khunPer

A non-OA visa would be the best choice for you – if you are over 50 years old, as it's a "retirement visa" – it will give you multiple entry and 1 year stay per entry. The benefit of OA-visa is that you can keep your money abroad in your home country, but of course still need the financial capacity required for the visa. It's the perfect visa for 50+ years with a limited stay in Thailand for up to one year; for example snow birds. The downside of OA-visa is the health insurance claim. However, it's always wise to have an insurance. When extending stay an Thai bank account and deposit is required for both entry visas, while a health insurance is still a demand for the OA-visa. The benefit of non-O here is the freedom of health insurance choice, where in some cases also self-insurance might be an option, depending of heath status, age and financial capacity.

Sometimes I don't understand, why people that hates Thailand so much still stays here... – ups, I forgot the girls...???? So yes, girls must also be on my positive list... Food is good, and I can also buy what I need of foreign food at affordable prices, in general same price or a little bit cheaper, than in my home country, and dining out is in general cheaper...???? If I don't criticize royals – and why should I, I can criticize my home country's royal family instead, that's legal, if it wasn't because they are both OK and very popular – and if I don't makes bad public reviews, then I'm fairly free to speak what I want. If I want to complain, I'll do it in a home country forum...???? Bureaucracy is not more – sometimes less – than in my home country, and the service level is both much easier and always helpful kind...???? 90-day reporting is easy online, not anything to worry about, I even get a kind e-mail to remind me about it. And I should add, that the annual extension of stay also is to overcome easily, with a little bit of organized preparation...???? My Thai girlfriend and my luk khrueng daughter, both get free healthcare here, and it's cheap for me if I use a public hospital. Compared to my home country, the health care service level is actually better and waiting lists seems shorter – at home people might end up with one to three years waiting time for an appointment with a specialist, even that they pay the World's highest tax – and like at home I can sign up for insurance or pay myself in a private hospital, if I want better and faster service...???? Coming from a Scandinavian country – and I often compare with present situation in my home country to find out if I'm still happy here or should head back – weather forecast is a major positive factor, especially if like me, loves all-year-summer and barefoot Xmas. So, climate is perfect for me, as where I chose to stay in Thailand, it's never too hot (around 32°), nor too cold (not under 18°), in average around 28° year round, and only a relative short rainy season; however, with lots of rain. My hygrometer shows in average same level, as it did in my home country...???? Pollution is not a problem where I chose to stay in Thailand...???? Alcohol prices are not that important for me – I enjoy a glass of wine or two with my dinner and can find some acceptable wines in 3-liter containers at same price as home until I win the EuroJackpot and can afford the most expensive wines daily – and as I'm used to quite high taxes on alcohol from home, it's not a major issue when living here; even that beers are cheaper at home. But always look at the bright side of life: I never drink beers, I simply don't like beer...???? I'm an alien and I accept that – I will always be a "farang" – but I'm in general welcomed and treated well everywhere I've so far been in Thailand. Only one exception and that was a Muslim village; I probably won't always be accepted in home either in some of the Muslim neighborhoods...???? Property prices are in general affordable and major attractive locations not more expensive than at home. For a private home, methods can be found around ownership, if one is not rich enough for an investor visa (I'm not). I cannot own a home in my home country, when I live here, and foreigners from outside EU cannot own a home in my home country, so similar situation, apart from it's easier to find a solution in Thailand...???? For me is another addition: The party- and nightlife is (much) better in Thailand than at home...???? So in summary, I'm so far very happy here; now staying at my 18th full time year...????

For some of us on retirement extension, two policemen would show up without prior notice and ask for a photo of the retiree holding his/hers passport, standing together with one of the police officers in front of the house with the house number visible; the other police officer was the photographer...

It's fair enough that those, who have fund to take care of themselves, do so. However, the difficulty in Thailand lies in that only around six percent of the population is registered for income tax – and only about four percent pays income tax, according to news articles – so, registering who is actually in need, is difficult for the remaining 94-96% of the population. This does of course not mean that 96% of the Thai population is poor, it rather indicates that there is a huge level of Informal economy, neither taxed, nor monitored by the government. In other countries like the Scandinavian – don't forget that Pita would like to change the system towards these and New Zealand – there is an extremely detailed registration of the citizens economy and government retirement pension is reduced depending of each individual's status. Those with high income pays extra high taxes and gets less in return. Thailand's step increasing income tax-scale is actually even more hard on the rich than the Scandinavia countries, when looking at the difference from lower tax rates to the wealthy people's tax rate – but not to forget that Scandinavians in total pays much more tax, also those with (very) small income. 600-700 baht up to 1,000 baht is very little support to those elders in real need when looking at buying power – it's 20-30 baht per day – if comparing to a Scandinavian retirement support from a government it should be in a level up to perhaps between 6,000 and 10,000 baht per month, when considering buying power and difference in general living costs. But paying a rate that equals the Scandinavians would be very costly. It there was no government retirement pension, then a Danish citizen with average income should save up between 20- 25% of the income up to retirement age, to cover for the missing government pension. For a low income – around the level where you would be considered poor in Denmark – 28% to 41% of the income during the year up to retirement age, should be set aside to cover for none government pension. Less percentage – much less – if you are in the higher og very high income level. Would Thais in general be prepared to pay 20-25% income tax for an acceptable, but still modest governmental retirement pension? The average Danish income tax percentage is from 38% – plus additional 8 percent when it's income from work – and up to 52%. Danish government's various income support, which however is mainly retirement pension, equals 14.7% of GNP. It's important to have in mind that the more subsidies the people wish from a government, the higher taxes shall be paid. In Denmark – and yes, we are still number one in the World on the income tax chart – we pay in average around 40-50% income tax, 25% v.a.t. and high gift-taxes on lots of other stuff, like paying for up to three cars when buying one. We ought to get a lot in return, but the higher taxes we pay, we get relative less and less in return – while government administration grows to register and control all financial movements of the population; the Taxman even have access to one's bank account – and today many Danes complains about bad health system, too little pension (compared to buying power) and the number of people that feels they are poor, is growing. It's a quite difficult balance to find – I'm not sure that Pita's and MFP's idea of copying the Scandinavian system is the right way – so, first of all you need to invent a system in Thailand to find out, who really are in need, and an economical registration and control level that the population can accept.

I've never been married to any of my girlfriends and it has worked out fine. Marriage has never been a needed base for relationship, and it's easy to separate, if that's the way to go. The longest relationship in my home country lasted 16 years, and we continued to be best friends. My present Thai relationship has so far – within a few months – lasted for 20 years. My girlfriend however says that she will marry me when I get 90 years old...???? In some cases an unmarried relationship can be regarded at same level as married when you split, even that you don't get any tax benefits like when having a legal wife. There has even been a few cases mentioned in the Thai news...

Yes, it's not necessary to have it registered. The important issue is that when you – and I – is not here anymore, somebody knows that there is a last will and can find it. That might be one of the reasons for the advice to make two wills, one for Thailand and one for one's home-country.

There are a couple of self-mummified monks on Samui – not the common way to end one's days on Earth – one of the is quite famous, one sitting in a boat (I'm not sure, if he is genuine, but said to be so), and one that is quite unique and with only few visitors. The one in photo is the unique one, you can be blessed for good luck by a living monk sitting next to him... Some temples in the eastern part of the Kingdom, close to Cambodian border, performs exorcism, but probably not easy to be visitor at during such an event; however, not impossible (I talk from experience).

Fair is whatever you have negotiated, and both parties are happy with. Not all girls are equal, meaning they might have different obligations family wise, and expectations both from family back home and the girl herself. I know of several different solutions with former birds from the nightlife that has decided to settle together with a (former) customer. Some were sent home til village with 5,000 baht a month until visa was settled, or whatever ready for a move in with the man. After that, the girl would work – if she moved to Farang-land – and could keep her salary (after tax), and in return for a place to live be house keeper and service the man; local food paid for, expensive Thai food on her own account. Fair or not? Some ladies are happy for the chance to make (good) money to send home. Others demand minimum 20,000 baht – today more likely 30,000 baht – per month in compensation to give up the bar-life. An attractive lady in the nightlife can easily make that kind of salary – or (much) more – each month. An attractive girl that can squeeze equivalent to $100 or €100 for a nights stay with a foreigner, can easily make in the level of 60k to 70k baht per month. Fair or not? I know farangs that pays both 20k and 30k to their Thai spouse, plus free accommodation. Some nightlife-birds might even expect a maid – yes, that's true – so she is not going to be a house keeper...

So, now we know, that it's not smart to have a "brake failure" when driving behind a Rolls Royce...

Here is an official news story about the brand change, which is what I earlier suggested it could be; i.e., end of the franchise...

Thanks, but you cannot extend your stay on these general conditions for all visas. For example, a non-O issued based on retirement can to my knowledge not be used for "business"; i.e., extension because of a work permit. For a non-OA visa the extension based on retirement also requires a health insurance, which is not an issue when extending because of retirement with a non-O or non-B visa. That's why I was surprised over that a non-OA – the so-called "retirement visa" – can be have extended the stay based on marriage. Source link: Royal Thai Embassy.

I'm thinking that it depends of one's interest and what one might share with others...???? –However, you might not find me being among your 5 percent...

I can't recall to have hear about wildfires in Chiang Mai city.

Never Teflon, I prefers ceramic or granite, eventual marble.

Can you really change extension of stay to be based on marriage with the so-called "retirement visa"..?

A cremation without any funeral ceremony would be cheapest choice. The cost might vary depending of area, temple and crematorium. Where I live the cremation cost in a modern crematorium (diesel burners) was 6,000 baht almost 8 years ago. I don't know the actual price, but it would probably be little higher now.

Yes, I'll freeze when below 18 centigrade at night...????

I would freeze (mbo) up there, it's unbelievable cold during the winter...???? Samui's all their summer – never too hot and never too cold – and barefoot Xmas is much better for my life-style...

Rain season is different on Samui and her sister island due to the north eastern monsoon instead of south western that hits most of Thailand. Little less downpour than Phuket, half the downpour of Koh Chang and the mainland over there. If you wish to stay a dry place, it's Pattaya or Hua Hin, but it has been flooded when I've been there; of course I've been choosing the wrong times of the year...☔

Yes, agree; that was also one of my earlier points, when the idea of a bridge came up...

As mentioned above, a last will is very important, as a girlfriend is not an heir without a will. You can also appoint your girlfriend as executor in the will. Even a simple document signed by two witnesses can serve as a valid last will; you can even sign it at the local amphor office and have it kept on file there. (Source: "Thai Law for Foreigners", page 77-80.)

Next time, record when she shouts that your are a "pervert" and "pedophile", and sue her for defamation.

Your UK last will, will be valid also in Thailand; however, make sure that it's known about the existence of the will. It's a court in the country of your primary residence that will handle your will. If your primary residence is in Thailand, then a will in a foreign language needs to be translated to Thai language. The Thai lawyers that wrote the book "Thai Law for Foreigners" advice to make two last wills, one that covers any estate in one's home country following that country's laws; and another that covers values in Thailand following Thai law.

Normally a later last will revokes any earlier will; it also used to a part of the opening text... 1. Declaration I hereby declare that this is my last will and testament and that I hereby revoke, cancel and annul all wills and codicils previously made by me either jointly or severally. I declare that I am of legal age to make this will and of sound mind and that this last will and testament expresses my wishes without undue influence or duress. Another example: LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF John Smith I, John Smith, an adult residing at 5 Cherry Lane, New York, New York, being of sound mind, declare this to be my Last Will and Testament. I revoke all wills and codicils previously made by me.

Your conditions are not standard conditions by the law, but special agreements between you and your son. The two clauses – "Land and buildings cannot be sold without my written permission", and "Usufruct can only be cancelled by me" – are not included in the normal contract text; they however might be wise additions, if legal. The standard conditions in a usufruct agreement are these: The Covenantor agrees to grant the Covenantee the usufruct of the Property, with possession, use and enjoyment of the said Property, as well as the right of management of the Property. Such usufruct rights shall remain enforce for a period of.............years. In case of death of the Covenantee prior to expiration of the rights of usufruct granted herein, this contract shall be deemed extinguished, and shall not be transferable by way of inheritance. In using the usufruct, the Covenantee shall take as much care of the Property as a person of ordinary prudence would take of his own property. The Covenantee shall not transfer the usufruct to any other persons or unrelated outsiders, except with the Covenantor’s prior written consent. The Covenantee shall not use the Property for any unlawful purposes. The Covenantee shall keep the substance of the Property unaltered; and shall undertake ordinary maintenance and petty repairs. The Covenantee shall bear all expenses for the management of the Property; pay taxes and duties; and be responsible for all interest payments on debts charged upon it. The Covenantee shall insure the Property against loss for the benefit of the Covenantor throughout the period of this contract; the insurance premium of which shall be borne by the Covenantee. In case of breach of contract by one party, the other party has the right to terminate the contract. Source link HERE. A law firm's note about usufruct says: Right of Usufruct is governed by the chapter 'Property" in the Civil and Commercial Code (not the chapter 'Contracts') and as a property right it offers specific rights and obligations. An option to buy or restriction of sale of the property is under Thai law not part of the right of usufruct. Such options are in Thailand outside the scope or area of usufruct and can only be made as a separate agreement between the owner and usufructuary. Even if it would be written in the usufruct contract it would under current Thai law still remain a separate contract right and not part of the right of usufruct (it does not follow the property as a real right when for example ownership is transferred). And when foreigners are involved enforceability of such (contract) options would in court probably be considered void or voidable. Source link and usufruct-law HERE.