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What is the process and requirements for applying for a Non-O retirement extension of stay at Chaengwatthana?
Non-O VisaExtension of StayRetirement VisaThailand ImmigrationChaengwatthana Immigration OfficeBank DocumentsVisa ProcessExpat Experiences
Aug 5, 2025
9 months ago
Roberto *********
ORIGINAL POSTERFurther to my post a few days ago relating to my Wise/Bangkok Bank experience, I now report on my experience at Chaengwatthana applying for extension of stay based on non-O (retirement) yesterday.
My appointment was for 10.00. I arrived at CW at 9:20 headed straight to the Bangkok Bank Passbook Update machine to get an entry for the day, then to the copy shop to copy the same page in the passbook.
Went into section L, to the "document check" booth, where the immigration officer went through all my submitted documents:-
- Completed TM7 form
- Bangkok Bank 12-month statement (obtained from the Bangkok Bank App)
- Photocopies of all Bank passbook pages
- Copy of my 12-month condo lease
- List of the 12 monthly 65,000 baht international transfers
Once these were checked, the immigration officer asked me to sign the standard forms relating to overstay and access to information, and told me to wait outside the booked appointments booth. Time was then 9:40
At 9:45 called into the booth (ahead of time), sat in front of immigration officer who thumbed through the documents, requested me to sign again the TM7 (probably wanted to make sure it was my signature), and asked me to wait outside again.
At 9:55 called over to the booth where I was given my passport back with a brand new 12-month extension of stay! Walked out of CW at 10:00. A total time of 40 minutes. Which goes to show if you've got everything in order there's no need for delays!
I also had with me (just in case) the 12 FETs for bank transfers, statement of my pension fund in Australia and the standard certification letter from Bangkok Bank (which it seems they seldom ask for with 65k per month process, but I always get just in case). None of these were requested.
Most importantly, I was not asked for any proof or documents relating to taxation!
My appointment was for 10.00. I arrived at CW at 9:20 headed straight to the Bangkok Bank Passbook Update machine to get an entry for the day, then to the copy shop to copy the same page in the passbook.
Went into section L, to the "document check" booth, where the immigration officer went through all my submitted documents:-
- Completed TM7 form
- Bangkok Bank 12-month statement (obtained from the Bangkok Bank App)
- Photocopies of all Bank passbook pages
- Copy of my 12-month condo lease
- List of the 12 monthly 65,000 baht international transfers
Once these were checked, the immigration officer asked me to sign the standard forms relating to overstay and access to information, and told me to wait outside the booked appointments booth. Time was then 9:40
At 9:45 called into the booth (ahead of time), sat in front of immigration officer who thumbed through the documents, requested me to sign again the TM7 (probably wanted to make sure it was my signature), and asked me to wait outside again.
At 9:55 called over to the booth where I was given my passport back with a brand new 12-month extension of stay! Walked out of CW at 10:00. A total time of 40 minutes. Which goes to show if you've got everything in order there's no need for delays!
I also had with me (just in case) the 12 FETs for bank transfers, statement of my pension fund in Australia and the standard certification letter from Bangkok Bank (which it seems they seldom ask for with 65k per month process, but I always get just in case). None of these were requested.
Most importantly, I was not asked for any proof or documents relating to taxation!
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user shares their successful experience in applying for a 12-month extension of stay based on a Non-O (retirement) visa at Chaengwatthana Immigration. They detail their appointment process, preparation with necessary documents such as the TM7 form and 12-month bank statement, highlighting that they were not asked for tax documentation. The user emphasizes that having all documents organized led to a quick approval, taking only 40 minutes from arrival to receiving the extension. The comments reflect varied experiences regarding documentation acceptance across different locations.
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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Mike ******
I am amazed you got it the same day. Pattaya always makes you come back the next day - it's to make more money on the carpark where the next day you pay another 40 baht & collect your extension in about four minutes.
Roberto *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mike *****
Always the same day at CW. The biggest difference this time was it was the same hour! It usually takes an hour 15 to an hour 30. But the accolades must go to my lady, who got all the paperwork sorted with proper tabs, photocopies, everything in order. Although I did have to buy her lunch. Set me back 199 baht! Still, a bit cheaper than an agent 😆Reply to
Roberto *********
Reply
Richard ********
They won't accept the12 month download statement in Udonthani unless signed and Bkk Bank stamp on each page. The bank did this once for me but say they cannot do it now. 🤔🤔
Alan *******
Nice. Are you saying they accepted the records for the monthly transfers only or did they also want to see an 800k balance? That's what I want to do
Roberto *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Alan ******
As Max has pointed out, it's one or the other. I don't like to tie up 800k effectively for the rest of my life, so I use the "income" method of 65k/month transfers, as this money can be used as soon as it registers in your bank accountAlan *******
@Roberto ********
i am coming to the end of my first one-year extension. I have 12 months of deposits and want to use that method. However I have been told repeatedly that i still have to have 800k for 2 or 3 months prior to application because I used that method last year.Max *************
@Alan ******
It's because your application was based on 800k in the bank and you must have that amount in your account 12 months from the day you applied for the extension last year.Roberto *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Alan ******
Correct. You have to satisfy the conditions for each extensionReply to
Roberto *********
Reply
Max *************
@Alan ******
He doesn't use the 800k in the bank method. They accepted the print-out from Bangkok Bank as proof of 12 deposits = at least 65k/month.Reply to
Max *************
Reply
Max *************
You're now the second guy who says a 12 months bank statement print--out from Bangkok Banks app was accepted at CW immigration.I told that here just a couple of days ago,and they said "no way at CW", so I'm glad, you are now basically the proof it does work. I just hope those who didn't believe me reads this.
John **********
@Max ************
you do need to be careful with the statements from the Bangkok Bank app that they cover the period you need. If you use monthly income you just need them to show your 12 months of transfers but if you use the 800k baht method they need to go back to your prior extension date. If you request them today for example they will only go back to the 1st of SeptemberMax *************
@John *********
You don't need any bank statement for the 800k in the bank method. Just copies from the updated bank book and the bank letter. I've just been doing this for many years.John **********
@Max ************
what immigration office do you use? Every office I'm aware of requires 12 months statements, its the only way they can verify you have met the conditions of your current extension when you apply for a new extensionMax *************
@John *********
You might have heard of Chonburi immigration in Jomtien. You only need a 12 months bank statement for the 65k/month method. When using 800k in the bank, you only need the bank letter + copies of the (on a regular basis) updated bank book. That's been the requirements here for ages. Transactions incl bank codes in the bank book from Bangkok Bank looks exactly like in the bank statement.John **********
@Max ************
I've no experience of Jomtien office but that seems odd. Not to mention maintaining your bank book in such a way that it shows every transaction strikes me as being a lot more work than requesting statements once a yearMax *************
@John *********
Why do you think a lot of expats have more than one account? I'm using my FDA at immigration and I just need 2 copies from that bank book + my bank letter.It can't get easier than that.John **********
@Max ************
ah OK so an account you don't actually use for expenses, it just sits there. That's quite a different thingMax *************
@John *********
It's not very different and I used another account earlier. That account I used for daily expenses and for immigration. Just some copies from that bank book for a total of maybe 10 baht/year at Kodak Express. Plus the bank letter of course.Reply to
Max *************
Reply
Graham ******
@Max ************
note that this was for the 65k method not the 800kMax *************
@Graham *****
Duh? Thats why he used the print-out from Bangkok Banks app. No need for a 12 months bank statement when using the 800k in the bank method. You'll just need the bank letter plus copies from the updated bank book.Reply to
Max *************
Reply
David *******
@Max ************
Absolutely it's accepted. I think that's why Bangkok Bank has now made it part of the app. Previously it was only possible to do month by month statements going back six months. These were NOT acceptable, but the 12-month one is. When you order it through the app it's sent to your email the next day.Max *************
@David ******
I know how it works, but it's not very often CW accepts changes in their requirements this fast.Reply to
Max *************
Reply
Pete *******
Why would an extension of stay based on retirement require any tax documentation? Confused why you would think it might be necessary….
John *********
@Pete ******
fear mongersGraham ******
@Pete ******
exactly, you can get a 12 month extension and stay less than 6 months so will never be considered for taxationPete *******
@Graham *****
even if you’re tax resident there is no tax documentation required for a retirement extension.Graham ******
@Pete ******
I know, hence exactly but I was pointing out that an extension doesn't mean everyone stays over 6 months so they cannot be linkedReply to
Graham ******
Reply
Roberto *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Pete ******
I agree with David. So much misinformation has been spread relating to immigration policing taxation. It's all nonsense as I was shown yesterday.Pete *******
@Roberto ********
I agree with you.Reply to
Pete *******
Reply
David *******
@Pete ******
Don't be confused. The fear-mongering tax "advisors" have been subtly hinting that future retirement extensions will require production of a filed tax return. I said at the time it was bullshit, and re-emphasise that now. Immigration has nothing to do with taxationPete *******
@David ******
I am not confused. The requirement to file a tax return is completely irrelevant for a retirement extension.David *******
@Pete ******
Ok. Your first comment said you were confused, but now that's cleared up it's all good! 👍Reply to
David *******
Reply
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