Not an immigration office giving me grief.

@Tod ********

Chiang Mai, near the airport.

I have been told that a RESIDENCY CERTIFICATE will eliminate that problem. Thai Immigration offices will give you one that is only valid for 30 day. A copy of your lease and passport will be required.

The U.S. Consulate will give you a RESIDENCY CERTIFICATE valid for 6 months. I have been told you must schedule an appointment for them and have no idea what documents they require.

All of this information came from my Thai Attorney who is getting my initial RESIDENCY CERTIFICATE as I am disabled and do not mind paying them to do that. Plus I cannot do stairs.

Peter Ilbery thanks for the info. I believe somebody has also told me I can get a residency certificate from my U.S. Consulate. I forgot about that, you reminded me.

I am buying a new car so I need that certificate before 90 days. I may have to get my Attorney involved. I also need that certificate to get that bank letter from immigration. Have to start sending my 65k into there. I really hope that the Landlord does it. I really hate doing other people’s jobs.

James Miller, thank you

I guess I asked the wrong question.

Right now I am not sure the owner will do his job on the TM30 because he told my agent for me to do it. Yes, I know it is his job.

I am asking if I must do ‘something’ with Immigration after my arrival in CM right away to CYA?

I must apply for my RESIDENCY CERTIFICATE after I arrive but that can wait a few days.

I have read that I cannot get a Thai Driver’s License without that certificate.

I also know that with that certificate, I must get a ‘permission’ letter from Immigration to take to the bank which authorizes them to open a Thai Bank Account.

All of this can be accomplished because I will have my first Non-Immigrant A-O VISA.

It is that first 24 hours that I do not know what to do. What proof of the TM30 can I get?

What do I do if the owner fails to file the TM30 online as that seems to prevent me from accomplishing anything?

@Phil ****

hey Phil, can you msg me. This forum is for visa stuff. I can explain, in great detail what works and what won’t.

@James *******

thank you. Yes, there is a time window of 1 month before and up to 6 months after. Custom fees will still apply except on clothes, books, etc. I have already rented a home in Chiang Mai and might arrive, get the lease and TM30, then residency certificate which may eliminate most of my customs duties.

Sorry, I know this forum is for visas but this info may help others coming to Thailand to retire as a certain type of visa is required to lessen the customs burden.

Also, in order to establish a Thai bank account, a RESIDENCY CERTIFICATE gets you a letter from IMMIGRATION for the banks to ‘open’ a bank account in your name (no joint account).

@James *******

you have confused me.....again! Since I do not actually know my departure date from the U.S. because of the sale of my house, I have waited until now to file for my Non O-A. Yes, I realize I may ‘burn-up’ a month or 2 of that 1st year but I need the visa for my household goods shipment as it must accompany the Bill of Lading. You are telling this other ‘traveler’ that no money needs to be in a Thai bank, unless he wants to do that 800,000 b deposit (I understand that). I am going to do the 65,000 b into my Thai Bank account beginning the month of my arrival. I thought I needed that 1 years worth when filing for the 1 year extension.

What am I missing here, and thanks again for the help.

A separate note: the Thai LA Consulate states that they do not need ‘proof’ of medical insurance when over 50 and applying for this Non O-A, but suggest you can show it if asked on arrival. Also, why would I need a multi-entry version of that visa? My understanding is a ‘visa run’ is never required with this type of visa.

@Terary *********

thanks for your reply.

Thanks to everyone for their comments.