JGregory
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Just a few observations here. I've been here on an O-A with annual extension for 12 years dealing with 5 different regional immigration offices. I won't answer questions about any of this, so plz don't ask. I won't add any information on this website that could judged the wrong way. I'ma guest here. I love and respect the people of Thailand.
+ If you've been here long enough, you should know that each local IM office operates a bit like a Fiefdom. All have different local policies. And officially the local offices can require whatever they want from any foreigner.
+ I live currently in a small province location that was a "Test Lab" for this 3 years ago. A new head of local IM arrived from BKK. Within 2 weeks, pretty much the same requirements as you see today started here locally. With your visit to location IM for O-A extension. We were all told... No embassies affadavits/letters accepted. No SS or pension statements accepted. In a few days, they produced a simple local statement to sign that they would renew extensions based on Letters one more time per individual but in succeeding years all O-A extensions required 65k Baht of monthly income or 800k CD in the bank. No more combination calculation if your pension paid less than 65k. They followed through and let everyone renew with any embassy affidavit for next 12 months
+ Some expats left for VN, PH, Malaysia. Most of us were old hands at watching IM change like the wind. So we extended and see what happens.
+ After the 12 months, many of us took a book bank showing 65k monthly deposits. But that was not accepted unless the local bank verified the origin was your passport country. Any other country not accepted. And if any deposit missed a 30 day period, like it was 34 days... That was unacceptable. Told to get a CD and we'll waive the seasoning. Tried to show US bank statements. No deal. Pension statements didn't work. Recall, local officers can ask for whatever they want. No Point in whining about it. At one point, I heard that not only certified monthly bank deposits but I had to also show local ATM transaction of spending the 65K were required. LOL Test Lab.
+ A trip to another IM location allowed many to get their extensions with affidavits and return here. No problem if they had a local address and local bank account in the other location. That's allowed under IM laws. On return just went to local office and did the residency form for living location. And of course, even though it was same address as before, the local IM said nothing and took 90 day reports as before. All in the statutes, nothing dodgy about it.
+ After 2 years, a change of head man at our local office put everything right back where it was. Affadavits welcome again. This is the way it is in here in LOS in my experience.
These announcements from embassies is certainly a new kettle of stew however.
If our "Test Lab" experience is anything to go by, and it isn't really... then only CD bank accounts might be the only way, or you perhaps begin a monthly wire transfer from your home country. Or you can get a TH bank that has foreign deposit privileges to save the $50 monthly wire transfer fee such as Bangkok Bank/USA. And keep your ATM receipts which always fade away. LOL
If you are US citizen I would pay attention to the latest announcements and FAQ from US Citizens services. The latest contains a veiled warning. Just because they will provide Affidavits for the remainder of the year, it does not necessarily mean they will be accepted by your Local IM now or in future. And checking with your local IM tomorrow might tell you affadavit is Okay in 4 months when you try to renew. Then again they can change their minds in a few months. And the monthly deposit method could mean anything in future. Expect more changes.
RECENT FAQ
"As of October 26, 2018, U.S. citizens can verify they meet the income requirements directly with Royal Thai Immigration by providing a local bank statement indicating a minimum deposit of 800,000 Thai Baht or a local bank statement showing a monthly deposit of at least 65,000 Thai Baht. Applicants should refer to the above-referenced websites for specifics regarding the timing and conditions associated with these deposits."Last observation... look at the Malaysian My Second Home Visa http://www.mm2h.gov.my/index.php/en/
This looks to me like where immigration is headed here. An Malaysia recently discontinued accepting Pensions for income or purchasing property. The only acceptable method now is a substantial local bank account which you can't withdraw or move funds.IMHO, it's kind of unproductive to point fingers at the embassis. It's seems obvious to me the new head of IM knowing his local officials might not follow his dictates from BKK, he cut the head of the snake by making demands of embassies, knowing the embassies could not, or would not comply. Kill all letters and affidavits at once. Strategically, a productive move for him.
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There's another option that wasn't mentioned, between the 100 baht throw-away glasses they sell everywhere and a visit to the optician. There is a guy on the ground floor on Tukcom who sells glasses with proper frames and prescription lenses made to order for around 1000-1500 all incl. A/R and scratch resistant and a quite decent frame. Obviously this is only for simple corrections, no bifocals, no astigmatism, but otherwise a good, inexpensive alternative. He says he get the lenses cut in a nearby optician but I don't know the details. I had a nice pair of reading glasses made for 1200 baht and am very happy with the result.
Zennioptical.com is actually a Chinese company - at least the glasses are made and shipped from China.
That guy in Tuckcom... good choice for single vision. With the extras you mentioned... A/R and scratch... 1500B is a flat out bargain.
As someone pointed out, my story centers around progressives which are a bit different... and more importantly, everyone wanting progressives needs a unique profile fitted by an optician with experience. The fitting is the big deal... and I mean the combination of prescription and all the critical measurements top to bottom, side to side and the corridor you choose. Simply put, difference between good fitting and and a poor one is... Good fitting is moving your eyes to pickup on different medium distances... Bad is bobbing your head like a pigeon and craning your neck to move the lenses when your eye movement adjustment won't do.
That's a big deal for me since I work at a computer desk. Same-same for athletics. Golfers can really benefit from the newest corridor technology... when you swing back with the club, if you've got properly fitted Hoya lenses with the new corridor... you can still the ball clearly without straining your neck too far. Eye movement vs neck movement again.
Nakorn at My City Optical is up on all this golfer, snooker, and computer spectacles. I have 3 different pair myself to suit the need, the good vision is just important for me.
Zennioptical.com is actually a Chinese company... correctomundo; but it is American owned and American managed according to my source. I'm sure the quality is good. The high quality Western companies all follow that model... their own people move to China and manage the shop. Frieling and Solingen are European companies using the same model and their goods from China are same quality as German produced.
BTW, my previous note about the opthamologist, Dr. Nattawat. I have to withdraw that... without going into a long story... his eye test prescription turned out to be flat out wrong. I went for a full eye exam to be on the safe side, which included the progressives prescription. Under no circumstances would I use him for spectacles or the eye test for prescription spectacles. He might be a great eye surgeon, but obviously he just doesn't have the experience with fitting spectacles.
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Having worn spectacles for 40 odd years, 'glasses' for us Americans, I was finally in need of new prescription lenses here in Thailand. Usually get that done on trips back home to Denver.
Got a lot a good advice here on Thaivisa, but none too recent, and armed with loads of advice from friends... I started checking optical shops first. Felt like I didn't really need a full opthamologist exam, and still had the recent USA optemtrist's official prescription with me. So I just wanted new lenses for my existing frames still in great condition.
Here's my story and I hope useful to anyone heading out on the same shopping trip. Date this info from May/June 2013 for reference. I encourage all others to comment or post on this thread. Thaivisa is the pivot point for best local shopping advice, in my experience... and the knowledgeable posters are much appreciated by me
Prices in TH - Lower than Europe or USA?
Friends said yes... save a lot of money. I didn't really see much difference in USA pricing on the major brand name lenses, such as Hoya (Japanese brand), Essilor (USA & France), Rodenstock (Germany), all of these available in most shops. That's because I've been using online USA sources for buying frames and Essilor progressive lenses on last two trips. Online saves about 40% over what a local USA optician's price will be for same lenses. I go for Esslior Physio progressives, their top of the line lens and highly recommend Physio for progressives. Wider corridor removes that annoying head movement necessary with other progressives, every time to you need to focus in on something on your desk
Lenses manufactured here in LOS are much cheaper,
Quality is it Same-same or Lower in TH?
All those major brand lenses are available. Lenses manufactured here... I can't say personally about the quality. However friends reported mixed results and usually negative. One thing to note is that quality frames are just as important, if not moreso for comfort, vision and length of time they remain suitable for looks and wearing. I've never scrimped on frames and have had many gold anodized last 12 years or more in good condition.
Fitting New Lenses for your Personal Vision Profile
This is where the optician needs real knowledge, experience, and training. Single vision not such a big deal, but progressive lenses it is critical to find the best optician IMO. There is a center vision spot that needs locating for grinding the lenses down to fit the frame. This spot location can get tricky if you have smaller frames and smaller lenses. Not as much wiggle room for error. Any optician that uses a magic marker while eyeballing that center spot had better know what he's doing. There are new gadgets for doing it digitally, but didn't see any of those around on my extensive shopping trip. Another bit of optician expertise, just as critical, is understanding the 'corridor' in the different progressive lenses and helping you decide which one suits your vision profile. At some point you have to trust the optician to guide you in choosing. Golfers gain real benefit with short corridor lenses, and polarized lenses are available which make a ton of difference in bright sunshine. Other vision profiles are for snooker players, computer users, and veteran book readers who spend hours with paperbacks. Sometimes the normal progressive profile is suitable for you is good for all occasions, sometimes not. All of us are unique and eyes come two to a customer. There is a difference between your left and right in many ways.
Pupillary Distance
The distance between your pupils is indeed a proper measurement done by an optician and not by the optometrist doing an eye exam. Many of us have a left and right difference that will affect your vision, especially with small lenses fitted to smaller frames. That's what the guy is measuring with the magic marker pen doing it manually which is never accurate for small lens shapes.
However, with progressive lenses another critical distance is vertical distance between the bottom of the lens shape and the center of your pupils. And that measurement changes with every different lens shape. And how the frames actually fit on your nose and face. With progressives the "reading" part is actually very small in small lenses. Get that wrong and your nodding your head and neck in all sorts of weird angles to read
All in all, IMO the guy or girl with long experience and good training is a better choice if seeing well is important to you.
Shopping Trip for Optics in Pattaya
Chain Optic Shops
In my experience, the chain style optic shops seemed staffed with eager clerks with only basic knowledge. Plus just selling me lenses at any price didn't seem to be on their radar. One of those 'cannot do. Mister' areas. No need to describe this style of optician they are every street corner just look for the lavender uniforms. Personally, not for me. Single vision, simple lenses for your girlfriend... likely a good choice.
Euro-Optics on 2nd Road
Across from Royal Garden shopping complexSeemed very knowledgeable. Came highly recommended. But just buying lenses didn't seem possible here at all. Pricey too. The official optometrist checkup for a new prescription is mandatory. Not a bad idea if you haven't had a test recently, but for me I moved on for more shopping. I have no quibble with their policy, except I didn't get the feeling they had genuine optometrist training and university degree. Just better knowledge than most chain optic shops. I kept on shopping.
Central Mall Optics Shops
Seems to be about a half dozen or so located in Central Plaza shopping complex between 2nd Road and Beach Road. Stopped in most of them, seems pricey, some were knowledgeable and helpful, most were only eager to sell me a new pair only. None seemed to have a genuine optometrist. In fact, that seems the norm here in TH for all opticians and optical shops. In Europe and America, when an optometrists was needed I always found them camped out together with the optician in the same office, or the same corner at least. Makes it easier and smart business for both of them.
Hospital Clinics - Bangok Hospital, Pattaya International, PhyaThai in Sriracha
Honestly can't give a personal report on these. I know they all offer eye exams and opthamologists as well. Always convenient to use the for-profit hospital clinics are most things. I'm sure the service and quality are good at any of them. Language barrier is generally less of a challenge too.
Worldwide OpticalThis seems to be tied in with same company/owner known as Pattaya Optical located on Center Road (Pattaya Klang). Not sure, but WorldWide Optical is located on Naklua Road about 3 blocks up from the Dolphin roundabout. On the right side. Heard good things about them, and stopped in for a visit. Seemed a bad time for the staff, that happens... I looked around at the shop displays, asked for the pricing on lenses only from one clerk and got the same story as elsewhere.
My City Optical
Naklua Road. 3 blocks on Left up from Dolphin roundabout. On the left-hand side
Next to a Family Mart in a strip mall complex, just across the street from Worldwide.
City Optical is where I finally purchased lenses for 2 pair of my existing frames. Buying lenses only was not a problem here. I got the top quality Essilor lenses that are actually imported from the US plant for a very nice price. Still a lot of money and why I don't mind the time invested in shopping around. I was actually more interested in proper fitting and that came down to the right optician. I found him here.The owner, Nakorn Wongthip, speaks excellent English. Gives you personal service too. He's a young family man, who started out working in the Essilor facility here in Thailand... and a few others as well, where he learned to grind out the lenses and fit them into the frames. Got full training in lab work and then moved on to the optician certification. He knows what he's about... and you sense that in first 30 seconds talking with Khun Nakorn. His lovely wife is also an optician and working side by side in this new shop, they made the best combination for me. They are just opening this shop, I get the idea it was a big jump for them... leaving long-term jobs to become first time entrepreneurs.
Bingo! We have a Winner
The highlight of my story is the saga of getting the right lenses for the second pair, these I use for endless hours in front of a computer... so the fitting is even more finicky. I had an older prescription lens in these, but I had the recent US optometrist prescription on paper. So any optician can go by that and move on to the fitting. Nakorn insisted he give me a complimentary eye test at no charge to be sure. He uses the old-fashioned method, changing out the lenses from the table-sized attache case into the plastic frames while you look at the chart on the wall. Again, he knew exactly what he was doing. That test was for the the regular prescription for my everyday progressive lenses
All is well. Now it gets interesting. In America and Europe it is common for optometrists to write in special prescription combination for computer lenses. You won't be wearing them outside, but they reduce eye fatigue with long use in front of computers. I've had a pair exclusively for computer use for last 18 years.
I asked if he wanted to check that American written prescription for computer use himself... using his own gear. Frankly, I wasn't sure if it was correct. The older pair I was using was 8 years old prescription and still worked somewhat, but the prescription was out of date. Nakorn said not necessary. I even asked again, so we wouldn't make a mistake. But he said he'd done computer glasses for other customers and should be no problem.There was a problem. The everyday pair were perfect. The computer glasses, not even close. Couldn't see diddly with them. Nakorn was crestfallen and worried, but simply said he would make them again after he tested my eyes. No extra charge...it was his fault he said. So, on to another eye test and he was satisfied it was correct. Nakorn then suggested he make the lenses in a special way for computer use. Something different that he knew how to do. The computer glasses I had were made with a longer field of depth. The old onesI could watch TV with them from 15 feet away. He said his way was better and would only work for the computer but I would be happier. So I agreed.
Then the worst thing occurred... when the new lenses came in, I still couldn't see the monitor. These had such a narrow range, I had to crouch up over the desk about 16 inches from the monitor, or raise my head up at such an odd angle my neck was aching in 10 minutes. There just wasn't any room to maneuver for the distance from monitor to my eyes.At this point, I just told him not to worry about it. "My Phen Lai.. Arai gadai." Shit happens. After 2 tries, with the second one at his expense, I didn't want him to take a chance again. I could go on with the old pair Much to my surprise, Nakorn insisted he make a third set of computer lenses at his expense. I refused. He insisted, saying I must be a satisfied customer. That's just the way it had to be. Okay, I tried to refuse and wanted to just leave the shop then and there. But relented finally and the third time he made the lenses was indeed the charm. All I can say is never in all my years here in LOS, have I had this experience with any purchase. And remember, his only mistake was trusting the American optometrist to get it right, and evidently that guy didn't for the computer part.
I plan on doing some special things for this couple in future, and one of them is this long post on Thaivisa. I'd like everyone reading this to forget what happened to my computer lenses... and only focus on the fact that Nakorn has proper training with the lab certifications to prove it, has lots of experience, he just plain knows his business. His pricing was the best I found, the personal service was top notch. He would welcome new customers exactly as he did me, even this wasn't a new shop. He does know the vision issues for golfers, athletes, and computer users
Their phone is a bit a problem. TOT can't get his internet service to stop blocking his phone at odd hours during the day. If you get no answer, drop in anyway. They are open the usual hours Mon-Sat. Tel: 038-410126 Email: [email protected]EDIT - More options
Pattaya Optical - 175/10 Central Pattaya Rd. Tel: 038 428 170
http://www.pattayaoptical.com/
Online Lenses and Frames - www.zennioptical.com
This is an American company with plant and shipping in China. They ship direct to your home address anywhere. And are very cheap on price. A few swear it worked out fine for them. However, I think they had simple single vision or low power bifocals mainly for reading. Me, I'll stay with doing personal business with an optician over here
Opthamologist - Exam, Cataract surgery in PattayaKhun Nakorn noticed what he thought was the beginning of a cataract in my right eye. Popped round to see Dr Nattawat on Mike's recommendation at Pattaya Beach books.
He does a lot of eye surgery at local hospitals but this is his personal office for exams. 1500 baht for complete exam, including some drops to hold off the cataract which he says is about 10% for me. Those things just happen as we get older and they creep along until your back in for the surgery. Which is a complete lens replacement these days. Dr. Nattawat is 50k Baht for one eye, and 85k if want a progressive lens inserted. At which point you don't need spectacles for that eye. Myself I'll just wait on that one until there's not other option-
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I worn spectacles for 43 years. Began buying them online 4 years ago. But what jbrain warned about everyone should listen to carefully
The distance between your pupils is indeed a proper measurement done by an optician and not by the optometrist doing an eye exam. You can ask the optometrist and if he had the visual gadget you look into while he measures that, then you can get that noted on your prescription.
HOWEVER, with progressive lenses the critical pupillary distance is vertical between the bottom of the lens shape and the center of your pupils. And folks, that measurement changes with every lens shape. That's what the guy is measuring with the magic marker pen doing it manually which is never accurate for small lens shapes. A proper opitical shop has the equipment to accurate measure this distance
Lens shapes depends on the frame you choose, so this critical distance changes every time you change frames... if the lenses are really large size, it won't matter too much if its a guesstimate, But if small lenses, you will need to get an optical shop to make the measurement using the actual frame you have chosen. That's why the clear plastic is inside a new frame, and frames come with a pattern to cut the lenses to proper shape... the manufacturer usually puts an approximate vertical distance on that pattern, but its a guess
Large lenses for progressives - not such a big deal. Take a chance doing it all online with a good prescription obtained local optometrist... you should be okay
Small lenses, you'll be disappointed if you don't get that measurement using your frame and lens shape at a local optical shop.
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reflectionx
I'd be really curios to see some non-manipulated stats about exports,employment, new contracts, etc, but this ain't happening, not in Thailand anyway.
All it takes is few words, but their words actually encourage the appreciation. We can only guess why they are doing it, only time will show. Everything else is chitchat ...
You are so right... and thanks for wrapping up this thread succintly and putting my own research about the strong Thai baht to rest. Doesn't really matter till it matters
Even Japan and Switzerland are devaluing currency in the race to get a bigger piece of the exports pie for their own commodities. Eventually, this has to catch up to the blooming economy here. Strong currency... they go to Manila to buy shiploads rice, and tourists stop coming to TH when the crappy exchange rate gets in the news.
It will change. Soon I hope, big hit on the USD since I first arrived here
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I had Sophon "Fibre" Internet (4 Mbit) for one month.
Than I canceled it because of the ridiculous international speeds.
Afternoon ~200 Kbit/s to my root server in Frankfurt.
Watching video streams, was impossible.
Switched to TOT (7 Mbit), speed ~ 1.5-2.0 Mbit to the same server/same time of day
Tot is slightly cheaper too.
Are you in Pattaya area with Sophon? I'm in Jomtien using Sophon "fiber" for 9 months now... was great going on the big package 5 Mbps Premium for 1700B monthly but lately gone to hell.
They are switching IP addresses constantly throughout the day during some periods of time... usually lasts for days. Then speed comes back up
Do you have a static IP address with TOT service.... meaning the IP address never changes?
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Nice 40 sq meter condo at View Talay 2A on Thraphrya Road.
Available while I visit family in USA. 3 full months this summer
Move-in: 01 June 2011
Move-out: 01 September 2011
Includes Cable Broadband Premium service. Excellent Hi-Speed internet. Super fast and stable. With computer desk and chair.
Nicely furnished to very high European standard:
Very good security for building and parking lot.
Excellent huge pool. Best pool in the entire area.
Good management on-premises
* King Size Bed
* Sofa - Coffee Table
* Entertainment Center
* Nice TV - DVD Player - Library of DVD movies
* Computer Desk and Computer Chair
* AirCon new
* Fridge
* Nice kitchen with Microwave, Granite Tops. Small bar eating area
* All dishes, cutlery, glasses, cooking gear.
* Modern Bath with walk-in Shower
* small balcony with table
Send me a PM or Thai Mobile: 089 525 7870
You pay monthly 14,000 Baht, The hi-speed internet is already included in rent of 14k baht. You pay electric, and water (utilities run about 2000 baht month).
Will need full payment for the 3 months and small security deposit.
Local taxi (song taeuw) at the door. 5 minutes to Pattaya and the high-life.
Walk 100 meters to the Beach in 5 minutes. Rent a chair and umbrella for 30 Baht. Jet-ski rentals, sailing, diving, fishing, ferries to islands, and this is wind-surfing paradise, Rental motorbike agencies for 2k to 2500 baht monthly
Local restaurants, bars, modern FoodMart, local food market, 7-11 all within easy walking distance.
All types of western food in market and restaurants: Mexican, Italian, Steak, Burgers, French. Fabulous fresh local seafood. And of course Thai food is everywhere.
Send me a PM or Thai Mobile: 089 525 7870
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A question for anyone with recent knowledge who had made the run. I ask because the TV has news of more border troubles between TH and Cambodia
Is Thai immigration at Cambodian borders currently allowing re-entry on the run from Pattaya to casino border town in Camboda?
My Lao girlfriend uses this run all the time, but the last time the fighting started TH was not allowing anyone but Thais back into the country at the border
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To the OP, you do need to inform yourself about the specific rules of getting retirement extensions in Thailand though. I don't feel that was fully covered here.
'm an American wishing to retire in Thailand.I meet most of the requirements over 50 ,have the 800000 baht in the bank etc.On 1 of the questions is stated no criminal record in the country your coming from.I was convicted of A felony over 20 years ago.Anyway I guess this will stop me from getting A retirement visa.
What would be my best options,what visa would you consider?
My two cents for the OP about dealing with his criminal record below. First, JingThing is a standup guy who knows what he's talking about. I too know a few who got the O-A done inside TH but only if they had the O first issued outside LOS, and the criminal record wasn't necessary or a local Thai attorney provided a letter for 500B.
Me... I'm American who got my O-A with 1 year retirement extension all done in the USA within in 48 hours from one of the Honorary Thai Consul offices. With all paperwork done properly it was easy. These all seem to be nice people working in some private immigration attorney's office. That was a bit over 2 years ago. And with JingThing and LiteBeer's advice I ran that One year extension all the way to 22 months total before renewing here in LOS last year
As to the criminal record... there are a lot of Americans in your shoes. I'm not one of those, but know a few who are. Many of the US cities and counties once considered even a tiny amount of mary jane in your possession a felony. Many still do. Quite common for people over 50 to carry around a felony conviction from attending a party in college days 30 years ago. You may find that a visit to the State office will provide you with a clearance letter that does not show any county or city records. its a database thing.
if you can get that clearance letter, then doing your O-A visa in the USA is the way to go.
If now, then do try to get some type of Non Immigrant visa before coming. If you come on a Tourist Visa its possible to get this done outside of Thailand as JingThing mentioned but problematic for sure. I know some who failed and had to return home to get an O-A. May not be true now, but it can change at the surrounding Thai embassies in other countries at any time. Be aware of that.
Gettting a Non-Immigrant B visa in the USA is not so easy either. The truth is its easier to get your full Non-immigrant O-A in the USA before coming than any other type. Retirees with money are welcome in LOS, the criminal record thing is obviously a necessity for any country. Get your paperwork in order and it takes about 48 hours by overnight Fedex both ways to a Thai Consuls office. All the forms for the paperwork is available to download at the Thai Embassy websites
Big Tip: Get a brand new US passport before you do this process. No matter what you have left on the years, get a brand new one. Use only the mail service that goes directly to the Passport Office in Washington DC. don't go a local Post Office. I'll explain why. Get your photos taken at Walmart photo shop with a suit and tie on, download the application, fill it out... and you can get a new passport back in 48 hours with Express Mail both ways. About $175 total.
Firstly, tis a good thing to have a clean slate passport with no other visa entry stamps when you show up here in Asia. But the big reason is Your spankin' new US passport will be Stamped as issued by the "Department of State Washingon DC". This unintended benefit never ceases to amaze me... almost every official in Asia notices this and things just go smoother. Much smoother.
My last advice is once here in LOS do your very best to use the TH Immigration at Jomtien. World class service here... unbelievable service and courtesy. Truly the best immigration office I've ever encountered on 3 continents. I've lived in 6 countries over the years and this is the best ever.
Jomtien Immigration Record-Breaking Service Award
Last year I got my entire O-A renewal done in 1 day. Started at 8am for a bus trip to Bangkok for the notary letter for proof of income at US Citizen's Services on Wireless Rd.
Great service there too. In-and-Out in 30 mintues because I used the computer appointment service. Then got Back to Jomtien by 2pm. Stopped by my friendly Siam Bank branch where the manager did my bank letter in 15 minutes. Went up to TH immigration on Soi 7 and was in-and-out within 30 minutes time and it was only 3:30pm.
Finished. 8 1/2 hours total time. Got my passport back next day after leaving it overnight with the Immigration office (they run a local TH police check now on all Non Immigrant renewals). Again only a 5 minute wait, got my passport back with a big Thai smile and I was on my way.
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Lao taking Visa Run to Myanmar
She currently heads over to Cambodia from Pattaya very 30 days no problem
Thinking of moving up to Chang mai, but not sure if she can make a 30 day visa run into Mae Sai in Myanmar
Can anyone offer info or advice?
Thanks
J Gregory
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One more note on this thread because I got a PM from someone perplexed over understanding this part of my earlier post today....
When I returned to ask him about why the money was not sent, he was in agony trying to explain, but I just didn't get it. Earlier visit, he had gone out of his way to fill out the necessary forms and everything. He was going the extra mile for me then. So today, I was confused and just wanted to get it resolved, but felt great compassion for this poor guy too. Suddenly the penny dropped.It was my misunderstanding. He'd filled out all the forms for me, and I was supposed to take them downstairs to the teller 3 days earlier. Nothing had been sent
The reason that young man was in agony was this... he knew exactly what happened after I explained and showed him the forms, but he could not tell me directly I made the mistake. He was standing in front of his peers facing this well-dressed gentleman from America... and if he had simply explained what I did wrong to my face, he would have caused me to lose Face.
Someone of my status can't be told directly they are wrong. Therefore, he was trying very hard to give me hints... because his inability to work this out favorably would cause him to lose Face in front of his peers and superiors. So, my inspiration to apologize to him... shifted all that weight from his shoulders. This relieved the entire situation for both of us. His apologies to me balanced everything out and harmony returned.
Another thing I've noticed... if you want someone close to you, to know your displeased... don't say so directly to that person, but find another person who knows that person to tell them. That avoids the whole "saving face" issue and still communicates the message. Thai people seem to do this all the time within their very large networks of extended family and friends.
Regards,
Jan Gregory
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One more thing... "farangs being laughed at". Sometimes, It's not at all what it may seem to us. Thai people very often laugh to cover up embarrassment. They get embarrassed over things you would not. Some farang also get very annoyed hearing the word 'farang' all the time.
Believe me, it does stand out when that's the only word you can make out with two Thais yakking away. I dont' get bent out of shape over that, as I'm careful not to assume anything. Farang basically means "white foreigner" in a land where every native citizen looks the same visually. Someone from Korea is a foreigner but not farang. Perhaps there is a racism component in the word 'farang' in some cases, racism is everywhere you do to some extent, but I'm given to understand that Thai people use it so often because they cannot make the distinction between an Englishman, an American, or a Norwegian. Sound hard to believe, but I think that's it in most cases. If you're a farang... your that "white" guy... visually speaking. If your a woman, you will be a farang woman. That's about it until a Thai sizes up how your dressed and who you're with. Depends on the person too... Bar girls have a connotation for farang entirely different than your bank manager.
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I wouldn't say you're out of line with your questions.
My viewpoint comes from this angle:
Came one year ago for 1 month stay to get a feel for things. Loved the people, the food, the culture. Me? I dove right into a Thai experience, and made some close Thai friends right away.
Went back to the USA and spent 2 months weighing out the pros and cons for moving here, of which there are always gonna be my Friend, wherever you look... a perfect Retirement Paradise does not exist on this earth.
Came back last June. I've learned my way into a lifestyle with much help from local British and US expats who've been around for many years, and from Thai people. After 5 months, I still love the experience of living here... on balance.
And that is the key I'd say for each of us farang. On balance. I like the lower prices(50% less budget than the USA for me) I hate the traffic. I hate walking in peril of being run over everywhere I go... that seems true of any street or soi in the country:). But I love the Thai culture and people, I love the prices. I love the food. I love the climate.
Wherever you live... people are still people with the same desires, same issues, same problems, and there is always a mix of good and bad. One can fight, flow, or flee... in any given environment or situation. It's your choice.
What do you value most... nice climate, low prices, safety, total security, being respected(as you see that respect from your point of view). There are several places to retire with low prices, so look at all of them.
Double pricing system here - For sure, it exists. For the most part, in my experience I pay 10% to 40% more at flea market type shopping. Usually that adds little to my load and I feel like the people who are "over-charging" me use the money to feed their families. Observe who you pay when you pay your money. Thailand has 75% of the population living on the equivalent of 150 BP per month.
Big price items? I ask a close Thai friend to go in and negotiate the pricing while I stay outside. Get it written down. Later on, I return and get that price, or I don't buy. I don't speak Thai... I just Smile big and don't leave until the deal is done. Shoulder shrugging and pointing at the price on paper helps.
That by the way is the "Thai Way" that requires no language skill. Here's what I've found works for me... Smile always, stay 100% cool... no matter what is going on. Never be confrontational. Never raise your voice. Carry yourself with dignity befitting your status.
If you are over 50 with gray hair and decent clothing... you are going to be in the top 10% of status levels in this society on looks alone. Use it correctly. Respect that it is granted to you by strangers. Even though I am farang, the other side of my 'status' carries enormous weight for me... can for you, as long as you act correctly by the norms of this society. Which can be a bit odd in learning. I was trained by a Thai friend to stop giving the wai all the time to those of lower status, instead a small nod with direct eye contact is the better choice befitting my status. And the recipients are much more comfortable with that simple recognition. The Wai is used where appropriate, and I'm still learning about all that.
My feeling is this... Thai society is very rigid. It's their history. Patronage is everywhere. Bureaucracy everywhere in any society is usually a hassle, and it can seem a true nightmare here,,, but it is this way because that "Bureaucracy" provides jobs and status for half the population, in a country where there are not many good jobs.
So it takes 20 steps to get something done here with a bureaucrat, when 2 steps would do back home. But there are 20 Thai families eating from the salaries of those 20 officials necessary for the 20 step process. Call me a silly fool, but I actually feel good knowing this when I deal with the Bureaucrats. Maybe I'm just lucky... but my experience with officials so far has been all good.
I check in with Immigration every 90 days( I am one year O-A nonimmigrant visa). I dress is nice clothes, I get my ticket for the cue, I'm in and out in of immigration in 20 minutes. Checked out the hospital and had two hostesses give me a 20 minute tour and a cup of tea
The entire country seems to me an intricate network of relationships. Face is everything... which is tied to status. There is always a pecking order in any circumstance or situation. Think relationships... that is the Thai way as I've found it. Total strangers start out with a status and are accorded certain rights. I try to figure out where I fit in to any individual situation and go with the flow.
Everyone has a position that carries certain rights and behaviour. Including me, I find. I have rights accorded to me by ages-old tradition, so I respect everyone else's rights and position and let them respect mine. I don't assume. I just understand it as best I can and somehow that's enough. Give respect and you get respect.
Of course, I'm a newbie here too. So maybe I've got it all wrong. Maybe I'm just naive and lucky.
Close Thai friends have explained me to their marvelous system of Bun Khun. This is the Thai way... "I do for you, you do for me"... or maybe you do for my mum, dad, friend, a monk.
Thailand seems to me like the world's biggest "Favor Bank". Everyone wants to help someone... and the favor is expected to be returned. Understand it, participate by their rules... and I think anyone can get into Bun Khun, even Farangs. I found that giving first works best. My gramps used to say(I'm a hick from the backwoods of America).
"Son. don't every forget you got to give, to get." Same-same works here.
This amazing culture seems to me... a living example of Karma is action. (Karma = actions have consequences.) Karma requires no language skills either. All people are the same.
Another odd thing… I find understanding all the variations of "saving Face" is vital. We, in the West, expect to ask direct questions and get direct straightforward answers. Farang get easily frustrated when a Thai person tells us Yes, when they really mean No.
Why is this? Why won't they just say "No, I can't". It's because they would make You lose Face if they tell you No. And in the process they would lose Face. You lose valuable status if you don't follow that rule. It's not "fair" but Thai people naturally expect you to know this and not ask them tough questions they can't answer. This is a mono-culture with deep roots. Ask the wrong thing and and you lose Face because you have made the other person lose face in front of his peers. Not so odd when you view it that way.
So what's a poor farang to do. Don't ask direct questions, ask for help. This takes longer and often involves bringing in more people for even more conversation, but that is the way it is. Have you every experienced a group of Thais trying to sort out where to go for a Sunday outing. Thirty people will be dancing around for hours making suggestions on where to go, and yet no one is making a decision. My hunch is that if the outing turns out wrongly, some one might lose face.
I often find myself in the uncomfortable position with Thai friends asking me what we should all do. Everyone seems relieved if I finally make a decision. Not sure exactly what's going on here, but it's consistently the same. Of course I always pay for the outing if I am the senior status. That's usually the case, but it's all Bun Khun. I get tremendous favors returned by first extending some generosity. And I never forget those favors extended to me by a Thai person earning 6k Baht per month have a much dearer price for him or her, than the 1000 Bhat I spent for everyone on the beach outing. As I'm given to understand it, I should express 'naam jai' befitting my status. You have be in control, or you'll find yourself with an empty bank account, but it all seems to work out if you get into the spirit of it.
When first arriving in a short-term rental apartment, I got my broad-band wireless internet repaired and working in record time, because I asked the head person politely for help.
I did not ask her for a repair. I did not tell anyone what needed to be repaired or how to do it(even though I am a computer professional and knew exactly what was wrong) I just asked for her help. I also introduced the idea that Manoon, the building's repairman had some good ideas on this. With more polite conversation and smiling… I explained my needs, complimenting Khun Pom on her excellent management and her wise choices in hiring the staff, especially Manoon… I even apologized for bringing her this problem today… all smiles.
Within one day, Manoon and 2 repairmen arrived with new equipment to cure my problem. Later on, I took a nice bakery cake into the staff room and told everyone that Khun Pom(the boss) was the best building manager in all of Thailand. Manoon was also a talented computer man. And handed everyone my fancy business cards from the USA.
I recommend gifts as a gesture of appreciation over tipping someone with money. It truly is the thought that counts most here. My hunch… you might also be giving a tremendous boost to someone's status by making the display of appreciation with sincere compliments and a thoughtful gift. Perhaps… your higher status can bestow some status. Not sure.
Old hands here in the Magic Kingdom are likely smiling about now at my ramblings, if any of you old hands are reading this. I don't suppose for a minute that other farang retirees would want to do this sort of thing as I do, yet for me I enjoy the learning and participation in this culture. Very different, yet very much the same.
By the by, I find that apologizing is a magic balm in this society, Thais do it all the time yet we are not so aware of that. I actually start some conversations with a sincere apology for bothering the person with my problem. Seems strange, but my hunch is that this the correct way to invite the element of Bun Khun into the Thai-Farang conversation. And how often am I really the issue because of my own ignorance of the language or the way things work… a heck of a lot. So saying I'm sorry about not knowing, is the literal truth.
On arriving I had one significant learning experience worth telling about. Firstly, I am not rich. I have no big official position/status here or in the USA. I'm just a hard-working guy who lived an ordinary life. What happened on arriving last June was this… I was trying to send a payment through my newly opened Thai bank account in BKK to a business in Jomtien. I thought the young man at the Bangkok Bank I spoke with, got it done for me, only to find out 3 days later the payment had not arrived.
When I returned to ask him about why the money was not sent, he was in agony trying to explain, but I just didn't get it. Earlier visit, he had gone out of his way to fill out the necessary forms and everything. He was going the extra mile for me then. So today, I was confused and just wanted to get it resolved, but felt great compassion for this poor guy too. Suddenly the penny dropped.
It was my misunderstanding. He'd filled out all the forms for me, and I was supposed to take them downstairs to the teller 3 days earlier. Nothing had been sent because I failed to understand. So I apologized. I gave him a formal wai and apologized to this young man in the large main accounts area at Bangkok Bank. This caused something you had to see to believe. Every Thai person within earshot stopped dead in their tracks and observed silently. The young man was wai-ing me back vigorously and apologizing to me. (that's the Face thing) So, I stepped it up and wai-ed back even more vigorously.
We must have look a real sight, nodding all over the place trying to get out the best apology. I was sincere in my effort. And I have no idea what all the Thai people really thought about all this, but I when I finally made my leave, I can say that everyone was still taken aback. And when I went downstairs to complete the transaction in the big bank lobby, everyone seemed to be expecting me. Two managers came over to thank me for my custom and opened the doors on leaving. I returned a few days later on another matter and felt like I was a visiting Sultan or something. I don't pretend to understand it all, but it makes for a marvelous story about Thailand to tell the folks back home.
I can certainly tell you that my life here is interesting. I also get some amazing invitations from local Thai people for events where I'm the only farang. Life is pretty smooth for me here. But maybe I'm just lucky.
Wishing you and your wife all the best wherever you settle for retirement. Malaysia, by the way, is reported to be an excellent choice for retirement. About 50k BP in the bank and easy immigration.
Cheers
Jan Gregory
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Hi All
If you're reading this topic thread, may I suggest you simply read the excellent post here by John Gooding Post #21
Quote: I never had a "plain" O-A as someone had asked. I came to Thailand with a "O-A Retirement Visa" which expired in one year after entryThey are the same thing
...I will have had nearly 2 years use from my O-A, even though the actual Visa was only valid 12 months from issue.
I'd have to say Mr. Gooding nailed it all down in simple, clear language. He is dead-on accurate from my experience and with all the past advice I've received from the forum experts... Lopburi, LiteBeer, and Maestro.
I've been all through this same topic of coming-and-going on the O-A visa to get the "free Year" on ThaiVisa forum when getting my O-A visa in USA before arriving.
What always seems to confuse new people is the confusion over Vocabulary. Those dates and Terms Mr. Gooding nailed down so well... are key to understanding this issue.
Your O-A has a date stamped in by the Thai Embassy/Consulate that was done outside of Thailand. Call that the "O-A Date" The "Entry Date" is another matter entirely.
We first time O-A people have 2 Time Tracks running simultaneously and then only one remains. That "free year" everyone asks about is not what you first think. As the experts point out... it means that you get an automatic one-year extension to stay IF your original "O-A" date has not passed over on the Calendar.
In my opinion it is best not to think of this as a "free year". Think of this as it is properly called "Extension to Stay". And you can only get that automatically if your original stamped "O-A date" has not expired on the Calendar.
And this is where confusion sets in... if you re-enter properly before expiration of original O-A visa date, then you have a 1 year Extension to Stay. You now have 2 different time-tracks to keep track of... the original 1 year O-A Visa date, and now you have the second time-track which begins on the day you re-entered.
As soon as your original "O-A date" is expired, you are longer on a valid Visa... you are being allowed to stay with the valid Extension to Stay. And if you intend to get another extension, then you will have to prepare a Thai Bank account to have at least 800K Baht balance at least 90 days before you apply for the 90 Day Extension to Stay for retirement at that time.
If you finally get that there are 2 different time-tracks going on... then it all comes clear.
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My experience for you:
Same profile for a friend I had met here on previous business trip. She had no connections to the US.
She decided not to use any sort of agency or lawyer for the process. Have been told this is often a red flag to some Consulate interviewers. For some of them, a "visa service application" is a signal to dig deeper, for others it can be a true red flag. At any rate, you do not need a service to get through the process.
All of the other advice you got here may be good... such as, having her take some banking details, employment details, etcetera. But "Nok" was successful in obtaining a 2 week tourist visa for only a couple of vital reasons, and she did not take any of the above mentioned credentials or other details.
From start to finish the time to get the visa was 12 days.
* She applied using the online Visa Application system and was given a "number" and date for the interview in BKK. The staff appreciate applicants doing this... because it eases their workload and it's a positive sign for the applicant to have the ability to navigate through the difficult and lengthy online process. (Wink, wink. Maybe it's difficult for a reason.)
* Because we had established a prior business relationship with my company in the USA, she only needed a letter of invititation from my company stating the purpose for the 2 week visit. To interview for a freelance contractor job.
We were planning the content for a tourist publication and needed the expertise of a local to be sure the content was accurate.
Your Take-Away
I'd say that the Consulate staff are there to do an important job. It's about homeland security as much as anything else.
If an applicant and the circumstances are legitimate, they have seem to have no problems with issuing short-term tourist visas. If an applicant is "gilding the lily" with a snowstorm of papers and credentials, that might actually create a stumbling block.
The bottom line is this... if it walks like a duck, talks like a duck... it must be a duck.
The US consulate staff are very sharp people and very well trained. One might say that Visa interviewers have highly accurate "truth meters".
Tell the truth. Be up-front. And the outcome will likely be positive and the visa issued quickly.
Good luck
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Recent info
Opened Saving Account at Bangkok Bank in Bangkok. Show passport, make cash deposit, got savings passbook and ATM card. In and out in 10 minutes.
Ask for the SwiftCode for any bank. You will need this if you intend to send money to the account via wire transfer. If you do, I found that sending my native currency(USD) got me a much better exchange rate than my own US bank. Save me $424 to send $7500 US by sending it in USD
Pattaya, Chonburi
Found that any Bangkok bank account opened outside Chonburi province means that I have charged everytime I use the ATM or transfer money.
Opened a new Bangkok Bank account here in Pattaya, but needed a Letter of Residence from immigration in Jomtien. Cost me 200 Baht, in and out in 20 minutes.
Kasikorn Bank and Siam Commercial Bank do not ask for this Letter of Residency, but immigration told me most banks would begin doing so. Immigration is clamping down on your info for this too. Had to take officical document to prove my address. The Rent Receipt and rental contract
Cheers,
J Gregory
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Take the time machine with me to April 2009, when I, a happy camper living the good life... visit Thai Immigration in Pattaya for my Retirement Extension..
But, if your quest is successful in getting a "Multiple Entry" O-A visa, why would you be going to Pattaya in April 2009 for a Retirement Extension?
Point taken on that one above. You are correct. I will do exactly as you said, but my statement about April 2009 was to point out the renewal issue I faced with my passport. Saying it any other way, would likely confuse more people with a new issue.
Re: Houston consulate - all correct according to my info. Have to talked to someone who got a Multiple Entry back in Feb. 2008. He sent $75 and they called him to suggest he get multiple so he sent more money anad did get Multiple.
I will phone both the DC Embassy and Houston prior to sending out the application. The situation can change at any time at any particular location.
Re: Notarized documents - My police certificate comes notarized from the agency. I asked the
Doctors office to do it,they have a Notary on staff. Same deal at the bank with statements and bank manager's letter. All banks have a notary on hand. I would say this is preferred method.
The only other way is to take your papers to an independent Notary... ask them to view originals, make photocopies and then write and certify on the copies that She/He has seen and verified the originals. That usually works in most cases.
My long experience with requirements for Notarization indicate that the Seal imprint itself is all that end-users look for anyway. That makes is "Official" in the eyes of most everyone. The rest they don't even read.
I recommend always getting the original method if possible. BTW, Houston has not said anything about notaries. But I'd bet they require it too.
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The only financial document I have ever needed was the Affidavit (Declaration, Certification, whatever its called) certifying income greater than 65,000 baht per year. This I filled out at my Embassy (U.S. - just ask for financial document for retirement visa) stating my income from America. I have never had to provide any documentation to get this. E.g., I've never provided any statements from any financial institution. I trust that other Embassies provide a similar to their citizens.
It really is quite an easy and painless process.
Question please. From a reading above, I take it... that you asked for a "financial document for retirement visa" and filled it out yourself and then the Embassy certified that Affadavit as valid.
And that is all you needed to do? If I have it right, one can pretty much state any amount for monthly income and get the paper necessary to qualify for Extenstion with out meeting the bank account requirement. With no need for supporting documents to prove monthly income.
Thanks in advance for your reply.
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Hi All,
I started this Topic a few days back and I've glad it's garnered so much attention. I'm still in the US and finalising all my plans to arrive in late Spring. I've got a new angle to share that everyone should consider at the close.
Lessons I've Learned So Far
Firstly, for all newbies listening... the forum members I've found to speak with genuine authority and real-world experience are lopburi3, maestro, Lite Beer, and JackSprat. Not to say others aren't just as knowledgeable, but these Gentlemen prove time and again to have the facts. These guys have my deepest respect and appreciation... for devoting their time and talent in this Topic to helping me navigate the tricky waters of long-term residency in Thailand.
There's another lesson. Watch out for the vocabulary. It's best to start with the notion that you are seeking "Long Term Residency in Thailand" and don't get locked into your assumptions about words and their assumed meanings when confronted with "Retirement Visa" and O visa and O-A visa.
Even "Long-Term" is slippery. In the end, any stable government is happy to have foreigners come in and spend their money sent from another country. Always good for an ecomomy. But residency is another matter beyond tourism, as it carries all sorts of potential risks for the host country.
This forum Topic is about using the Retirement option available to those over 50, and with sufficient financial capability to meet the Thai Immigration standards for behavior and supporting yourself with funds sent from outside the Kingdom.
A Visa only gets you here in-country. Visas come is all sorts of flavors. If you're after long-term residency that's another matter already explained very well by the experts above. That seems to be the trickiest bit to get straight for newbies.
Anyway, it's clear to me now, that I will be good on a year-to-year basis, as long as I continue to comply and the government is stable. I looked at every option available to me, and this option was the cream that rose to the top. I know 7 year residents in BKK with families that are switching to this "retirement" option for residency compliance.
If you compare the requirements from the USA, or the UK, for those seeking long-term residency... this is a walk in the park. So stick with it, and we might all become one of the priveleged few to live in a beautiful land with such a wonderful culture and people. I certainly consider it a privilege and keep my humility close at hand when dealing with all the issues necessary to get here and stay here. Mai pen rai.
Here's the new bit from last week for me... I double-checked every fact and detail I have garnered whilst preparing my Multiple Entry application to apply for my 1 year O-A visa before departure from the USA. Then something jumped out at me!
My passport expires in 21 months. Take the time machine with me to April 2009, when I, a happy camper living the good life... visit Thai Immigration in Pattaya for my Retirement Extension... and my passport would not have the necessary 18 months validity to get approved for a 12 month Retirement Extension!
I don't even want to know the hassles and expense that would entail! I saw myself thru time, shuttling off to BKK and the US Embassy… to get a rewewal passport which would not contain all my stamps and departure card... and then explaining all that on the follow-on visit to Thai Immigration.
So, before my application goes off to the Thai Embassy in the US. I go through another 3 to 4 week process getting my US Passport renewed prior to making application for the O-A visa. I’ve got the time.
My Best to everyone seeking Long Term residency,
J Gregory
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Letter from bank with your 800.000 Baht balance OR Letter from your Embassy with your 65,000 Baht a month Income. OR a combination of both.
Thanks. My understanding stays on track with that one. Forgive me for so many questions, but the vocabulary is slippery with all this.
Lopburi summed it up, but what is a "departure card"?
And where does one obtain the TM.7 form?
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JG seems to have it down now except perhaps for "residence" as that is another subject. The way you extend your stay in Thailand for retirement is submit a TM.7, financial papers, passport, departure card, 4x6cm photo and 1,900 baht. Not hard at all.
One last question(hopefully)
"financial papers": Can this be the OR option with only the Seasoned Thai bank account for financial requirment? Is that correct, or is the letter with "Proof of monthly income" also required at the time of applying with the TM.7
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thanks again to Lopburi3 for clearing up the reporting and the Residence permit forms
One more bolt in the box for us newbies.
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You may have it wrong or are explaining it wrong. The multi entry non immigrant O-A visa allows unlimited entry/exit during the period it is valid (one year from issue). Each entry receives a one year permitted to stay stamp (which ends if you exit the country). You seem to say you can use it every 12 month (forever?) - and that is not true. You can only do it the one time (to get the almost one extra year) - and any exit of the country after the visa expires will require a re-entry permit to keep the current one year stay alive. Near the end of the stay you visit Immigration and apply for a one year extension of stay and do that each year.
Firstly, my sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone.
lopburi3 - I was explaining it wrongly, mostly. The relationship for the different visa types has finally snapped into place. The confusion seems to nail most of us newbies, because at first you see loads of info about the Non Immigrant Visa... and later we realize that this Visa comes in different 'flavors'.
Most of the forum posts seem to hit on visa runs every 90 days. So that creates the confusion for newbies when looking at the O-A, which is, as you succintly state in your Posts:
* Non-Immigrant O-A Visa = One Year long stay. Request Multiple entries and one can travel out of the Kingdom as you wish during that One year stay, but you can stay in-country the entire time by reporting to Immigation every 90 days.
As lopburi3 stated: "multi entry non immigrant O-A visa allows unlimited entry/exit during the period it is valid (one year from issue)."
* Non-Immigrant O-A Visa is also colloquially known as, a "Retirement Visa". Also known officially at Thai Embassy as "Residence Permit in the case of Retirement for Person who is 50 years or Over "
* O-A has the "Possibility" to extend for another year if application for "Extension" is done just before the expiration of the first year. If done within the Kingdom, then you must have "proof of income letters" OR a Thai bank account containing at least 800k Baht for a full 90 days prior to the application for "Extension" which is not a second Visa, rather it is an Extension to Stay.
* "Extension of Stay" is not another Visa, it is only an extension granted on an approved O-A visa. Extensions are granted only by Thai Immigration. But the original O-A visa can only be acquired from one's home country.
* Original O-A application from one's home country requires a police clearance certificate, a Medical Certificate, and proof of income determine by either/or... Letters stating monthly income or funds in your home country bank account equivalent to 800k Baht.
* After receiving the stamp in your passport for O-A Multiple entry, you have a long stay permit that is good for up to one year from the "Date of the O-A Stamp in passport" but not one year from your first entry into the Kingdom.
* There is a possibility with a Multiple Entry O-A visa stamp to leave Thailand and get a one year "Extension to stay" without the financial requirements of Letter or Thai Bank account. Thai immigration will grant this extension as you re-enter the country. You should leave just prior to the expiration meaning the original "Date of the O-A Stamp in passport"
I believe the gentleman above you acquired his O-A visa from the Thai Houston Consulate was using an official Thai consulate. If there is only an "honorary consulate" as it was in my case in Denver, then they cannot issue the O-A visa.
I have a question on that... did you make your application by Express mail to the Houston Consulate, or did you visit in person?
* There is advice I've seen about acquiring a retiree's resident permit from inside the Kingdom by application to Thai immigration in BKK. That is another issue outside of what I've written, as I've chosen to take the "home country" route. Seems much easier to me.
As a wrapup, the endgame gives all Retirees on an O-A visa, a somewhat better option than some others, but it still is not a license for permanent residences. Since annual renewal will always be in the process.
Again, many thanks to all of you participating in this thread. Most helpful and much appreciated.
Unbelievably, the first PDF file I had for the visa application did not have the line for multiple entries. I got that months ago from an independent website. So there's another lesson. Get only the official documents from the Thai authoritiy websites.
Thanks guys!
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Plan on converting to a retirement Visa in September.
OA is a retirement visa. You must mean that you plan on getting an extension of stay based on retirement.
To me this does not make sense. If you came now using your visa, you would be permitted to stay until next March. Why would you get an extension of stay when you would still have 7 months remaining on your permission to stay? Your visa will get you 1 year stays on each entry. You only need to come back in on the visa the day before it expires and they will give you a stay of another year. So you can effectively use the visa for two years, with a re-entry permit after the visa expires if you want to travel outside of thailand during the second year. Then you can put the money in the bank or show the pension to get the extension in Thailand.
Thanks so much for finally pointing out the obvious. My confusion over the "Multiple Entry" differences is now clear. The normal non-immigrant is a multiple entry but every leave/entry90 days. The O-A retirement visa is multiple entry every 12 months.
So, if I wait until day 361 of my first year... then fly out to Singapore overnight, then Thai Immigration at Suvarnabhumi will give me a new 1 year stamp when I re-enter on day 362.
Now it makes sense. That is what I inferred from the Embassy website regulations, but without being certain. It sure would be easier if it was just plainly stated.
Thanks again. That clears it up
OA Visa Frustration
in Thai Visas, Residency, and Work Permits
Posted
Go to Sheriff's Department for the county. Typically police never do background checks, they don't have jails any more either. Sherriff is place to go. They do it all. Big counties will have a website explaining criminal history checks.
Other choice is go state level. Most states it's Department of Public Safety or Dept of Law Enforcement. That's the easiest way can be done by mailing application, get from website. Example http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Criminal-History-Records/Obtaining-Criminal-History-Information.aspx