iphad

if it's an extension of non O visa for one year that's entirely possible..I thought I was applying for retirement visa..that's what I asked for at front desk..whatever the case this is the process I am half way through.

Anyways I applied here in Bangkok for the Non O Visa and received the 1st 90 days...I presumed the OP was in Thailand if he is still in Canada then I would think he would apply at Thai Consulate there ... and for them to tell him what he needs.

I just recently applied for retirement visa...Best to go to Bangkok....go to Canadian Embassy and get letter from them you have the funds....statements from your bank or photocopies as I did ....cost is 1500 baht..takes about an hour.

Then go to Thai Immigration and apply there for retirement visa...first you get a non O visa for 90 days ... 2000 baht .....then after 60 days you apply for retirement visa...2000 baht

I was in the middle of my 1st extension of double entry Tourist Visa.

"Then go to Thai Immigration and apply there for retirement visa ..."

As two posters have already stated, Immigrations do not issue visas. The closest thing to a retirement visa is a non-imm O-A and it is only issued by an embassy in a country where you are a citizen or a legal resident.

If you are here on a non-imm O visa or able to convert your entry stamp at immigrations to a non-imm O entry, you can apply for an extension of stay based on retirement. You need to have entered on a non-imm O (or converted to that entry), but your stay based on the retirement extension has nothing to do with the visa. Once you've used the visa to enter the country it is no long of any use except as an indication of how you entered the country. It should have been stamped "used," indicating it is now simply an historical relic.

"go to Canadian Embassy and get letter from them you have the funds....statements from your bank or photocopies as I did"

Any letter/affidavit from the embassy has nothing to do with bank balances in a foreign or Thai bank, it is to certify your monthly income from pension or whatever other source they accept. When applying for an extension you can support your application with a letter from the embassy stating you have a monthly income that equates to AT LEAST Baht 65,000 a month OR copies of your Thai bank book and a letter from the Thai bank manager showing you have Baht 800,000 in your account OR a combination of the two.

all I know is last Thursday I was issued non O Visa for 90 days then I am supposed to return to Immigration after 60 days to get 1 year retirement Visa starting in September after present 90 day Non O Visa is finished.

I had just started my 30 extension on the 1st part of double entry Tourist Visa when I applied...then returned last thursday after 14 days after showing my letter from Canadian embassy for them to ok the Non O Visa then was told to return again after 60 days to get the retirement 1 year Visa.

I have been in Thailand for 2 1/2 years on double entry Visas...

Re. the bank statement I presumed OP is making at least 65,000 baht a month on his investment in Canada if not then yes I presume he has to move funds to Thai bank account but since I didn't do that I have no experience with it.

They were very helpful at Thai Immigration and had no problems and so far everything is as they told me.

My understanding is that one must have a return airfare when entering on a tourist visa.

Just wondering how people come on a tourist visa and then decide to stay longer, what happens with regard to their return airfare??

Do they loose it and if so it seems I for one would be better prepared before coming as the cost of airfare must be of some concern when compared to a visa application in their own country.

You can get a 1 way air ticket to Bkk then a 1 way air ticket from Bkk to say Singapore...then when in Bkk go to the airline office & cancel the ticket to Sg...

I just recently applied for retirement visa...Best to go to Bangkok....go to Canadian Embassy and get letter from them you have the funds....statements from your bank or photocopies as I did ....cost is 1500 baht..takes about an hour.

Then go to Thai Immigration and apply there for retirement visa...first you get a non O visa for 90 days ... 2000 baht .....then after 60 days you apply for retirement visa...2000 baht

I was in the middle of my 1st extension of double entry Tourist Visa.

How about Belgium playing a super boring football match against Algeria?

Anyways.... Guess I'll bite

How about setting up a Thb 1.0 million Ltd company, pay their tax, business set up fees, monthly book keeping fees, unemployment contributions, and own medical scheme and costs towards the WP ?

And then what? That's exactly what they'd be doing, or rather what our company would be doing. The only difference would be that one Ltd would be supporting multiple WPs, rather then the additional overhead of setting up god knows how many additional Ltd's for the sole purpose of supporting a WP.

There are no benefits to each individual going through all the hassle of setting up a new Ltd, solely for the purchase of getting a WP. To me, it makes a lot more sense to pool efforts and have a single registered Ltd, one that's already creating Thai jobs and has the infrastructure in place to support multiple WPs.

Each web worker with a WP through this structure would be meeting all the legal requirements, paying taxes, paying into the social fund, etc.

Good idea...this would benefit many people I am sure including Thailand.

My question would be & I am asking from ignorance......

Does a WP limit a person to a particular job?... or with a WP for this could someone also open another business?...like a store, etc.

I'd be more concerned about avoiding overstay and not falling in love with a bargirl while he's here.

I am to young to retire, but I'm not so young that I will far for bar girl . I came to thailand and talked to many expats before hitting the streets, I knew the game before the bar girls had a chance. That being said I do love the night life, but I also love the Buddhist People/Religion.

When I became interested in Thailand it was after my studies of the buddhist religion and my desire to meet Buddhist people. After spending a few years looking at places to go I found the nightlife scene in Patong desirable, I didnt even know about Chang Mai or Pattaya until was already in Thailand.

It is also a very moderate climate where I am from, thailand especially main land is extremely hot for me. Patong was extremely hot for me, Bangkok and Pattaya were another 10C hotter...

Anyhow thanks for all of the advice.

I think I have three options.

1. Find a lawyer in thialand and legally start IT business in Thailand.

2. Marry a Thai woman, at the present time I have no thai woman to marry or real desire to be married. (I have never been married)

3. Not live in thialand, but visit for 6 months (3 month at visit) a year and keep working in America.

My advice is "stay under the radar" for awhile anyways...get a double or triple entry tourist visa...travel around Thailand...you might like other areas as well..Chiang Mai is cooler but no ocean...

You might like Sihanoukville, Cambodia only around $350 a year for working Visa....Laos I think is around $500 if my memory is correct.

Stay a tourist & don't lock yourself in so you can keep your options open & then you can decide if Thailand is right for you.

If you are new to Thailand there are many mistakes you still have to make...you can try avoiding them...but kinda like someone telling you the stove is hot..you'll probably still want to put your hand on the burner to see how hot.

When you arrive in Thailand you get a small stamp that gives you 60 days...on your double entry Tourist Visa there is a date that you have to return to Thailand by that date for your 2nd part of the double entry...so when you get your 1st 30 day extension ...you will get another small stamp I believe extending your visa another 30 days...but might be over the date on your double entry Tourist Visa...so you have to pay attention to that date more than the 30 day extension date...

I am guessing anyone with a online business has a bank account linked probably with paypal and any money made is deposited in their country...probably hosted on a server outside of Thailand ...

so they would be paying tax in their respective country along with the tax benefits for a business.

Any other good arguments against working online?

I recently took an overnight bus from Chiang Mai to mukdahan. arrive 6 AM nicely in time for the 6.30 savanaket bus and the embassy for 9AM, not too bad a night sleep with a pair of earplugs, had to change at phitsanaluk, company was phetprasert.com . nakon chai air only go as far as ubon or khon kaen, I know this aint Chaing Rai but it might help.

On way back it left at 5 or 6 PM, good for picking up the visa and arriving CMX early next morn. about ฿850 one way. not too full so no pre-booking needed.

How many hours was the bus CM to Mukdahan?

There are people that are living in Thailand on a tourist visa...I think legally they are not tourists...they are living here..maybe they own or rent a condo/apartment.

So what?

Does somebody on a double or triple entry tourist visa HAVE to stay in a hotel paying through the nose for what could potentially be a 9 month stay? Why wouldn't you rent a condo or an apartment on a 6 month lease?

If you're on one of those visas, then, to all intents and purposes, you ARE living here.

I've yet to hear of an online worker with income derived from sources other than Thailand being hauled off to court, deported and blacklisted. That happens to people who are caught, bang to rights, at a place of work with a telephone receiver in their hands not to the bloke writing articles, trading stocks or doing web design for clients in the US or Europe from his laptop in his apartment.

Sorry but that's the reality of the situation and I wouldn't be surprised if the Thai authorites realise that it might be better to come up with a visa option that allows these folks to work legally and pay some bloody tax.

That was the point I was trying to make..so what?

There are people that are living in Thailand on a tourist visa...I think legally they are not tourists...they are living here..maybe they own or rent a condo/apartment.

Each time at the border they say that they are tourists....it's kinda obvious they are not & probably the reason for the crackdown on consistent border runs....but in my case months ago they said I would need proof of income. They didn't say I couldn't get another tourist visa...just they wanted proof I have the funds to live here.

Luckily I am on pension & have the funds...They don't ask..although they could ....where I get my funds from...I go to my embassy show them my bank records and I get a letter from them stating how much money every month is coming in.

Someone that works online and in Thailand for 1 week, 1 month, 3 months or 6 months is under the same scrutiny I am guessing.

You might think it's illegal and I am guessing you don't work online... so to you it's wrong.

The reality is people are doing it...might be the businessman on holiday checking on business back home, a freelance programmer, website owner or whatever.

There are people on tourist visas buying goods in Thailand to sell back home..technically they are working in Thailand.

This doesn't really concern me as I don't need to work..

But I still stick to this being a gray area if a online business outside of Thailand is working in Thailand..or what is a tourist for that matter.

To the OP, my opinion it's not really an issue..

I'd be more concerned about avoiding overstay and not falling in love with a bargirl while he's here.

I am guessing you are telling the OP that he can't live here because although he can work from anywhere... not Thailand because it's illegal?

Please tell me where it is legal to do so - I will be on the first flight...

I just see many people doing it....1 guy I know in my condo sells on ebay...been here for years..another is a programmer on a education visa.& many more ie.

I certainly wouldn't be telling them they can't do it because it's illegal.

As I said I think it's a gray area...if funds deposited in a foreign bank and they not taking money from Thai business.....

Not for me to say it's illegal........Kinda same to tell someone not to buy illegal software or take a prostitute..."It's illegal don't ya know don't do it" ... although getting laughed at is kinda fun.

And to most people if they could do it..they probably would.

Nobody is telling the OP he can't move here, they are simply stating that if he works at his internet business, he will be doing so illegally

Just because you know lots of others working with no permit doesn't make it legal.

Laws are laws, not opinions. I don't tell people to not buy illegal software or download pirate movies either, but it's still illegal

The only gray area that matters is the one where a Thai immigration officer says it's illegal or not.

.

I didn't say because I know people doing it that it is legal...

actually I don't know the law...and probably most people here don't...or am I a Immigration Officer to determine.

Maybe the law says one can't work online while in Thailand..I really don't know.

I'm guessing it's more to do with having a business or working in Thailand & taking work that a Thai should have... Again I don't know.

Maybe there are documented cases of people being charged for this offense .. I don't know.

The OP says he's coming here for 6 months ..in my opinion it's not an issue..but again maybe I am wrong.

I still think it's a gray area but if someone can enlighten me with facts then my opinion is as nonsensical as those that say it is illegal & trying to scare the poor guy.

The OP has a dream...maybe she's a Thai woman he met..I say go for it if one can..

We all do dumb things.....

I am guessing you are telling the OP that he can't live here because although he can work from anywhere... not Thailand because it's illegal?

Please tell me where it is legal to do so - I will be on the first flight...

I just see many people doing it....1 guy I know in my condo sells on ebay...been here for years..another is a programmer on a education visa.& many more ie.

I certainly wouldn't be telling them they can't do it because it's illegal.

As I said I think it's a gray area...if funds deposited in a foreign bank and they not taking money from Thai business.....

Not for me to say it's illegal........Kinda same to tell someone not to buy illegal software or take a prostitute..."It's illegal don't ya know don't do it" ... although getting laughed at is kinda fun.

And to most people if they could do it..they probably would.

who really do ever met somebody who got problems working online outside thailand? i guess nobody!

everybody who answer emails, make a bussiness plan, take with friends about work, telefon calls, or write a book,

while in thailand would work illegal here. i guess about 3 Million tourists would be break the law.

Working is not when answer a few e-mails on your holiday. And you know that. All those things you write are just some lame excuses for people who stay here and have some kind of on-line internet work......

And just because you don't get in trouble or have problems, doesn't make it legal

I think there is a gray area of working online or have a business overseas...and in your mind they are working while in Thailand and it is illegal.

There are many people that come to Thailand & buy silver,handcrafted products or whatever, then take back to their respective countries to sell..are they working?..is it legal?

and probably many people working online, or traveling, writing a blog,taking photos etc.

Buying copy software or movies etc is illegal also..

Prostitution is illegal too.

Some people I have met working as teachers here have fake documents.

So if someone is supporting themselves working online, I'm not sure why you would be so concerned or upset ... or who gets to draw the line to what is working legal or not.

I am guessing you are telling the OP that he can't live here because although he can work from anywhere... not Thailand because it's illegal?

There is no fine for an overstay that is is less than 24 hours if leaving form either airport in Bangkok.

One day of overstay is very common and is certainty not that big a deal.

I m very surprised to hear you say this, Ubonjoe, because it most certainly CAN BE a very big deal, if the subject happens to get checked by the authorities ON HIS WAY TO that airport ! ! ! Whether you are 'over-staying' by 1 day, or 1 year: the treatment will be exactly the same: you WILL be arrested and put into Immigration Detention Center (IDC) and, from what I gather, that is NOT a very nice experience. In addition, you also risk being declared a PNG (Persona Non Grate) and could be placed on the infamous Black-List.

Do NOT think too lightly about ANY overstay ! !

Ok if it is a big deal what would be your recommendation to the OP?. Get a flight a day earlier or go to immigration & get a extension for 1900 baht to be legal?

Maybe you have access to documented cases where a 1 day overstay is a problem?

I don't believe ubonjoe ever claimed to work for Thai Immigration or is a legal expert but gives his opinion to the best of his knowledge.

In this case, I believe he gave good advice as he does many if not all the time.

I certainly don't claim to know the answer but I would think it's not an issue & would pay if required at the airport.

If you work in Thailand, whatever the work is, online or even just voluntary work, you need a WORK PERMIT!

If you get paid for the work in Thailand you will need to pay tax in Thailand. Simple. If you get paid overseas then the double taxation agreement between the USA and Thailand will mean you don't have to pay tax in Thailand IF YOU PAY TAX IN THE USA. If you don't pay tax on it in the USA, then you must pay tax on it in Thailand.

If you don't do these things you are breaking the law twice big time, and if you get caught there will be at least a big fine and banning from the country. Don't let other people tell you any different.

So I guess you are saying if a business man from outside of Thailand comes to Thailand for a holiday , then he makes calls or emails re. his business back home that he is working illegally in Thailand ?

Get a 2 month double entry tourist visa at Savannakhet, or Vientiane Laos...then you get 2 months...then go to Thai immigration office and extend 1 month for 1900 baht..then you have to leave the country...go to Cambodia...cross the border...check the date on your 2 month visa in passport & enter Thailand before that date for 2nd part of double entry on your 2 month visa.

Then you have another 2 months..repeat process for extension at Thai immigration..for another 30 days @ 1900 baht. = 6 months ( roughly )

Repeat process for another 6 months.

Visa at border for Cambodia is 1 month..bring US dollars...don't know about Myanmar.

Education visa is a good way...check at school if you can get Education visa.

Get a international phone card.

Avoid Overstay.

Life should be perfect...but rarely is.

I am guessing...that probably 90% ... ( could be 75% I really don't know ) of all the tourists coming to Thailand fit within the 30 days free given at the airports upon landing for entry to Thailand.

Other countries like Laos & Cambodia charge to enter...so in that way Thailand is more progressive.

Then there are many that come to Thailand that decide or want to stay longer..have a g/f or wife, cheap to live whatever the reason....

So these other visas are in force.

Years ago I remember many so called tourists living here would give their passport to someone..or an agency to do the visa run for them...That stopped for obvious reasons...too many people were doing it I am guessing.

I also believe it used to be 30 days at the border now it's 14 days.

The recent crackdown on more than 3 Tourist visas appears to be be...but I not know the answer that Thai goverment ( meaning whatever agencies involved ) want proof of available funds to live here..Not an unreasonable request.

Recently in April in Vientiane I received a 2 month double entry that an official had written on the visa that this is the last time unless I provide proof of funds..actually not bad after 2 1/2 years of living here.

Visa runs to the border is a pain & a hassle but if one receives their desired visa it's still worth it.

There was a notice on the board at the Embassy in Vientiane about non Thai working illegally in Thailand...so maybe this is the reason for the recent policy change.

Luckily I fit the criteria for a retirement visa and now in the works so will find out in 2 weeks if my days of border runs is over but I kinda liked the adventure..Forced me out of living in Bangkok and made me do a road trip.

I don't really accept that the laws are antiquated here any more than laws in my home country are.

yes they might be different..they might adversely affect me..but I chose to live in Thailand for all the good reasons along with the bad.

If I considered living back home was better than Thailand I would go back home.

I'm a guest in a foreign country and appreciate being here.

If you'r expectations are too high you probably will be disappointed.

I think for OP to ask .... "Why do I have to leave the Kingdom to renew a tourist visa?" is a reasonable question on a forums.

Maybe many of us may have at 1 time(s) sat around thinking, on our way for another visa run to the border wondering this same question.

And as on many types of forums, posts will appear from people thinking they are more intelligent and that the answer is simple.

But I think the OP is looking for a deeper reason.... than it's the law or definitions between different visas,etc.

Do people have an insightful answer...it's like questioning gun laws or something simple like drinking when driving laws.

Yes it's the law...but why?..what's the reasoning?

I think...but can't speak for the OP but am guessing this what he is asking...

probably, he's not asking to be attacked for being such an idiot asking a question that has a simple answer.

And of course no one probably knows the answer since we weren't at the table when this law or policy was developed.

But maybe..as a forums...one can suggest a reasonable answer to his question that the OP was wondering or questioning.

So in my feeble attempt to guess the answer to the thread question..I would suggest....

The Thai government wants to keep long term tourists or whatever name you want to call them...

in check......so they make them go to the border ..leave the country...to get the paperwork...in a sense ...legal...

so that people just don't hang out in Thailand for a indefinite period of time.

So if people forget,don't have the funds, or keep coming back many times or whatever other reason...there's paperwork or lack of...for government agencies can proceed with whatever action they deem worthy.

I'm not saying this is the answer...or a good one...but what I think it is.

also can fly to Savannakhet from Bangkok or Vientiane.... I believe..as an option but more pricy...

It's a long way by bus from Chiang Rai to Savannakhet via Mukdahan...... maybe 15-17 hours but am guessing and depending on connections.

yes kinda complicated...

you also have to pay attention to the date on the small stamp they put in your passport when you enter Thailand .. as that will tell you when you have to leave the country...or apply for the 1 month extension ( for this you can apply in advance like a week before so you don't have to leave to last day...especially if it falls on a weekend )

Also if you get the 2 month double entry there is a date on that visa when you have to re-entry Thailand before that or on that date...

You don't need to be a rocket scientist to figure it out but probably would help.

But if you have never been to Thailand before it is worth all the hassle ...especially if you love Thai food, or taking photos etc...also plan to see Angkor Wat in Cambodia...worth the trip I think but definitely not as easy as a trip to a Club Med.

I'm not sure what country you are in but check with Thai Embassy there and get a 2 month double entry...or I hear they also may have a 2 month triple entry.

This means you have 2 months...then you can go to Thai Immigration in Thailand..( ie. Bangkok,Jomtien etc ) and you can get a 1 month extension for 1900 baht...

Then you have to leave the country...say to Cambodia or Laos and re-enter on your 2nd 2 month ( or the double entry part of the visa ).

Then reappy for 1 month extension at Thai Immigration....another 1900 baht..that gives you 6 months ...or if you get the triple entry 9 months I am guessing.

After you use your 2 month (double or triple) visa you can get another 2 month double entry visa by applying at Thai Consulate outside the country preferably Laos..many people go to Vientiane..I prefer Savannakhet,Laos.

Then redo the same process.

You can safely do this 3 times at Vientiane,Laos but I have always had good success at Savannakhet for more as they are not as strict as Vientiane..but things can change.

Also you could look into a education visa that I believe is good for a year...I believe costs around 20,000 baht...but you have to go to the language classes...but actually a good way to learn the language.

Otherwise if you just arrive at airport in Thailand you get a 30 day tourist visa. ( I think ).. 14 day visa if you come into Thailand from land at a border.

Best to check with Thai Embassy in your country.

Good luck ..I'm sure others will add more details to what I have..I have only experience with 2 month double entry.