequences. The comments further discuss the frustrations and difficulties encountered by other expats in similar situations, suggesting a significant shift in immigration policies affecting long-term stays.
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.
