My Retirement Extension came up for renewal last month,and I trotted of to GL country (adopted Oops5) armed with documents and My Better Half. It's true to say that the walks to the copy shop opposite KCI may have helped my figure, but that apart, the visit was smooth. Thanks to our experts on SF, I was not surprised to be told to report back later this month having received only an "under consideration " stamp, and to expect a home visit from them before then.
A week or so ago, MBH received a phone call to say the visit would be done in an hour's time. Fortunately, we were both at home. The correct home. And a call was made to the Puyai Baan and his assistant who were happy to come along to meet the IOs (in lieu of finding two other neighbours who might vouch for me.)
On the hour, three officers arrived, together with several smartphones, a laptop, and a printer. There were plenty of questions answered by MBH, cups of coffee drunk, laughter and a quite relaxed atmosphere. Once photos had been taken of myself, MBH, Puyai Baan and assistant inside and outside the house, we chatted a while, during which the senior IO said he/they perform between 5 and 15 of these visits a day now, (not all at Farang homes, but at all other nationalities' too - except Thais, obviously.)
All the required info recorded by them was fired off down the line to Korat, and I was told that they'd see us later in the month. I ventured to say that I hoped it would provide the required extension, and was told that it was already sorted out, or the Thai equivalent. All in all, it was an hour or so spent on securing a further 12 months here in Thailand - the place I want to be, and not the place I simply tolerate. The IOs were friendly and seemed genuinely happy to be here, so I have no complaints.
Yes, it's something I wouldn't have to do if I'd chosen to live in France instead of Thailand, but I prefer Thailand, and am happy enough to comply with the rules here because of that.