Thread: Renewing The Non O

I've got a ME good until 31 January next year. What's the 'best' way to apply for an extension or getting a new Non O? I can't remember the legalities involved.

I'll be doing the extension based on Retirement so that means the 800K Baht has to be in the bank by the end of October, right?

Thanks in advance to all you experienced hands!

Originally Posted by Boon Mee

I'll be doing the extension based on Retirement so that means the 800K Baht has to be in the bank by the end of October, right?

Nope, not really necessary if you're a USA citizen.

You can just pop down the Embassy in BKK and get an affidavit certifying your income, you just make a sworn statement, no paperwork is required.
That and a bankbook with 4000 baht in the bank will do it. Renew the visa non imm-OA at you local friendly immigration office.
I renew mine in Ranong now cuz the Phuket crew are tiresome nitpicky little bitches who scrutinize the 90 day reporting bullshit.

You can also get the affidavit at the consulate in CM.

I just renewed mine.
Here is what i needed:
Letter from my Thai bank stating how much money was in it. (800,000 mininum required), my bank book and copies of all the relevant pages.
My passport and copies of all relevant pages from the last 2 years (i only went back 2 years and the immigration officer made me go get another page copied while he waited. I believe he just wanted a break )
Application form (2 sides filled out and signed)
One passport type picture

I think that was all, the whole process took about 20 minutes (would've been 10 except for that break he wanted.)


ps. can apply 30 days before visa expires. (but visa will still be dated for whatever day it started)
Money must be in for 90 days from what I understand. (i think they only really care about the money)
Good luck

Originally Posted by Boon Mee

What's the 'best' way to apply for an extension

Being an adamant supporter of Obama, I'm sure you are a US citizen. Assume this is your first extension for purpose of retirement so better to have couple of extra documents (* items are extras) than you will need for future extensions. The best way is the easiest way IMO. Important note. You need to go to the Immigration office that services your area of residence. If you post here where it is, can tell you where to go.

US Embassy documents:

Verification of income - Go to Embassy and tell them you want verification of income. Fill in the form they give you. Income must be 65,000 baht per month or greater. For example, $2,850. Take filled in form and passport to cashier and pay (believe it's 1,900 baht). A notary will have you swear information on form is correct and stamp the form with US Embassy seal. This is the easiest way rather than going the 800,000 baht in the bank route.

Thai Immigration office documents:

TM7 form (extension of stay) filled in with recent photo.
Verification of income you got from US Embassy.
Copies of your passport - Cover page, current visa page and your entry stamp page.
1,900 baht fee or the extension.
You will receive a 1 year extension of stay.

Possibly needed. Don't give unless asked for. -
*Medical cert. You can get at any clinic near your home. (30 - 50 baht)
*Bank statement from your local Thai bank. Must get on the day you go to immigration. Can be updated bank book or last 3 months print out from your bank.

If you intend to leave Thailand before extension to stay expires be sure to get a reentry permit at the same time you do extension to stay or when you leave Thailand your visa will be stamped expired and you will have to reapply for a new visa outside of Thailand.

Originally Posted by Norton

Originally Posted by Boon Mee

What's the 'best' way to apply for an extension

Assume this is your first extension for purpose of retirement so better to have couple of extra documents (* items are extras) than you will need for future extensions. The best way is the easiest way IMO. Important note. You need to go to the Immigration office that services your area of residence.
US Embassy documents:

Verification of income - Go to Embassy and tell them you want verification of income. Fill in the form they give you. Income must be 65,000 baht per month or greater. For example, $2,850. Take filled in form and passport to cashier and pay (believe it's 1,900 baht). A notary will have you swear information on form is correct and stamp the form with US Embassy seal. This is the easiest way rather than going the 800,000 baht in the bank route.

Note: if your income is NOT 65,000 Baht a month you will need to go the 800K baht route. You will need:
1. A Thai Bank account established in YOUR NAME with the sum of 800K baht deposited in it. For your first visa extesion it will have to have been in that account for at least 2 months prior to your application.

Thai Immigration office documents:

TM7 form (extension of stay) filled in with recent photo.
Verification of income you got from US Embassy.
Note1: this is not really required if you are going the 800K Thai baht route...but it never hurts you to have it...even if the Thai immigration people don't ask for it or want it.
Copies of your passport - Cover page, current visa page and your entry stamp page.
Note2: I know it's not relly needed...but copy ALL your recent entry stamps also. Better to be safe than sorry. Paperwork impresses the immigation people.
1,900 baht fee or the extension.
You will receive a 1 year extension of stay.
Note3: If you are married to a Thai...you may be able to apply for an extension bsed on MARRIAGE...but I'll assume your going for a retirement extension because that's what you asked about. If you can qualify for a MARRIAGE extension the financial requirements are less.
Note4: to apply for a RETIREMENT extension you must be 50 years old or older.

Possibly needed. Don't give unless asked for. -
*Medical cert. You can get at any clinic near your home. (30 - 50 baht)
*Bank statement from your local Thai bank. Must get on the day you go to immigration. Can be updated bank book or last 3 months print out from your bank.
*Some immigration offices may ask for PROOF OF RESIDENCE...where you livei n Thailand. Usually an electric bill or some such similar reciept will suffice as proof.
If you intend to leave Thailand before extension to stay expires be sure to get a reentry permit at the same time you do extension to stay or when you leave Thailand your visa will be stamped expired and you will have to reapply for a new visa outside of Thailand.

Oher points:
1. If you have a multi-entry visa...good for a year as I do...you can wait until you last entry on that multi entry O visa. But DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST DAY to apply for the retirement extension. The immigration CAN say your documents are "insufficient"...whatever that means...and then with your visa running out you're up sh-t creek without a paddle. If the immigration will let you I would apply 30 days before your visa runs out...that gives you enough time to get another document if they want it.
2. You will need to report every 90 days once your retirement extension is granted to the immigration to "verify" your urrent address in Thailand. You can sometimes do this by mail...but they may want you to report in person. They will give you a stamped form that shows when you reported and your next reporting date. Do NOT lose that document, keep it with your passport, and make sure you know when you have to report again.
3. Some immigration offices are real a-sholes about that 800K bank account. For that reason NEVER let that bank account go down below the 800K baht low limit unless it's a real emergency...not even 1 day. I know you legally can...but don't give them a reason to f-ck with you.
4. You will need to renew your retirement extension annualy. The only difference is that the 800K baht will have had to be in the Thai bank account for 3 MONTHS instead of 2 months at the time of application.

Isn't living in Thailand fun?

P.S. Do NOT get caught working on a retirement extension...they COULD pull it and you would again be up that aforementioned creek.

Originally Posted by Boon Mee

Cheers fellas...if I understand it correctly then I don't have to leave the country and apply for another Non O at a Thai Consulate in Malaysia, Laos etc?

BTW, going to the Embassy (I am a US citizen but not a supporter of Obama) has got to be some of the worst pain inflicted on oneself...

it's too easy Boon. make an appointment on line, go to the front of the line for entrance into the Embassy, go to the American Services window and show them your appointment paper. make the payment, fill out the form with monthly/annual income, they certify and notorize your signature on that form and your outta there. It has not taken me more than 30 min any of the 3 previous years I've done this. and by having the income letter, there is no need for 800,000 or 400,000 baht in the bank. Just proof that you have an account ant that there is a balance. There is even an Embassy Outreach reach Program where the Embassy personnel go to certain locations in Thai to offer some services 3 or 4 times a year. PM me and I'll send you the dates and locations for this Embassy Outreach Program info. It save a trip to BKK if you reside elsewhere.