A Comprehensive Guide to Thailand's Non-O Retirement Visa Extension

The Thailand Non-O Retirement Visa is a popular option for retirees who wish to live in Thailand long-term. This visa allows holders to stay in Thailand for up to one year and can be extended for an additional year.

To be eligible for a Non-O Retirement Visa, applicants must meet certain criteria. They must be at least 50 years old, have a passport valid for at least one year, and show proof of financial stability. The financial requirement is a bank account balance of at least 800,000 Thai Baht or a monthly income of at least 65,000 Thai Baht.

It is important to note that the extension process must be completed before the current visa expires. Failure to do so may result in the loss of the visa and possible deportation. The extension process can be completed up to 90 days before the current visa expires.

For a one-year extension, the fee is currently 1,900 Thai Baht.

In addition to the financial requirements, Non-O Retirement Visa holders must also adhere to certain rules and regulations while living in Thailand. They must report to the immigration office every 90 days to confirm their address and must obtain a re-entry permit if they wish to leave the country during their stay. They are also prohibited from working in Thailand.

To extend your Non-O Retirement Visa in Bangkok, you need to go to the Bangkok Immigration Office located at: Government Center Chaengwattana Building.

To apply for a Non-O Retirement Visa in Thailand, you will need the following documents

1. A completed TM7 form.
2. Passport plus photocopies of all relevant pages (main page, plus visa and continuing pages)
3. Copy TM30 confirmation
4. Copy 90 Day report confirmation
5. 2 recent 4x6cm full-face photographs.
6. The year transaction statement detail (order in advance you can get early)
7. The bank LETTER confirming your account status (can only be no older than 7 days).
8. A copy of the bank book 1 year back (update your bank book on the date you apply for the extension so it shows the balance on that date)
9. Proof of your current address in Thailand (Rental Agreement or Utility Bill: ).
10. Map showing the location of the household (hand drawn)
11. 2-3 Forms more you will get there

How to do Re-Entry Permit (Immigration Bangkok)

To obtain a one-year extension of stay and a re-entry permit, you need to follow a two-step process. First, you should apply for a year extension at Section L-1 and have it stamped in your passport. Then, you can purchase a re-entry permit at Section C-2 in Chaengwattana, Bangkok. It's important to note that these are two separate sections.

After obtaining the extension and getting your passport back from Section L-1, make a copy of your passport's data page, the new extension, and your most recent entry stamp to Thailand. Next, complete the TM-8 re-entry application and join the queue at Section C-2.

Re-Entry Permit documents

1. A completed TM-8 form
2. The correct fee (1000 THB Single Re-Entry, 3800 THB Multiple Re-Entry)
3. 1 recent 4x6cm full-face photograph.
4. Passport plus photocopies of all relevant pages (main page, plus visa and continuing pages)

Note that these are general requirements, and additional documents may be required depending on your specific circumstances.