robcar

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I hope that compulsory insurance is not the only cover you have for you and your motorcycle as it covers almost nothing. The most dangerous thing that about any of us do every day is drive a motorcycle here in Thailand and I would certainly advise getting that risk covered and covered well. The very first class insurance cover that I have cost about 2,500 Bt a year.

Cheers!

I agree. Just a bit surprised about the price you pay for a first class insurance. I was quoted over 3000 Bt 2 weeks ago for a 3rd class (didn't take it yet).

Not sure if you can show the company on this forum, otherwise I would very much appreciate if you could pm me the company details.

I too would be interested in the name of the company. A pm would suffice if not allowed on the forum

First of all.. i did read the other posts so apologies for anything repeated.

International Permit

This is only a Permit for whatever license you have at you home country and not a license itself. I have had these in the past and it would be worth to note that even those there is a long list of countries who accept these, a number of those countries don't actually accept the Permit. From my own experiences I can assure this is correct. Also, recently I did hear a rumour (yes.. It was only by word of mouth) that Thailand no longer accepts these Permits.

Normal License

Many countries will accept just your license from you home country with the International Permit for the first 3 mths from your time of arrival.. I was pretty sure Thailand used to be one of these but also does not allow/accept this method anymore.

My advice, if you are here for a year is to get a Thai license. If you don't have a motorcycle at home, then find one of the numerous tour agents that can assist you with the process of passing the tests at the Land & Transport Office and make sure your legal as someone noted, having an accodent unlicensed can put your in a very unhappy situation. Licenses are cheap and an agent to assist you will only cost a few thousand baht. Also, if you arent familiar with motorcycle, don't be a clown! Mopeds are not known for their braking or steering agility so topping its max speed is not a good start.. Especially if you have a tire blow (yes have seen this happen to a tourist).. Keep in mind that little pocket rockets maintenance will not be what you be expecting from home!

Enjoy Safe Riding!

I can assure you that an IDP is required in Thailand. I was stopped twice riding a scooter by the traffic boys earlier this year and fined THB400 for not having one each time. When you have one it is valid for 12 months. I am from UK.

I can assure that an IDP is not required in Thailand. I went through 4 checkpoints in Phuket in the last 30 days and my home country DL was all they wanted but specifically asked me to show them the motorycle endorsement which I have.

Maybe it's just a Hua Hin thing. I was stopped first time going into Market Village (Tesco) and then a couple of days later coming out of the same place. I had helmet on as did my passenger. They only asked for licence which I gave them, they (he) then asked for International Driving Permit which I didn't have so got banged for 400baht each time..........got receipts for it as well.

First of all.. i did read the other posts so apologies for anything repeated.

International Permit

This is only a Permit for whatever license you have at you home country and not a license itself. I have had these in the past and it would be worth to note that even those there is a long list of countries who accept these, a number of those countries don't actually accept the Permit. From my own experiences I can assure this is correct. Also, recently I did hear a rumour (yes.. It was only by word of mouth) that Thailand no longer accepts these Permits.

Normal License

Many countries will accept just your license from you home country with the International Permit for the first 3 mths from your time of arrival.. I was pretty sure Thailand used to be one of these but also does not allow/accept this method anymore.

My advice, if you are here for a year is to get a Thai license. If you don't have a motorcycle at home, then find one of the numerous tour agents that can assist you with the process of passing the tests at the Land & Transport Office and make sure your legal as someone noted, having an accodent unlicensed can put your in a very unhappy situation. Licenses are cheap and an agent to assist you will only cost a few thousand baht. Also, if you arent familiar with motorcycle, don't be a clown! Mopeds are not known for their braking or steering agility so topping its max speed is not a good start.. Especially if you have a tire blow (yes have seen this happen to a tourist).. Keep in mind that little pocket rockets maintenance will not be what you be expecting from home!

Enjoy Safe Riding!

I can assure you that an IDP is required in Thailand. I was stopped twice riding a scooter by the traffic boys earlier this year and fined THB400 for not having one each time. When you have one it is valid for 12 months. I am from UK.

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I will stick with the Non 'O' multiple entry that I mentioned in my first post, based on my UK Pension Statement. My worry/quiery was the talk of physically having to leave every 90 days which you answered for me in your first post

Many Thanks

You won't be able to get this category of Non 'O' multiple entry Visa based on retirement from the Thai Embassy in London, they only issue 'O-A's for retirement..

You would have to try dealing with one of the (now much less flexible) UK Thai Consulates by personal appearance, as they no longer are permitted to deal with postal applications.

It looks like things changed 15th January 2014, read this. Visa Application by post. http://www.thaiembassyuk.org.uk/?q=node/401

If you look at the last line of 'Examples of such evidence are:......... it says ' In the case of UK Pensioner (Non-immigrant 'O') a copy of UK State Pension.

For my own sake I hope I am reading this right

Regards

Yes, I see - reads that if you have a state pension you can apply for the Non immigrant 'O' version by post - seems like there is a new option if you are over 65 (certainly this did used to be available through the consulates for over 50s), looks like the Embassy now does this through the post - see below for the full London Visa breakdown:

http://thaiembassyuk.org.uk/?q=node/49

Excellent and comprehensive link, thankyou. I have friends who will be wanting to travel over next year that this will be very useful for

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I will stick with the Non 'O' multiple entry that I mentioned in my first post, based on my UK Pension Statement. My worry/quiery was the talk of physically having to leave every 90 days which you answered for me in your first post

Many Thanks

You won't be able to get this category of Non 'O' multiple entry Visa based on retirement from the Thai Embassy in London, they only issue 'O-A's for retirement..

You would have to try dealing with one of the (now much less flexible) UK Thai Consulates by personal appearance, as they no longer are permitted to deal with postal applications.

It looks like things changed 15th January 2014, read this. Visa Application by post. http://www.thaiembassyuk.org.uk/?q=node/401

If you look at the last line of 'Examples of such evidence are:......... it says ' In the case of UK Pensioner (Non-immigrant 'O') a copy of UK State Pension.

For my own sake I hope I am reading this right

Regards

I will stick with the Non 'O' multiple entry that I mentioned in my first post, based on my UK Pension Statement. My worry/quiery was the talk of physically having to leave every 90 days which you answered for me in your first post

Many Thanks

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This one for ubonjoe.........

Many thanks for all your previous help with my sometimes silly questions regarding visas' etc., but after reading this lot on here I now have another one.

I have decided to apply in UK for a Non-O multi entry visa based on retirement ( sending in a copy of my UK Pension Statement with application ). I don't know yet if I will use any of the multi entries during the following 12 months after arrival. I will obviously do my 90 day reporting as required and attempt to get an extention of stay when required at the end of the visa period, based on retirement+income+bank balance or whichever is most relevant. I will probaly be asking you the question closer to the time lol.

I read many times in this tread that there is a requirement to physically leave after 90 days..........is this really the case that one physically has to leave and return???

If you are successful in obtaining the Multiple non Immigrant 'OA' Visa from the Thai Embassy in London, then you get stamped in for one year every time you enter Thailand up to the 'Enter Before' Date on the Visa.

This can give you almost two years of stay with no requirement to leave Thailand more than one in that period.

You will however be required to report your address to immigration every 90 days that you remain in Thailand without leaving.

Thanks for your quick reply.

Just had a check of the London application form and there is no mention of 'OA' visa, just Non-Immigrant Visa with a choice of adding 'S' for single entry or 'M' for multiple entry. There are of course spaces for Tourist and Transit Visas'.

Hopefully all will go to plan...................... thanks again

Here you go - information on Non Immigrant 'O-A' Visa - Thai Embassy London - link below:

http://www.thaiembassyuk.org.uk/?q=node/51

Yes, thankyou for that.

As I said earlier the current application form does not refer to a 'OA' at all, just a Non-Immigrant with a choice of S or M. http://thaiembassyuk.org.uk/annie/file/visa%20application2014.pdf Perhaps the 'OA' is discontinued for UK citizens

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This one for ubonjoe.........

Many thanks for all your previous help with my sometimes silly questions regarding visas' etc., but after reading this lot on here I now have another one.

I have decided to apply in UK for a Non-O multi entry visa based on retirement ( sending in a copy of my UK Pension Statement with application ). I don't know yet if I will use any of the multi entries during the following 12 months after arrival. I will obviously do my 90 day reporting as required and attempt to get an extention of stay when required at the end of the visa period, based on retirement+income+bank balance or whichever is most relevant. I will probaly be asking you the question closer to the time lol.

I read many times in this tread that there is a requirement to physically leave after 90 days..........is this really the case that one physically has to leave and return???

If you are successful in obtaining the Multiple non Immigrant 'OA' Visa from the Thai Embassy in London, then you get stamped in for one year every time you enter Thailand up to the 'Enter Before' Date on the Visa.

This can give you almost two years of stay with no requirement to leave Thailand more than one in that period.

You will however be required to report your address to immigration every 90 days that you remain in Thailand without leaving.

Thanks for your quick reply.

Just had a check of the London application form and there is no mention of 'OA' visa, just Non-Immigrant Visa with a choice of adding 'S' for single entry or 'M' for multiple entry. There are of course spaces for Tourist and Transit Visas'.

Hopefully all will go to plan...................... thanks again

This one for ubonjoe.........

Many thanks for all your previous help with my sometimes silly questions regarding visas' etc., but after reading this lot on here I now have another one.

I have decided to apply in UK for a Non-O multi entry visa based on retirement ( sending in a copy of my UK Pension Statement with application ). I don't know yet if I will use any of the multi entries during the following 12 months after arrival. I will obviously do my 90 day reporting as required and attempt to get an extention of stay when required at the end of the visa period, based on retirement+income+bank balance or whichever is most relevant. I will probaly be asking you the question closer to the time lol.

I read many times in this tread that there is a requirement to physically leave after 90 days..........is this really the case that one physically has to leave and return???

Probably a silly question but............

After getting your precious new Thai licences in your hand, do you still retain your current EU/UK licence to put back into your wallet?

Can I ask you knowledgable folk on here a couple of questions please?...........

I am heading out your way soon with the plan of retirement for a few years, I am over 50. My intention is a Non-Immigrant 'O' Visa - Multiple entry to see how things go. I will produce my retirement pension docs with my application.

Q1. I have UK state pension (£690) and a private pension (£320), both are paid into the bank every 4 weeks making 13 payments per year. Are the calculations done over the 12 months or the 13 payments. Either way it makes me a tad short of the minimum requirement so I will have to have a cushion in the bank to make it up.

Q2. I have an investment that I started about 5 years ago that produces me a quarterly income of £900. It was always intended to be a top-up for my pension.

Will this be allowed to count towards my total monthly income as it essentially gives me an extra £300 per month on top of my 2 pensions.

Many thanks in anticipation of your replies.

Proof on income is to my knowledge (never used it, as I use the fixed full 800k deposit instead) an annual letter from your (British) embassy confirming your income when renewing the retirement extension of your Non Immigrant visa. It's the embassy who states the income. Summing up your stated income – (320+690 x 12) + (900 x 4) = 15,720 x 50 = 786,000 – you are just around the 800k, safe if exchange rate of 1£ equals 51baht or more. However, you can use the combination method, which is some money in a Thai bank (12m fixed deposit best for higher interest) and the confirmation letter of income for the remaining amount, i.e. having some 100+k in deposit should make you clear. Also, it is always good to have instant access to some extra “rainy day account” money when staying in Thailand.

Thankyou khunPer you reply helps me greatly. I am pleased and relieved that my investment income will be taken into account too.

Thanks.

I wish to add, that you better check with the British embassy, as that how it works to my knowledge, but I’m not British. Perhaps other British TV-members can confirm.

I also want to say, that if you can afford it, do place some funds in a Thai bank fixed deposit. I know it’s a low interest, around 2½% p.a. for 12 month, but that may lift you from some hassle every year when renewing your retirement extension, and it’s advisable always to have instant access to extra fund in Thailand in case of accident or illness (depending of your health insurance situation). There is a 15% withholding tax on the interest, which you may be able to claim back. You can cash out the interest annually from the deposit. You can cash money out at any time before the end of a fixed term period, for example 12 month, but you loose the interest on that amount.

Thanks again kuhnPer. I do have enough funds to put the full amount into the bank but I am trying to avoid doing so as I have heard and read some horror stories with regard to getting it back out of the country if needed. I will though take your advice and put some 'rainy day' funds in. Thanks again.

Can I ask you knowledgable folk on here a couple of questions please?...........

I am heading out your way soon with the plan of retirement for a few years, I am over 50. My intention is a Non-Immigrant 'O' Visa - Multiple entry to see how things go. I will produce my retirement pension docs with my application.

Q1. I have UK state pension (£690) and a private pension (£320), both are paid into the bank every 4 weeks making 13 payments per year. Are the calculations done over the 12 months or the 13 payments. Either way it makes me a tad short of the minimum requirement so I will have to have a cushion in the bank to make it up.

Q2. I have an investment that I started about 5 years ago that produces me a quarterly income of £900. It was always intended to be a top-up for my pension.

Will this be allowed to count towards my total monthly income as it essentially gives me an extra £300 per month on top of my 2 pensions.

Many thanks in anticipation of your replies.

Proof on income is to my knowledge (never used it, as I use the fixed full 800k deposit instead) an annual letter from your (British) embassy confirming your income when renewing the retirement extension of your Non Immigrant visa. It's the embassy who states the income. Summing up your stated income – (320+690 x 12) + (900 x 4) = 15,720 x 50 = 786,000 – you are just around the 800k, safe if exchange rate of 1£ equals 51baht or more. However, you can use the combination method, which is some money in a Thai bank (12m fixed deposit best for higher interest) and the confirmation letter of income for the remaining amount, i.e. having some 100+k in deposit should make you clear. Also, it is always good to have instant access to some extra “rainy day account” money when staying in Thailand.

Thankyou khunPer you reply helps me greatly. I am pleased and relieved that my investment income will be taken into account too.

Can I ask you knowledgable folk on here a couple of questions please?...........

I am heading out your way soon with the plan of retirement for a few years, I am over 50. My intention is a Non-Immigrant 'O' Visa - Multiple entry to see how things go. I will produce my retirement pension docs with my application.

Q1. I have UK state pension (£690) and a private pension (£320), both are paid into the bank every 4 weeks making 13 payments per year. Are the calculations done over the 12 months or the 13 payments. Either way it makes me a tad short of the minimum requirement so I will have to have a cushion in the bank to make it up.

Q2. I have an investment that I started about 5 years ago that produces me a quarterly income of £900. It was always intended to be a top-up for my pension.

Will this be allowed to count towards my total monthly income as it essentially gives me an extra £300 per month on top of my 2 pensions.

Many thanks in anticipation of your replies.

ubonjoe.

You are a star, your visa knowledge is brilliant. I now understand ................... Thankyou once again

Thanks ubonjoe, My friends expiry date is 5th November. He is under the impression that he will still get 6 months from the date he enters. I will let him know.

In the same vein as this. My 2 entry tourist visa (if I take this route towards the change of visa status) will be issued in mid June but I won't fly until 27th September, would the same 60 day entry apply to me too.

In addition to this the Non 'O' 12 months multiple entry would be issued mid June also. Will that have any impact on my flying out September 27th

Sorry about the million questions

Regards

Another one for 'ubonjoe'

Sorry to be a pain but another one to tap your knowledge.

I think I have a Plan 'B' but would appreciate your thoughts and advice. I have been told that there is a travel agent local to me here in Cyprus that will organise a visa without any appearance at the consulate. A friend has just used them to obtain a (I think double entry) 6 month tourist visa which I have seen and looks genuine to me. He was going to travel last week but became ill and now plans to travel just before the expiry date in November. Which I assume will still give him 6 months stay.

1. My plan now is to try to obtain a Non 'O' 6 month, over 50 or possible retirement, multi-entry visa......... if such a thing exists. Hopefully issued here in CY in late June ready for me to travel from UK in September.

2. Alternatively obtain a 6 month (double entry or multi entry) tourist visa as my friend has done and convert to a retirement visa or retirement extention towards the end of said visa. Again issued in late June, travel end of September which will mean a visit for change around March 2015. Do you know of any complications in changing a Tourist visa to a Retirement visa.

Am I heading in the right direction or have I lost the plot altogether

Thanks for your quick reply. Daren't risk getting it in Cyprus just in case I don't get my passport back in time. Didn't realise that they only had a 3 month life which was why I asked about a 6 month non 'O'. I am assuming that it is not possible to get a 6 month 'multiple entry 'Non 'O' which has a longer expiry date.........

I opened a Kasicorn account earlier this year on a tourist visa.

I currently live in Cyprus but am relocating to Thailand later this year (September)..........Can you help me with this please..... I leave Cyprus on 1st July and am going to UK for a couple of months before flying out to Thailand from Heathrow 27th September (flight already booked).

Can I get a 6 month Non 'O' in Cyprus before I travel to UK, (I live 200 miles away from the London Embassy and could do without the hassle of going there). My plan is to get the non 'O' in Cyprus and use it when I arrive in Thailand before the final expiry date of the visa. When I am there (in Thailand) I will hopefully then be able to get an extension based on retirement as I am over 50.

Am I correct in thinking that the monetary requirement is 800.000THB (seasoned) or 65000THB income per month or a combination of the 2

Evilbaz..........Thanks for the dotcom details, looks like everything I need is there

For a "Jack & Jill" list try pattayacityexpats dotcom

An update for those using a pension (less than 65K/month) plus income deposit to satisfy the extension (retirement) requirements.

In Phuket Immi they now require "the balance" to be "seasoned" for 90 days.

I know the "rules" say otherwise but the over-riding "rule" is always that it is up to the discretion of the Immi officer you face (this came from the OIC) even after furnishing a copy of the Police Order saying "seasoning" is not required if using the "income plus" option.

Just had a reply and they state that they accept bank statement 'printouts' which is a relief. Thanks to all for your input

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I assume from that then they won't accept my printouts of online statements. I bank with in UK with First Direct which is an online bank. Also assuming here that the requirement would be for 12 months worth of statements.

It is the Embassy staff who determine what is acceptable based, I suppose, on guidelines.

Best you contact the Embassy directly with the query.

edit

NB

The problem with "print outs" is that they are easily manipulated/altered

Thanks again, I have mailed them. I will report back when they reply