What is the process for extending a Non-O retirement visa in Thailand, and how can one obtain a single entry permit for leaving the country?

Question

We just completed our first Non-O retirement visa extensions at the Chiang Mai immigration office.  It went extremely smoothly.  Since my wife and I are Canadians we went to the consulate here this morning and obtained an affidavit letter stating my monthly income is over 65K THB and that our Canadian marriage license is valid.  No need to move 800K THB into a Thai bank.  Just had to show my Canadian T1 tax summary page showing total income and our original Canadian marriage license.  Affidavit with 2 letters cost 1250THB and took about 20 mins. At first I showed our bank and investment statements which we used to get our initial retirement visas from the Vancouver consulate but they wouldn't take them as they need to see proof of income no matter how much you have in the bank. All good with the T1 or an official CRA statement of income, easily available online for free.

Then we went to Chiang Mai IO where we had an appointment. We each gave our affidavit letter, TM7 stating "retirement"  for me and "spouse" for wife, TM30 plus a copy, passport pages, 1 passport photo each, TM47, copy of TM6, copy of marriage license and 1900THB.  Arrived at 1pm and left at 2pm including 20 mins getting our TM30s.  No under consideration, and other than 90 day reports we are good until 45 days before January 7, 2023 when we will repeat the process.  As we were basking in the glow of successful extensions we forgot to ask about getting a single entry permit so we can spend the nice weather months back in Canada. Is it easy to do when we leave from BKK or is it wiser to setup before?

A huge thanks to the team here for detailing the process, it's really appreciated. 🙏👍🙂

Ask Thailand · Answer

A user shares their experience of successfully extending their Non-O retirement visa at the Chiang Mai immigration office. They obtained an affidavit from the Canadian consulate confirming their income and marital status, which allowed them to bypass the requirement to deposit 800K THB in a Thai bank. The extension process included submitting various documents such as the affidavit, tax summary, marriage license, and a fee. The user also inquired about obtaining a single entry permit for their return to Canada, receiving suggestions on how to secure this upon departure.

Paul ******** · Answer

P.S. the 1250 THB for the income/marriage affidavit from our Canadian consulate was an extra expense but it saved us from having to put 800K THB x 2 in a basically zero interest Thai bank account.  We do have a Thai bank account now but we prefer to keep our $ invested and working for us.  The US, UK and Australian embassies/consulates no longer provide these affidavits for their citizens but some other countries still do. Doing it this way means that the money you bring into Thailand and keep in Thailand is entirely up to you and not dictated by immigration requirements.  We had never heard of this affidavit method of income proof so hopefully this will help inform others.

Ken ****** · Answer

i m a bit surprised, if you apply outside thailand, the.visa is not OA type? maybe yours not retirement visa

John ******** · Answer

Get re entry permit at suvarnabhumi, no problem

Helen ******** · Answer

Minor panic when they asked why the marriage certificate wasn't stamped, we advised that it was covered in the stamped affidavit letter.

What is the process for extending a Non-O retirement visa in Thailand, and how can one obtain a single entry permit for leaving the country?

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