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? 

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?

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?

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. 

I'm coming up on the last of my two month tourist visa and thirty day extension through Immigration. Is it still possible to do a border run for one last 30 day extension?

Slightly off topic, but can anyone say how long you can remain in Thailand on a tourist visa during a one year period? Having received a 60 day tourist visa from outside Thailand, I was able to get a 30 day extension after that. Is it still possible to leave Thailand and return the same day for a final 30 day extension, doing a border run? The last time I did this, about a year and a half ago, I was told I would have to have an airline ticket leaving Thailand after that final extension. Then, when I returned after a month (or three months?), Thai Immigration told me I had spent too much time in Thailand, (5 months over the previous year) and, after the 30 day visa they then "graciously" gave me, told me I would have to leave Thailand for 6 months!

I have been in Thailand now for just short of three months and wondering if I can get one of the long-stay visas without the hassle of leaving Thailand again. I've only got a week left of the 90 days and don't have all the required legal paperwork. I did try looking on the Thai Embassy page, leaving even more confused.

Thanks. Helpful. Appreciated.

It it possible to get a visa in Siem Reap? A 60 day stamp? Or would I need go to Phnom Penh? US citizen.

If I get a 30 day entry visa landing in Bangkok, heading to Chiang Mai, can I get a 30 day extension for a total 60 days? Can this be done at CM immigration or would it require a border run?

Sorry, I'm sure this is covered somewhere in the forums but I couldn't find an answer. I did look.

Thanks in advance.

so 3 back to back tourists = 180 days plus 60 non-visa = 240 days?

I think it may change the kind of visas people are asking for now that all g7 visitors can stay for 2 months without the need for a visa.........couple this with some tourist visas and the visa runners, who won't show up for another month.....looks like a busy time for immigration. i hope they are all well versed in ALL the new regs!

I entered Thailand 15-07-2015. Thai Immigration at Bangkok Airport looked at my passport and saw that I had been in Thailand with my tourist visas and extensions and told me I could not be in Thailand on entry visas for more than a total of 6 months a year.

Hmmmm... I just came into Thailand last night. They checked all my entries. Said I could only come into Thailand a total of 6 months and. I'm assuming it was because I was just such a great guy they gave me a bonus one month for my efforts and said I'd have to exit in one month not to return for 6 months. Didn't know there was a limit of ins-and-outs for Thailand. Will have to go to the Immigration office and see if there's anything I can do. I'd qualify for the over-50 retirement visa.

Three months and no sign of either of two small packages $100 plus each. A large envelope came in under two weeks. All from the U.S.

In most European countries you are called Mrs after a certain age, even if you are not married. It is a sign of respect.

Sounds better than the American Ms., pronounced Miz., any day!

I will admit to knowing next to nothing about currencies, but there seems to be a consideration for the Swiss franc. If someone was wanting to hold currencies, would that be a worthy option? When we do again have inflation, will it matter what currency you have? I'm not a gold purchaser, but it seems gold is very popular during times of uncertainties. I had a Korean gf who had a big ring that was basically a chunk of gold bullion wrapped around her finger.

It's been interesting over the last 50 years and hear about the next world crisis destroying civilization as we know it. I think it's been more "The Times They Are A Changin'" – for better, for worse.

Related to this discussion, if your air conditioning is used, and lets say it's 100 degrees outside. You want to get a room to 70. Once the room reaches that temperature with the air conditioning, does it take any more air conditioning usage to keep it there than it would if you wanted it at 75 and maintained it at THAT temperature–given a reasonable amount of insulation and a sealed environment for the room? So, over an eight hour period, other than the initial cooling period to get the temp to either 70 or 75, would the air conditioner have to work any longer to keep the respective temperatures stable.

I’ve heard fans can keep skin temperatures feeling 10 degrees cooler. Any truth to that, enabling less electrical usage of the air con?

On most ACs the compressor is running full while cooling, the compressor will cycle on and off to maintain temperature based on input from the thermostat. Every time the compressor turns on there is a spike in power which uses more energy than while running. Variable speed air conditions, or inverter AC will vary the speed of the compressor to maintain temp rather than cycle on and off thus reducing energy usage. Of course the better insulated the room is the temp will be maintained with more efficiency.

Regarding fans, when the air blow across you you will lose heat through convection resulting in feeling cooler. A fan in an empty room or that is not blowing on you is actually counter productive due to the fan motor being a source of heat. However the fan could be configured in a window or as some type of exhaust to keep air flowing in the room which would help keep it cool.

Another thing to consider is humidity, the comfort level for humans is 70%. With a constant temperature you will feel cooler as humidity increases to 70% the start to feel warm as humidity increases beyond that.

Maswov, thanks for the explanation. It was helpful and easily understood.

Related to this discussion, if your air conditioning is used, and lets say it's 100 degrees outside. You want to get a room to 70. Once the room reaches that temperature with the air conditioning, does it take any more air conditioning usage to keep it there than it would if you wanted it at 75 and maintained it at THAT temperature–given a reasonable amount of insulation and a sealed environment for the room? So, over an eight hour period, other than the initial cooling period to get the temp to either 70 or 75, would the air conditioner have to work any longer to keep the respective temperatures stable.

Once heard:

For physical fitness, exercise. (I know people who live in the gym but never lose an ounce.)

For weight loss, diet.

Most people won't do this, but if you restrict your diet to fruits and vegetables, no added oils, limited nuts or nut products, no avocado (too fatty), no dairy, eating nothing that has a mother, in other words, a strict vegan diet, you will lose weight. And give yourself a few weeks and you'll feel much better without exercising. Try, Eat To Live, Joel Fuhrman, M.D.

Not been here long, but every time I'm here I gain weight. My body doesn't do well with the heat and I end up eating junk. It's more to battle anxiety about the heat than any actual hunger. Best I can explain it. I know, I know, if I react that strongly against the heat, what the heck got me into Thailand in the first place!?! lol