Visa for brother

[armycw4ret]

How much and what proof of funds needs to be shown for the extension of a 30 day tourist visa. Understand the extension has to be with at least 21 days left on the 30 day tourist visa.

[lomuamart]

I assume you're talking about an annual extension rather than just a 7 day one.
First off, you're not technically extending the 30 day visa exempt stamp. Initially, you convert the 30 day stamp to a single-entry Non Immigrant O visa. The Non Imm visa is what you'll extend off annually.
As you've said, apply for the conversion/upgrade 21 days before the 30 days is due to expire. Requirements will be over 50 for retirement or married to a Thai for marriage. Finances are either minimum monthly income of 65K THB as evidenced by a letter from your Embassy or minimum 800K THB in a Thai bank account (and it mustn't have fallen below that figure for 3 months before applying - it really should only be two months for first extension but reports from other members have stated that local HH Imm want to see three), evidenced by the bank passbook and letter from bank confirming the amount (they must be the same figures), or a combination of income and savings as long as the total is 800K THB minimum. That's about it except for the relevant form, photocopies of relevant passport pages, proof of where you live and passport photos. Think I incorrectly stated before that the fee is 1,000THB. Believe now that it may be 2,000THB.
The Non Imm visa will give a further 90 days permitted to stay. Within the last 30 days go back to Imm and apply for an annual extension. It'll be the same process as described above. Cost 1,900THB.
Report to Imm every 90 days thereafter.
As a word of caution, I'd be inclined to visit Imm first and just ask what they want to see for the conversion/upgrade. I think I've got it covered, but it's best to check.

[lomuamart]

Forgot to mention that the figures for marriage extension are 400K THB savings or 40K THB monthly income. There is no combination method available for marriage extensions.

[Big Boy]

minimum 800K THB in a Thai bank account (and it mustn't have fallen below that figure for 3 months before applying - it really should only be two months for first extension but reports from other members have stated that local HH Imm want to see three), evidenced by the bank passbook and letter from bank confirming the amount (they must be the same figures)

I queried this a couple of weeks ago, and you assured me that it was definitely only 2 months. If it's 3 months, I'm going to be 2 days short when it comes to extension time. Suggestions please.

[lomuamart]

It should be 2 months. I'm only going from what other members have said Imm have wanted to see.

[Big Boy]

OK, I obviously need to take a trip up to immigration to find out what is really happening. If this information is correct, I seem to be stuffed - what are my options?

- can I use a different immigration office?

- will I need to obtain another non-immigrant O visa?

- does the extension have to be off a non-immigrant O?

- I could try the British Embassy, and obtain the letter based on my pension, but I believe they need to see pay statements, bank statements etc showing 3 months income - I don't get a pay statement until the end of the year, and I'll have only been drawing my pension for 2 months.

[advocate]

Big Boy.

I think the rule is that you must use your local immigration office.
I think they require your extension must be from a non immigrant O visa, but I'm not 100% certain. Your current non immigrant O visa should be fine.

Your embassy may be willing to issue the proof of income letter based on your previous years tax return. Mine does. If not, PM me, as there are ways around the income requirements.

[moja]

We only needed 2 months seasoning when we did ours 8 months ago however it is perhaps best to go and make sure. I am sure there are ways around being just 2 days short if they insist on 3 months!

[lomuamart]

Strictly speaking, you have to use HH Imm and the extension has to be off a Non O. I tend to agree with other posters who reckon there could be a way around the seasoning requirement if you're just a couple of days short. Print out the excerpt from the current Police Order that Roel has shown on the previous page. That's categorical about the two months in the first year. However, if I remember correctly, the other member said that Imm had shown him a Thai version that they claimed didn't contain this point.
It's a crazy situation because the two months in the first year is specifically meant for people like yourself. Coming over here on a single entry Non O and getting 90 days dosn't help you season the money for 3 months in the first year unless you've already got money in the bank. It's catch 22.
You mention the Embassy letter. Do you have any document that states your monthly pension figure? If you have, then that might suffice for them. The 3 months bank statements are only one way of proving income. For instance, I submit the tenancy agreement for my property showing the monthly rent and that's fine. If you have to go down that route, email the consulate first to check that they'll accept what you have - ConsularEnquiriesBangkok@fco.gov.uk They're normally good with replies, like the next working day.
Good luck. Unfortunately, the whole visa/extension process is changeable over here. What may be good for one office isn't for another and indeed different interpretations of the same rules can vary from officer to officer in the same office.

[Big Boy]

Do you have any document that states your monthly pension figure?

Yes, it's in a packing case with all of my other personal effects that I wouldn't need immediately - en-route to Thailand, due to arrive about 15 Jul 12

My first step will be to visit immigration tomorrow to see what they say. If it's bad news, I will contact my pension company, and get them to send me something immediately - I've been told they're very good.

Another option is a quick air trip out of the country to obtain a 30 days on arrival exemption. I could then extend on the basis that you've advised armycw4ret on this page.

[PeteC]

IMO BB, as long as your wife's house paper is still at the place up in Issan, you can use that address and the immigration office that handles that location. Of course no guarantees their policies will be any different than HH. Pete

[Nereus]

I doubt that you will have a problem, especially as you are going to ask first.
The "way around it" offered to me last year when I was 2 days short, involved a 7 followed by a string of zeros!
I did not take them up on it, which just goes to prove that you should not wait until the last day to apply for any extension.

[Big Boy]

I visited Hua Hin Immigration earlier today. I can confirm the time that money has to sit in your account prior to obtaining your retirement extension at Hua Hin Immigration is definitely 3 months.

My personal situation has been resolved.

[richard]

I doubt that you will have a problem, especially as you are going to ask first.
The "way around it" offered to me last year when I was 2 days short, involved a 7 followed by a string of zeros!
I did not take them up on it, which just goes to prove that you should not wait until the last day to apply for any extension.

I've heard from a friend 6 with three zeros solves all problems

[radical roger]

Hi, I am applying for my Non Imm O visa tomorrow. For the next 2 years I plan to be in Thailand and living off some of the proceeds of next month's house sale here in UK. Now that I have stopped work, this is to be sole source of funds until modest private pension starts at 60 years.
Lady at Hull told me they will consider ( but not for sure ) my application if I show £15,000 in UK bank statement - not needing it to be there for any specified time. Had a run round today emptying 'piggy banks'. Hope this will be a success as an alternative to the previously posted £900+ @ month income. Any one else do this?

I will also transfer the 800,000 bht as soon as I can get to my Thai bank on arrival and do the 'retirement' thing. I have gone for the multiple entry in view of the possible extended 'seasoning' time. I was advised there was no chance of using a Tourist visa to extend for 'retirement'.

PS I gave myself that silly 'name' a few years ago when I first started reading this addictive mix of helpful advice, humour, drama and acquired wisdom. I have really enjoyed keeping up with the Hua Hin ( and way beyond) goings-on. I am not a radical in any political sense. Far from it. Roger