@Tod ********

thanks again.

@Wayne *******

Best of luck, I hope everything goes smoothly for you and you'll be back to Thailand soon.

@Jakob ********

thanks. When I'm back in Australia, I'll give Canberra a call. Prior to moving to Thailand I used the Thai consulate general in Melbourne. I think now I only have the option of Canberra or Sydney.

@Wayne *******

thanks so much. I know I had to spend 35 years of my working life which begins at age 16 regardless that I've been working since I was 10 (daily morning and afternoon paper round) but I didn't know about the 2 year residency rule prior to application. You're correct it's 16 years away, I just want to ensure that my wife and I will have income in our older years. Very much appreciated information. 👍

@Graham *****

I'm open to all suggestions. I have plenty of spare time in Australia to do some in depth research, but, I thought I'd start here as the advice in this group, for me in the last 8 years of living here, has been invaluable, accurate and up to date. Thanks for your input. Much appreciated.

@Bobby ******

even in country, applying for visas and visa extensions are confusing at best or completely irrelevant. I think that's one of the reasons the Korat office has student helpers always ready and happily willing to help. My Thai wife often needs more help than I do 😂

@Ellie ******

thanks Ellie. Previously I used the consulate in Melbourne but that was many years ago and I believe now in Australia you need to apply through Sydney or Canberra. You're also correct, Sydney and Canberra have slightly different requirements.

@Bra****

, thanks for the clarification.

@John *********

thanks. That's my intention. I appreciate the reminder.

@Bobby ******

I'm also interested to know this. As I've just turned 50, I don't qualify for the retirement pension in Australia until I'm 67. I look forward to see what Tod has to say. Thanks for asking the question Bobby.