over 50 visa hua hin

[Nereus]

[rosievictoria]

Thank you Norseman & Nereus for your information.
Nereus we always come in on a Non Immigrant Visa-Category O for 90 days.
This year we want to come for longer than the 90 days.
So its an Over 50's Retirement Visa we are wanting.
Dont want to do Visa runs just want it all cut and dried before we get to Thailand.
But it seems even if we buy two 90 day visas before we leave home somewhere after the first 90 days we have to renew the visa?.

Your help is welcome

rosievictoria

[Nereus]

[lomuamart]

I'd certainly agree with the above. If you want to stay for longer than 90 days, try to get a multi-entry Non Imm O visa. This can last 15 months, but you do have to exit every 90 days.
I note you're from Australia. I've heard your best bet to get a multi entry is in Brisbane. Other Aus Embassies/consulates are supposedly only giving single entry Non O's (which it sounds like you've had in the past).
NB, Other "visa friendly" Embassies in the region (Singapore/KL) are apparantly now asking for proof of 400,000 in any account (can be back in Aus) if you're married to a Thai, or 800,000 in any account (same) if you're looking to retire - to obtain a multi-entry visa. This is a new development and one supposed to ensure that you've got funds to cover yourself for an extended stay here.
I will emphasise that some people are reporting that they got multi-entries as recently ago as 11th Jan 2007. Others are reporting having to show funds in Singapore - never had to before. So, the whole situation is very confused at the moment. It really is always down to the individual emb/consulate and any directives they've recently received from Thailand.
I'd suggest you call the consulate in Brisbane and see what they say. You might also want to explain that you're looking to visit Thailand for an extended period (over 90 days) with a view to retiring here. You want to see how the country suits you over a period of time first.
I'm sure you can post your passport to Brisbane (assuming you don't live there) totally legally - it's not crossing an international border.
Good luck and do post back again and let us know how you get on as it's up-to-date info for other board members.
PS - don't think there's any such thing as a 2 entry Non O. It's single or multi-entry. If single, you can extend for 30 days at any imm centre in Thailand for THB1,900 or apply for a year's extension here on the basis of retirement as long as you meet the age and financial requirements.
_________________
"I spent a lot of my money on booze, birds and fast cars - the rest I just squandered". George Best.

[lomuamart]

Think I misunderstood your saying 2x90 day visas. Thought you meant a double entry.
_________________
"I spent a lot of my money on booze, birds and fast cars - the rest I just squandered". George Best.

[rosievictoria]

Nereus
Confusion Confusion
I thought if you had an Over 50 Retirement Visa for 1 year that was it.
After the year or any time during the year you just packed up or re-applied.for a new one.
We get very nervous thinking of having to do a visa run.
If we have a "O" visa valid for a year why cant we go every 90 days to Hua Hin to have it checked?

Many thanks
rosievictoria

[rosievictoria]

Iomuamart
I have just checked our passports and for the last seven years we have been on a Non Immigrant Visa-Category "O"(Good for one Journey).
Over the last few years have just spoken over the phone to the Thai consulate and what we gathered was that we should go on our 90 day visa and hope to get it extended when we got to Bangkok.
As this was difficult as we had to book a return date to come back and also
the condo where we stay so we just accepted the 90 day visa.
Now it gets harder to leave so we just want to extend our 90 days.

So we are going to get an appointent with the visa department in Melbourne at the Royal Thai Consulate and just lay our cards on the table,its true we love the place and will one day end up there permanently but now we just want to stay for 4 months.

When we have had the visit which could be a few weeks I will let you know exactly what the whole procedure was. This might be useful for someone else.
Of course if we have no luck I will phone Brisbane and see what they have to say.
We can meet the age and financial requirements so its just up to the Consulate now.

If nothing works out I will come back to find out about the "Visa Run"

Many thanks

rosievictoria

[lomuamart]

Think you can apply for a year's retirement visa in your home country. You'll have to satisfy the Emb/con of your financial status, as already discussed. When here, you'll only have to report to imm every 90 days. At the end of the year, it's the same process, but here in Thailand, with proof of income/savings again. Others will be able to advise you better about getting the year's retirement in Oz than me. I'm really not sure.
Think what Nereus was getting at is that previously you didn't have to show any income/savings to get a non O multi-entry, so proof of funds and the "hassle" that goes with it, wasn't necessary. However, you do have to exit every 90 days. If, as is getting reported now, certain previously friendly places are asking for the same income proof anyway, there's no advantage, particualrly with yourselves as you don't want to do the runs.
If you can't get the year "up front" in Oz, then just get a single entry Non O and apply for the year's extension in HH. Just make sure you've got all your financial details with you.
_________________
"I spent a lot of my money on booze, birds and fast cars - the rest I just squandered". George Best.

[lomuamart]

Whichever way it cuts for you, I really don't think you'll have a problem. Scenarios:
1. Melbourne say single entry (90 days) only. Fine, take it and then decide whether you want to apply for a year's extension in HH (with financial data), or extend for 30 days in HH for 1,900 baht. Either way, you've got your 4 months.
2. Melbourne might well grant you a year's retirement visa there and then, however when you're only here for 4 months, that dosn't seem the best option.
3. Try Brisbane.

Whichever way, given your circumstances and that fact that you only want to be here for 4 months, I'm sure you'll find a way to do so without having to exit Thailand.
_________________
"I spent a lot of my money on booze, birds and fast cars - the rest I just squandered". George Best.

[rosievictoria]

Thanks Iomuamart

rosievictoria

[Nereus]

[lomuamart]

Rosie,
Nereus has made a valid point about your intentions with a visa. Every country is a bit suspicious after the event if you have not carried out the intention that was meant by the visa.
Sure you can change your mind, but don't do it too often. I can't emphasise enough that I really don't think you'll have any trouble. You are of the age and with the income that Thailand wants to attract.
I assure you, you're in a much easier position than me. I'm only married to a Thai and have only lived here for nearly 9 years. However, I'm not 50 yet and don't have that lump sum in the bank. I do however have income from abroad and will therefore apply for my year's extension, prior to September this year, on that basis.
From everything I've learnt here, once you're over 50, life's a rollercoaster. Enjoy and if you're in HH and need to to that awful visa run, I assure you that there are very easy ways to do it - namely through The Andaman Club in Ranong/Burma. 5 star treatment all the way through.
_________________
"I spent a lot of my money on booze, birds and fast cars - the rest I just squandered". George Best.

[rosievictoria]

Hi Nereus & Iomuamart
I thank you both for your valuable information.
As I said before I will let you know what happens after I have been to see
the Royal Thai Consulate in Melbourne.

Have a Good Day
rosievictoria

[Onlyme]

Firstly, you're advised by the Immigration to get a 3 month non imm o if you require a retirement visa (why waste money on a 1 year) was their reply.
Secondly, If you aquire a retirement visa and leave the country with the correct documentation ( Exit visa/visas.) As long as you come back to the country before the original visa/extension expires. You shouldn't have any problems!
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[Jockey]