David Walden

13 minutes ago, soalbundy said:

stat dec is ok, it's an embassy document, it's all the IO wants.

No a Stat Dec is your document it belongs to you, where you have sworn on your property (the stat dec) the that facts contained there-in are true under oath and given it to someone else as proof that you are telling the truth witnessed in this case by a JP at an Embassy.  If it's full of BS and you are found out well you pay the price.  That is all the Thais are asking for.  I just cannot see how the BE can reverse their decision.

32 minutes ago, marcusarelus said:

Poor BE.  The only embassy not able to figure out a way to continue the letters.  Time for some staff that can think as well as an Aussie. 

I think the BE has worked it out and it's a pity that the noisy minority Brits who are relying on the BE leter  do not want to go down the Stat dec road.  Like most other countries do.  It's a very good alternative.

21 minutes ago, dick dasterdly said:

Not quite so simple as many areas do not have a british consular service - so it would necessitate travelling to Bangkok.

 

Which reminds me of the panic felt by some of us when we first heard that the brit. embassy would no longer renew passports via the post.  The new 'system' was that we would have to go to an appointed agent in Bangkok to submit our application, and then wait a day to collect our new passport from the agent....

 

Fortunately, other agents have appeared to deal with this on our behalf - negating the need to stay in Bangkok for 2 days.  And yes, some of us would find this a problem before some poster argues that this isn't a problem....

So what's different it's been that for Australian and other expats for a long time.  That's what the Australian Embassy is for "to do business at"  Lord give us a break

31 minutes ago, Thaidream said:

The solution is simple -  change the Income Letter and call it a Statutory Declaration- the applicant states his income-  the embassy- gives an Oath in person to the applicant- the Oath indicates that the person is signing  and attesting to what they have said and if lying is subject to penalty of perjury or whatever legal entity exists.

 

This is what the Australian Embassy does and also the American Embassy.  The Australian Embassy even has an announcement on their site indicating  theirs is not an income letter but a Statutory Declaration sworn to. The Aussies are changing nothing- you get the Letter- Off to Thai Imm. If Thai Imm wants more proof- up to them and up to you to provide it.

Thank you Thaidream...Ahhh isn't it nice to know we only have a few slow learning Brits on this site.  Even kindergarten law school know what to do as you have suggested.  Everyone else has been using Stat Decs for years. 

    Quite frankly you really should not need a JP to witness a signature on a Stat Dec at the Australian Embassy in Thailand and have pay Bt3000 for this service.  JP's services in Australia are carried out by people with of repute and are an agent for the Government.  Their services are free and they cannot ask a fee, that's not an optional either, they never get a fee.  The Australian Embassy is technically on Australian soil so it figures the Bt3000 to witness a signature by a JP in Thailand is above Australian law...but then there is the fine print somewhere.  Perhaps I'll put a submission to the ACCC in Aus but really they cannot investigate Government departments but it worth a go.  Perhaps I will start a petition or get some other mug to do have a go...Paul Hogan  Mr Crocodile Mick Dundee could be my legal advisor.

It's nice for a change to see some Aussies with positive comments on this site.  I remember in a restaurant in Thailand politely explaining about the fish and chips I ordered at a restaurant.  I explained that the fish only needs about 4 min in batter in the oil and the Prawn about the sames, the squid in batter only need 2 minuets.  Everything including the chips were cooked for about 15 mins.  The fish inside the batter was like liquid, the prawns just still eatable and the squid was like leather, just terrible, you needed a hack saw to cut it before you could chew it.  The chips were quite OK and were just like the Smiths's Potato Crisps you get in Aus.  Really crispy.  When I tried to explain how he could improve thing he informed me that I was committing defamation and in Thailand that is a crime...TIT

14 minutes ago, vistana said:

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/230120/moderation-info  So how do we sign the petition?

Having seen that the BE has acknowledged that the present arrangement has more legal holes then Swiss Cheese I think the answer is blowing in the wind.  For the times they are a changing.  la. la, laaaa.

2 hours ago, billd766 said:

 

Will you please try to stay on topic which is as I said before is 

 

British Embassy Bangkok to Stop Certification of Income Letters

 

Few posters other than Australians care about what is done in Australia or what you do for YOUR stay in Thailand. It is totally irrelevant to the subject matter.

 

Few if any Brits will fly to Australia because to get a visa there they have to apply to the Thai Embassy which can be done in countries far closer. Also it will NOT be an extension as an extension can ONLY be applied for in Thailand, where of course you have to meet the Thai requirements which at this stage STILL include getting a letter of confirmation from the Embassy. That will cease in December this year.

 

The majority of Brits who used the embassy letter have to provide proof of income. That includes state pension statements and any other pension statements they have.

 

Of COURSE it is possible to cheat and forge a document in just the same way that the applicant of a stat doc can lie.

 

I have tried to explain it to you several times as have other posters. We can explain it to you, but we cannot understand it for you. That part is up to you.

I did suggest there are a few slow learners around???

16 hours ago, billd766 said:

 

The problem is that your posts have nothing to do with the subject of the thread which is 

 

British Embassy Bangkok to Stop Certification of Income Letters

 

It is about the problems of UK expats having great difficulty in obtaining a letter of confirmation of their income as required by the Thai Immigration department.

 

Please note that I said UK Expats, Thailand and Thailand Immigration.

 

Your posts are about you, Australia, Australian citizens and the Thai Immigration department and have nothing to do with UK expats and the British embassy. SO you are 

 

My point is and there are a few slow learners around that is if you are going to provide proof of savings to Thai Immigration requirements you cannot expect the British Embassy to do it with what could be made up information, that is called "Passing the Buck".  You are asking the BE to provide a letter in good faith that the information contained in the letter provided is true when it in fact it could be a "cock and Bull Story".  With Australia the same effect is provided if you prepare a Stat dec. with your name on it.  You make a solum statement a declaration under oath that you have the money to the satisfaction of Thai Immigration you acknowledge that if the information is not true you can go to Gaol for 4 years and you sign it in front and Embassy Official who has the powers of a JP.   The Aus Embassy JP then signs it to say they witnessed you signing the document,  They may ask you if the information is provided is true, that is optional.  The Aus Embassy signs all sorts documents all day long at Bt3000 a 2 min interview, it's money for jam.  They seldom know what is contained in the document it is not their business.  They are only witnessing you signing the document...the BE could and may do the same for Brits in Thailand, that is an option now.  Perhaps you should direct you effort to have the BE implement this arrangement.  Maybe they will if you are kind to them instead of bagging everything.  My mother often used to say  "where there is a will there is a way"

   I am very surprised that the British Embassy has allowed their method to go on and for so long.  When you sign a statutory declaration on Australian Soil in Bangkok the buck stops with you...can you understand this now it is the way it's been for a thousand years under English Law.  same in Aus, US, NZ, Canada and many other countries base on old English Law and recent law. 

    You providing a Stat Dec and getting an Embassy JP to witness it is better and easier anyway.  The Aus Embassy has no idea if the information contained there-in is true or not it's not their business. it's between you and Thai Immigration if that's what they will accept and it is unlikely they will ever investigate.  Perhaps the Brits will look at this way.  If you tell lies in a Stat Dec in Thailand and get caught well  perhaps a few shillings will fix things up...TIT

PS...Once you have signed a Stat Dec in thailand showing yo have the required funds that's all they require mostly.  Usually you don't have to show any detail, you just have to present your Stat Dec with your application.  If you have a Thai bank book well you don't need the Stat. Dec. 

5 hours ago, blackhorse said:

Facts. Thai immigration have done nothing.
Why are farang dreaming they Will overhaul the system without any proof whats so ever
 

We live in hope?

2 hours ago, BritManToo said:

$200/week for a small unit doesn't seem that good a deal, I'm paying $400/month to buy a new 3 bedroom house

(12Km from downtown Chiang Mai)

My comments where in the context of someone who cannot remain in Thailand and may need to move back to Australia and can get the Australian Aged Pension (AAP).  The pension and rent assistance provided by the Govt amounts to about $1050 Per fortnight, and you can have quite a nice nest egg and it will not effect your pension.  $400 per fortnight will get a reasonable living quarters or granny flat, not down town Sydney or Melbourne and $650 P/F to live on, buy food and live quite OK in Queensland or in a larger regional town anywhere in Australia, Cairns for example and many others others.  My town of 35,000 population may have several hundred available and that's just one town.  Remember you get free comprehensive medical insurance with Govt Medicare and a whole lot of other benefits I covered in other post I've made.  If you not a big smoker and are modest drinker you can live a very comfortable OK life on that in Australia.  With the falling Aus dollar and the rising Thai Bt there may be a lot of Aussie expats thinking deeply about this option in Thailand.  Some may have been away a long time and the return will have some challenges.

On 10/9/2018 at 8:43 AM, GinBoy2 said:

Well I think what will probably happen is that you end up with more tourists than long stay residents.

 

Now we usually stay 3 months in Thailand each year, but now I’m a tourist

 

I’m actually a lot happier not having to keep money in a Thai bank account

I'm from West Aus and up till mid last year I only came to Thailand on a 60+30 extension Tourist visa. 3 or 4 times a year for 5 years.  You have to pay Aus $55 to get the visa and Bt 1900 for the 30 day extension.  So about Bt3300 all up for a Thai 90 day visit, a 90 day visa in Malaysia is free.  Getting a 30 day extension for a 60+30=90 day tourist visa can take all day which is a real pain.  Sometimes quicker hmmm.   Each time I have passed through Malaysia they have always given me a 90 tourist visa no question asked free, every one gets one they say.  Sometimes I stay a few days in KL.  Interesting not a big drinker but if you want a beer you really have to go and look for bar in KL, not many drunks in there.  55% muslims and they don't drink (much).  Recently I have obtained a Retirement Visa in Australia and made 4 trips to Thailand in the 1st year.  I'm now residing in Thailand on the extension 12 month period.  It's only a 7hr plane trip to Hue Hin from Perth but a 12 hr stopover in KL which is OK.  I will be returning to Aus after 6 month of the extension period or maybe sooner.

   Even if Thailand charge a Bt2/3000 fee for a full 90 tourist visa that would be much better, like everywhere else in the world.  I don't think many people coming to thailand are using the 30 day extension period for Bt 1900 fee to extend there holiday.  It is quite involved with application forms, up to date passport photos less then 6 months old so you can't use the left over ones you've carried around left over from you 5 year old passport, a police interview, photocopies of your pass port and existing visas.  I think most people just use the 60 day part of the visa and go home.  To complicated to go through all the palava of extending for that further 30 days. The 1st time a real pain the 2nd time not so bad.  I like to go too and from Thailand often and usually for only 90 days.  Malaysia has recognised for years that people wanting to stay on a long holiday a 90 day visa is mostly enough and then back home and it's free.

5 hours ago, JimmyJ said:

 

What is P/W?

per week or 7 days

3 hours ago, doctormann said:

Obtaining proof is not the problem as I guess that most of us could do that.

The Issue is that, in the case of UK ex-pats, the BE will no longer be involved in providing that proof and, as it stands at the moment, there is  nothing apart from the Embassy letter that is acceptable to Immigration.

Even blind Freddie could tell you that the B/E is not comfortable giving you a letter of proof about your financial position because he has no way of knowing if the information you give them is true.  They maybe using their good name ( good faith) to support fake information.  Could be all pork pies which rimes with l ..... It all might turn out for the better in the long run because the Thais may have to review what they consider as proof of assets and income from applicants to keeps things humming along in the future.  We all know the whole system as it is now is just a dogs dinner.   The new Thai immigration minister i believe.  Army Major General maybe he'll make a difference, I hope.

26 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

Which form? The 2 in the topic you replied to say nothing about the embassy.

On the application form on the Australian Thai Embassy web site. or for the other 150 countries.  You place the arrow of your mouse on the link I have provided and press the button and up comes "The Thai Embassy web site" and then in the simple space provide you write the name of the country you want to know about.  Then from the options available you go to Retirement Visa and would you believe up comes everything you want to know how to get a Thai Retirement Visa in Australia (the same all over the World, a few exceptions).

Most of the information I have written about is verbatim from the Thai Embassy http://canberra.thaiembassy.org/Home/visa.  It's a very well set out web site and simple...11 out of 10 for the Thais on this one.

2 hours ago, Spidey said:

Thai Immigration won't accept such information. they want an embassy letter, so Brits are still "up the creek without a paddle".

Gee at last someone out of the 1000 or so post so far are getting the message.

1 hour ago, Spidey said:

Thai Immigration won't accept such information. they want an embassy letter, so Brits are still "up the creek without a paddle".

My post was in relation to my to my own personal experience on getting a retirement visa in my home country Thai Embassy Canberra.  It is accepted in Australia by the Embassy because the statement forms part of a signed stat dec which is part of the application.  If you make a false declaration with a JP in Australia for any reason you can go to gaol for up to 4 years,   An Australian stat dec in Thailand isn't worth the paper it is written on.  There is a difference.  I think the same applies in the UK  and the B/E Embassy in Bangkok is really UK soil.  

52 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

As I wrote before the Sydney consulate is a official Thai consulate which means the can issue the OA visa. The other consulates are honorary consulates.

Did you look at what it says on the application form?

58 minutes ago, Peterw42 said:

I have an OA visa issued by the Thai consulate in Sydney, It even says "issued at : Sydney" printed on the visa, Maybe the internal processing goes to Canberra but I can walk into a Thai consulate and walk out with an OA visa. (I even met the guy at who did my OA at sydney consulate as he had a question about how much the notary public cost). Not sure what the relevance of "only from an embassy" and why you repeat that statement.

 

Here is the application forms from Sydney consulate and it doesnt mention anything about only at embassy.

 

https://thaiconsulatesydney.org/docs/forms/visitor-visa/visa-application-form.pdf

https://thaiconsulatesydney.org/docs/forms/retirement-visa/retirement-visa-application-o-a.pdf

You are probably right this suggests that the Sydney Consulate is actually part the the Canberra Thai Embassy staff.  It clearly states on form "A" application form "Only The the Royal Thai Embassy in Canberra has the authority to Issue a Retirement Visa". and the address to be sent to.  You must have been nice to the Sydney Consul I know he is always very happy to help.  He even rang me a home in WA to correct a mistake on a tourist visa application I made some years ago with a nice chat.  He commented that some of the other Consuls are so pedantic that people from other states were sending application to him in Sydney, he said "I don't mind that's good" Completely different approach to some of the Consuls in other states.  Your Visa would have been issued from Canberra but yes had Sydney on it.  The lady at the Thai Embassy in Canberra told me all the paperwork for retirement visa goes to Immigration in Thailand so it has to be simple and clear or it will just come back.  That's why it has to go to canberra first.  Most other visas you can get from any Consul.    

18 minutes ago, dayo202 said:

not if you use paypal

When I ask for a statement from my bank managed pension fund it shows clearly how much I receive each month, how I have been paid during the last 12 months and how much the surrender value of the fund is at present.  I assume just about any legit pension fund all over the world provides this information when requested by the client.  When applying for my retirement Visa in Australia this statement forms part of my application.  If you can't provide simple accurate information to Thai Immigration when applying for a retirement visa about income well perhaps that is where you are "up the creek without a paddle"  elementary I think.

5 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Rubbish. Schmubbish.

It's good to learn to use the correct terminology. That helps to have coherent conversations on visa related issues and it's also useful to know what's in your own passport. Again, extensions based on retirement (those are extensions of a visa previously obtained but can be done continuously and annually for life) are ONLY available IN Thailand. 

http://canberra.thaiembassy.org/Home/visa

Select almost any country you like from this link and in all the same instruction will come up (with few exceptions).  Getting a retirement visa in you home country is a bit complicated but when done it's a nice feeling to arrive in Thailand knowing you can live there one day short of 2 years with a one day side trip to KL or other place just before your one years visa expires to get your 364 day extension of stay.  Yes you must be able to prove you have the Bt800,000 that is real money in a bank. or a pension fund or the Bt65,000p/m.

This information about getting your Retirement Visa overseas has appeared at least a 100 time by various contributors on this site.  But some people just cannot see the trees through the woods. (is that softer enough?)

9 hours ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

 

O and O-A visas issued by Thai consulates are different and separate from retirement and marriage extensions of stay issued by Thai Immigration.

 

They share a common element of each giving you permission to stay in Thailand. And can be obtained based on marriage and retirement status. But otherwise, different applications, different issuing entities, and somewhat different rules for visas vs. extensions of stay.

 

But Jing was correct -- extensions of stay are ONLY issued by Thai Immigration inside Thailand.

 

I have put post up before about this subject...Again, I have a Retirement Visa issued from The Thai Embassy in Canberra Australia.  That is simply a fact as do thousands of other farangs living in Thailand   The Embassy call it a Retirement Visa that but it is really a "Non-Immigrant  O-A M" visa and it is only available from a Thai Embassy in a foreign country.  It is not available from Thai Consuls only from an Embassy.http://canberra.thaiembassy.org/Home/visa. 

    Before making any further comment please read the details in the attached link.  In my previous post(s) I did go into detail that the extensions of stay are only provided by Thai Immigration when you arrive in the country during the 1st year.  My comments are no longer there in my recent post.  You can stay in Thailand one day short of 2 years by leaving and returning as often as you like during the 1st year only, no charge.  I have 4 one year extension in my Passport.  The extensions are for 1 year which means on a 1 year Thai Retirement Visa you can arrive in the country just a few days short of when the 2nd year begins and you will receive an extension for another 364 days.  You will have to exit and return at least 1 day before your 1st year visa period expires to get the 2nd year extension which is free.  That is what I have presently done.  My visa is good for almost 2 years.  there no further extension after the one year visa expires but the day before yes.  Remember your visa will have lapsed on the day it says it's current till.  It is only good till midnight on the day previous to expiry date...TIT...A trap for young and old players.

  My comments appear to have gone astray on the subject of "extension of stay".  These extension of stay are the same for Retirement Visas issued in Thailand or a foreign Embassy. 

   I repeat Retirement Visas are only obtained from Embassy not a Consul.  It tells you this on the application forms.  A consul might give you advice or remind you that your application should have 36 pages when you only have 25 and all pages must be signed by a JP.  He will not accept your application but might put it in his jiffy bag to the Embassy.  Once you application reaches the Embassy it will be given a tracking number.  You can ring anytime to see what progress you application is making.  The staff at the Thai Embassy in Canberra is alway very polite and helpful.

3 hours ago, Jingthing said:

You can't get retirement extensions based on funds outside Thailand. Only in Thailand. You can get an OA visa that way but must apply in your home country.

Sent from my Lenovo A7020a48 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app
 

Complete and utter rubbish.   I have retirement multi entry visa  "O" issued from the Thai Embassy in Canberra Australia.  it cost $275.  The same visa is available from most western countries Thai Embassy world wide. But you have to have the money in a bank in real cash.

http://canberra.thaiembassy.org/Home/visa  here are the details.

4 hours ago, blackhorse said:

Not sure what you mean. There already is a system in place

 

The system is already in place, all you need is Bt800,000 in usable funds either in Thailand or in your home country if you are making the application there in a bank.  Not rocket science.  If you have either of these options which are really the only 2 options, there is no need for Embassies to get involved in any way what so ever.  If you have investment dividends somehow you will need to put your money into a bank account.  To complicated for Thai immigration, it's up to you to make it simple.  Any other method is clearly becoming very suspect.

   Already there will be ways coming to light from all sorts people arriving with cock eyed plans.  Like one I know about already, borrow Bt800.000 from a bank long term, you pay 10% interest. Use the borrowed money as security and leave at the bank with a pre-signed withdraw form to be co-signed by a bank officer if you die.  For this service you are really paying Bt80,000 per year for a bank book to show Immigration, you may get 1% interest on this deposit if you are lucky.  This is really a good idea for the banks they can lend out the same Bt800,000 a hundred time over and over again and none of the money ever leaves the bank, it's still there.  Anyone interest in starting a bank in Thailand?  Send qualification to me.  Yes and a very honest well known bank.  Thailand is not interest where the money comes from it just needs to be there "in a bank" 

19 hours ago, GoNavy said:

Geez, this IMO will put a hardship on many.  I don't particularily want to  draw out $26,000 just for it to sit in a low interest account.  Its all a scam to get foreigners to butress the bank monies.  If it is so important why make it so difficult to get a Thai account?  

I was at the American Embassy two days ago and asked.  He said the decision makers were in discussion.

I can take Bt 800,000 out of my retirement fund in Australia and put it a Thai Bank, but I don't.  My pension fund usually pays about 6/7% P/A dividend and about 3% P/A increased value due to inflation (not so good this week).  If I put the $800,000 in a Thai bank and maybe get no interest or 1%,  I am Bt80,000 down on my pension fund dividend for the year or about Bt8/9000P/M, the same as the rent I pay for my nice town house I rent in Thailand.   By applying in Australia for a retirement visa (same in most western countries) I can keep the money in my dividend producing retirement fund (or Bank) and receive all my benefits as usual.  You just need a Retirement Fund statement showing the surrender value of at least Bt800,000 or more or a bank statement showing you have = to Bt800,000 and the usual police report and medical cert plus $275 Aus and "Bob's your Uncle).  And lots of paper works signed by a JP.  A bit complicated the first time you apply at your home Country at a Thai Embassy but when you know the ropes and do as they request all happens very quickly, about  10 days.  And you get to keep your money in you home country.

   I keep all my money in Australia I have bank debit accounts with 2 large international bank where I get the official exchange rate for that day when making ATM withdraws in Thailand.  All bank fees shown on the  receipt are instantly credited back to my account.  I can get money when I like at any ATM world wide free of any bank fees from both banks, The limit is Aus $2200 per day.  So if you have the BT800.000 in your home country there is no reason to put any money in a Thai Bank,.. Once you get the Retirement visa you can do what you like with the money or pay someone back if you have borrowed it or just live off your AAP (about Bt43,000P/M  Aus pension).  All legit and above board.  You must have real proof that the money you say you have is real money.

14 minutes ago, Spidey said:

Well this is the most "cock and bull" story I've heard so far! The British Embassy letter has a red seal embossed into the paper. Difficult to replicate, and a stamp wouldn't cut it.

 

Most people supply information in a form that is also difficult to replicate.

 

Nice try but no cigar.

Thai Retirement Visa:- Went to Aus Embassy in Bangkok a few years ago with a stat dec with evidence that I had more then Bt 800,000 in my Bank managed retirement fund, signed it in front of an Embassy official, they signed it and put an Embassy stamp on it, had to get on a que.  The Embassy indicated this would get me a Retirement Visa, charged Bt1900 ( now Bt3000 about $110 and have to have an appointment, takes about 2 mins).  Oh! how the money rolls in.  I didn't get the visa.  I did the same in Australia together with a genuine $75 police report and got a $75 genuine medical certificate (not the Bt80 model signed by the  Dr. receptionist)  showing that I didn't have the clap and a few other things, paid my Aus $275  fee, no problem getting a Retirement Visa.  Took about a week.  According to Thai Web Site in Aus. nothing has change, this service is still available. 

    Trying to get a Retirement Visa to live in Australia from Thailand or UK you need about 1.5 million dollars Aus and at least $200 a week for medical insurance ( not free for freeloaders there) You have to build a new house not buy one and have at least $750,000 or maybe more now to live on.   In Aus or UK to get a retirement visa it will not be anywhere near as simple as it is to get approval as it is in Thailand nor will it be anywhere near that simple in most western countries.  You really just need the Bt800,000 in Thailand and it will happen.  There in lies the problem! Maybe hmmm. 

    The Perth Consul a few years ago when I complained about "red tape" reminded me when I was applying for a Thai 60 day+30 day tourist visa, that for a Thai to apply for a short term visa to Aus, the application the form is 28 pages long and proof of income is very carefully examined (he won that argument).   Making a false declaration in Aus if found out can get you 4 years in gaol or a very heavy fine.  Probably the same in UK or US  Perhaps all the Thai immigration wants is the truth from applicants when applying for a Retirement Visa, yes there are many "cock and bull" stories around this one.  It seems to be out of control at present, maybe they'll fix it...don't hold your breath.  Maybe that's where they a trying to go??? ( a long hard road for The Thais). 

   It seems maybe that if you pass the medical, don't have any outstanding criminal actions against you and have the required funds and be able to prove either to be in your home country or Thailand all will be simple if you apply at home or in Thailand???.   So what different in any western country?  With this procedure you can stay in Thailand on a Retirement visa for almost 2 years ( multi "O").    The other frustrating issues when applying for any other Thai visas are a different kettle of fish red tape +++...but TIT  Hmmmm.