Updated Information about 10 Year Thai Visa for Senior Tourists

The Thai government has approved the extension of long-stay visas for senior tourists from one year to ten years. The new visa will cost 10,000 Baht. The Ministry of Public Health reported to the Cabinet on 22 November 2016 that the number of foreign senior citizens seeking to stay in Thailand for a long period is on the rise. As Thailand aims to develop itself as a Medical and Wellness Tourism Center, the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports in their joint meeting agreed to create a new long-stay visa of 10 years. The extension will be offered for tourists from 14 countries, namely Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Finland, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Extension of the Duration of Stay for Non-Immigrant Visa (Long Stay Visa)

The criteria are as following:

1.1 The age of applicants must be at least 50 years of age and are required to apply for the O-A visa at the Thai Consulate in their respected countries, or if a tourist travelling with a different visa wishes to change their visa type to O-A they are able to but they will be issued a multiple entry O-A visa for a duration of 5 years and are able to apply for another 5 year renewal of the O-A visa.

1.2 The fee for the O-A visa is 10,000 THB

1.3 The applicant must submit their bank statement with a minimum balance of 3 million THB or evidence of a minimum monthly income of 100,000 THB. When renewing the O-A visa, the applicant must again submit their bank statement with the balance no less than the previous submission for the visa, and also evidence of a minimum monthly income of 100,000 THB. Though within the first year of the 5 year period, the applicant must maintain the balance of 3 million THB or minimum monthly income of 100,000 THB, after which the applicant must not withdraw more than 50% of that sum. The applicant must also submit their withdraw statements for payments in Thailand.

1.4 The applicant must submit their Medical Insurance with 1 year validity and covering the following amount; inpatient, minimum of 10,000 USD, outpatient minimum of 1,000 USD per year.

1.5 Report to the Immigration Bureau once every 90 days.

1.6 Applicants are able to bring over their spouse and children, in the case of the spouse being at least 50 years of age, they are also able to apply for an O-A visa and also have to submit their bank statement. If the spouse is less than 50 years of age then they will receive an O visa, for children under the age of 21, are able to accompany their family to Thailand for education and will receive a non-immigrant visa type (ED). They are able to purchase vehicles, condominiums in Thailand (with reference to the Condominium Act of 1981) with the cash being transferred from their native bank to the Thai bank account. Also, the Thai bank must issue a letter certifying the said transfer.

PLEASE NOTE: A 1 year O-A visa is still available for those who do not meet the criteria for 10 year O-A visas.

COMMENT UPDATE on 15 December 2017: The new retirement visa is an initiative between the Ministries of Public Health & Tourism. It has been passed by the Cabinet & is now with the Ministry of Interior. There are no confirmed details yet about what it will include. It will take at least three more months to finish. The above information was sent to me by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Some details may change. I will update this page if I hear of any changes.

Source: Foreign Office, The Government Public Relations and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports

87 thoughts on “Updated Information about 10 Year Thai Visa for Senior Tourists

  • September 15, 2018 at 8:07 pm
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    Will my obtaining an O-A retirement visa also cover my Filipino wife who is 38? Or does she have to qualify in own right?

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    • September 16, 2018 at 12:42 am
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      It should as the spouse of a retiree qualifies for a long stay extension to correspond to the permission to stay for the retiree – no financial requirement and no age requirement. But the spouse must have entered into Thailand on an Non-Immigrant Visa (usually category “O”). You will need the marriage license to prove the spousal relationship.

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  • September 4, 2018 at 7:48 am
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    The O-A Visa can only be obtained in your home country or country of residence from a Thai Embassy or Consulate. It can be obtained by mail – see the website for the particular Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply. Likewise, with the O-X Visa which was the issue for the start of this topic. There are no limits on how many such visas can be issued.

    You can obtain a Non-Immigrant O Visa from Thai Embassies and Consulates outside of Thailand. If the purpose is for retirement, you may be required to show evidence of having the necessary funds to qualify for an extension of stay, but they do not necessarily have to be in a Thai bank. Upon entering Thailand, you receive a 90 permission to stay – after 60 days have elapsed, you can go to Thai Immigration and apply for a one year extension for your permission to stay – at this point you will need to have at least 800,000 baht on deposit in a Thai Bank for 60 days (initial application, subsequent one year renewals requires the funds be on deposit 90 days before application) OR you can obtain a letter from your Embassy stating your monthly income – if it is equivalent to 65,000 baht, that is all you need – if it is less than 65,000 baht you will need to have sufficient funds on deposit in a Thai bank that when added to the yearly income (month income x 12 months) is equivalent to 800,000 baht – in using this combination method, most Thai Immigration Offices will require the amount in the bank be on deposit for the 60 (initial) or 90 (renewal) days.

    The only quotas for foreigners staying in Thailand relates to those that wish to apply for Thai Residency – the application period is usually open for one month (December) and there is a specific quota by nationality – qualification requirements are published with the call for applications – and you must have been living continuously (unbroken permission of stay) for a specified period. It is a cumbersome process which includes a demonstration that you can speak Thai (not necessarily fluent, but more than most of us living here are capable of). There is a fee for filing the application and a much higher one if Residency is granted which is for 3 years. Thai Residency is usually obtained by those that plan to apply for Thai Citizenship.

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  • September 3, 2018 at 9:12 pm
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    I have never heard about a quota for the OA visa. If you have the proper documents, you will get the visa the same day you apply for it. The waiting time is one or two hours. Perhaps more.

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  • September 3, 2018 at 12:13 pm
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    Is there any quota for Visa-OA each year? How long do I need to wait the result after application?

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  • August 9, 2018 at 1:30 am
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    Hi, Can anyone explain me why Belgium is not in the list ?

    Thanks

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  • January 21, 2018 at 11:34 am
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    Dear Posters & Webside Team.
    – The 10 years thai visa make sense if people under the age of 50 can get it. That would be a meaningful improvement to the retirement visa, that you get if you are 50 or older.

    – QUESTION, could this “age of 50 point” be changed someday? like change it to 40 or 30.

    – other ways. 1. to invest 10 milion baht (1 apartment or on a thai bank account).
    2. Elite Visa. pay 500 000 baht in 5 years (100 000 b. /year), which is always renewable.
    3. ED Visa (school visa), which is renewable for several years. Have a good time.

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  • December 2, 2017 at 3:46 am
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    Hi Richard- I’m new to this entire process. I’m retiring summer of 2018 and am trying to get a handle on the retirement visa. I’m not necessarily interested in the 10 year visa- just a retirement. My big question which is driving me nuts is how do I apply for my visa in the US without having baht in a Thai Bank yet? Or do I open the account in the US? There is a branch of Bangkok Bank in NYC. I’m sure I’m missing something but I just can’t figure out how to do this the correct way. Any advice would be appreciated.
    Thanks very much!!

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    • December 2, 2017 at 7:30 am
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      Karen, you can apply for a Non-Immigrant “O-A” Visa from the Thai Embassy in DC or the Consulates in New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles – go to their websites and you should find the documents they require and fees in their Consular Services – it is usually referred to as a “long stay” visa rather than “retirement” visa although that is its purpose.

      They do not require the funds be in a Thai bank and will accept documentation that you have the US$ equivalent in a US bank. They will also require a medical certificate (most have a downloadable certificate to be completed by the doctor – it primarily certifies that you do not have certain specified contagious diseases) and a police report showing no criminal record.

      The visa when issued will be valid for entry for one year (it will have an “Enter by” date on the visa) and it allows for multiple entries (it will have an “M” designation for number of trips). Upon first entering Thailand, you will receive a one year permission to stay stamp. Each time you leave during the “validity” period of the Visa, you will receive upon return another one year permission to stay SO LONG as you re-enter before the “Enter by” date shown on the Visa – thus, if you leave and return just before the expiration date, you will receive another full year of stay before you need to visit Thai Immigration to apply for a one year extension of stay based on retirement.

      Once the Visa is expired and you wish to leave and return, you will need a Re-Entry permit to keep the latest permission to stay in effect.

      There are other methods for obtaining getting a one year stay based on retirement that do not require the medical certificate or police report, but do require money be in a Thai bank or if using “income” to qualify, a letter from your country’s embassy here in Thailand.

      You may find this and other useful information such as the 90 day address reporting to Immigration on the website of the Pattaya City Expats Club website – http://www.pcec.club – or you can contact them if you need further information or clarification by email to [email protected].

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      • December 2, 2017 at 7:58 am
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        Thanks very much!! I really appreciate the quick response!
        Karen

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  • November 15, 2017 at 9:37 am
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    Yup. A useless “investment” in a Thai Bank account is repulsive to me. Don’t mind assuring them I have enough income, no problem. How about a Thai bitcoin account? Now we are talking…..!! But you know they won’t agree with this because ….it’s not a bank! The health insurance requirement just doesn’t make sense……why if you can prove you have enough income do you need to prove you can afford health insurance? Why? Or do they really think that forcing all these visa holders to buy Thai health insurance will somehow revitalize the insurance market???? The original requirements for a 1 year Retirement Visa made sense. Prove you can support yourself and we are happy to have you stay in our country. It appears that the Thai Banks and Thai Insurance companies have influenced this new initiative for their own gain.

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  • November 3, 2017 at 6:34 pm
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    The so-called 10 year visa is not an attractive option. Here is why:

    # 1. It is not a 10 year visa; it is a 5 year visa which may be extended by another five years. No guarantee.

    # 2. You must place 3 million TB in a Thai bank and you are not allowed to touch this money for the duration.

    # 3. It seems you must go to immigration every year to confirm that the full amount is still there.

    # 4 . You must have an expensive musical insurance.

    # 5. You still have to do the 90 days report

    # 6. You are not allowed to work – not even part time for a minimum salary

    I fail to see how this option is more attractive than the current one year visa for retirement.

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    • November 3, 2017 at 6:36 pm
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      Medical insurance

      Not

      Musical insurance

      Sorry for the misprint!

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    • November 3, 2017 at 7:53 pm
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      Do you actually need to play a musical instrument though to get the insurance ?

      Reply
      • November 3, 2017 at 8:21 pm
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        Ha ha ha

        Ad they say in Thailand:

        555

        Reply
      • November 3, 2017 at 8:21 pm
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        Ha ha ha

        As they say in Thailand:

        555

        Reply
    • November 4, 2017 at 10:18 am
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      Agree fully with your comments. But, I think Item #2 is not completely correct. It is my understanding the 3 million baht is only for the first year – from then on, it is 1.5 million baht. Of course that does not change your conclusion with which I fully agree. Even if using annual “income” of 1.2 million baht, you still must have 1.8 million on deposit and bring that up to 3 million baht by the end of the first year.

      Since it doesn’t negate the annual visit to Immigration or the 90 day reporting, the only benefit that I see is not having to get Re-Entry Permits as the O-X Visa is multiple entry, but it appears that unlike the O-A multiple entry that gives you another year permitted stay upon each re-entry (so long as the Visa is still valid which is one year from issuance), when you re-enter Thailand your permitted stay will most likely be until the end of the first 5 year period rather than another 5 year period since you have to renew it after the first 5 year period ends.

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  • October 14, 2017 at 11:22 pm
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    any idea if 401K can be used as “bank account” ? Many of us in US don’t have $100,000 in bank but more than enough in 401k.

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    • October 15, 2017 at 6:57 pm
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      The Thai Embassy to USA has posted information on applying for the Non Immigrant O-X Visa (the so called 10 year visa) – it states funds must be in a Thai bank – it also has a link to Thai insurance companies offering health policies that qualify. Of special interest is the requirement to go to Immigration on an annual basis with documents to show you still qualify (minimum amount held in Thai bank and health insurance coverage). So, getting the O-X Visa, at least to me, offers no real advantages but more negatives than O-A Visa or continuing to do annual extensions of stay in Thailand because of the very high financial accounts, requirement to keep a minimum of 1.5 million baht continuously on deposit, and obtaining health insurance, which for older expats may not be worth much as they exclude pre-existing conditions. The O-X information is at: http://thaiembdc.org/non-immigrant-visa-category-o-x-long-stay/

      Reply
  • August 10, 2017 at 2:48 pm
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    Can an Aussie still get the pension when they shift to Thailand…..ive heard conflicting reports

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    • August 10, 2017 at 8:47 pm
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      Currently if you live in Australia and are single you can receive an aged pension, it will be $888.30 per fortnight. That is if you don’t have more then $450,000.00 in super or investments. If you move to anywhere in the world after 6 weeks your pension will be reduced to Approx $835.00 after 6 weeks. Provided your income or assets do not exceed the threshold you can go anywhere in the world to live and receive the above payments from Aussie Govt each 4 weeks. The same benefits will stop after 4/6 weeks if you are on the disability support pension (DSP).

      Reply
  • July 14, 2017 at 10:36 am
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    Torben Retboll…Thank you very much for your up to date presently accurate very truthful and long term correct information, I wonder about next year…I rest my case. ???

    Reply
  • July 14, 2017 at 7:26 am
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    It is still not clear, some recent information requires that the application for this 10 years visa begins in your home country. Does this imply or require that the Bt3 million or = to Aus $115,000 funds required be in a bank deposit in Australia.

    Presently if you apply for a retirement visa (1 year) in Australia the Bt 800,000 (approx Aus $33,000) must be in a bank deposit a/c in Australia or a bank managed retirement fund a/c in Australia or a Aus Govt. approved secure supper fund. This information was provided from Thai Embassy in Canberra in Australia to me by phone. The lady added we really just need proof that you can look after yourself in Thailand…and “we would love to have you” said in a very friendly way.

    So “will the devil be in the detail again” is there a way to keep your money in your bank or retirement fund in your home country and still get the 5 +5 = 10 year retirement visa…I wonder, anything can happen in Thailand???

    Reply
    • July 14, 2017 at 8:20 am
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      The money must be deposited in a Thai bank. You do not wish to deposit so much money in one bank.

      At the moment Thauland’s deposit protection agency (DPA) covers an amount of 15 million TB. From August 18 to August 19 the amount will drop to 10 million. From August 19 to August 20 the amount will drop to 5 million. From August 20 and onwards the amount will drop to 1 million.

      At least this is the official and current plan.

      If you place 3 million in a bank to get the new visa, you are not allowed to touch this money for 10 years. If you do, they might say that you have violated the terms and conditions.

      The current one year visa for retirement is easier and simpler.

      Reply
    • July 14, 2017 at 9:24 am
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      Well, I was just at immigration and I confirmed that you can also qualify by showing them an affidavit from your embassy in Bangkok that you have a yearly income of 1,250,000 baht (approx figure) I’m Canadian so that works out to about 50k.
      This visa is for attracting and keeping the “premium” retirees in their estimation at least. I was also told it’s available in August and possibly you can convert your OA into this new one for a fee. She wasn’t sure about that though. More will be reveal later I suppose.

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  • July 13, 2017 at 8:01 pm
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    The so-called 10 year visa is mentioned in the Bangkok Post today (13 July 2017). It is not a 10 year visa. It us a 5 year visa which may be extended by another 5 years. If you ask me, the conditions are absolutely unreasonable. It seems much better and easier to get an O A visa for one year and renew this every year.

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  • June 19, 2017 at 2:33 pm
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    I have just changed my mind about Thailand and I will live in Cambodia. I’m tired of these ridiculous new rules year after year that are made without regard to the visa users. I understand that Thailand wants people with money to live there and I’m fine with a $30,000 USD deposit and I can pay cash for my medical, but what is now proposed is unreasonable considering the easy process already existing in Cambodia and Malaysia as well. Those countries allow you to just show up in the country and you are all set.

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  • April 29, 2017 at 12:43 pm
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    Health insurance is a crucial issue and the stand of the Thai government comprehensible, as they have to deal with an increasing number of broken foreigners requiring costly health care. If you don’t have an adequate health insurance (HS) and can’t afford to get into one, you have to stay in the 1-years visa regulation. Simple as that, and again, I fully understand the authorities. As my personal opinion everybody should have HS, if living in Th. ore elsewhere, because getting elder costly treatments may come out of nowhere independently how fit you are. Generally the idea of a 5+5-years visa is a long overdue step in the right direction.

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    • October 15, 2017 at 8:16 am
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      I’m from Australia…I’m a pensioner 75 y/o spending much time to/fro 2/3 months at a time in Thailand. If in Aus I would be covered under the Australian Govt. Medicare which is almost free. In addition I have Medibank Private, both of these medical covers are automatically suspended when I pass through Immigration to depart Aus. It’s a dogs dinner trying to buy travel insurance that will actually cover you at 75y/o it’s almost impossible My previous post show that enquiring with a major broker no cover is available from any of the top largest Health Insurers World wide which will satisfy the Thai Govt.
      Being from Western Australia it is quite convenient and cheap to go back and forth Perth/BKK and return. My last return to Aus I had some extensive medical treatment done just about no cost i.e. waterworks inspected ($2000), free injection for shingles (must be over 70 y/o to get it free), flue injection (didn’t work), almost free dental works that would have cost Aus$3,000 at an private dentist plus a few other consultations. I love Thailand but need a rest from some of the BS that goes on from time to time. This my 7th trip in 4 years and love it. Even though I have a house which I share with my estrange wife when home it cost me less to live in Thailand then in Aus…and I do get about.

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  • March 27, 2017 at 7:59 pm
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    One spouse with a pension of 125,000 bht, the other, not even close. (stay at home mom) joint bank account. Guess we’re hooped for Thailand. I suppose we’ll stay retired in Mexico where we’re covered by the national health system (it’s not great but it’s free) and the visa requirements are much easier to manage.
    Will still visit this Oct and bang around SE Asia for 2 months and I’ll keep abreast of any changes, in the mean time.

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  • March 22, 2017 at 2:07 pm
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    You need to report every 90 days to immigration….

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  • March 18, 2017 at 1:33 pm
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    I’m new here about to visit Thailand for two week holiday.
    I am investigating moving to Thailand permanently from Australia later this year. I’m a vet with a monthly pension of over 120000 baht so it seems I will qualify with that. I’m looking at the Retirement visa 1 year renewable from within Thailand. My Bkk lawyers have explained everything to me. However
    This new 10 year retirement visa is a new one on me. Seems Thailand is trying to emulate the Malaysian m2h visa program. Which is very attractive. Interestingly enough m2h doesn’t have the onerous insurance requirements of the proposed Thai 10 year visa. Check out m2h and you will see it has much better benefits. However for those of us that love Thailand it seems we have many hoops to jump through. Personally I am 71 and in top health but there is no way I could get coverage that is affordable. I know this for a fact because I tried to retire in Greece last year and was knocked back purely for insurance unavailability.
    One hopes the Thai government people for responsible for putting this new visa in place drink some reality juice before releasing final requirements.

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  • February 28, 2017 at 6:16 am
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    Question on the health insurance. I am a US Veteran that has 100% coverage through the Veterans Administration. they will pay for my medical care anywhere in the world. Is coverage from the US that covers someone overseas allowed as a qualifier?

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  • January 31, 2017 at 3:09 pm
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    Thanks, I have living here 13 years hate the annual circus for extension and multi entry.

    Look forward to more information??

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    • January 31, 2017 at 7:58 pm
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      Just a further comment about the silly bits to do with Thai Tourist visas being issued in Australia. Presently the 60+30 day tourist visa is free till the end of Feb but some Australian Consuls are still charging for it. There are 6 Thai Consuls in Australia and one Embassy, all the application forms and requirements for visa are quite different from Consul to Consul??? Hmmmm

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  • January 15, 2017 at 10:53 am
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    I come from Western Australia…I can qualify for all types of visa in Thailand including the 5+5 retirement visa ( no way). As I said above it is more convenient for me to obtain a 60+30 day tourist visa. That is $Aus 45 for the visa which covers you for 60 days and then to extend it to the further 30 =90 days ( for extra Bt 1900). And then back to Aus for a few months and do the same all over again.

    When you receive your visa it states that you must arrive in Thailand within 90 days or it lapses. The day and time of arrival is optional within that 90 days. That what you get.

    It’s an oxymoron that the Thai Consuls and Embassies in Australia issue this visa with the arrival option date open, but they will not process the request to buy/issue the visa unless you provide them with written evidence of the exact day of arrival, airline e-ticket and flight arrival number and the exact departure flight and date from Thailand, and proof of a hotel reservation. (place and day ). The Perth Consul now says I do not have to buy a return ticket yet but this requirement is still on the visa application form?

    We all know that the Thai Embassy and Consuls are not subject to consumer laws in Australia but if and airline or travel agent or any business conducted there business in this confusing manner in Australia they could be prosecuted for providing “deceptive and misleading information about their product to a customer.” They could be fined for operating in this manner. Thai immigration is sometimes quite inept??? We know they have a lot to learn.

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  • January 14, 2017 at 5:36 pm
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    Sorry, meant passport rather than visa.

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  • January 14, 2017 at 5:35 pm
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    It sounds as though expats will have to return to the country from which they hold a visa to apply for the new 10 year visa.

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  • December 27, 2016 at 3:36 pm
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    I was recently at the Surat Thani immigration office and yes, this is for real but no, they don’t have the fine details yet. The insurance angle is ill conceived to say the least. I have an extremely good package (2 million U.S. Per year ) but I waived the outpatient option to keep the costs down.
    It is ridiculous to require someone who is making over 100,000 baht Per month, to have an outpatient insurance with coverage of $1000 .
    Only a civil servant would think up something so silly. Let’s hope they realize that, assuming someone there can do math .

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  • December 20, 2016 at 12:47 pm
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    I have a 1 year Retirement Visa with 90 day reporting, how do you go about reporting if you are out of the Kingdom?

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    • December 21, 2016 at 3:01 pm
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      You don’t. You should have obtained a re-entry permit before leaving LOS. Your next 90 days period starts at the date of your re-entry.

      If your return is after the expiry of your one year visa or extension of stay you’ll have to apply for a new Non O, or Non O-A visa.

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  • December 19, 2016 at 3:41 pm
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    As far as I’m informed (resident in Th) the new visa will ADD to the one-year visa, as it is mentioned in Richard Barrows nice update; a replacement of the existing rule wouldn’t make sense, and unlike some prejudice the Thais are not stupid.
    The whole plan is definitely no BS, but a very(!) good and long overdue completion to the already existing regulations. I believe, it will encourage a considerable additional number of affluent foreigners to stay in TH for a long time. I have to admit not everybody can afford it, but as long as it is an addition, there will be no damage done for anybody.
    Yes, the 90-day (no fee-) notice is boring but no real issue – you send a motorbike with the required forms, copies and your passport – so what’s the deal?
    I’m surprised about the health insurance discussion (given that you’re not a citizen of a welfare country). Even without any visa requirements one should have a health insurance that covers EVERYTHING. How do you gonna manage unexpected significant health problems, such as stroke, urgent major surgery, heart attack, accident, that goes into millions of Baht? If you don’t have this kind of coverage yet, it will be very expensive. If you’re above a certain age a new insurance or an extension costs real money: for a > 65 years old about 800 – 1,200 €/MONTH, if they accept you at all.
    The three million have to be indeed on an account in a Thai bank. However, nobody wants to ‘paralyze’ such a sum. My guess is, the initiative addresses a population where 100,000 Baht/month is no issue.
    In conclusion, the 5+5 years visa rule is not for everybody, but an attractive addition for people who can afford it, without harming those who cannot.

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    • December 20, 2016 at 11:57 am
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      Let’s hope you are right.

      But I am worried about the paperwork that will be involved. For instance my insurance has no limit, but I have to pay every year the first OPD 350 Swiss Francs. I don’t pay yearly premiums but monthly; my former (UN) employer pays 65%; and so on. How do match this with what they plan to ask.

      They are not stupid, maybe, but I remember being refused an application because at the date of the bank letter there was no transaction on my book….

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  • December 16, 2016 at 7:43 pm
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    the current O-A visa allows you to keep your funds in your home country – this article seems to imply the new O-A visa will require the funds to be in a Thai bank?

    the current O-A visa is valid for 1 year, is multi-entry and offers 1 year permission to stay on each entry. this article seems to imply that the new O-A visa will be valid for 5 years and is multi-entry but does not specify permission to stay on entry

    this article seems to imply that the validity of new O-A visa (not the permission to stay) can be extended for for an additional 5 years – this is the first time I have heard of a visa validity being extended

    does the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports not understand current visa classes, validity of visas and permission to stay or is the journalist report this just useless

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  • December 15, 2016 at 4:06 pm
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    Good luck finding any takers for that nonsense!
    – Still 90 day reporting?
    – Deposit 3 Million of which you can withdraw half after 5 years?
    – Provide withdrawal slips? To prove you’ve spent your money in Thailand only?
    – So, then, you’re wealthy enough to hold a (probably low interest) $84,000 stash in Thailand just so you get that vise, but they still want you to have $10,000 medical insurance?
    They live in La-La-Land, surely!

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  • December 2, 2016 at 3:24 pm
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    Below are 3 different paragraphs from 3 different articles from the internet.

    The first paragraph seems to indicate that the new 10 year visa will replace the 1 year visa.

    The second paragraph is significant of Thai confusion. “Put out a conflicting message that only delivers their unstable thinking”!

    The third paragraph can lead you to think that the 10 year visa could be an alternate option. Who knows for sure?

    1 The Thai government has approved the extension of long-stay visas for senior tourists from one year to ten years. The new visa will cost 10,000 Baht.

    2 It was not made clear whether the “10-year long-stay visa” would replace existing visa options or become a new visa option for people wanting to stay in the country long-term.

    3 BANGKOK, Nov. 22 (Xinhua) — Thai cabinet on Tuesday agreed that the country’s long-stay visa for tourists aged over 50 can be extended to a maximum of 10 years from the current one year, though the visa holder still have to report to immigration police every 90 days.

    The poor attempt of the government delivering an officially confusing announcement is an alarming predicament for many of us expats. I am scheduled to buy a house in January 2017. What do I do? Cancel the purchase and lose my 500,000 baht deposit and repatriate back the USA? I have 1 month to make a committed decision. Who knows when the government will declare the actual result of the confusion they have created! Notwithstanding, the insurance mandate is out of the question also! Where does a 76 year old man buy insurance???

    This whole new visa notion is convoluted, frightening and unsettling.

    As the inflight fly says, “Where do I lite.”

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  • November 30, 2016 at 7:34 am
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    sorry bullshit

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  • November 29, 2016 at 7:46 pm
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    There is a vast spread between what the Bangkok Post has printed and verified about the new 10 year visa plan and what my personal visit to the Jomtien Immigration Office had to say. I was told that the 10 year visa plan was a hoax. I was sternly encouraged to believe them.
    Who do I believe, The reputable Bangkok Post Or the questionable low ranker at the Immigration Office?
    I am back to square one in not knowing what is going on. Further investigation required.

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    • November 30, 2016 at 7:00 am
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      Immigration haven’t announced details yet which is why local Immigration offices cannot answer your questions. The idea was passed by the Cabinet, now it has been passed onto Immigration.

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    • November 30, 2016 at 7:33 am
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      I am beginning to think it is all billshit!

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      • November 30, 2016 at 7:34 am
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        Why? It’s in the minutes of the Cabinet meeting. It happened. They passed and approved this resolution. Now its up to Immigration to implement.

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        • November 30, 2016 at 2:17 pm
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          Yes but my question still remains, does this replace the current long stay 1 year extensions or another option, that’s what concerns me .

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          • December 2, 2016 at 2:24 pm
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            That wasn’t made clear. Waiting for clarification from Immigration

  • November 29, 2016 at 10:29 am
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    The following email was sent to Pacific Prime an international Insurance broker about obtaining accident sickness cover that is required with the new 10 year retirement visa. Some 10 selection of some of the largest insurance companies world wide. So far non will provide cover as required by the Thai Government
    To Pacific Prime Insurance Brokers…
    Thank you for your reply…as you may know from this Thursday 1st of December 2016 Thailand is providing what they call a 10 year retirement visa for over 50 Y/O and over. That is 5 year visa with a option for extending to 10 years.

    The requirement details are complex, the details are still to be published. Thai immigration has already announced that to apply for this new Visa applicants must have Accident and sickness medical cover. This must be = to US $ 1000 for outpatients treatment and US $10,000 for in hospital treatment.

    Will you be offering any insurance cover that will satisfy the Thai Government requirements in this matter.

    I am enquiring in this matter for a group of long time residents (farangs) who presently reside in Thailand on current 1 year Retirement Visa.

    Do you have presently have or are you contemplating an accident and sickness policy that would satisfy Thai immigration for applicants who require this type of cover…PS there may be lots.

    The Reply was from Pacific Prime…
    As of right now, we do not have any plans specifically for Thailand to meet only their bare minimum visa requirements. Our company directive is to offer comprehensive coverage to our clients so I’m not sure that this is anything we will have in the near future after the law is put into place either

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  • November 27, 2016 at 9:50 pm
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    Is this to replace the current 0-A long stay , with yearly extensions, personally I prefer this type , I don’t want to put 3mil bht , in a thai bank account , and I’ll never get 100,000 a month on my current pension ..
    so my question is will I be able to continue with the current standard , which incidentally I just renewed last month

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    • December 24, 2016 at 1:57 am
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      I do not blame you not wanting to put large sums in a Thai bank account. Apart from enough to get a flight home, money for rent/service charges (if you own your accom.) Current month average ‘spendies’, and a bit of padding you must NOT leave much cash in a Thai Bank Account.
      DON’T EVER FORGET IT IS YOUR MONIES THEY WANT, not you particularly!
      BLUNT? Yes, but true.
      HARSH? No, but realistic.
      A Thai civil servant, who is trying to crawl up the greasy pole put this together to get brownie points. AND having to prove where you have spent your own money-Another nail in the Land Of Smiles/Smirking coffin!
      DON’T EVEN CONTEMPLATE THIS-PERIOD.

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  • November 26, 2016 at 12:22 pm
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    Yet they still can’t seem to get those onus with family here anything past a year. SMDH.

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  • November 26, 2016 at 8:34 am
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    I’m interested to know if you have the 3 million Baht do you have to keep it in a Thai Bank Account in Thailand, it’s not essential at he moment (the BT 800,000. Is the money the only consideration or do you have to go through the health checks, police checks, medical and so on.

    For a about to be 75 y/o bloke (me) can you get health insurance in Thailand, unlikely? It seems JC is aware of this, health insurance is rather hard to get in Thailand if you are over 60 y/o, JC has addressed this one of his recent posts. So do oldies not qualify for this new Visa. Are the present options still available, MVTV and OA and others on arrival visas.

    I can see another Dog’s Dinner coming up. wwolf! wolf!

    Lots of questions to ask…the dog might know?

    Because of the relative closeness to Perth in Australia to Thailand, it would maybe better if I made regular trips each 3 months at a time on a 60+30 day tourist visa instead of getting a retirement visa. I’d have to pay the Bt1900 to extend the Tourist visa to 3 months and only have to be back in Aus for a month or so to keep all my entitlements for free health cover and most of my pension, then back to Thailand and no Thai health insurance costs. I already pay for private cover in Aus on top of the Aus free cover On my recent wonderful stay in Cha-am for 2 months and all the palava about getting my visa this could bring a whole box of new tricks to negotiate. There are quite a lot of Aussies in Cha-am and all over Thailand who go back and forth and do as I’ve suggested which I suspected and found to be true on my recent trip.

    If I do have some invested money which I use to top up my Aussie aged pension, I could use some to comply with this new requirement. This fund has mostly given me a return of about 7% each year. If the required Bt 3 million is placed in a Thai bank interest free I would be forfeiting about $9,000 Aus per year or about $180 Aus per week ($140 Us) or about Bt4000 per week Hmmm no thanks!

    This would be a vast increase in the cost of living for rippers in Thailand with some retirement capital, certainly not for cat 1, 2, or for 3 for that matter. Even if you could get some interest on the money in a bank account it would only be about 1.5% at most, This would only bring the cost to you with loss of investment revenue down to about Bt 3000 per week…still no thanks.

    Not many retirees have spare money to throw around like expected with this proposal, all sort of evasion and avoidance schemes will spring up rather quickly. With all this wonderful new news it appears “that devil will be in the detail”.

    Nothing has been said if the present visa options will stay in place or maybe with some variation???? we’ll see.

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    • December 20, 2016 at 11:48 am
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      David,

      Where do you get 7% return on your investments? With an acceptable level of risk of course.

      I’m asking because one of the things is to put to work the money I’ve left….

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      • December 21, 2016 at 5:53 am
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        To invest money in a tax free retirement fund in Australia ( for pensioners only, over 65 y/o. with a bank managed across the board portfolio, 40% ASX200 (Australias 200 largest blue chip companies), 20% international shares ( blue chip), 20% cash at 3%, and 20% loaned to international companies. The last 5 years this has returned me 7% dividend and the value of the portfolio has increase 30%.
        In Australia if you simply buy shares in the 4 major banks your purchase price will have gone up and down a bit in the last 20 years but your share you would have returned you about 8% P/Y dividend and the share value would have gone up over 300%.
        You do have to be careful not to get any fly by night retirement investment advisors who will rip you off.
        The fees for this service are very modest. I am with ANZ Super Fund , the fee is 0.50% of the capital each year. So if you have $100,000.00 invested the bank will take $500 each year. There will also be some small govt .fees (not much).

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        • December 21, 2016 at 2:57 pm
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          Thanks David, some very interesting leads there…
          Sorry to be off topic..

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          • December 25, 2016 at 8:44 am
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            Just Thinking Maurice…As from the 1st January 2017 in Australia you will be able to put any money you have and ( being single 65 to 75 y/o) into a managed retirement fund up to the value of $425,000, decide how much dividend you want download ( you must take at least 5% of the total (can be more) and still get the full aged pension. If resident in Australia you can also get Rent assistance on top of the $870 per fortnight but only if you live in Australia.
            The $425,000 assets test limit only applies to people who don’t own a house. The assets test for single people who own a house will be free free of any loss of pension up the the amount of $225,000. When you get to 75y/o you must take 6% P/A of you fund capital.

          • January 15, 2017 at 3:33 pm
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            Just a correction…the threshold for assets will be $ Aus450,000 , if you have below this amount as a single person who does not own a house you will be able to keep all your Australian aged pension of $ Aus 877 P/F and $Aus 132 rent assistance with out loosing any of he pension. If you live overseas after 6 weeks you will loose the rent assistance and about $60 of the pension P/F. Still $Aus 815 p/f. If you have a tax super investment account you are required to take 5% or more if you wish of the total value.

    • July 12, 2019 at 9:30 pm
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      Please, if you know some details, share your banking knowledges, if in Thailand a retirees can open and hold foreign currencies bank account? If it is free to get money in and out of the country without being forced to change into Bath currency?

      I have several bank accounts in USD, Euro and HK dollars. I hate to change them, just like in Malaysia, first into local currency and then back to foreign currencies again. It just like to be robbed by the local bank, right?

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  • November 25, 2016 at 6:32 pm
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    InPatient OK but many foreigner pay for outpatient to reduce the premium. Having either 3 Mio. In the bank or a 100,000 monthly income was never a problem for outpatient bills

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  • November 24, 2016 at 12:28 pm
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    The requirements for insurance seem quite high.
    I am insured through the insurance of my wife who works for an American NGO and this goes up to 5000 THB per day, 6000 THB per accident and some others (opdcredit) 2500 THB/day. This is considered a reasonable insurance for Thailand but doesn’t come close to the requirements in US $!
    I doubt many foreigners will be willing/able to purchase more expensive packages!

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    • December 17, 2016 at 4:59 pm
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      Item 1.4 notes the amounts are “per year,” which are quite low . Most Thai Insurance companies have “maximum” coverage, which would exceed the amount being required – many have up to 1,000,000 baht as the maximum, which certainly exceeds the 350,000 baht (US$10,000) inpatient requirement and most would exceed 35,000 baht (US$1,000) outpatient requirement. The bigger issue in my opinion would be that many policies outside of Thailand may not cover you here and Thai policies will exclude any pre-existing conditions from coverage.

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  • November 24, 2016 at 12:26 pm
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    Good news!
    Any further informations when it will be available??
    Thx!

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      • January 20, 2017 at 3:44 pm
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        I went to Samutprakan Immigration today 20 Jan and spoke to a senior visa person.
        Her comment was yes we know the law was passed, but you can’t get it yet.
        I asked when, she MAYBE next year…

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        • January 24, 2017 at 6:48 am
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          No law has been passed. The Cabinet just said yes to the ide of a 10 year tourist visa. It’s now with the Ministry of Interior to work out the details. There is no timeline announced.

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        • July 14, 2017 at 12:57 pm
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          Now that’s funny Clive, when this 5+5=10 year visa was announced 9 months ago the answer then was the same as you got recently Quote… “Her comment was yes we know the law was passed, but you can’t get it yet. I asked when, she (said) “MAYBE next year…” You should try again next year Clive 2018…I wish you luck … 555.
          Maybe it will all change again by then.

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          • July 14, 2017 at 2:09 pm
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            You cannot get the new 10 year visa now, but it does not matter. Even if you could get it now, it would not be an attractive option.

            You would have to place a huge amount of money in a Thai bank without getting any real benefits or privileges in return.

        • November 3, 2017 at 8:01 am
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          Every visa is depend on the immigation officers.
          Rule are rule.

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      • February 20, 2018 at 6:34 am
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        Hi Richard,

        I would like to know what will happen ater the 10 years.
        I thought it is possible to immigrate to Thailand forever. 🙁
        Maybe it never was, and I missunderstood. But now it sounds like hte government
        wants to make clear, that nobody can immigrate and stay unlimited.
        For me it wouldn´t make sense to give up my life in Europe and move all my things to
        Thailand, when I have to leave after 10 years. I don´t say, I will never go back. But it is different, if you know you have to go back.
        I had to face the same problem in Morocco. They allow you also a maximum stay of 10 years.

        Anyway I don´t understand, why people of all that countries are allowed to stay in Germany we forever, and why Germans not allowed to stay there.
        In contrary to most immigrants in Germany I would bring my own money, pay my apartment and even my health insurance.
        Something is going totally wrong on this planet. But that is´t the topic here. Sorry….

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        • February 20, 2018 at 6:36 am
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          I would presume that you apply again for an extension. I have to do this every year. This is usually alright if you have all of your paperwork in order.

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        • February 20, 2018 at 8:06 am
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          Even the 10 year stay is not guaranteed as you must go to Immigration each year to show you still qualify (money in bank, health insurance policy). BUT, as your concern, you can stay in Thailand indefinitely if retired and meet the financial requirements with just a Non-Immigrant O Visa. That visa gives you a 90 day permission to stay which you then go to Immigration and extend the stay for one year. You then must go to Immigration each year to renew your one year extension upon showing you still have the financial resources (in my case, a letter from USA Embassy showing I have a retirement pension equivalent to at least 65,000 baht per month – others use 800,000 baht in a Thai bank or a combination of income and money in the bank).

          The annual renewal is usually very easy if you have all your documents in order – at Chonburi (Pattaya) Immigration, it takes less than 5 minutes after my queue number is called – the last time I renewed, I was #6 in the queue when processing started at 8:30am and I was finished at 8:40am. I have now been living here in Thailand for over 15 years using annual renewals. You do not have to leave Thailand — even if using the one year Non-Immigrant O-A, when the year permission to stay is up, you do not have to leave – you simply renew your permission to stay for another year. As to the 10 year Visa, it is really a permission to stay of 5 years on entry and can be renewed for another 5 year permission to stay. I presume, that so long as you meet requirements, you can continue the 5 year permission to stay – BUT, if not, you can simply go to the one year extensions.

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          • March 14, 2018 at 8:37 pm
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            I have recently been given an O-A Visa and was told that I need to leave the country to extend it for another year. My question is; How do I extend it inside Thailand.
            Thanks for your response.

          • March 15, 2018 at 7:03 am
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            First thing to remember is that a “Visa” and “Permission to Stay” are two different things. The Visa allows you to enter Thailand, when you enter, Immigration will give you permission to stay for a period of time depending on your Visa type – in the case of a Non-Immigrant “O-A” Visa, the period is one year from date of entry. These visas are usually multiple entry – so you can leave and re-enter Thailand BEFORE the “Enter by Date” shown on the Visa and receive a one-year permission to stay each time you enter.

            Once in Thailand, you can extend your “Permission to Stay” date for another year at your local Thai Immigration Office – the key date will be your latest Permitted to Stay date shown on the Immigration Stamp in your passport that was put there the last time you entered Thailand. You can go to your local Thai Immigration Office up to 30 days before that date and apply for a one year extension of stay using Immigration form TM.7 and paying a fee of 1,900 baht.

            To apply for the one year extension, you will need certain supporting documents showing you meet the financial requirements for a retirement extension and place of residence. You can only apply at the Immigration office that serves the geographical region where you reside, e.g., if living in Pattaya, you apply at the Chonburi Immigration Office located in Pattaya. Each Office may operate somewhat differently, thus the exact documents required may differ from Immigration Office to Immigration Office.

            The Pattaya City Expats Club has complete information on the process at Chonburi (Pattaya) Immigration Office – go to http://www.pcec.club, select Visa & Immigration from the left hand side, at the bottom of the page that comes up, select “Long Stay Extension” – the page that comes up will note a general requirements section (for all extensions of stay regardless of purpose) and will be followed by sections showing what is needed depending on the purpose of the extension – the information on other documents you will need if applying in Pattaya is in the section on extending your stay for retirement.

            If you need clarification or have other questions, you can send an email to [email protected] and they will do their best to answer your questions.

        • February 20, 2018 at 8:07 am
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          There is no limit. You can stay as long as you want (if you meet the conditions) but you must renew your visa from time to time. The traditional retirement visa must be renewed every year.

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      • July 12, 2019 at 9:18 pm
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        It is really a good news for people from West Europe, but I see the difficulties of reporting in everny 90days to the polices station. As far as I know, most retired-person favorable countries have one year reporting system such as in Taiwan and Macao. You can imagine the bad feelings when old people to travel somewhere and must hurry up back to Thailand for reporting. Therefore I must say that 10 year senior visa is a big progress but Thailand still needs more to improve its system. But we do not have fantasy that Thailand will go so far in a short time to come.

        Reply

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