laislica

7 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

I did a side by side comparison of the 2 when the new form was announced.

I have already completed one for my next extension using  the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC Fill & Sign option. Discovered I could just copy and paste the info from the MS word version of the old form I have been using for a few years to complete it.

 

 

I think you already know....

You are my hero.

 

 

I might be a bit like you in that I'd like to put old heads on young shoulders he he.

How you persevere in the way you do is ..... I would say awesome, but that word's been hijacked!

 

What you do, dear Sir is above and beyond.

It is more than.

It is unbelievable

It is brilliant.

Over the moon;

.

 

 

(Are you blushing yet?)

no need, your fans are here for you.

 

 

Thanks for all you do.

 

Please tell me, is my pdf any use or not?

Or give me a PDF that does the job (at mo location lol TiT)

 

 

 

 

28 minutes ago, electric said:

I recently renewed my marriage extension at Buriram Immi.

 

I dutifully filled out my TM7 correctly, stuck a wonderful photo on the back etc etc. Made sure everything was hunky-dory.

 

Immi didn't want it. They typed all my details into their computer, then printed their own Immi generated TM7. All I had to do was sign it.

 

They even went to the trouble of trying to unglue my wonderful mugshot photo from my TM7, so they could stick it on their copy. I was midly amused by this, as they completely destroyed my TM7 trying to unstick the photo.

 

I had 10 more spare photos in my pocket had someone asked .... but no-one asked.

I love this he he he

 

Same for me, I had a load of copies and photos of this and that including the real bank account.

The one where I import money and xfer to a current ATM connected account, the real account - for spending LOL

 

I offered nowt!

Least said, soonest mended LOL

Actually the lady at Kasikorn refused to give me the letter cos I'd just added 1,000b to the million and got the book updated.

She said come back tomorrow cos this 1,000 won't show up on the computer.

My wife said, we have to come back tomorrow....

I said not really, I just need a letter to say that there has been more than 800,000 in the account for more than 90 days.

There was 1 mill + for several years.....

It seems that my Thai was sufficient for the lady to generate the letter.... Whoop Whoop!!!

and job done....

Never let the @#$%^&*() get you down lol.

 

Now, how to get my BP down the 50 odd points down that today gave me.....

 

 

 

 

47 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

There have always been spaces on the TM7 form for you address.

I assume you mean this line for from. That has always been on the form. I would put the UK since that is your point of origin when fly in.

 

 

 

Thanks Joe, That's what I actually did and it was accepted.

 

I have to struggle with my wife who tends to offer stuff - just in case........

I try to answer their questions, and only that.

Note that I was not asked about FB or other social media details.....

 

 

For the address, yes true but this form layout is different to the one previously online on the Thai Imm site.

Just sayin.

TiT he he

1 minute ago, phuketjock said:

That appears to be the same form I have been using for the last 9 years, no

changes that I can see??

Be aware that immigration require you to use this form on one sheet of paper

i.e. double sided not two sheets.

I got mine from the TVF downloads page

Just a heads up.

Did the annual retirement ext today at Samut Sakhon.

The nice lady at Imm copied all the pages in my PP (No prob, some just do.....)

She wanted all pages of me Bank Book too. No Prob.

But she rejected my TM7 cos the format has changed and I wrote a new one by hand.

They asked my wife to fill in details about me (inc blood group and I have no idea what that is....)

They wanted a copy of wife's ID and Tambianbaan.

I was required to complete a 2 page document to acknowledge the penalties for overstay.

I have clean copies and can make them into a PDF if anyone wont's to see them.

I also bought the usual re-entry perm and they accepted the old form, haven't checked if the online version has changed.

I checked the online TM 7 and downloaded it and am making a fillable form, see my other threat:

 

Cheers, good to come and go for another year.

Now, what about SongKram!!!!

 

 

See the new form here:-

 

http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/download/form_tm7.pdf

 

Immigration have added new fields requiring your address.

On the form, they ask where you came from.

Should we write the home address, or where we were living before the flight/s to get to Thailand?

e.g. If I live in London and fly LHR to Dubai and then to Bangkok,

I think I would write London in the From box. I would not write Dubai.

What is the correct answer?

 

If you're really serious learn the language online first.

There is a free holiday course at http://learn-thai-podcast.com/

and loads more.

Aged 74, I bought an online course last year and I can read Thai now but....

Reading doesn't exactly help with understanding.....

The course was very good and in about 10 days I was able to read basic print thanks to

Gary at http://j3.learnthaionline.com/

Then there's the problem that you will learn to read regular printed Thai, but there are many other fonts used and you really have to learn them as well.....

To live on the cheap, I suspect that you will have to live out in the boonies and then you will find very few English speakers there but your single biggest problem will be getting visas to be allowed to stay in Thailand.

As has been suggested, you can buy a 5 year Elite visa for one million Baht but you will then need work permits......

If you end up in popular tourist areas, it is not cheap and there will be many temptations ahead of you.....

Nice to dream though.

Visit for 30 days on the visa free entry and see for yourself.

Bring enough money to allow you to travel and stay in reasonable guest houses so you can explore properly.

Good luck.

 

 

OP, did your friend make any copies of the visa, stamps and extensions.

Many people take a photo with their phone and or carry a photocopy of the Passport ID page and current stamps,

or perhaps the school admin person has some?

Any 90 day report receipts? Any online evidence, emails etc.?

Tip: I email such copies to myself for safe keeping and also access anywhere there is internet access.....

Never lost even if the originals and the phone have gone!

 

Jolly hard luck and then getting bad advice from the Embassy!

I would also have done what the Embassy said - why not?

They are there to help us are they not?

Not everyone knows about forums like this.....

 

To the holier than thou posters:

EXPLETIVE(s) deleted !!!!!!

 

 

25 minutes ago, jobwolf said:

Singapore is a lousy Embassy. I almost got arrested some years back because of the arrogant women inside at the applicants window. I told her to give me the passport back and that I don't need her crap, so she called security.

 

Do you know if the person was a Thai or a local employee?

12 hours ago, naboo said:

What do the bugs know that we don't?

 

 

There is research that shows that the spectrum or Florescent lights is harmful to human health.

Google it.

Did you know that Apple added a night view feature to change the spectrum so that you should sleep more easily than if you were looking at the regular, (bluish) light?

 

 

 

 

                                          The Answer My Friend Is Blowin In The Wind,

                                                               The Answer Is Blowin In The Wind!

 

 

 

A quote that perhaps some or our contributors on this forum would do well to consider?:

 

Don't take the wrong side of an argument just because your opponent has taken the right side. ~ Baltasar Gracian

3 hours ago, dentonian said:

15 hours ago, Mansell said:

my question is how did the IO know that he had used an agent before? Is there some stamp or mark in the passport, or on the previous application?

 

(Fictitious date of 1st March used as an example)

Because the normal process would be obtain the Non Imm O Visa first, issued 1/3/16.

Then on 1/5/16 a return for the extension, after 2 months of funds being seasoned and within the last 30 days of the Visa expiring.

Extension issued on 1/5/16, extension of stay permitted until 1/6/17.

 

When agents complete the process. One visit.

Non Imm O Visa issued 1/3/16.

Extension issued 2/3/16, extension of stay permitted until 1/6/17.

 

It's obvious to any other IO that both the Visa and extension were issued almost simultaneously, without the required 2 month period for funds to be seasoned. I've seen two examples and both were issued in the same manner.

One would have thought that for an IO to cover his tracks when he signs them off, would at least have the common sense to date the issue of the extension in advance, as 1/5/16.

Few twirls of the rubber stamp and he can set any date he so wishes.............but alas no!

 

 

Yes, if the IO had used his common there would have been no problems in the future.

As they say: It's easy when you know how!

 

As for the op using an agent - why not?
There but for the Grace of Dog go I!

I was lucky, when I first came to Thailand it was on a 30 day waiver and a friend helped me get a 90 day non Imm O visa at Chiand Mai, open a bank account and get the retirement extension.

He had lived for many years in Thailand and new all the ropes. He helped me get my 1 year driving licenses and then the five year ones.

Without his help, I guess I could also have been unfortunate like the OP and choose the wrong agent.

They are not all bad! Some do a proper job and the OP was unlucky?

 

As for the seasoning period. It is quite possible for someone to simply keep 800,000Baht (or more) in their bank year on year.

As an insurance for something going wrong, accident or ill health.

Therefore, the funds would always have been seasoned, though I'm not saying that they were in this case, just that they could have been.

 

Thanks for sharing OP and sorry to hear all the troubles you ran into.

Better luck next time with your DIY job which you will do in person but always check your stamps before you leave the Imm Office, they can and do make mistakes.

This means that you need to know what the stamps should say.

(And you thought you were just off for an extended holiday without knowing there was a train wreck about to happen.....)

In a nut shell, if you enter Thailand with a 90 day Non Imm O visa, you get a 30 day window before it expires to apply for your extension and the window will be open the same 30 days every year.

(Note that some Imm Offices allow you a 45 day window but not all.) This means that you need to choose an arrival date for your first application (in 60 days or so), such that you will always be in Thailand for the 30 day renewal window.

I usually apply for a single re-entry permit at the time I get the retirement extension (1,000 Baht), then I can leave and return during the validity of my permitted to stay until date.

Failure to have a re-entry permit will cause your permitted to enter date to be cancelled and you will have to start over with a new 90 day Non Imm O visa etc.

If you want to border hop for multiple visits to other countries. there is the multi re-entry permit at 3,800 Baht so you need to be making four or more border hops to make that worth while.

We normally spend 6 months+ in Spain and the rest in Thailand so a single re-entry permit does us nicely.

 

TM 30, as has been explained, if you live in a Thai's house or condo, a TM 30 must be supplied, within 24 hours of arrival, the first time you arrive in Thailand for that year.

If you stay in an Hotel or Guest House then they will notify their local Imm Office that you are staying there and there is nothing for you to do.

If you change address, supply a TM 28 to register the new address. You only ever do this for a change of permanent address, it's free.

Then a TM30 with that address once per year after that, it's free.

Well this is what my local Imm Office wants/expects so best to ask your local office what they want, then there should be no confusion.

90 day reporting must be done if you stay in country 90 or more days.

Some lucky people can do it online, others by post or in person.

You get to do the report 15 days before and up to 7 days after, it's free.

 

A few possibly useful links for you.

The link to the online 90 day report.
Note that you must use IE or an IE tab for Firefox or Chrome.
From here you can also download a user guide:-
https://extranet.immigration.go.th/fn90online/online/tm47/TM47Action.do

Link to download all immigration forms from the Government site:-
http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/en/base.php?page=download

Thai Immigration Application Forms in .doc format from within the Thai Visa Forum.
http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/files/category/6-thai-immigration-application-forms/

 

On the plus side, I find that the Thai Immigration services are a lot easier and nicer to use than those in the UK!

But that's another story. Glad you could get your family to Aus.

 

 

 

But, I'm wondering why you were not able to renew on time?

It is such an important event!

 

On entry to Thailand in November, the IO didn't give me a 90 day report date so I may struggle to keep that one, but not the renewal, it's burned into my brain.

 

Just nosey I suppose, but do tell LOL

 

4 minutes ago, YeahSiam said:

 

Of course they need to be able to comply with the country's visa requirements but that's not the issue here is it?

The guy in the OP - we don't know his age - can live here for a decent enough period of time on a few visa options.

He could come here and teach English if he so chose - thousands of farangs live reasonably well in Bangkok on 30k a month.

Room in On Nut or Bangna, enjoy the variety of cheap and delicious Thai street food, cheap internet.

Maybe he doesn't need a constant supply of hookers and doesn't have a drinking habit.

It's perfectly doable.

I wouldn't like to try it but I'm not going to slag off someone who's able to do it and be happy.

 

 

Those looking down their collective noses at someone because he or she might not be able to emulate our lifestyle is the height of snobbery and, as we all know, the worst snobs are often not too far removed from peasants themselves.

 

 

 

If, if, if.

So you think that the issue is nothing to do with the fact that he has very little resources but you agree that he should comply with the countries visa rules? That is precisely the issue, he doesn't have the funds to comply with anything other than a 30 day visa waiver!  A WP is out of the question.

 

Where did you read that this potential visitor could obtain a WP or has the necessary qualifications to be a teacher.

Surely you're not suggesting that he works illegally?

 

I personally don't care how he chooses to live, som nam na!

Why do you think I am slagging him off?

If he has the 20,000baht and a return ticket and if he comes from an approved country, he will be granted a 30 day visa waiver but to consider that as a base to live here is an abuse of the system.

What concerns me is that anyone would even think about living in a country on back to back TV's with very small personal resources.

The probability is that he would get into trouble, one way or another and not have the resources to extract himself from that mire, whatever it may be.

Simple misunderstandings here can result in severe beatings or worse.

Using a pedestrian crossing is another trap for foreigners.

I hardly dare mention m/c accidents - well it would be a cheap way of exploring any area but perhaps from under the front of a pickup?

What if, OK, what if he ate some bad street food and needed hospital treatment?

What if he got bitten by a Dengue Fever carrying mozzy?

Even a simple scratch can become seriously infected in no time at all and take weeks/months of treatment to heal as is happening to a friend of mine who lives here full time.

Would you PM the OP and offer accommodation and show your new friend the ropes?

Like those liberals in Europe that welcome refugees from the ME, they just want to appear to be PC and noble - a bit like you?

However, they seem expect that society in general should shoulder the responsibility for any problems that may subsequently arise.....

 

One consequence of irresponsible travelers like him is that the Authorities quite rightly clamp down and tighten their rules and regs, thus messing things up for the many others who do act responsibly.

 

 

 

1 minute ago, GarryP said:

So you have no better rejoinder? Only the time-honored WP riposte? 

 

 

Away you go then LOL

This thread's about a chap with next to no money and thinking about living in Thailand LOL

A flea on an elephant's ass with intention to rape?

1 minute ago, JimmyJ said:

 

" Some of us aspire to  have a full life, contributing..."

 

What is your concept of "contributing"?

 

What comes to my mind are things which cost no money  but improve the life of others and the society - doing volunteer work; activism for social improvement/social change; etc.

 

So you have a WP?

 

47 minutes ago, YeahSiam said:

The guy the OP is talking about might have a completely different idea of what constitutes a good life to these nobodies most of whom, despite the opulence in which they claim to live their lives, are serial complainers who spend most of their time here carping on about their host country.

 

5 minutes ago, Naam said:

 

Perhaps, but if one intends to go and live in another country, surely they MUST have the where with all to comply with that countries visa requirements?

Their standard of living is up to them of course as long as it's not in a cardboard box on a shop door way and begging for handouts?

 

Now if he was a refugee and fleeing from war, and this was the first country that he encountered then, perhaps, that's a different matter?
Ask the Hill Tribesmen what they think!

1 hour ago, zd1 said:

I personally would want a bit more than that a month, i'm sure if I wanted to I could survive on that but I prefer to live and that is a bit more expensive.

Looking back over the past month I haven't actually spent much more than that and have been out in Bangkok a few times, had 4 day trips out of Bangkok, eat what I want when I want and a box of beer most days have spent 60k and that is me and the missus.

We have saved a bit on accommodation as we own a house and we also have a pick up which is surprisingly cheap to run.

I would say depending on the op's friends age why not try for a short period and see if it is for you or not.

 

Why not!

Good guys in, bad guys out!

As someone else pointed out, Thailand doesn't want visitors who are on the poverty line.

 

13 minutes ago, SaintLouisBlues said:

19 minutes ago, laislica said:

If you choose to live in Lao but want to spend up to a couple of days in a neighbouring country every week for R&R and to buy your food, where do you really live?

Doesn't that depend on your mindset? I live in Bangkok. It happens to be in Thailand and I know I must conform to Thai immigration procedures but frankly they're a nuisance. I think of myself living in Bangkok, Sydney, London or San Francisco, not Thailand, Australia, the UK or the USA

 

I see what you mean but there's a huge difference between Bangkok, Sydney, London or San Francisco when compared with a short drive across the Friendship bridge at Nong Khai?

I am resident in Spain but also live in Changwat Samut Sakhon so I also expect to have to conform to the necessary visa rules.

 

PS

I wonder why you quote only a Snip of my post but fail to say it's a snip?

It's like taking something out of context because the rest of my post said:-

 

Maybe Thailand want the expats to live in Thailand rather than across the border?

Otherwise, I can't see any sense in this at all because in Thailand they are spending money, doing banking, having health care and having holidays. All good for the Thai economy?

Perhaps, as often happens, ideas are implemented without being properly thought through?

 

.

9 hours ago, JAFO said:

@ the OP.

There is much good information in this and other threads like it. KenK mentioned  earlier on that outside of the financial means its where he prefers to live (like me). That's a very important part. If you do not want to be here you will spend a ton of money to cover that fact up.

 

One thing to also keep in mind is, Yes we all want to retire early(me included) but one has to consider this very carefully. When not at work one will have a tendency to spend more as they have more free time. You are not likely going to sit in a hammock until they burn you.  

 

In my opinion ( as I have learned) there are 2 parts to the cost of living equation here;

 

1) The "Cover living expenses" part. 

 

2) "How much is my free time going to cost me" part? 

 

The 2nd one can be a huge unknown and a real issue later if not considered beforehand. Of course it entirely depends on the individuals make up, but regardless it cannot be ignored. Retiring without a plan or a list of hobbies to partake in is a recipe for some serious angst after the 1st year of living here wears off. I recommend you list what you like to do where you are now and plan on wanting to do a few of them here in Thailand and consider those costs. Also figure that maybe a few of them you will drop and not do but you will likely start to go a bit stir crazy and want to pick up something here and that cost could vary significantly depending on what it is. Point I am trying to make is, my "cost of living here" expense is easily covered. In fact it is quite low. However my hobbies (up to this point) are not cheap at all.  Don't try and kid yourself that you will just sit around, best to be upfront with yourself and realistic. Just something to keep in mind.

 

 

 

An excellent post.

I would also suggest not having roots for the first year but travel to major cities in different areas and rent somewhere for a month.

Then explore the area and make notes about the good and the bad.

This will bump up the startup costs but it will allow the OP to learn much more about life in Thailand and help him to make an informed choice of where to settle.

Life on the coast is vastly different to life inland and it's good to have places that you like to visit and stay for a week or two for a change of scenery (or away from the smoke).

Living a single life can be very lonely and lead to stir crazy or foolish relationships.....

We've traveled to many cities and seen the expat bar life which might be OK for a while but might become like living in a dead end street full of gossips.......

 

I actually did retire early, bought a motor home and traveled in Europe with my then English g/f.

We liked Ireland and France but finally settled on the south of Spain before buying our own place. Mostly because of the warmer weather.

The beach was near but major hospitals were an hour's drive away, meaning you have to be able to drive....

When the g/f and I split up, I moved to the big city where all the facilities are to hand and within walking distance.

Also a much bigger catchment area for meeting people and making friends.

Major shops, an airport, parks, doctors, opticians, dentists restaurants, bars, night clubs, the beach etc.

Also other places to visit a short drive away

I've already found out that health insurance in Thailand is a no no once you hit 70.

Anyway, preexisting conditions are excluded by about 70, and by then, most of us have preexisting conditions.....

Being a resident of Spain gives us virtually free health cover, having to pay only 10% of the cost of any drugs from the pharmacy.

Really good to see someone look before he leaps and there have been some great pieces of advice on this thread.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sorry OP (Jonn1), I haven't read more than the first few posts so if this has already been covered, please excuse me.

 

Before you make the jump, investigate the south of Portugal.

At retirement age, you can transfer your health care to another EU country.

Not sure how Brexit may change this though.

• Then there's also the south of Spain.
• Both easy languages to learn and many free or cheap resources online.

 

You would be able to have rellies and mates pop over from time to time and it's only a short hop to go back to the UK.

No visas-re-entry permits-visa extensions-Arrival/departure forms, report to Immigration on arrival-no 90 day reports-no proof of income certificate from the embassy (costs almost 30 quid)-no need to keep 800,000 baht in a Thai bank for 3 months for annual retirement visa renewal.....

That you can never own land or a business or have a work permit if your status is retirement (even voluntary, unpaid work needs a WP).

Even with a WP there are hundreds of jobs reserved for Thai only!

But if you do choose Thailand, only marry a Thai with excellent reading/writing and knowledge of the UK skills, you will not be permitted to re-settle in the UK with her unless she passes all the English tests and you can prove an annual income of about 18,000 quid (currently).

Don't get caught with pot or any other controlled substance and, and, and

Read Thailand Fever and Private Dancer for a start.

 

Great to see someone doing some research before they jump!

So many seem to leave their brains on the plane and then get properly ripped off.....

I love you long time......

Good luck.

PS

I'm not trying to put you off, just to open your eyes.

There's much more for you to learn besides health care!

I'm a retired Brit, happily married to a Thai wife but we are both resident in Spain, staying there for at least 6 months/annum, necessary to maintain residency.

We spend about 5+ months in Thailand so she can visit her huge family.

Best of both worlds really, from end April to mid Nov in Spain, then Thailand, always summer LOL.

Cost of living wise. If you like a drink and good quality wine, cheaper in Spain than Thailand, from what I've read, slightly cheaper in Portugal.

Renting is cheaper in Thailand, but for somewhere nice, not too much cheaper. but I could easily rent on the coast for €300 or less / mth.

In Spain and Thailand, we do not live in a hugely touristy place, more expensive in those places. We hardly use a car in Spain, can walk to the beach etc. no beach near in Thailand.

Driving in Thailand is a fast way to get killed.

Thailand feels more dangerous to me than Spain, my wife agrees with this too.

2 years ago her youngest son (19) was murdered in Bangkok in one of those inter college gang fights.

We own property in Spain (ie, my Thai wife owns together with me, I cannot do that in Thailand and everything I have bought is in her name.

As a foreigner in Thailand, if I bring in the mony from overseas I am allowed to buy a condo.

Then one is stuck in the one place.  Had I not married, I would have rented both the accommodation and girls as necessary.....

Just sayin.

1 hour ago, smotherb said:

I have no problem leaving Thailand. I generally tend to do something I like until it starts to hurt. Thailand is starting to hurt. It may be just a latent form of the seven-year itch, but it seems the little irritants are becoming more frequent--everything from paperwork hassles to self-centered driving to not being able to serve two meals at the same time. However, my ability to leave at any time is bolstered by not being buried in Thailand with marriage, property or businesses.

 

Yep, I think you have a good point.

All new relationships tend to be viewed through rose tinted specs.

Whether the relationship is with people, a place or a thing.

Perhaps familiarity breeds contempt, so given enough time and even the world's most delicious chocolate becomes, routine or even boring?

Do we routinely fall out of love? I think the answer is yes, unless we make strenuous efforts to keep the love alive.

 

They say that what suits one at 20 is not acceptable at 30 and

what suits one at 30 is not acceptable at 40 and so on.....

Priorities change, as youngsters we needed to live near good schools for the kids, then near the hospitals LOL

Smoke and mirrors?

 

You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams. ~ Dr. Seuss

or the converse?

 

 

5 hours ago, Don Mega said:

Yeah I work here so obviously live here as well, or do you think I fly in from another country every day ?

 

 

Bet you're glad I'm not your boss?

I would expect you to be too busy to make so many posts on TVF during office hours........

ha ha, unless you're a professional troll?