Talk about crazy Thai logic. Coming into the country tonight through DMK.

My retirement visa runs out mid November 2025 as does my multiple re entry permit. But I also have my visa renewed for next year. 

Immigration dude says I need an entry permit for next year's visa to let me in the country. WTF!

I reiterate that I have a current valid re entry permit, he's shaking his head.

Fortunately another officer intervened and had a look. Then he says I'll let you off this time. But repeats that I need a reentry permit for next year's visa.

Could have been a serious problem if I was denied, I would have had to re apply for my retirement visa from scratch.

Ding dong mak. More reason to not go anywhere  

Happy it worked out. 

Sounds like the initial IO got it right to me. You were lucky.

The new Extension replaces the old one so you need a Re-entry Permit for that one.

 

Just to clarify, you have already done your annual extension to Nov. 2026? 

Okay, previous posts clarify it. I would have made the same assumption, but probably checked with agent who does my extension.

Edited October 27, 2025Oct 27 by penboy

5 minutes ago, davidge said:

Sound like the initial IO got it right to me. You were lucky.

The new Extension replaces the old one so you need a Re-entry Permit for that one.

 

Exactly... IO was 100% correct, and therefore you were very lucky to be allowed entry once your Ret Extension is renewed the old extension (and re-entry) is automatically cancelled, so you needed a new re-entry to complement your Ret extension. Mystified why you thought otherwise.

9 minutes ago, penboy said:

Just to clarify, you have already done your annual extension to Nov. 2026? 

Okay, previous posts clarify it. I would have made the same assumption, but probably checked with agent who does my extension.

Yes I have my 2026 extension. I didn't do the re entry as I was sure I needed a single or multiple for net year. Using my logic I have a valid re entry stamp until mid November so I thought it should be fine.

I kind of suspected the re-entry permit was tied to the extension to stay, so I always get a new re-entry permit when I renew my extension. There's probably a few that have been in the same situation as the OP.

5 minutes ago, Sloracer said:

Yes I have my 2026 extension. I didn't do the re entry as I was sure I needed a single or multiple for net year. Using my logic I have a valid re entry stamp until mid November so I thought it should be fine.

I’m sure others would think the same so it’s good you posted so they’ll know the situation.

5 minutes ago, Sloracer said:

Yes I have my 2026 extension. I didn't do the re entry as I was sure I needed a single or multiple for net year. Using my logic I have a valid re entry stamp until mid November so I thought it should be fine.

Can see your logic (although wrong), but this is a good lesson for many people that could make the same mistake.

21 minutes ago, davidge said:

Sound like the initial IO got it right to me. You were lucky.

The new Extension replaces the old one so you need a Re-entry Permit for that one.

 

Yup. Your old visa is null once you have your new one. And the OP didn’t have a re-entry for the current in place visa.

4 hours ago, thainet said:

Can see your logic (although wrong), but this is a good lesson for many people that could make the same mistake.

I'm glad that the second IO agreed with my logic and common sense prevailed.

I may add that the first IO was a guy dressed in civies and the second was a female dressed in official uniform.  I was always told that the females are tougher on us guys, but not so in this case.

So was the 1st immigration officer correct in what they said ?, regardless of whether they were in uniform or not ?

Thanks

 

 

10 minutes ago, jaynewcastle said:

So was the 1st immigration officer correct in what they said ?, regardless of whether they were in uniform or not ?

Thanks

 

 

Yes he was..read all the replies above. 

Trying to wrap my head around the logic of having a re-entry permit after issues a new renewal visa. Why the separate application for it. 

Anyone can help provide an answer or a guess?

16 minutes ago, thainet said:

Yes he was..read all the replies above. 

Thats what I thought, but the OP didn't seem to think so, per the last post before mine. Thanks

Edited October 27, 2025Oct 27 by jaynewcastle

46 minutes ago, jaynewcastle said:

Thats what I thought, but the OP didn't seem to think so, per the last post before mine. Thanks

Answer below to both queries.

51 minutes ago, Joeleg said:

Trying to wrap my head around the logic of having a re-entry permit after issues a new renewal visa. Why the separate application for it. 

Anyone can help provide an answer or a guess?

A retirement extension is issued for one year. Even if you renew earlier than your expiry date, the new expiry is the same.  Example....existing expiry date is 1st October, but you renew on the 1st September, so your actual expiry date for the next year is still 1st October (and of course your old extension is voided). And any re-entry permit you may have had with that old extension, is automatically cancelled, as a re-entry permit (sgl or multiple) must be tied to your current extension..this is the immigration regulations. Which is why most people get a new re-entry at the same time as their new extension. (Remember they are separate applications, both with their own paperwork).

So even though the OP's logic seemed sensible, it was incorrect, and the first IO was correct in his interpretation. The second IO was obviously in a good mood and gave the OP the benefit of making an honest mistake (as the OP mentioned).  

Hope this helps your understanding.

Is it possible to visit the re-entry permit booth at the airport on the way out, or does a retirement visa require the re-entry permit be done at the time of visa application?

5 minutes ago, Phoenix Dave said:

Is it possible to visit the re-entry permit booth at the airport on the way out, or does a retirement visa require the re-entry permit be done at the time of visa application?

I believe that it can be done on the way out and doesn't need to be done at time of extension.

13 minutes ago, Phoenix Dave said:

Is it possible to visit the re-entry permit booth at the airport on the way out, or does a retirement visa require the re-entry permit be done at the time of visa application?

Yes it can be done.. I think there are other threads on this procedure which maybe worth checking out.

18 minutes ago, Phoenix Dave said:

Is it possible to visit the re-entry permit booth at the airport on the way out, or does a retirement visa require the re-entry permit be done at the time of visa application?

You can do it at the airport.

On 27/10/2025 at 20:51, davidge said:

You can do it at the airport.

how long does it usually take at the airport is there usually lots of people waiting at the booth?

Now, Don Muang is notorious and requires higher fee than Suvanabhumi airport.

I do airport Visa run service and D. M airport fee is 1,000 baht more expensive than S. airport. 

I have a UK Passport, but live permanently in Australia, it used to a free Visa on Arrival, how much is it now in Baht?

3 minutes ago, Scottie12345 said:

I have a UK Passport, but live permanently in Australia, it used to a free Visa on Arrival, how much is it now in Baht?

A UK passport will get you visa exempt entry. It is free.

24 minutes ago, penboy said:

A UK passport will get you visa exempt entry. It is free.

Many thanks M8