diyer

Where is OP ?

He's trying to fix the tree.

I believe he's seen the error of his actions and decided to branch out and turn over a new leaf

O-A visa age minimum is definitely 50.

That also applies to retirement extensions in Thailand, also age 50.

O-A Visa can only be issued by London now (no postal applications) and they will only issue to those over 65 or married to a Thai.

You can make applications at Hull or Liverpool for an O-A but these will be forwarded to London.

The Consulates can longer issue this Visa directly.

Whilst you may disagree, I can only tell you what we are told by the Consulates and Embassy in the UK.

It really is quite a shambles, so I can understand why so many get confused.

The info the consulate gave you is wrong.

Multiple entry non-o visas are only being approved by the embassy if 65 or over and getting a government pension. But the embassy does not issue them only the consulates can do it.

The embassy still does OA visas if 50 or over.

I know the information the Consulate gave was wrong.

Hence my post to highlight how confusing the procedures and conditions of gaining different Visa types can be for individuals who haven't yet found the great advice offered by experienced members on TV.

Lopburi 3............spot on

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Just as a matter of interest on what basis was the single entry Non "O" visa issued ?

On the basis of Retirement

OK !

Thank you for responding

So you are past the big 50 !

Helpful for others to know a single entry "non O" visa for the purpose described, is still easily available in the UK

edit

typo!

I'm past the big 60 (just)

Passport, two passport photos, application form and a copy of your last bank statement.

For a single entry 90 day 'non O' Visa your bank must show funds of at least £3,500

I have no idea where they pluck that figure from, but ironically if your intention is to retire in Thailand then your going to have funds of at least £18,000 in order to meet the requirements for the extension of stay.

O-A visa age minimum is definitely 50.

That also applies to retirement extensions in Thailand, also age 50.

O-A Visa can only be issued by London now (no postal applications) and they will only issue to those over 65 or married to a Thai.

You can make applications at Hull or Liverpool for an O-A but these will be forwarded to London.

The Consulates can longer issue this Visa directly.

Whilst you may disagree, I can only tell you what we are told by the Consulates and Embassy in the UK.

It really is quite a shambles, so I can understand why so many get confused.

Just as a matter of interest on what basis was the single entry Non "O" visa issued ?

On the basis of Retirement

Although no basis or reason is on the Visa, just the application form.

Talk about contradictions!!!

I've been planning my move to Thailand for the last 3 months.

I've been absorbing much of the information about Visa's, extensions etc from TV and government websites.

Confusing to say the least for the newbie with no experience.

Anyway last week I made an appointment with the Liverpool Consulate to make my application for a Non Imm 'O' Visa.

First question was are you over 65............No

Second question was are you married to a Thai..........No

Then I can't issue you an 'O-A' Visa unless you meet that criteria.

I don't want an 'O-A' Visa (my application clearly stated 'O')

No problem and within 10 minutes I'm leaving with my Single Entry Non Imm 'O' Visa.

But I'm handed an information form to explain the newly adopted rules.

It makes some interesting and controversial reading if anyone is interested.

Having just been verbally told that an 'O-A' Visa can only be issued to someone over 65 or married to a Thai

The last paragraph of the information form reads, and I quote:

"Retirement Visa 'O-A' (only issued in London and Thailand and valid for a period of 1 year) is available to anyone over the age of 50 who can prove they have 800,000 baht per person in a bank (and that it has been in the bank for 3 months). If it is a UK bank account, then you must visit the British Embassy in Bangkok to get a letter confirming you have these funds.

You must also supply a report from your doctor on your health and a police report to show if you have a clean record or not. You must report to Immigration every 90 days to have your passport stamped"

Thank god for TV to iron out these inconsistences.

When you import a shipment of household goods under the duty free exemption the passport is required as a notation of having recieved the free shipment is made in the passport.

Unless the household and personal items are very large why not hand carry them? When I moved to Thailand I used the largest size suitcases that I could find. I brought a total of 9 large suitcases of all my household/personal item and when I when through BKK I was never questioned about the suitcases or contents therefore all my items made it through without the one-time exemption or without having to pay any duty.

How much did that cost and what airline?

The cheapest quote I can get just for one extra case is almost as much as my flight cost.......over £500.

In contrast to your experience sub101UK, I will be applying for a 90 day non Imm 'O' Visa (retirement) next month at Liverpool.

They are prepared to issue the Visa on condition I submit the following:

1. Valid Passport

2. 2 x Passport Photos.

3. Completed application form.

4. Proof of £3,500 Finances.

Whilst it was suggested that I would need a Health Certificate and a Criminal Records Check in order to extend my Visa within Thailand, this doesn't make sense and as Maestro has already stated these documents are not required for an extension. (I'll accept his knowledge on this issue)

If indeed you needed to provide a Health certificate and a Criminal Records check, then these would be required at the point of your original application in the UK, but these documents haven't been requested by the Liverpool Consulate.

Tourist entering Thailand don't require any checks! Why should an 'O' Visa be any different in this respect.

Secondly you advised a number of documents had to be Notarised. Again this makes no sense as a Foreign Embassy cannot accept a Notarised document as being true unless it has also been legalised by the FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office).

A Notary merely signs a document based on the oath you make that the documents you have presented are from a genuine public body.

The FCO confirms the Notary is registered and qualified.

Such documents would not be accepted in Thailand as a legally binding document unless it was also legalised by the Thai Embassy in the UK following legalisation by the FCO.

I have knowledge and experience in the preparation of documents to be legally accepted in a Foreign Country.

1. The document must first be signed and stamped by a duly authorised Notary.

2. The FCO check he is an authorised Notary and attach a Vignette to the document.

3. The Foreign Embassy concerned will then attach a vignette to the document.

Without the vignette from the Embassy of the Country concerned, the document is useless in that Foreign Country.

That is the procedure to prepare a document that will be accepted as legal in a Foreign Country.

I can only conclude you have been given misleading information that has cost you time and money.

The amount of documentation you were required to supply may be consistent with applying for a Work Permit such as a teacher where you would work with children but I'm no expert on that.

The information given across the websites is confusing for the first timer, including the lack of direct information from the Embassy/Consulates.

I'll update with my own experience when I apply next month.

For an extension of stay for retirement you need neither a health record nor a police criminal record check.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Thank you Maestro.

As I was advised, those already in Thailand will not be required to provide a Police Criminal Record Check.

However under the new rules, those who are entering Thailand for the first time on a 90 day 'O' Visa, could be asked for a PCRC for their first extension of stay.

It depends whether the Immigration office you apply at wants to enforce that new ruling or not.

I'll deal with getting my 90 day 'O' Visa first.

The point of my posting was to highlight the suggested requirements by the OP in post 1 are inaccurate to get an 'O' Visa from the UK.

Once I'm in Thailand I'll ask the Immigration office what documents they require to get a retirement extension.

Sorry to rock the boat sub101uk, but;

The requirements you stated are for obtaining an 'O' type Visa within Thailand.

I'm retiring to Thailand in April so followed the rule changes with interest.

Yes, the websites are confusing.

The Consulate at Liverpool are very helpful and call you back almost immediately.

To obtain an 'O' Visa to enter Thailand valid for 90 days you only require the following;

1. Passport

2. 2 x Passport photos

3. Completed application form.

4. Bank statement confirming funds of £3,500 (to cover the 90 day period)

Applications must be in person and the Visa can be issued the same day for a fee of £10.

The Visa are £50 Cash or Cheque only.

This information was supplied verbally by Sue at the Thai Consulate, Liverpool.

For applications in Thailand you will also need;

1. A Health Certificate

2. Police Criminal Record Check.

3. Funds of 800,000 baht

Apparently many of the Immigration Centres in Thailand never ask for a Criminal Records certificate, but for the last 2 years they have had the right to request such a document. The consulate strongly advises taking such a document with you in the event it is requested.

They will accept CRB checks providing they are not older than 6 months old.

It depends on location and the availability of labour.

My fiancée is looking at building a new house in a rural village.

Labourers demand 300bht a day, the skilled workers 500bht a day.

I am currently on vacation in Thailand, but intend to live here permanently from early next year.

I'm only 60, so won't receive my state pension for another 5 years.

However I have already made extensive enquiries with the DWP and the Inland Revenue.

Everyone will have different circumstances and incomes, so my advise would be to do your own checks with relevant departments to see what works best for your situation.

Next year because I'm only 60 my income will come from renting my home and private pensions.

I'll register for self assessment for tax purposes.

No tax will be automatically taken from my private pension payments or home rental.

I can claim maintenance and agents costs against my total income and hopefully should break even without having to pay any tax.

When I'm 65 I'll receive my state pension and another private pension.

I can either notify them I am living in Thailand in which case my state pension will be frozen and I'll have to pay taxes, or;

I can claim exemption from the UK and pay no taxes there.

Theoretically I should then pay taxes in Thailand, but I won't tell if you don't

If you want to keep a UK address in order to get state pension increases, then you'll also pay taxes on your income.

You either make a clean break and live in Thailand or keep looking over your shoulder.

When considering where to have your money paid, either Thai or UK banks, consider interest rates.

The Thai banks offer a far better rate than UK banks.

Offshore banking is another option, although even their rates are lower than Thai banks.

If you spend more than 181 days in the UK then you can claim the current state pension.

Every 5 years or so, I'll visit family and stay to claim the current rate.

Even when I move back to Thailand that rate will continue.

There isn't any one answer to cover everyone.

I would make some more enquiries because you are wrong on a couple of counts.

All income derived in the UK is taxable. You will have a tax allowance and the cosde will be given to your pension provider. They will deduct tax at source.

If you become non-resident any rental income should have tax deducted at source - certainly in the case of a letting agent being used. You can apply for tax not to be deducted.

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/incometax/tax-leave-uk.htm

I will stand corrected but I believe your pension increase strategy is also flawed. The increase would only apply for the duration of your stay in the UK

Form R85 from Inland Revenue.

Getting tax-free interest on savings or claiming tax back

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/incometax/tax-free-interest.htm

Saturday drove from Phanom Sarakham to Chachongsao, then Sunday Phanom Sarakham to Rayong.

Never had a problem with traffic or flooding! Where does this information come from?

Probably, the same person who is advising you on tax/pensions !

You must be one of those seen it all, done it all, know it all's.

Jeez, don't know what your problem is, but I bet it's hard to pronounce it.

Was planing to ride bike from Pattaya to Khon Kaen on Thursday next week... anybody know if 331 upto 304 and then Hwy 2 is safe ??

It's not safe, flooded or not

304 was flooded near the mountain pass last week, only passable by wagons and pick up trucks.

Hundreds of stranded motor bikes. Police were actually encouraging pick up trucks to take stranded cyclists in the back to increase their weight.

0.75 metre deep. A bit of a hairy drive. Saw a few tankers capsized that had been washed away.

The 2 was clear and fine from Nakhon Ratchasima.

Saturday drove from Phanom Sarakham to Chachongsao, then Sunday Phanom Sarakham to Rayong.

Never had a problem with traffic or flooding! Where does this information come from?

Please re-read my first post (#45) on this topic.

I am currently on holiday in Thailand.

Next year I will retire to Thailand but won't be in receipt of my state pension as I'm only a spring chicken yet at 60 yrs old.

My income at that time will be from house rental plus private pensions and savings.

I'll register as Self assessment.

That means I can claim expenses against housing repairs, maintenance and agents fees.

I can complete forms that prevent tax being taken at source because I'll be responsible for paying my own taxes, but my expenses will drop me below the threshold to pay any tax.

I'll be happy to provide the form details when I get back to the UK.

In 4 years I'll receive my state pension, then deregister as I've been advised by an accredited accountant and HMIR

On that score I can only state that I already know at least one expat, already resident in Thailand who has deregistered and pays no taxes on income or interest.

If he wishes to publish his facts here that is his business.

It's not a con or illegal. Maybe a loophole in the system, but I'll use it if it's there.

According to HMIR you must be present in the UK to complete the deregistering procedure.

Why? I don't know, but they were adamant about that.

(I think they possibly have to witness your signature).

How do all these overseas multi corporations trade in the UK but never pay UK taxes.

Simple! Their not registered in the UK.

No, sorry your incorrect.

If your intention is going to permanently live abroad in a Country with no reciprocal agreements with the UK you can deregister with Inland Revenue.

Any income or interest from the UK is then not taxed.

Absolute &lt;deleted&gt;!

You can not opt out of paying tax in the UK on money derived from the UK.

Your UK company pension, UK private pension and UK state pension are all taxed in the UK, no matter what you do.

(Of course you could put your company and private pension into a QROPs ...... which would likely lose you 20% a year on your capital, with the current bunch of crooks running most schemes)

You can't avoid UK tax on your UK pensions, anyone telling you different is a fool or a crook.

I'm not getting involved in an argument. If you believe it to be a load of '&lt;deleted&gt;' then so be it.

If you decide to permanently reside abroad you can deregister. No tax code, no tax reference number.

Next year I'll be resident in Thailand, receiving my tax free income from the UK.

That's a fact already confirmed by Inland Revenue.

I am currently on vacation in Thailand, but intend to live here permanently from early next year.

I'm only 60, so won't receive my state pension for another 5 years.

However I have already made extensive enquiries with the DWP and the Inland Revenue.

Everyone will have different circumstances and incomes, so my advise would be to do your own checks with relevant departments to see what works best for your situation.

Next year because I'm only 60 my income will come from renting my home and private pensions.

I'll register for self assessment for tax purposes.

No tax will be automatically taken from my private pension payments or home rental.

I can claim maintenance and agents costs against my total income and hopefully should break even without having to pay any tax.

When I'm 65 I'll receive my state pension and another private pension.

I can either notify them I am living in Thailand in which case my state pension will be frozen and I'll have to pay taxes, or;

I can claim exemption from the UK and pay no taxes there.

Theoretically I should then pay taxes in Thailand, but I won't tell if you don't

If you want to keep a UK address in order to get state pension increases, then you'll also pay taxes on your income.

You either make a clean break and live in Thailand or keep looking over your shoulder.

When considering where to have your money paid, either Thai or UK banks, consider interest rates.

The Thai banks offer a far better rate than UK banks.

Offshore banking is another option, although even their rates are lower than Thai banks.

If you spend more than 181 days in the UK then you can claim the current state pension.

Every 5 years or so, I'll visit family and stay to claim the current rate.

Even when I move back to Thailand that rate will continue.

There isn't any one answer to cover everyone.

You cannot claim exemption from UK tax. ANY income derived from the UK is subject to UK tax,as all of us living in Thailand well know. Your best bet is not to inform the UK authorities that you are,or intend to live in Thailand, keep an address in the UK or one of the countries where they do receive the yearly increase, therefore ensuring that you receive the yearly increase that YOU have paid for.

No, sorry your incorrect.

If your intention is going to permanently live abroad in a Country with no reciprocal agreements with the UK you can deregister with Inland Revenue.

Any income or interest from the UK is then not taxed.

However you should declare this income for tax in your resident Country............but who does!

Of course you have to complete a number of forms. Inland Revenue will supply the forms.

You will not get annual pension increases.

OK, so you'll lose out by an increase of £120 to your state pension next year, but you'll save far more in not paying taxes.

For those who pretend to remain a resident of the UK by having a UK address, your fooling nobody.

The authorities know when you left the UK and when/if you return.

They'll catch up with you sooner or later.

If your claiming state pension and return to the UK for a visit you can claim any pension increase for the period of your visit.

When you leave the UK again your pension will revert back to the amount you previously received.

If your claiming state pension and return to the UK for a period exceeding 180 days, you can claim British residency and receive the current rate of state pension.

When you leave the UK your pension will be frozen at the new rate, not your previously frozen rate.

That is because you exercised your right to British residency again.

I know people in this position already. I checked these facts with an accountant and with advisors of the DWP and Inland Revenue who confirmed they are correct.

That's not to say things won't change in the future.

I think it's a disgrace that UK state pensions are not automatically increased just because you later choose to live in Thailand or elsewhere.

From what I understand this could change in the near future.

Sorry, but I agree with Loongs apprehensions and concerns.

The safety and welfare of a child comes before any cultural excuses.

If the child was known to be under the care and supervision of a family member, then that is a different matter.

To merely take of with another child, albeit a family member without notifying one of the child's parents is ignorant and irresponsible.

I am currently on vacation in Thailand, but intend to live here permanently from early next year.

I'm only 60, so won't receive my state pension for another 5 years.

However I have already made extensive enquiries with the DWP and the Inland Revenue.

Everyone will have different circumstances and incomes, so my advise would be to do your own checks with relevant departments to see what works best for your situation.

Next year because I'm only 60 my income will come from renting my home and private pensions.

I'll register for self assessment for tax purposes.

No tax will be automatically taken from my private pension payments or home rental.

I can claim maintenance and agents costs against my total income and hopefully should break even without having to pay any tax.

When I'm 65 I'll receive my state pension and another private pension.

I can either notify them I am living in Thailand in which case my state pension will be frozen and I'll have to pay taxes, or;

I can claim exemption from the UK and pay no taxes there.

Theoretically I should then pay taxes in Thailand, but I won't tell if you don't

If you want to keep a UK address in order to get state pension increases, then you'll also pay taxes on your income.

You either make a clean break and live in Thailand or keep looking over your shoulder.

When considering where to have your money paid, either Thai or UK banks, consider interest rates.

The Thai banks offer a far better rate than UK banks.

Offshore banking is another option, although even their rates are lower than Thai banks.

If you spend more than 181 days in the UK then you can claim the current state pension.

Every 5 years or so, I'll visit family and stay to claim the current rate.

Even when I move back to Thailand that rate will continue.

There isn't any one answer to cover everyone.

Out of curiosity how long a visit would you need to make to have your pension increased?

In order to claim an increase you must be classified as a resident of the UK. To meet that criteria I believe the current position is 181 days in the UK.

Your pension would be frozen again at the increased rate when you return to Thailand.

Did you read all the posts 7by7 before making up that ridiculous scenario of events.

1. Loong already stated his comment about 'kidnapping' was overzealous.

2. The child went to visit uncles house. Maybe nobody was at home in which case the child would return.

Nobody was at home when Loong called, so he didn't know what had happened.

Since when was it a crime to be concerned or care for the safety of a child!

A child is a child, Thai, British, whatever.

I am currently on vacation in Thailand, but intend to live here permanently from early next year.

I'm only 60, so won't receive my state pension for another 5 years.

However I have already made extensive enquiries with the DWP and the Inland Revenue.

Everyone will have different circumstances and incomes, so my advise would be to do your own checks with relevant departments to see what works best for your situation.

Next year because I'm only 60 my income will come from renting my home and private pensions.

I'll register for self assessment for tax purposes.

No tax will be automatically taken from my private pension payments or home rental.

I can claim maintenance and agents costs against my total income and hopefully should break even without having to pay any tax.

When I'm 65 I'll receive my state pension and another private pension.

I can either notify them I am living in Thailand in which case my state pension will be frozen and I'll have to pay taxes, or;

I can claim exemption from the UK and pay no taxes there.

Theoretically I should then pay taxes in Thailand, but I won't tell if you don't

If you want to keep a UK address in order to get state pension increases, then you'll also pay taxes on your income.

You either make a clean break and live in Thailand or keep looking over your shoulder.

When considering where to have your money paid, either Thai or UK banks, consider interest rates.

The Thai banks offer a far better rate than UK banks.

Offshore banking is another option, although even their rates are lower than Thai banks.

If you spend more than 181 days in the UK then you can claim the current state pension.

Every 5 years or so, I'll visit family and stay to claim the current rate.

Even when I move back to Thailand that rate will continue.

There isn't any one answer to cover everyone.

I'll be arriving at Suvarnabhumi airport at 0830 Sunday 5/10.

One question I had has already been answered that the exchange booths will be open.

Can anyone tell me the exchange rates at the airport. I just need £100 exchanging until the banks open on Monday.

In the UK the buy rate is 44baht - £1.

Would I get a better rate at the airport or should I exchange a little in the UK first.

It looks as though the 'legal' way is the 'illegal' way for a tourist.

I'll have an International Licence.

I'm not hiring, just borrowing.

I'll buy a good helmet and I'll look out for the 'fookers' jumping the lights.

Now, if I do get pulled, what kind of fine can I expect from the other 'fookers'

I know I can't get a Thai licence on a Tourist Visa, that will come later when I retire there.

According to the Royal Thai Consulate in Hull as long as I have an International Licence and my own UK Licence, I can drive legally in Thailand for up to 6 months.

Insurance seems to be a grey area though for a tourist.