Hua Hin legal firm to help with retirement visa process???

[nightowl]

Hi, i hope someone can steer me towards a good advisor.

I have recently settled in Hua Hin for the llong term. I currently hold a non immigrant b visa (multi entry) which expires in July 14. I am a UK resident.

I have decided I want to stay and retire here and wondered if any of the members to point me in the right direction re a local visa company that can help me through the process. I require a multi entry permit along with the retirement visa.

I have approached Siam legal who are good but only have an office in Bangkok. i don't feel confident enough to process my application without an expert advisor.

Thanks for your help.

[clinton114]

I used Siam Legal, while I was still in working in Afghanistan. Upon my arrival in Hua Hin, they actually sent someone down here with the paperwork, to walk me through the process at immigration. I thought the whole thing went fairly smooth.

[nightowl]

Thanks for that - I might suggest them doing the same for me - i don't mind paying travel costs!!!

[blue05]

the actual paperwork for a retirement visa is very easy and as long as you turn up with everything ok it only costs 1900 bt, agencies charge a lot more from pretty much nothing

[lomuamart]

To be honest with you, the process is straightforward and easy. There is really no need for a visa agent and the retirement extension is the easiest of the lot to get.
Many of us go through this process every year and will be more than happy to give you a checklist of documents to take closer to the time. Follow the simple "instructions" and you'll be in and out of Imm within 30 mins (once your turn comes up) with your annual extension and multi re-entry permit.
EDIT - post crossed with above.

[Dannie Boy]

To be honest with you, the process is straightforward and easy. There is really no need for a visa agent and the retirement extension is the easiest of the lot to get.
Many of us go through this process every year and will be more than happy to give you a checklist of documents to take closer to the time. Follow the simple "instructions" and you'll be in and out of Imm within 30 mins (once your turn comes up) with your annual extension and multi re-entry permit.
EDIT - post crossed with above.

The OP has a type B visa (work visa) - can you convert that to a retirement (non-Imm O-A) visa?

[barrys]

The OP has a type B visa (work visa) - can you convert that to a retirement (non-Imm O-A) visa?

Yes you can - I did it a couple of years ago, no problem

[lomuamart]

I think that the conversion would be to an annual extension based on retirement rather than an OA visa, wouldn't it barrys? OA visas should only be available from Embassies in your home country.
Annual extensions can be obtained from any Non Imm visa, whether that is O, OA, B or any other.

[barrys]

I think that the conversion would be to an annual extension based on retirement rather than an OA visa, wouldn't it barrys? OA visas should only be available from Embassies in your home country.
Annual extensions can be obtained from any Non Imm visa, whether that is O, OA, B or any other.

Hi Lomu, I think that's probably the case.
My main point for the OP was that it's no problem going in with your B visa and saying that you want to extend on the basis of retirement.
In and out in 30 minutes.

[nightowl]

Thanks for the advice. Like most things in life once you have done something once it seems simple. To those of us who haven't gone down this road before - it all seems a little daunting, hence my request for an advisor. Could someone clarify documentation requirments for me and where exactly do i get the visa application forms etc...

Thanks again

[Big Boy]

You can download the forms here http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/en ... e=download

[lomuamart]

As far as documentation is concerned:
Yourself
Your passport
Completed application form - "Application for extension of stay....". Form TM7. You can also pick one up from Imm. There are stacks of them put out at the entrance during office hours as well as the download BB gives above.
If you're going down the income route, then a letter from your Embassy confirming that income. Quite what they will want to see varies from Embassy to Embassy. (Min overseas income 65k THB a month).
If going down the savings route, your bank book together with a letter from your bank confirming the balance. The two should not differ in amount. Money, min 800k THB must be in the bank for 3 months prior to application.
A hand drawn map of where you live.
1900THB fee.

Don't think I've missed anything. Have all that together and you'll have your extension normally within 30 mins after being seen.
You can apply for the extension within the last 30 days of your current permitted to stay date.

[moja]

I do not think it has been said but you must be over 50.

[nightowl]

Thankyou so much Lomu - that's really helpful and does seem striaghtfwd. I am going down the savings route and have a bank book etc. I am right in thinking I have to provide evidence of the transfer of funds from the UK? Siam legal suggested I might have to show the money transfer and not just the cash in the bank.

[Nereus]

Thankyou so much Lomu - that's really helpful and does seem striaghtfwd. I am going down the savings route and have a bank book etc. I am right in thinking I have to provide evidence of the transfer of funds from the UK? Siam legal suggested I might have to show the money transfer and not just the cash in the bank.

Unless you have bought the funds in by some other means, your bank book should show the code "FFT", which stands for " foreign funds transfer".

If you go to the immrigration office along the Klong Rd, there is a very helpful lady sitting out the front that will help you with the lot. Why not pay her a couple of hundred baht in place of some rip off lawyer? She will also take the required photos for you.