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What is the experience of obtaining a retirement visa extension in Thailand, particularly in Bangkok?

retirement visavisa extensionThailand immigrationvisa application processBangkok immigrationexpat experiences
Jun 9, 2023
2 years ago
Jack *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Finally got my retirement extension today. I left the house at 10:00 a.m. for the bank and was done at immigration around 4:00pm.

Long day!!!!!

I didn't have anyone helping me except for the people in this group and myself, reading documents. But I wanted to say thank you everybody who gave me a valid comment and not a snarky remark. If you have the strength and stamina, you can do it yourself without a visa agent. Even if you don't have a Thai girlfriend or boyfriend with you. I didn't have a translator, except my cell phone. You can do it!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post highlights the author's experience successfully obtaining a retirement visa extension in Bangkok, detailing a long process involving visits to the bank and immigration office. Despite navigating the challenges alone, the author applauds the helpful comments from the community and encourages others to try the process without employing a visa agent. Several comments echo similar sentiments, recounting their experiences and comparing the efficiency of immigration services in different Thai cities.
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.
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Jeffrey ************
I have no choice but to do everything myself living in kalasin. No agents 😊
2 years ago
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Dianne *****
That seems to have taken A very long time. I have done my extensions at CM immigration multiple times and it has usually only taken a couple of hours. Did you forget some paperwork and have to leave and come back? Or is it the sheer volume of people applying for visas that resulted in long waits to hand in you documents? Anyway good on you for persevering
2 years ago
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Jack *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dianne ****
 No didn't forget any documents by now I was a season pro. It takes 40 minutes to get to Bangkok Bank main branch which is the only place you can get the documents you need. Then another long drive to immigration a long line. I had to stop by the copy place to get some copies of my documents. Turn in the documents. Another hour and a half I think. Everything takes a long time in Bangkok in my experience.
2 years ago
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Jack *********
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Jeff *********
Not sure where you did your extension, but in Korat the young girls out front are super helpful, makes it easy
2 years ago
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Jack *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jeff ********
 Same in Phuket, but not in Bangkok.
2 years ago
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Jack *********
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Ron *********
Awesome to hear about the visa. But I've always wondered, Janet and Chrissy, you did both of them didn't you?
2 years ago
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Thomas *******
@Ron ********
 That's awesome 🙂
2 years ago
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Jack *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ron ********
 I would have but then Mr. Furley would have kicked me out for not being gay.
2 years ago
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Thomas *******
@Jack ********
 Great response, that only us older people might enjoy. Congrats on getting everything sorted in a timely manner. Timely is relative, obviously😉
2 years ago
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Ron *********
@Jack ********
 yep
2 years ago
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Ron *********
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Otto *********
Where did you do it? Some places like Pattaya have a very bad reputation, as the Immigration wants you to proceed with the help of an agent, so they can make some extra commission...
2 years ago
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Jack *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Otto ********
 BKK
2 years ago
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Jack *********
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Steve *******
Man oh man you have conjones of steel! Well done!
2 years ago
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Patrick *******
Did mine at CM yesterday. Got there around 10:30am, done by 3:10pm. Should have gone earlier but eh, one lost day in a year. 😆
2 years ago
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Brown ********
As long as you have everything required the only pain is the time consuming sitting around and waiting at immigration
2 years ago
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Steve ********
@Brown *******
 Which is eliminated if you make an appointment. My last extension application was 30 minutes (the longest wait was for my passport to be returned, which took another 15 minutes)
2 years ago
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Brown ********
@Steve *******
 I've learnt something there. Had no idea you could make an appointment. This BKK? I use jomtien
2 years ago
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Steve ********
@Brown *******
 It appears not to be on the list for that region. Seems every other office is listed. That's strange

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2 years ago
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Brown ********
@Steve *******
 very strange as I'm sure Pattaya has the next largest expat community to BKK
2 years ago
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Steve ********
@Brown *******
 Yes possibly. I know all three offices in Phuket are listed, and both Pattaya and Sri Racha are listed.
2 years ago
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Brown ********
@Steve *******
 Pattaya would be jomtien then. Pattaya itself doesn't have immigration. Thanks for your information
2 years ago
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Steve ********
@Brown *******
 That explains it 👍
2 years ago
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Steve ********
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Cliff *********
Congratulations!

Did you find the staff helpful and accommodating?
2 years ago
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Jack *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Cliff ********
 At the bank yes. At immigration no. One officer yelled at me because I couldn't understand her English. The non-O officer was nice but didn't give me all the info the first time so I had to come back...

The retirement officers were very tired and didn't have time for small talk.
2 years ago
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Jack *********
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Richard *********
feel sad for u all in Bangkok> doing it in Phuket, seldom more than 30 minutes in an out, returning next day to pick up passport
2 years ago
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Richard *********
always needed tm 30 as far back as is can recall>

RE does not need home visit only those married<
2 years ago
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Paul *******
Richard Reitman Yes but Phuket is now really fickle with extensions. They want home walk arounds and TM30s.
2 years ago
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Jack *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Richard ********
 I've been to Phuket immigration when we first got here to do a 30-day extension. It is a lot more chill. Shorter lines for sure. And I like the people there who speak really good English who can help answer your all your questions. I cannot find that in Bangkok yet.
2 years ago
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Paul *******
@Jack ********
 plenty of immigration officials who speak enough English to get by. Never heard of there being a need to use a translation app to communicate with them. Quite often they want to speak English with you, even if you speak Thai.
2 years ago
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Paul *******
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Ben *********
Yup! Determination and survival mode.
2 years ago
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Paul *******
Jack, well done. I hope to do the same, or at least try in the next few months when I totally finished work in Cambodia.

Would you mind answering a Q or 2? I.m aware with most of the procedures.

Which bank branch did you use to open the account, and what did you need?

For example, a) which visa were you on

b) did you need to show a housing lease...with a TM 30 report? c) did you need to show the bank that passport was real, by notary or authorization from an embassy?

Seems getting a bank account in Thailand, for myself at least, has been a major stumbling block even though I have 3 accounts in Cambodia.

Will appreciate your info.

Cheers.
2 years ago
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Cliff *********
@Paul ******
 Hope this helps..

Getting a bank account

Don’t expect to get something for nothing. Each office is an independent business. Each office makes their own criteria.

You certainly will pay a fee for transferring USD from USA to Thailand. The amount depends on the bank and the transfer service.

Banking is an essential service if you plan to spend time here. It’s not FREE.

I prepared ahead of time by getting a bank account set up 6 months ago.

I treated this as an important business transaction, not just a casual activity.

My Thai friend made an appointment for me at the Bangkok Bank branch across from Astra in CM. He also translated for me.

I am a middle aged physician and dressed as such. Yes I did do the whole business card ceremony.

I told the banker that I plan to retire soon and buy a condominium at Astra.

I was asked to purchase a life insurance policy for about $100. Presumably the banker gets a commission. Whatever, it’s the price of doing business at the bank.

They wanted to copy my passport and see my credit card from Wells Fargo. I think I showed them how much was in my account also to make the point that I’m a serious customer.

I also showed them $500 in perfect $100 bills that was to be the initial deposit.

Nothing else was required.

Act like a serious customer and you will be treated as such.

Present yourself properly and you should be fine.

If not, thank them for their time and visit another office.

Best wishes on your adventure to Thailand!
2 years ago
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Paul *******
@Cliff ********
 ok...good information.👍
2 years ago
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Paul *******
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Jack *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ******
 It depends on where you are. Are you going to do this in Bangkok or Phuket or? I started in Phuket and it's very hard to open a bank account there. I went to four different banks and Bangkok Bank was the only one that was willing to open an account on a tourist visa. But they require me to buy accident insurance from them for like 5,000 baht I think. So I did it. I needed a TM30, a passport and to fill out and sign a bunch of forms. We were in a hotel back then so I asked the hotel to do the TM30 and they kept screwing it up but eventually we got it right. And that's what I mean by how challenging it is to do it on your own. There's a lot of back and forth. Nothing works the first time. No one just understands what you need and helps you. At least that's my experience. Your other question, No the bank didn't need any special notary. I'm from the US. I'm not sure what country you're from. Might be different. I've heard that opening a bank account in Bangkok is easier but I don't know. Best of luck! Let me know if you have any other questions
2 years ago
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Paul *******
@Jack ********
 thanks for the info...I.m from the US as well, and read on this FB group, many banks at least in Bkk wanted embassy authorization of passport. I.ll try to do that just in case.

I wont be doing the account in Phuket, but will try in Bkk first then CM, or with an agent if it fails.

So you were able to open the account on a T visa.. Was it a METV? Or on the visa exempt free 30 day visa?( Seems like you dont need the non O?)

Next, the bank sold you the accident insurance?

( I can deal with that, if it straighforward)

Finally, the TM 30 can be from a hotel, and immigration will accept that? (Just asking for confirmation, as they screwed it up in your comment. I had a similar experence here having a landlord mess up a residency app we need to do here)

I do appreciate you answers and follow up clarification, esp if you opened the account on a METVisa or a different type of tourist visa?

Thanks.
2 years ago
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Jack *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ******
 It was just a regular 45-day Visa exempt back in March. The bank teller didn't really speak much English. It was not an easy process. Lots of lots of signatures. I don't even know what I signed.lol. I was in Phuket at the time and the TM30 was from my hotel.
2 years ago
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Marc ********
@Jack ********
 If you opened your account in march how did you have proof your 800k or 400k bath was long enough in the account for showing immigration?
2 years ago
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Jack *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Marc *******
 2 months is required.
2 years ago
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Paul *******
@Jack ********
 thanks...happy it worked out. Appreciate relating your story
2 years ago
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Paul *******
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Steve ********
Well done! And you've got 15k to 20k in your pocket that you wouldn't have had if you'd used an agent.
2 years ago
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Jack *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve *******
 Yes, thank you for that reminder! I can take a little holiday maybe
2 years ago
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Jack *********
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Dazzling ********
Congratulations 🎉
2 years ago
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Frankie ********
The Chiang Mai Immigration online appointment portal apparently lacks availability or manpower. I’m glad your was successful in getting your visa; however, spending 6 hours at immigration is mind numbing. I refuse to use an agent for a simple task.
2 years ago
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Sarick **********
That was quick if including visiting the bank, and an 1 hour lunch break. Renewing at the L counter alone could take longer than that sometimes!
2 years ago
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Jack *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sarick *********
 It didn't feel quick to me. lol. The system at the L counter really needs some work. But I know they're doing the best they can. I don't understand why everything is in digital. Why do they need all that paper and all those stamps? I wish I could be an IT consultant for the whole country.
2 years ago
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Jack *********
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Alan ******
Where are you that it took all day?
2 years ago
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Jack *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alan *****
 I'm in Bangkok. It took me 40 minutes to get to the main branch of Bangkok Bank which is the only place that can give out the required documents. I had to wait in two different cues there to get three different documents. Then I had to take another grab car across town. Got stuck in traffic. I did have lunch real quick immigration is closed between noon and 1:00 p.m. there's huge lines that builds up during that time. So I get there around 1:00 get in a queue. They check the documents. I also had to get some documents printed downstairs. It takes a lot of time. It takes more time than people say in this group. People say oh just go around the corner to the bank. Or oh why don't you just go here when she just go there. Everything is far apart and there's traffic and I could have taken the train but it would have taken me even longer because of where I live.
2 years ago
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Alan ******
@Jack ********
 Wow! I feel for you if that’s the process in Bangkok. That reaffirms my desire to live in a distant province. The most time I’ve ever spent at immigration is 30 minutes. That includes the times I had to get residence certificates.
2 years ago
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Alan ******
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Giorgio ******
well done !
2 years ago
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Michael ********
Very good !!
2 years ago
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Cabbie ******
Whoop whoop 🙌
2 years ago
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Linz ************
Excuse me for asking
@Jack ********
 would you do the same again next time?
2 years ago
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Jack *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Linz ***********
 Yes now I have learned so much and if I had to do the whole process again it would be much easier. But coming in they don't really help you out. They don't explain things to you. It really helps if you have a local friend to negotiate and ask questions. Even with this retirement visa extension they didn't tell me anything. They just gave it to me. Now I know there's a note saying I have to check in every 90 days etc. But this was never verbalized. It's stuff like that that makes it confusing all along the way
2 years ago
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Dave **********
@Linz ***********
 have done my own for over 20 years.
2 years ago
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Janin ******
@Dave *********
 ,me too, never get any help, few times..then easy….
2 years ago
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John ********
@Dave *********
 I've been doing it myself for 10 years
2 years ago
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John ********
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John ********
@Linz ***********
 it will be much easier to do next year because he will know exactly what information he needs
2 years ago
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John ********
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Jp *******
Obviously it is in Bangkok CW where u need strength and stamina to renew a yearly retirement visa 😄
2 years ago
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Tim *******
That’s awesome Jack! Congratulations!
2 years ago
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VaiAna **********
Very happy for you . I am due for an extension on my retirement in 5 months but I don't think I want to extend . I am out of the country , I'll just let it run its course .
2 years ago
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Russell *******
@VaiAna *********
 I am thinking the same. What's your reason?
2 years ago
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VaiAna **********
Russell Blake , I moved back home to Moorea / Tahiti . It would cost me $600 plus airline tickets to fly back to renew . Economically it's not sound . I'll just go there for vacation .
2 years ago
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Russell *******
@VaiAna *********
 oh ok , thanks 😊
2 years ago
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Russell *******
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