Retirement Visa

[doogle]

Thanks. In the UK to get an 'O-A' visa to go down the savings route you either have to have the equivalent of 800,000 baht in a UK bank account or 800,000 in a Thai bank account in your sole name.

All I have to do for my wife's 'O' visa in the UK is to show the Embassy our marriage certificate. Apart from 3 copies of her application form and 3 photos that is all that is required.

As she is piggy backing off my 'O-A' visa I am told she will get the same 1 year period as me on entry into Thailand.

This is where it seems to fall apart as you say this is not the case.

It seems we must go down the 'O' route in the UK and both extend in Thailand and accept we will have to have our marriage certificate certified in Bangkok.

If we get multiple 'O' visas in the UK will these be valid for the length of our extension in Thailand?

[lomuamart]

Ah, it sounds like your wife would automatically get a multi entry O to accompany your OA. That's valid for a year and it would make sense so both partners can apply for their extensions at the same time with the minimum amount of fuss.
However, I'm pretty sure your wife will have to exit the country every 90 days. I can't see a way around that but it's worth clarifying with the Thai embassy. And you'll have to wait almost a year before you can extend. Still, this would cover you both with just the inconvenience of some travel occasionally.
The validity of the visa is immaterial once you've entered and got your extension. It's always the "permitted to stay" stamp you have that matters. Ie, my visa ran out 6 years ago but I continue extending off it every year.
Sorry if I misled you before. It's only if your wife gets a single entry O that you'll have real timing problems. If you get an OA and she gets a multu entry O that lasts her a year, you'll be fine with that. No extension timing issues.

[doogle]

Thanks for you help. I have sent an email to the Embassy in London go clarification so let's wait an see what they say. Usually respond pretty quickly but as it is bank holiday in the UK today may not here from them for a few days. Will update on here once I have a response.

[doogle]

Just got a news email from Thai Visa forum. Although covers Chiang Mai immigration and does not address my issue directly thought it worth sharing as clarifies the latest position on accompanying spouse extension:

"The dependents of those entering the country on a non-OA (retirement) or non-IA (missionary) visa are now able to get their one year dependent extension in Chiang Mai in one day. The extension will extend to expire on the same day as the visa of their spouse. However, they must show proof of the relationship, such as a marriage certificate."

[Khundon1975]

Just got a news email from Thai Visa forum. Although covers Chiang Mai immigration and does not address my issue directly thought it worth sharing as clarifies the latest position on accompanying spouse extension:

"The dependents of those entering the country on a non-OA (retirement) or non-IA (missionary) visa are now able to get their one year dependent extension in Chiang Mai in one day. The extension will extend to expire on the same day as the visa of their spouse. However, they must show proof of the relationship, such as a marriage certificate."

doogle

I would take all their announcements with a large pinch of salt, until it is actually written into law.

There was so many grey areas in that PR exercise in Chiang Mai and all of the reported changes have to be financed and that comes from BKK.

I hope this new regime will be different, but history shows us, the Thais very often write cheques that their asses can't cash.