Immigration warns visa runs are DIY

PHUKET: The Phuket Provincial Immigration Office (PPIO) warned today that foreigners needing their visas renewed must complete the process themselves. Many non-Thais in Phuket have to leave the country every three months on so-called “visa runs” in order to obtain fresh visas and/or entry permits at Thai embassies and/or consulates. Assigning another person to perform the task is considered illegal under the Immigration Act, B.E. 2522. The PPIO spokesman also reiterated that a person wishing to apply for a one-year extension on a retirement visa must meet requirements as follows: The person must be at least 50 years old. The person must show a deposit of at least 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account or a monthly income of at least 65,000 baht, or an “acceptable” combination of both. Where a bank statement is provided, a letter of guarantee from the bank (an original – not a copy) must also be presented.