Petty problems with hua hin immigration

[handdrummer]

The whole money thing for a visa is ridiculous. Last Tues. I went in to renew my one yr. retirement visa. When the ossifier calculated my monthly stipend he said he couldn't issue the visa because I was 300bht a month short of the required amount; 65,000 bht. I told him that 2 days ago the $ was .2% higher and it was enough. He went into his routine about the law, etc. I said, I want to speak with your supervisor. He said he'll speak with him. He spoke quietly through his mike/headset and a couple of minutes later said, ok you can have your visa but you're 3 days overdue on your 90 day reporting and have to pay a 1500 bht fine. I said the officer at Bluport said I could report 2 weeks early or 1 week late. This guy said no, must pay fine. Ok, I paid the fine. The next day the $ was again up .2% and I was "legal" again. Maybe the man wanted a bribe. I don't know, I don't play that game. This country has become tiresome.

[Mod comment: post split from outlaw workers thread and made into new topic.]

[T.O.M.]

It is really very simple....Keep some money in a Thai bank account to avoid problems with currency fluctuations.
Since your income clearly is balancing over/under the required amount.
Number 5 is the way to go for you...
Thailand Retirement Visa Requirements
To qualify for a Thailand Retirement Visa you need to meet the following requirements:
1. Already hold a Non-Immigrant Visa;
2. Be 50 years or older;
3. Have proof of income of at least 65,000 baht ($2,200) per month; or
4. Deposit at least 800,000 baht ($27,000) with a bank in Thailand. This balance has to be maintained for at least 3 months at date of application. For the first application, the deposit only needs to be there for 60 days; or
5. A combination of annual income and savings of at least 800,000 baht

[moater]

I said the officer at Bluport said I could report 2 weeks early or 1 week late. This guy said no, must pay fine. Maybe the man wanted a bribe.

Definitely sounds like you bribed him, sort of unknowingly. You can certainly do 90 days reports up to a week later than the date.

Did you get a receipt for your "fine"?

[europtimiste]

The fine for not reporting 90 days is higher than 1500 Bht. Anyway you can report 2 weeks earlier and one week later. Do you have the name of this corrupt civil servant ? Report to Big Joke.

[Big Boy]

I genuinely forgot once - I calculated the fine as 5,000 Baht. I think they took pity on me, and fined me 2,000 Baht. Entirely my fault, but ogres, they were not. All fully receipted as well. I was happy with the treatment. Mind you, I'd have been happier if they'd let me off altogether.

[pitsch]

Handdrummer made a one year extension of the visa. For this you can make it 4 weeks before the date but not one day after it.

[PeteC]

Handdrummer made a one year extension of the visa. For this you can make it 4 weeks before the date but not one day after it.

There is a small loophole that applies to any visa. If your date falls on a weekend or an official government/national holiday, you can come in the first working day after if you forget to go before the date. They'll put a small Thai stamp next to your visa or current entry saying something like "holiday overstay..." Nothing to worry about, it's very small. Pete

[Big Boy]

I thought the fine was for 90 day overstay.

[handdrummer]

I said the officer at Bluport said I could report 2 weeks early or 1 week late. This guy said no, must pay fine. Maybe the man wanted a bribe.

Definitely sounds like you bribed him, sort of unknowingly. You can certainly do 90 days reports up to a week later than the date.

Did you get a receipt for your "fine"?

Yes, I got a receipt.

[handdrummer]

T.O.M. If I had 800,000bht. to leave in a bank for 3 months I would do it. If I had 800,000 bht a yr. I'd be pleased. The only reason I live here is because I can't afford to live in the US; unless I want to live in Hard Times, Mississippi.

[handdrummer]

I thought the fine was for 90 day overstay.

Yes, it was. I asked why the 2 offices had 2 different stories. No reply.

[europtimiste]

The 1500 Bht. were probably a tip for the immigration for giving the visa despite the fact of missing 300 Bht.

[Nereus]

I did mine today. I had the letter from the Bank, but the Bank in Bangkok had not updated the bankbook. They had calculated the interest and added it to the letter, so although there was enough money in the account, the numbers were not the same. Had to go to the local Bangkok Bank and get it updated. Went back and the same officer completed it without any more to do.

I did notice the difference, but by then it was Saturday, and the bank was closed. I guess it was my fault for not checking when I got the letter. I did check the amount on the letter at the Bank and just assumed that they would have updated the book, because the term date had expired and it should have been rolled over.


But it could be classed as "petty".

[T.O.M.]

T.O.M. If I had 800,000bht. to leave in a bank for 3 months I would do it. If I had 800,000 bht a yr. I'd be pleased. The only reason I live here is because I can't afford to live in the US; unless I want to live in Hard Times, Mississippi.

You misunderstood my post.
It is possible to combine savings and income to reach the magic 800.000.
200.000 in a savings account + 600.000 income will make immigration happy.
Take a look here and check with HH immigration.
http://www.thailawonline.com/en/others/ ... ement.html

[RCer]

About the 2 days overdue in the original post. You should have requested to speak with the supervisor again.

I don't like games and don't hesitate to tell someone Thai or otherwise the did something wrong.