New beginnings

2 minutes ago, david555 said:

His line ,hence my understanding..

 

That’s even better 6 years for the price of 5 trouble is as my wife is English it would cost me 800,000 for two people  

That’s correct - For two people the Thai Elite Visa does cost 800k baht.

12 minutes ago, david555 said:

Wrong , if you legally married she can becomes dependant visa holder from you , or else you shift the dates from you and wife and use the same 800 K on different application dates

I think you will find Crazycopite is actually referring to the Thai Elite Visa giving 6 years of hassle free travel rather than the 800k baht yearly extension renewal requiring annual seasoning.

7 minutes ago, crazykopite said:

I suppose another way would be to invest 500,000 into the Thailand elite card and get 5 years worry free visa .it does not mention anywhere that the elite card holder has to provide proof of income or 800,000 in the bank it’s an expensive way but it stops you worrying about having funds for the next 5 years !

Actually provided you leave and return to Thailand before Elite Visa expires you can actually get up to 6 years as you automatically get 1 year extension when you re-enter Thailand.

20 minutes ago, vogie said:

But on the other hand, if you are that way inclined and wish to pay an agent 20,000 baht a year for your extention, you would get 25 years for the price of an elite visa.

Hi noted and fully accept and agree with your comments. Whilst the Elite Visa fee does appear high it just gives peace of mind for 6 years. Personally, maybe I worry too much, but wouldn’t feel comfortable living here illegally. I would constantly be dreading the knock on the door if immigration come down really hard on these somewhat dodgy extensions of stay.

47 minutes ago, Neeranam said:

Seems like an easy way out, how much is it?

500k baht.

On 9/30/2018 at 6:45 PM, Trujillo said:

"I declined to answer and handed the phone back to the Thai guy."

 

Did it then not occur to you to ask the fellow what he was doing? 

3 minutes ago, doctormann said:

Certainly worth thinking about and the financial requirement is less than that required for a retirement extension.

The downside, of course, is that once your 5 (or 6) years are up, the 500,000 Baht has gone for ever.

Yes, but don’t forget total is not full 500k when you take into account yearly renewal and re-entry fees and any possible changes in immigration requirements during the next 6 years. Basically a way to stay for 6 years hassle free.

There is also the option of the Thai Elite Visa which, if you leave and return to Thailand just before expiry, will last for 6 years, multiple entries and various other benefits.

I am due to renew my retirement extension in 10 days but have always used the combination method as reluctant to deposit full 800k in local Thai bank. Embassy letter implies now need minimum 800k and combination no longer available. Is this correct as whilst could transfer funds to cover shortfall today this will not allow seasoning for required 3 months.

Don’t know how it works in other countries but if your in receipt of UK pension best, if you can get away with it, not to tell them. The moment they know your in Thailand no further annual increases until your back in UK.

Cheers Ubonjoe - I have previously considered the Elite Visa and that additional year - possible 6 years in total - could make me reconsider.

Just out of interest. If you returned to Thailand with, say 2 weeks remaining on a Thai Elite Visa, would you be allowed to enter only for the 2 weeks remaining on the TE visa or would they give you 30 days based on VOA terms?

Hi - I’m currently within the 90 day seasoning period for renewing my retirement extension in October based on 800k baht. Should I be worried? Should I take plunge and apply for Elite Visa? Will Elite Visa provide 5 years from end of current permission to stay?

Hi - Are you aware you can apply for confirmation of UK pension letter by e-mail.  All they require is copy of UK passport, latest pension statement, bank statement within last 3 months, completed application form and credit or bank card details for fee attached to e-mail. <removed>  Yes letter provided will be in english and quote income in pounds sterling.  Full details on British Embassy Bangkok Website under Notarial and Documentary Services Section.

Did 90 day report at Chiangmai immigration today. Arrived 10.45am and out by 11.50am.  On arrival I was given number 89 in the queue and luckily got application processed just before office closed for lunch at 12pm

Flew back from UK in September with both old and new passports.  Chiangmai immigration transferred stamps to new passport without need for embassy letter.  Suggest perhaps a phone call to your local office to confirm there requirements as I know they can differ from office to office.

Had trouble logging into local Thai website and contacted company by phone for assistance.  Member of staff very helpful and, whilst he quickly identified my sign on name,  he then went on to quote my full password.  I thought passwords were supposed to be encrypted without staff having access to password details.  Should I be worried?

UK passport expires Dec 2016 - Retirement extension expires November 2016 - Returning to UK for holiday September 2016.

Advice sought:

Live in Chiang Mai and wishing to avoid trip to Bangkok prior to going to UK to get new passport. It is my understanding that I may be refused entry on my return to Thailand using my current passport as it will have less than 6 months before expiry. Will be returning to Thailand late September/ early October. However if I obtain new passport whilst in UK what will happen re my extension of stay based on retirement in the cancelled passport. Will my extension of stay become invalidated. Any advice greatly appreciated. Many thanks.

Did my application on 21 April and still shows as pending. So looks like a visit to Chiang Mai Immigration is still on the cards. Hope you have better luck OP. Actually going to take a copy of my pending report to see if they can tell me what went wrong but, to be honest, not holding my breath.

Well despite my best efforts to report my 90 day notice on the Internet my application still shows as pending. I may not be the brainiest person around but followed all the instructions and submitted application on first day allowed, 14 days ahead of report date. I know you get seven days grace to report to the immigration office but, bearing in mind notice due 5 May when immigration will be closed, will grace period be from 6th May. I know it may sound a petty question but would rather go on Tuesday next week rather than Monday.

Certainly don't want to go this week as following the long weekend holiday think Chiang Mai office will possibly be a bit busy. Many thanks.

Have used both expat TV and 365 sport whilst in UK with no problems. In fact have recommended application to both family and friends in UK as cheaper than signing up for Sky sports service in UK. The only thing you have to remember is that live broadcast are approximately 5 to 10 minutes behind local time.

Thai Expat TV has it. Channel 4 all matches streamed live and can watch for up to 10 days afterwards on demand. Last time I looked Thai Expat TV were offering 1 month free trial of their service.

BBC are about to run one of those fly on the wall documentaries/reality shows about Suvarnabhumi and the tourist experience there.

From the trailers i've seen it's not going to be complimentary.

I don't think the authorities who okayed the filming quite realise just how bad it could make them look.

Yeh BBC3 this Thursday 22nd - Can't wait. Love that guy in trailer stamping passports going "Ching ching - ching ching" . What's all that about?

What's the difference between a pavement and a road in Chiang Mai? Answer nothing! Do people really think the locals will respect any so called cycle lanes any differently. The authorities seem to actually encourage people to drive on, park on and obstruct the pavements in general. If they are really serious before bringing in cycle lanes they should sort out the pavements.

Oh my god I'm being trolled. What is it about the word "might" you don't understand !