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What experiences have people had with being denied a 1-year Extension of Stay in Thailand despite meeting the requirements?
1 Year Extension of StayNon-O VisaThai ImmigrationVisa RequirementsFinancial ProofImmigration Office ProceduresCommon DenialsLocal Immigration Variations
Feb 12, 2025
a year ago
Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTERSay u think u are completely set to meet all the conditions required to receive a 1 year Extension of Stay in Bkk, while your 90 Day Non-O Visa is still active ie. bank docs, Lease + Tm30, recent photo, hand-drawn map. What I’m interested in learning is anecdotes from people who thought they had everything in order, but were denied. And if so, what requirement hung them up and caused a denial at the first hearing. Thank you in advance, becuz you could well help me and others avoid a mistake that could imperil our hopes for a smooth Extension approval process!
TLDR : Answer Summary
Many expats prepare for their 1-year Extension of Stay in Bangkok under a Non-O Visa, believing they have met all requirements. However, anecdotes reveal that some were denied due to minor oversights. Key concerns highlighted include discrepancies in financial documentation (bank statements vs. bankbook), clarity of the hand-drawn map required by immigration, and additional requirements unique to specific immigration offices that may not be found on the official list. Ensuring all documents align and understanding local variations can help mitigate the risk of denial.
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Joseph *******
Here’s the thing. You have the Thailand Immigration’s official requirements list which serves as the bare minimum. Each local immigration office must follow this, but they often also add their own additional requirements. Word of the additional requirements gets around, & one or more other local offices decide they like them & proceed to implement them. In this way, it is nearly impossible to predict success with 100% certainty.
Matthew *********
Make sure your bankbook and statements match.. I was sent back once to the bank to get new certified letter. For some reason they didn't match and it has to be the day you go to immigration
Did *****
@John *****
I would request the list in thai too and translate it with Google. Better have 2 copies of each document. Copy of passport = every page with a stamp.YMMV
Graham ******
@John *****
That is your list from your Immigration Office (which you didn't state), it will not apply to everyone using their different Immigration OfficesJohn ******
@Graham *****
Exactly. This was my list from my IO. Same same but different.George *******
@Graham *****
Well that's easy to get round. Go to your local immigration office and ask for a list of their requirements lolGraham ******
@George ******
of course, always do thatReply to
Graham ******
Reply
Bill ********
Guy at the gate is having a hard time with his wife this morning......
Randy ******
Hand drawn map of what ???? I ain’t Picasso
Stuart ***********
No, it is to give the IO directions to the location. Once they are at the condo block they can work out the floor etc from your address.
I know (before you say it) they could simply put the address into Google, but TiT🤷
I know (before you say it) they could simply put the address into Google, but TiT🤷
Stuart ***********
@Randy *****
this is one of the more 'bizarre' requirements IMO. I usually go armed with a Google map print and a hand drawn version. They always use my crappy hand drawn map. I presume they think if it's hand drawn you are more likely to live there?You can always print the map from Google and then trace it roughly onto another piece of paper and add in a few local landmarks yourself.
Randy ******
What if I live on the tenth floor of a condominium? Do the map needs to be in 3D?
Stuart ***********
@Randy *****
No, it is to give the IO directions to the location. Once they are at the condo block they can work out the floor etc from your address. I know (before you say it) they could simply put the address into Google, but TiT🤷
Reply to
Stuart ***********
Reply
Roberto *********
Is this retirement or marriage visa? And where are you living?
Greg ***********
the most important requirement is the proof of finances. Either an income affidavit from your embassy, or 800,000 THB in your Thai bank account
Brandon ************
You go to your immigration office and ask them for their handout that lists all of the requirements. Then you get everything on that list. What other people tell you is irrelevant, the list is all that matters.
Did *****
@Brandon ***********
well the list often lacks details and the English version (at least at my office) is lacking even more details. I prepared my documents with the list but also took into account other people's advice. From memory, two pieces of advice that helped me save a lot of time because it wasn't on the list they gave me : 2 copies of each document , copy of passport is more like every page with any stamp on it.
Kim *********
@Did ****
copy of my passport was the entry stamp and the page with my photo. Mentioned in the list I got from my immi - also 2 copies etcReply to
Kim *********
Reply
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