Jackson B

UPDATE: I have obtained a new passport (faster than the caution of 6 weeks - it actually took 10 days). Last week I went to Chaeng Watthana immigration to transfer the stamps. To my surprise, they demanded bank statements for the last 5 months to prove the 800k was still there. They were not interested in the balance on my phone. So a quick trip to the photocopy shop to print out monthly statements. Then they demanded I withdraw 100 baht from the same account at an ATM. I warned them this would not show the balance, but they still asked for it. OK.... went to ATM to withdraw and print out receipt. Of course, it did not show they balance, and they drew a big question mark around it. After 10 minutes of being referred up the chain, the stamp transfer was approved. This requirement for bank statement is not in the list of requirements on the application form. They added this requirement quite spontaneously.

To be clear, I have not actually submitted my passport application yet, only started the process. But because of the long wait to get an appointment, I am worried I will run out of time before the travel date, so need a plan B, plan C, etc.

I usually get re-entry permits at the airport. But this solution is really useful, thanks. I just don't think Australia will process my new passport in time to get one here (no appointments available for 10 days, plus minimum 6 weeks to process), so I'm now thinking better to apply in Oz. Getting the visa transferred and extended at the same time certainly does save a headache. Thanks for that suggestion!

Yeah, I was slightly ambiguous in my question. I have not actually submitted the passport for renewal yet. Considering other options that just occurred to me, because I cannot get an appointment at the embassy for some time. Yes, I'm aware the previous passport would be voided, but I was unsure if a voided passport and a new one could be used together (this sounds the best option). 2. That's a bugger. I did ask immigration, but got a confused look. I had never been given a term shorter than one year before, even when I changed passports. 3. Right, this would be the option to leave it all till later. The question is really whether one can travel on less than 6 months' validity. Thanks!

1. That surprises me. Does that mean there's a minimum time frame for transferring visas between old and new passports? Or do you mean "no" not at the airport but Chaeng Wattana is possible? 2. Thought so. :-( 3. Ah. That would be helpful. But I have read that one needs 6 months' validity to travel to Thailand (but maybe holding a visa makes a difference?)

I have not submitted the application yet. Only booked an appointment. Because of the minimum processing time of 6 weeks, I'm considering other options, including applying for a new passport in Australia. (If I go ahead with the current application, yes, I would get the visa extension transferred before travel.)

I have a non 'O' (retirement) visa, valid only until my passport expires in June. I am currently waiting for new passport to be processed. Once I get the new passport I plan to travel to Australia and return to Thailand in April. A few questions occur to me: (1) Do I have the option of travelling and returning on the new passport, and have immigration transfer the visa extension from the old passport when I return? Can that be done at the airport on arrival? (2) My most recent visa extension was granted only for 6 months (the validity of the passport). Is it possible for them to grant the remainder of the extension back to the usual 12-month date (once they see the new passport)? (3) Could I return to Thailand in April on a passport that is about to expire in June (with existing visa)? Thanks to knowledgeable members!

Hey Ubonjoe, yeah, you're right. There is no stamp "under consideration", but it's all stamped the same day in September, 2020. I recall they sent officers to photograph my apartment before it was approved, so there must have been a period between application and approval. And then they backdated everything to the date of application.

It was my first non-immigrant visa, converting from a METV during Covid. I'm pretty sure I have never had a "under consideration" stamp, but I'll take a look through my passports to check. I remember being sent directly from counter C to L. While I have got you here @ubonjoe, can retirement extensions at CW be done 30 or 45 days before the due date? Cheers!

I got my Non-O same day. No "under consideration period". But I had a bank letter with me and it was needed.

Hi folks, I guess this has been asked dozens of times before, but I can't find the thread. What bureaucratic procedures are involved in transferring my Non-Im O visa to a new (replacement) passport? Is it straightforward? Anything to watch out for? Thanks.