Getting an extension to a visa is paramount to being able to stay in Thailand long term.  For those who are not employed, not married to a Thai national, or do not qualify for a retirement extension, but have Thai children, one option was the extension based on support of a Thai child.

However, since Oct 1st 2006 the rules regarding this type of extension were radically changed. 

Before it was possible to obtain a yearly extension based on the fact that you were supporting your Thai child .  This was particularly useful for those who were not married to a Thai , or not over 50yrs old (to qualify for retirement extension ).

As of Oct 1st 2006 this option is no longer available.

It has been replaced as such by rule 7.17/5   This rule stipulates that a person over 50yrs of age can apply for an extension based on a Thai child supporting their parent, with no financial requirement as in other extension types.

Whilst this is bad news for those under 50yrs old, it is also good news for those over 50yrs old with a Thai child, that for some reason or other are unable to meet the financial requirements of the retirement visa , or can meet the requirements, but would rather not transfer their money into Thailand.

The downside is of course, that those under 50yrs old that are unmarried have less options now.

Immigration have been quoted as explaining that this new rule is to prevent foreigners from having children in order to stay in Thailand.

Allowing those over 50yrs old to obtain an extension based on the Thai child supporting them is in keeping with the Thai way, where the child supports the parents in their older years.

To apply for an extension using rule 7.17/5 , you will need the following documents.

• Application form
• Copy of the proof of relationship (Birth Certificate, or other papers issued by official organizations or government agencies
• Letter from the district office confirming you are the parent.
• Government fee of bt1900

It is also advisable to have the mother and child accompany you to immigration in case more information from them is needed.

Please note – If you have an extension based on supporting a Thai child that was issued before Oct 1st 2006, then the old rules still apply and will be covered under the grandfather clause.

(a grandfather clause is an exception which allows something pre-existing to remain as it is, despite a change to the contrary in the rules applied to newer situations.)

 

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Link to English translation of Police Order 606/2006 (pdf)

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