Travelighlty

51 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Because the rules are different for extensions based on retirement vs. marriage. Why ask about immigration's motivations? The rules are the rules. Our role is to try to figure out what they are currently and try to follow them. 

I’m not questioning the motives, only wanting to understand the rationale.

If my mom chopped the ends off a ham before baking and there appeared no reason to do so, I’d be curious why. (Turns out Grandma had to do it because the ham wouldn’t fit the pan and my mom did it because Grandma did it that way even though she now had a bigger pan the ham did fit into:))

If the 800,000 Baht requirement is the only option, is it going to be difficult to close the bank account when someone decides to pack it in and get out of the country? I’ve heard of stories where people have been questioned and the bank has balked on releasing the funds.

On 11/18/2018 at 11:03 AM, JackThompson said:

One in Phuket, claiming only "govt pension income" will be accepted - even with the letter - but that office is famous for being difficult.

 

Don't hold your breath.

 

That also reduces the needed income to 40K/mo, assuming an income-based method exists next year in some form.  We have only one report from Mukdahan of someone using a govt-pension income with a Thai-bank letter showing the deposits in lieu of an income letter.  I consider this the "most likely acceptable scenario," with the OP's "annuity" income being less-likely to be accepted.

 

I sincerely hope non-govt incomes are acceptable, since my income is not from a govt-pension - but a "best bet" scenario would be using govt-income sources to meet the 40K (assuming it reaches that threshold), vs a combination of govt and private sources to meet 65K. 

 

The OP won't be applying again for 11 mo or so, and we should know a lot more at that time.

 

In my experience (going back years to my TR extensions), if you are present with your Thai wife, IOs will speak to her - often exclusively - even requiring her to translate any questions to you.
 

I’m baffled, unless I missed something, why would being married to a Thai reduce your bank deposit requirement from 800K down to 400K? 

Wonder where McDonald’s fits on that scale from dirt floor to carpeted, upmarket restaurants. hee hee

4 hours ago, ukrules said:

Maybe, it might also make people think twice before coming on holiday to a country where foreigners are sentenced very differently to locals.

 

Then again maybe they won't care. It will be reported world wide anyway, that's for sure.

 

Two years supended prison sentence plus thousands of dollars in fines for mere graffiti - pathetic!

Just think though how western cities would be cleaned up if a similar standard was upheld. Isn’t lashing used in Singapore for spitting on the street?  I heard it’s considered socially acceptable for Chinese to spit on the floor in restaurants and the Chinese tourists are given a booklet for how they should conduct themselves while traveling in Thailand. (That’s the rumor I’ve heard.) Maybe some people just never learn to behave with socially responsible civic standards? 

All my iHerb orders have gone through without duty charges. I keep my charges under $46/under 4 pounds. The iHerb “Loyalty Credits” usually lower the shipping costs to add only a couple dollars to the overall cost of the order. I noticed when my order charges hit $50 or so, there are no shipping charges. Since I keep my order below the $46/4 pound threshold, I don’t know how Customs might respond. 

I had two orders from another company, sent USPS, one package was charged duty, the other not. Those orders were over $150 each. Herbal supplements. Customs classified them as medicine. Duty and taxes totaled 37%. And they also add those fees on shipping charges. I ordered a three month product supply and the Customs agent allowed it through implying if it had been more, it could be classified as for resale and he might have refused it’s entry—or added additional charges? Additionally, I was thinking of ordering sprouting seeds and was told that would be treated as an agricultural product (and who knows what they would have done with THAT!:)) 

Thanks to all who gave info. 

Is anything more needed besides a valid passport to do the 90 day reporting for a Non-O Residency Visa? Added forms? Cash?

 What are good ways to research architect/ builders available in Chiang Mai? What sq. meter cost range is there amongst house builders in and around Chiang Mai?

I heard a rumor that once a westerner has a land lease, in addition to the purchase of the lease, there would be an additional cost of 10,000 Baht payment to the owner—it wasn’t clear that that amount was a monthly payment. Is there a site that covers the ins and outs of the process for aquiring a lease, including advantages vs, disadvantages? If my opening statement were true, why would someone want to enter a lease when they could simply lease a house with an established garden for somewhere around that 10,000 Baht figure?

The new models, possibly with 32 GIG of RAM, are rumored to be coming out in June. I'd think a few months wait is worth the trouble for the extra GIGs and whatever improvements come with the new models. 

54 minutes ago, Lite Beer said:

 

During the time I had the visa, I was actually out of the country most that time. This will be the first run I would have missed. A 5,000 Baht fine? Hopefully they won't be kicking me out of Thailand.

Yes, it is an "O" visa. 

Here is what the Embassy had to say about those:
Non-Immigrant Visa Type “O” may be granted to applicants who meet one of the following requirements:
        (1)  Applicants who are lawfully married to a Thai citizen
        (2)  Dependents of a foreigner currently working or studying full-time in Thailand
        (3) Volunteers or applicants who work for a non-governmental organization (NGO)

I am none of those. The stamp has "Non-O  Retirement".

Lite Beer, I'm more of a heavy dark German brew myself, but that said, why the need for a border run if you're reporting every 90 days? I understand if you leave the country before the 90 days, the clock starts anew for another 90 days and you don't even need report (do that in lieu of reporting). I'm American. Evidently we don't need to apply out of the country for the O-A visa. I got mine right hear in beautiful downtown Chiang Mai–well, out at Promanada anyhoo. 

You don't know of the specific Thailand government site that specifies this information? Btw, the www.mfa.go.th website refers to the document as a Non-Immigrant Visa "O-A" (Long Stay). I do appreciate your responding and providing the info you did, I guess I'm really looking for the source document spelling it out. For example for the 90 day reporting, do I need the proof of income? Proof of continued residence such as a rental receipt? Etc. I'd never know from the TM 47 Form. Going to Immigration, it's "Good luck! having all the right info for them. It wouldn't be the first time I've had to do a return trip. Arggggg...! And it appears I'm not the only one confused. I know someone who has done border runs every 90 days to get an extension–appears to have been doing it for years!

I've looked for info detailing the renewal process after the expiration of the one year NON-O Retirement visa. Can anyone give up to date info? Do you start from scratch needing your proof of income, etc.? Also, what documents are required for the Extension of NON–O Retirement visas. Is it more than the application form? Do I need to show my latest rental agreement? Anything else? Is there an online site that spells all this out?

Has anyone done reporting of funds in Thailand who is from the US and dealt with FBAR Enrolled Agents? 

On 6/15/2016 at 9:33 AM, Rancid said:

I've had two at Ram, however have been reading lately they may not actually be a good idea. Back in Oz they do a stool test, less invasive, and only suggest colonoscopy if that shows positive.

A stool test will not tell if you have polyps. My  gastroenterologist used the stool test and blood test. My GP insisted on the colonoscopy. Two polyps that were a size recommending removal. This was at BKK CM Hospital where I saw both doctors. Don't remember the price. 

I tried finding visa info on this topic without any luck. Yes, I looked under visa and got a message that no info was found.  

I applied for non-immigration, type "o" retirement visa. It appears It was accepted. I have the stamp in my US passport. I am now supposed to go back to do another TM 7 Extension of Temporary Stay. I was given the standard form requiring proof of income from US Embassy, leasing agreement showing CM address, passport copy, current photo with the new application... Are all these required to redo every three months to maintain the non-immigaton, type "o" visa? TIA

Just as a side note, I entered with the Thai Embassy, 2 month stay from Sept 13 and had a 30 day extension till December 10. Then I have a stamp for the non-o, being admitted 29 November until 26 February. On January 13 I can apply for my extension. Does any of this make sense? Where do they come up with these numbers? None of this makes any sense to me. I suppose I could just accept it as some Thai bureaucratic logic. Not that it's any better than other countries I've stayed long term. If I wasn't from the US, I'd be tempted to go home, but I'm afraid in comparison, Thailand really could be paradise for what's in store for the US.

I've gotten my proof of income letter from the US Consulate in CM. I talked with someone who deals with Thai visa issues and they recommended I go to Georgetown, Malaysia for the one year Type "O" non-resident visa, stating the process is quick and relatively painless. Just take my $200 for the visa and proof of income. Does anyone have experience with that Consulate office? Wondering if I need the medical tests, police report stating I've been good, etc,. etc. I'm currently in HCMC, VN. 

Messsage sending to friends on FB, I'd like to copy several months worth to Apple's Notes. When I try to do this, I get the message: Load Older Messages (37131) And do not get copies of any of the messages. Is there a short cut for doing this other than maybe copying a weeks worth of messages, then grabbing another weeks worth until I have all that I want to copy?

Thanks for your input.

Bill97

This was sent to me.

https://www.samuiforsale.com/knowledge/overview-property-law-thailand.html#1

You are right about the house reverting to the landowner at the end of the lease agreement.

Bill97

This was sent to me.

https://www.samuiforsale.com/knowledge/overview-property-law-thailand.html#1

You are right about the house reverting to the landowner at the end of the lease agreement.