Concerned expat

Landlords owners can do and charge what they want. No regulations in Thailand. Once they got your deposit its going to dwindle to nothing by the end of tenancy.

I returned remaining part of the deposit to both tenants and withheld cost of laundry, cleaning and broken appliance. Tenants signed off the receipt with claw of no objections as it was in the contracts anyway. Are you a teenager or going off the planet to forget monthly rent payment? Many others seems to think the same way.

Is it the same deal with the Aust embassy? I have to do mine next month also. I looked for a form online but could not see one so I assume I have to collect from Immigration.

You will do a statutory declaration at the Oz embassy. They don't ask for any proof of your income. They have standard declaration form you will fill out.

Immigration does not have a form for it.

If you in Pattaya, I can verify your OZ statutory declaration or true copy around Jomtien.

Myself: I gave immigration in Bangkok all copies of bank books with letters from bank dated within 5 days of issue, but was asked to do an update print & make copies on the spot. Strange, but all was accepted after completion of all above.

Guys, how this retirement visa could be processed in Thailand for anyone after 50? How long it takes and could it be done through Jomtien immigration in Pattaya whilst I am there on 30 days exemption?

Called Thai Consulate in Sydney and was told to show 31K Australian in bank account. Previously was told about showing 800,000 THB already transferred into Thailand (Bank Books). Is there some kind of a general rule or visas processed on a "nobody knows for sure basis"?

You would have do the conversion to a non immigrant visa in Bangkok. You would need proof or 800k baht in a Thai bank or proof of 65k baht income or a combination of the 2 totaling 800k baht.

Then after about 60 days after getting the visa you could apply for the extension at Jomtien. If using money in the bank it would have to be in the bank for 60 days then.

I suggest you contact the honorary consulate in Brisbane about getting a single entry non-o visa before coming here ( http://www.thaiconsulate.org/ ). They will not ask for financial proof.

You could apply for your extension in Jomtien without the need for a conversion.

​The official consulate in Sydney and the embassy in Canberra will only do the OA visa.

Thank you very much. Will try to call on Monday. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Guys, how this retirement visa could be processed in Thailand for anyone after 50? How long it takes and could it be done through Jomtien immigration in Pattaya whilst I am there on 30 days exemption?

Called Thai Consulate in Sydney and was told to show 31K Australian in bank account. Previously was told about showing 800,000 THB already transferred into Thailand (Bank Books). Is there some kind of a general rule or visas processed on a "nobody knows for sure basis"?

You would have do the conversion to a non immigrant visa in Bangkok. You would need proof or 800k baht in a Thai bank or proof of 65k baht income or a combination of the 2 totaling 800k baht.

Then after about 60 days after getting the visa you could apply for the extension at Jomtien. If using money in the bank it would have to be in the bank for 60 days then.

I suggest you contact the honorary consulate in Brisbane about getting a single entry non-o visa before coming here ( http://www.thaiconsulate.org/ ). They will not ask for financial proof.

You could apply for your extension in Jomtien without the need for a conversion.

​The official consulate in Sydney and the embassy in Canberra will only do the OA visa.

Guys, how this retirement visa could be processed in Thailand for anyone after 50? How long it takes and could it be done through Jomtien immigration in Pattaya whilst I am there on 30 days exemption?

Called Thai Consulate in Sydney and was told to show 31K Australian in bank account. Previously was told about showing 800,000 THB already transferred into Thailand (Bank Books). Is there some kind of a general rule or visas processed on a "nobody knows for sure basis"?

In the past 10 years, I have met many English Teachers that make a lot less than 100,000 baht a month, some at 'proper' schools.

Would the money be sufficient to live on anyway?

Yeah simple. You have a child that most likely won't see his father at his high school graduation. That is simple minded of you nothing more.

As for marriage it is never simple nor is life. Simplifying what is important takes a lot of work but that I will agree is necessary for prolonged happiness.

Being as old as you are, I guess you have already had all of the arguments, difficulties and achievements. Now you are on the down spiral of life so you have less attachment to things. I doubt that is the best role model for an equity relationship. Just not caring anymore to the point you are just happy with any "Thaiwife" and starting a family isn't my idea of something to emulate.

But go on bang your drum how great your marriage is and how great of a person you are to start a family in your twilight years.

I'm in my late 40's, so I'll be around to see my sons graduation. I adore my son.

Simple.

Good luck mate! You happy, your son looks happy. What could be more important? At least your son could have another citizenship and better chances in life. Call in continual improvement.

It depends on type of the property.

You would still have to register the chanootee at land office as new foreign owners with letter from Thai bank. If it is a Thai company, things are different.

Once your ed visa is over a year and you are on extensions you can't extend it for any reason, retirement, marriage etc without exiting the country. The new regulations that came into effect late August confirmed this or so I have been informed after my husband went to Mataphut(Rayong) immigration and tried to get an extension based on my working teachers visa as a dependent. They told him as his ed visa was over a year it had in effect expired therefore there was no visa to get an extemsion on.

Thank you for the update. Would it be possible to have different set of rules on visas between immigration department in Pattaya - Jomtien and any other main city after this new regulations? How Thai immigration would look at people who want to fly out for a month or two to do some professional work around ANZ region and return back? Obviously would not be even bother with working in Thailand.

Hi Guys! How would it work with this visa on arrival if I arrive with a girlfriend who has done few visa runs before May 2014? Would Thai immigration accept copy of my last tax return as evidence of sufficient income or something else would be required? Should we have a return tickets paid for or just a bookings? We would have the same address in my condo.

Week ago my girlfriend was harassed in Suvabr.... Airport on arrival for a long time before getting this 30 days visa. This was despite her new valid visitor visa to see me in Australia and paid ticket to Australia within 30 days. Somehow her previous visa runs between January - May 2014 appeared as a problem.

Some immigration office can be difficult at times but I don't see any reason for your gf to have a problem.

Hi Paz, thanks for the reply. For some strange reason, my girlfriend was for many hours at Suva.... airport before getting through with 30 day visa on arrival just a week ago.

She was questioned and questioned: why "so many" times on a visa run to Cambodia? I give her a signed by myself note about providing accommodation and copy of my blue book for the condo with suggestion to immigration to contact me for any questions. Sufficient cash was at hand with valid visa & ticket to Australia. She left Thailand in May to spend European summer and returned in late September on the way to OZ. Definitely she did not work in Thailand from December 2013 to May 2014, but visa runs with an hour in Cambodia were on offer. Once I gone with her and we stayed overnight in Cambodia just as a change.

Now I we both a bit hesitant about her flight back with stopover in Thailand. I did only one trip to Cambodia with her and never stayed in Thailand for long anyway due to work commitments. What is the system on visitor visa from Thai consulates or an embassy? How many month could be obtained without problems?

Great forum thanks to all. Ive been watching this topic for a few of months now and there seems to be much confusion on the subject so just to be clear. Can someone state that my understanding is100% correct. I am Canadian visiting Thailand in November and entering on the 30 Visa Exempt Rule. Near the end of my stay I can go to an immigration office with passport, new photo, onward ticket, itinerary and pay 1900 B and get an additional 30 days. Not 7 days like it used to be? Thanks so much

The extension is 30 days. But it would be better if you get yourself a tourist visa, it cost less and save yourself queuing at Thai immigration. Moreover the airline may deny boarding if no visa and no return ticket within 30 days.

How long this tourist visa can last? Could it be a double or multiple entry to clock up something like 2 or 3 months in total? Preferably 3 months with an option for extension may work for many people who want to spend cold winter in Thailand. To what I know from today, many condominiums in Pattaya around Jomtien are nearly empty now. Would shortage of tourists be a noticable problem to Thai economy?

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Great forum thanks to all. Ive been watching this topic for a few of months now and there seems to be much confusion on the subject so just to be clear. Can someone state that my understanding is100% correct. I am Canadian visiting Thailand in November and entering on the 30 Visa Exempt Rule. Near the end of my stay I can go to an immigration office with passport, new photo, onward ticket, itinerary and pay 1900 B and get an additional 30 days. Not 7 days like it used to be? Thanks so much

The extension is 30 days. But it would be better if you get yourself a tourist visa, it cost less and save yourself queuing at Thai immigration. Moreover the airline may deny boarding if no visa and no return ticket within 30 days.

Hi Guys! How would it work with this visa on arrival if I arrive with a girlfriend who has done few visa runs before May 2014? Would Thai immigration accept copy of my last tax return as evidence of sufficient income or something else would be required? Should we have a return tickets paid for or just a bookings? We would have the same address in my condo.

Week ago my girlfriend was harassed in Suvabr.... Airport on arrival for a long time before getting this 30 days visa. This was despite her new valid visitor visa to see me in Australia and paid ticket to Australia within 30 days. Somehow her previous visa runs between January - May 2014 appeared as a problem.

I wanted to share this review by the MRT where a guy living in OZ got knocked back on his Partner application even though he was married to her. It goes to show DIAC can have a mind of their own somedays, and it also places emphasis on what evidence you should submit. The bottom highlights the criteria set out of the regulations in terms of what they look for.

Note- the decision was for it to be sent back to bangkok for more assessment as he met the criteria.

Poor bloke. A friking longer wait then our 9 months.

http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/sinodisp/au/cases/cth/MRTA/2013/2112.html?stem=0&synonyms=0&query=thailand

Interesting.

Looks like the guy didn't submit enough evidence the first time around.

these were just the additional documents before the review the applicant supplied:

1. Prior to the hearing the review applicant filed several additional documents as follows:
   • Documents demonstrating that the applicants have a joint bank account in Thailand .
   • Superannuation document demonstrating that the visa applicant is the sole beneficiary of the review applicant’s superannuation and life insurance policies.
   • Various receipts for the applicants’ hotel accommodation in Thailand .
   • Prepaid currency card statements, in the review applicant’s name, demonstrating deposits and withdrawals in Thailand for the period 4 June 2011 – 28 March 2013.
   • Several photographs covering the periods January, March 2011, May 2012, December 2012, January, February and March 2013 showing the applicants’ in wedding attire and socialising with family and friends, attending a Buddhist temple and engaging in other social activities together.
   • Over 400 pages of telephone accounts demonstrating lengthy daily phone calls and text messages between the applicants for the period January 2011 to June 2013.
   • Correspondence from family members further attesting to the genuine relationship between the couple.

That's another thing not always taken into account.

People can submit extra information at an appeal that they didn't submit

in the original application.

DIAC can only assess what is given to them the first time.

I will let you know how things going later. At the moment just planning for best options. If I understood everything correctly: could a person get tourist / visitor visa during the time of waiting for temporary resident visa for his wife?

If yes, is it OK to be waiting anywhere as Bali or any other country?

For a non-o visa for being 50 or over most honorary consulates do not ask for any financial proof. If you want to apply for a OA visa at an embassy or official consulate most would accept any type of income proof or savings. A condo ownership would not be accepted.

Where do you plan on applying for your visa?

If want to apply for an extension of stay here at immigration what income can be used would depend upon your embassy when you apply for a income letter.

Thanks guys. Much appreciated. I would probably apply in Australia at the closest consulate. 

No problems with a visa exempt entry after being away a few months. Getting a non-O based on retirement should also not be a problem, exact requirements depend on the consulate in question.

 

Your wife must apply for a non-O visa together with you, based on being your dependent and will get extensions of stay together with you as your dependent. For her there are no requirements other than being married to you. A (civil) partner would not qualify for an extension, but in some countries might be able to get a non-O visa.

 

 

Thanks a lot Mario. I can assume that Thai consulate would accept a Chanotte for condo in Pattaya and Bangkok Bank book as proof of sufficient funds.

Would bank accounts in other G-20 countries and copies of periodic short professional contracts be acceptable as proof of sufficient funds / income?

Would a contract for renting out any property without special translation to Thai be OK with consulates in G-20 countries?

I mean that few times per year to fly out of Thailand back to short jobs and return for several months in between.

How Thai immigration is looking at certified chartered professionals?  

Hello to all. Anyone knows how new visa system is working after 12 August? Can anyone get a visa on arrival after being away from Thailand for few months?

Any problems with getting retirement visa for over 50's at Thai consulates?  How could a partner or a wife under 50 get a visa to stay together? Thank you.

Hi to all! What type of new rules could apply to Australian & New Zealand; EU or Canada / US passport holders? Obviously pay rates at home country are much higher and no reason to work in Thailand for a peanuts anyway. I am concern with a drop of demand for rental condos and subsequent loss of real estate values. How are new condominium projects developing now? Too many recent emails advertising "new discounts" and this is a measurable warning indicator.

Personally, I have seen many wealthy Russians under 50 who would not even bother to try to work and simply pay the rent or purchase a condo to spend European winter in Thailand. Also, seen many working in tourism / real estate industries. Not sure with or without the work permits. How Thai immigration would separate between quality visitors and illegal workers? One of the tenants in my condo is Russian and I can vouch for this tenant as definitely NOT working.

Daily consumption of alcohol with enjoyment of fresh air & sun at the beach is not a violation and many quality visitors just coming to Thailand for it. Anyone can suggest an easy to obtain visa for 6 to 12 months in a year? Thought of "educational / study visa" as an option to combine it with pleasure. Can a person with degree & above claim the need for a "study" in a beautiful Thailand?

I actually bring cash to Thailand when possible - up to 5k sterling as it is the cheapest way avoiding the atm fees - so if I found myself having to do a border run I'd have to bring the cash with me and show it - hardly ideal

I am used to bring cash and change at the best rate at known places also. No fees for greedy banks robbing between 3%-4% through ATM. At least Thai Banks are OK with about 1% difference. How would you feel if a border official would ask to re-count your money "to make sure it is the right amount" and returned less?

I was asked few times to show the declared money. Did not feel very comfortable in China for some reason and held my money showing the counting to officials.

Thailand is a very nice country, but endemic corruption changes perception of what it is. Would love to see more clarity with Thai legal requirements, printed in English.

Now I must take issue with you Samran, because here in Phuket it is not always that easy to get a WP. I have worked in Phuket, but my 2 initial applications (many years ago) for a WP were rejected by Phuket Labour Office, without reason, (all company documents, employed Thais etc correct). Then my lawyer made a 'small' change to my application involving xx,000 baht and voila! I get my WP.

Fast-forward to this year and I am applying again for a WP (as manager of my new little resort). All paperwork is correct, but my lawyer has warned me that I will not get that WP unless I pay around 50,000 baht bribe.

(BTW, this is not my lawyer trying to rip me off - I have used 2 different lawyers (1 foreign, 1 Thai) for over a decade in Phuket, with very low fees and good service).

So in my efforts to stay legal, I am forced to break the law by paying bribes.......

I wish it were not so, but obtaining a WP in Phuket is not always straightforward at all.

Simon

What specialized skill are you providing, as a 'manager', that a Thai professional could not provide? If you can answer this question to the satisfaction of the Labour Office, then perhaps you will get the WP without the need for a bribe.

How many Thai "Professionals" with fluent foreign languages and capability to perform work honestly (without usual "sabai - sabai" attitude) and efficiently actually could exist?

Why anyone should have to show minimum 20,000 THB in cash during travel?

Umm, 20,000 baht is not really that much money. You can easily withdraw that sum from an ATM, and you wouldn't sweat doing that in the middle of a busy mall. Yet you fear getting robbed at 35,000 feet whilst flying from A to B.

Personally I am not worried about getting robbed on the plane at all, but pick-pocketing is a well developed "industry" in many countries. Would not want to "support" any thief with $600 and many times seen crying females who got their bags snatched. During "visa run" this amount is not really required by anyone. Could not remember any teller machines on Cambodian border crossing and none looked like a busy mall. Thai bank debit VISA got limit of 10,000 THB for a withdrawal via ATM.

Don't you think it would sound stupid to see a 30 yo guy living here on "Retirement visa" ?

Why ?? I retired here at 28..

Hello to all expats. Thailand is not so expensive to "retire" at any age as this would depend on individual circumstances. Nothing wrong with someone having sufficient funds at any age. The name of the visa should not make any difference.

Could anyone clarify if anything changed with visa runs after military sorted out some issues between opposite groups of protesters? Any more examples of hard time at border check points?

Hello to everyone! How things developing now? Could someone tell if being a director of Thai company (some annual tax paid with this 1mil. co) with other private funds in Thai bank and ownership of a condo give additional privileges to obtain something like multiple entry business visa? Not working as employee, just running a company business on intermittent visits.

With supporting documents you should be able to get a multiple entry non-b visa from an embassy or consulate. But there are a few that will not do multiple entry visas.

Hello Ubonjoe,

Would it be legal to obtain multiple entry non-b visa and still running company business? I have some experience with Thai lawyer, but could not get all the available options with answers provided. Legal fees were paid to establish the company and obtain registration, company stamp and some other paperwork. Later on I was told about possible change into 2 mil. THB company for additional fee and requirement to hire 4 Thai employees.

From my point, hire of Thai employees would be out of the question due to the absence of professional accreditations or limited English for the ones who could be used to do contract jobs.

Hello to everyone! How things developing now? Could someone tell if being a director of Thai company (some annual tax paid with this 1mil. co) with other private funds in Thai bank and ownership of a condo give additional privileges to obtain something like multiple entry business visa? Not working as employee, just running a company business on intermittent visits.

Or was he just using you to attract the ladies, knowing the ladies would head straight for the ferang and generally avoid the Thai guys ?

Just a thought

most thai ladies like to show off their farang men ( if they look ok ) but never had a thai man show much interest

Few times I was also invited into the company of locals (in 3 different countries) what looks at the time as show off as being "friends with a foreign professional"

Not saying this is true in your case, but lots of these ladies have decent places with other gals/boyfriends..... and keep an odd room on the side for appearances (of being single/poor).

My ex just passed away, and I found out just now that she had a husband that I was supporting for 8 years. When I did my visits to my kids, they lived in a shoebox apartment with no food on the shelf. This was just a decoy. Their real home (I never knew of) was elsewheres.

Sorry to read that guy, BUT I do know of others..................

Much the same was in other developing countries between expats and local "girl friends" who were just needing the money. Have a reality check and stop wasting money whilst you out. Remember the expression: "Pay as you go" as a polite version of observation?