David Walden

On 1/11/2019 at 10:40 AM, bristolboy said:

Such nonsense. Uncontrolled? Really? If it were in fact uncontrolled then there would be millions crossing over the southern border. If it were uncontrolled, why do would-be illegal immigrants pay $10,000 to get help in getting over that border?

Another one blinded by politics.

5 hours ago, bristolboy said:

I got news for you. It isn't the job of soldiers to police the borders. In fact they are prohibited by law from doing so. And Trump is the President, not the Generalissimo.

Therein lies the problem.  With your 18,000 law enforcement agencies you still do not know how to police or defend your borders.  You have probably spent a 100 billion dollars arguing over the politics of the matter when 10 billion dollars would have fixed the problem (with some reservations).

5 hours ago, bristolboy said:

Are you under the impression that the citizens of the USA are soldiers and that Trump is their Commander-in-Chief? 

I just think as I believe the rest of the world does also that USA politics is the greatest lot of crapp ever seen in recent times (Crapp invented the flushing toilet, often referred to in Aus as the crapper).  Every time some politician farts in the USA my retirement fund drops about 5%.  I would like to ignore it but I have to observe it, it affects me.  Too many politicians.  You know in Australia we have 9 law enforcement agencies, one in each state and one for each of the 2 the territories and one to cover the country AFP. Australian Federal Police. In the USA you have 18,000 law enforcement agencies.  A complete and utter disgrace. 

  Yes, as far as I know, soldiers in The USA are Citizens of the USA as they have to be in Australia if they want to join want to join the Australian Defense Forces.  Us soldiers are there to defend the country just let them do the job...get on with it.  I can't say I like Trump but you have given him the job of President and supreme commander of your defense forces and will be for the next 2 years.  Just let him do the job.

2 hours ago, bristolboy said:

Really,really bad analogy. Or do you believe that Custer's strategy worked out well for him?

Yes very bad analogy, unfortunately, has a lot of truth in it.  The Indians consumed Custer.  Getting back to my previous analogy about Churchill, he had a lot of failures.  My father was a "light horseman" in the  8th brigade "Light Horse" Australian army WW1 at Gallipoli, ( didn't need the horses, 40,000 horses transported to Egypt. didn't need them, but later yes ) hated Churchill's guts as did most Australian Soldiers in WW1.  LIke sending 2 battleships through a minefield in the Dardanelles in Turkey to bombard Istambul.  Both sunk with 20 min with the loss of about 3,000 men..."oh well we better try something different".  Churchill did learn by his mistakes and got better later.  It did take 26 years though.  Oh yes back to Custer. it appears indecision was what finished him off.  It looks to me like US people if they don't agree with the Generals in the field they just set about frustrating them.  That's the new world for the USA.  If it's a bad decision well so be "pick yourself up dust yourself off and start all over again" Try something else.  Try enthusiastic support, that usually helps. 

4 hours ago, Jingthing said:

No politics in build the wall and Mexico will pay for it.

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

Yes? I agree, bi-partisan politics.  So what did Colonel Custer say when he saw the Indians coming over the hill....Let's have a meeting and debate on how we defend ourselves.  That's USA politics today.

This US border business reminds me of a situation that occurred in Western Australia's South West near my home 3 years ago.  W.A had then a recently new Gov appointed State Fire and Rescue Cheif.  He had applied for the job and was successful.  He was up till his appointment The Deputy Police Commissioner of Police in W.A.  In his acceptance speech he acknowledged that he had no experience as a firefighter but suggested his administrative skills were extensive as 2 IC of Police in Westen Australia.  He really did think you could fight out of control bushfires which were bearing down on a town of 180 houses all timber-framed with administrative skills.  At about 10 pm one evening of an out of control savage bush fire, he ordered that the existing team who had exceeded their allocated fire fighting time be withdrawn and be replaced with a new crew to continue the fight. To the amazement of the retiring crew who to a man/woman most said they wanted to stay and support the new crews, they would find it hard to sleep but that was not Administrative rule Bla, Bla, Bla.  During the change over period, the replacement crews about 80 men and women consisting highly experience firefighter mostly volunteers were required to attend a briefing in a large shed regarding the legalities and liabilities when fighting an out control bushfires.  During this period when the old firefighting crews were removed and the new crews were still being briefed the whole town burned down.  There were several tragic deaths.  After 3 years the fallout is still going on.  The volunteer Bush Fighting Brigade to a man/woman indicated they would they would go on strike if the Chief Fire officer was not removed.  A "Claytons" threat".  They still would have attended anything serious, just great people.  The Fire and Rescue Chief was given paid leave for a long period and later retired.  Politics should never be used to do soldiers jobs.  I expect it is the same with border control..."Experience is the best teacher"   If you want to stop illegal from getting into USA give the job to the soldiers, politicians would not know SH.. from clay.  Yes to many Chiefs and not enough Indians.    

     A bit like Winston Churchill who was reported to have said when presented with a dozen different good ways to repel the enemy.  "I'll select one as best I know how. It may not be the best plan however the most important thing is to get the plan I select  implemented and that everyone support it with all their might."  There are plenty of good plans to protect the USA from an uncontrolled illegal invasion.  just implement one and stop the politics.

16 hours ago, Jingthing said:

You're right taxation will continue. But the great wall of "trump" will never happen. He couldn't do that when he totally controlled the government and he certainly can't do that now. It's very simple minded of "trump" fans to think such a wall is the solution to the very complex issues surrounding immigration. 

Your reasoning is just politics...again.

7 hours ago, Jingthing said:

You're right taxation will continue. But the great wall of "trump" will never happen. He couldn't do that when he totally controlled the government and he certainly can't do that now. It's very simple minded of "trump" fans to think such a wall is the solution to the very complex issues surrounding immigration. 

Why make your decisions based on politics.  When the enemy is lapping at your doorstep you need bipartisan decisions now.  I think too many chiefs and not enough Indians in US politics.  

8 minutes ago, Rambo said:

 

Rambo...not to many quick answers there.  It all still seems to be up in the air.  Theoretically now that's a big word with lots of options very few of which are clear in Thailand.  I believe the best thing to do to get a retirement Visa is to keep it simple.  One bank account would be better than 2 accounts.  Where a lot of confusion with pensions exists is that some are whole of life, these are usually govt pensions. when you die it stops. They go up as the cost of living goes up. they are paid as long as you are alive.  The other type is that you buy a pension from a provident fund which consists of units.  These units are your property and by arrangement with the fund you download an amount usually monthly to live on e.g you put Aus$200,000 into a fund and that buys you 20,000 at $10 each=$200K.  These units are yours... Each year if the funs go up 6%or 8% and you download $1000p/m at the end end of 12 months you have taken $12,000 you still have $200,000 or more.  The $200,000 is now the surrender value of your asset within the provident fund just a bit like having money in a bank, my fund is managed by the ANZ Bank in Aus.  In Australia and perhaps UK the Thai Embassy will allow to use the surrender value to be treated just as if it is money is in a bank.  So a retirement fund in Australia with a value of only = to Bt800,000 is enough to get that visa.  If you have a whole of life retirement all is much more complicated.  I use the surrender value of my retirement fund which is a bit more than the required amount to get my O-A  M retirement visa in Australia, very simple to do.  Plus of course the paperwork, medical, police report etc all done in 10 days in Aus and arrive in Thailand all done.  I went about putting my affairs in order 4 years ago so I could do it all this way.  I also get an Aussie Aged Pension but the lady at the Thai Embassy reminds me not to mention that as surrender value is enough to get the Visa.  "Don't say what you don't need to say, it will only confuse Immigration in Thailand where all is processed, keep it simple?" she says.

20 hours ago, hansnl said:

The vast majority of the US citizens don't want the wall?

Only one percent of his supporters want the wall?

Where did you get all this wisdom?

From his opposers' polls?

 

You could likely apply the same comment in the US about paying taxes and get the same answer.  As much as we all hate paying taxes we all know it has to happen the wall also. Sooner or later it will happen. Preferably before the illegals get the vote, outnumber you and send all of you Americans off to there now bankrupt counties.  Which they own also, you'll be paying them rent.  But that will all happen after I'm dead and gone but not forgotten.  Too many people in the US want to be President, I think at least 5 million... Perhaps I got that wrong maybe only 2.5 million.

1 hour ago, KhunFred said:

I think the confusion comes over what the various income letters are CALLED. For Americans and some others, it is a statutory declaration. I don't know if the UK Embassy calls it that, but they definitely had been issuing some kind of "income letter" up until they stopped. America followed the lead of the UK, for once. Apparently ALL the embassies were not comfortable issuing letters without concrete proof. My question is: WHY would an income tax receipt not suffice to prove income? it is about as clear as any income letter.

Income tax is often overpaid by taxpayers in Australia  I.E. provisional tax is assessed and you have to pay it by the due date in advance of what the tax man thinks you are going to earn in the following 3 months period, even if your business is running at a loss.  At some later date when you put the tax return in with the final figure it may be that you did not earn anything were in a loss situation and the taxman gives you a refund cheque because you had no income.  trying to use tax figures to get a Retirement Visa in Thailand would have holes than Swiss cheese.

3 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

No sure why you quoted my post that was a reply to this post.

I will not be going anywhere to get a visa. I already have had my funds brought into the country every month for years.

Good idea but appears if you have a pension from where ever of about Bt500,000 (like Aussie) it figures that you will only need to have Bt300,000 in a Thai bank a/c for 2/3 months to obtain your retirement visa. The Combo method.  Talked about by the Cheif US Consul on 103FM radio in a recent interview.  This method is available as clearly indicated to anyone requesting it.  I am at a loss as to why Immigration does make it simple to use.  A few years ago at Hue Hin Immigration, I raised this with an officer he had no, idea what I was talking about.  It seems senior Thai immigration Officers confirm it is available and senior Embassy staff know all about it, why is it the Thai rank and file are not at all helpful and ignore people wishing to use it.  Perhaps they have no idea...TIT   Aussie aged pension (AAP) can be paid into a Thai bank a/c every 4 weeks by the Aus Gov., a perfect record of your income to help you obtain a retirement visa.  Just a little bit of help from Thai Immigration would improve things for Aussies and others a lot.  The Bt300,000 could easily be borrowed as a loan with its own security as it never leave the bank.  And all legal and above board...perhaps too easy you have to give the scammers a bit of a chance?

On 1/7/2019 at 6:21 PM, ubonjoe said:

They will not care. It would not be hard to explain to them which I wrote in the other topic.

THE COMBO METHOD...Is it any wonder that it presently maybe better to go back to your home country and apply for a Retirement Visa there (I do)...pretty easy considering all the stuffing around these post are indicating here in Thailand.  The present information indicates your Australian Aged Pension (AAP) or other countries similar will represent about Bt500.000 per year income, the other Bt300,000 you provide youself or beg, steal or borrow it and put it in a Thai bank a/c or in a bank in Australia if applying there.  Actually, this method is available in most countries and in Thailand.  So far there appears to be nobody following up on my posts about the combo method.  Despite the Senior Consul at the US Embassy suggesting on 103 fm that a big percentage of the applicant could arrange this method.   He clearly said 'Thai Immigration will preserve this method"  they promised and it appears is still available as it has for many years but few takers.

On 1/7/2019 at 1:20 AM, JDMCanuck said:

David, Joe and Jack , thank you so much for your knowledge!! I hope you don't mind but I may have some more questions once I review your answers a couple times to let it all sink in to this rather thick skull of mine. Much appreciated!

Don't worry I hope my answers to your question is of benefit to lots of others as well.  It took me 5 years to get a handle on "applying for your retirement visa in your home country"  anytime.

On 1/6/2019 at 9:56 AM, ubonjoe said:

It is a new one year entry not an extension. Extension can only be applied for at an immigration office not on entry to the country.

OK, Thank you I stand corrected.  It does have the same outcome.  If you arrive and pass through Thai Immigration 364 days after the date of issue of your O-A  M Visa after making 2/3/4/ trips overseas as I do, as you enter at immigration your passport will be stamped for you to stay in Thailand for an additional 364 days (not 365 days TIT). This now is a new "one-year entry whatever".  I've told the story a few times already   " I sent you a 5 page letter because I didn't have time to write you a one-page letter." To many long-winded pedantic in Thai immigration, however, progress seems to be making some headway.   "maybe" 

It might be about time that this thread concluded.  Almost every post is the same subject, maybe a thousand in the last 24 hrs.  i.e.  "I haven't got the required money how do I get it?"  There are more ways of getting it than just putting money Bt800,000 or the Bt65,000P/M in a Thai bank a/c.  Try the combo method.  This thread should include information on how to provide the requirements and how to go about managing your funds and hoping that Thai Immigration is consistent when making applications for retirement visas at different branches or from your home country. 

4 hours ago, balo said:

If you live in Chonburi / Bangkok , all you have to do is to find an agent , pay the 15k fee and you're good for another year. 

 

No need to transfer any money , so easy , so simple and it will never go away , because Thais love the money. 

 

Still we have 64 pages here of confused people. 

 

 

 

 

 

What? only Bt15,000 in Bangkok why where I live (south of Bangkok) they want Bt25,000 but I don't need their service and bartering is not required by me.  May I suggest that at least 33% of Retirement Viza applicants have been using this corrupt method for a long time to get the visa together with false statements with incorrect information.  It seems that all this has been tolerated for a long time and is about to stop.  "maybe".

1 hour ago, Sheryl said:

I don't understand the second part of this (4 times a year). You either use the 400/800k method (in which case it doesn't matter how many transfers you make as long as the full amount is on deposit for 3 months before you apply for extension) or you use the income method.

 

If you use the income method, from the information given here,  immigration will accept a letter from your bank saying you transferred an average of the required amount from abroad  each month along with bank bank showing the monthly deposits.

 

For Transferwise the issue is whether your bank will recognize these as transfers fomo abroad and thus issue the needed letter.

 

I would start by getting a copy of the "Credit Advice" from the HQ of your bank for your most recent transfer (I am assuming all banks issue this) and see what it contains. If it shows the origin abroad (probably does) then showing these to your bank branch should suffice to get the needed wording in the letter.  I suggest you do this now so that you know ahead of time. If it has the needed info then arrange to get ta copy of the Credit Advice for each transfer.

 

Alternative would be to show statements from TW to your bank branch but that will likly be  problematic, and at a minimum involve being referred to their HQ, whereas they will readily recognize and understand  Credit Advices issued by their own Bank HQ.

 

I see part of the problem up till now is that even the banks and reputable Thai legal firms have got into bed with the scammers by providing false statements and bank books stating the required funds have been in a bank for the required time, but in fact the Bt800,000 may only be in that bank book for a few hours and I suppose for a fee.  I don't have to use this type of service as I do have the required funds but many of my friends do use scammers even though they can get the money, they say it's easier this way.  Just pay someone the Approx Bt25,000 and it all happens in a few days.  Ignorance is bliss. 

  With things happening this way the mind boggles.

21 minutes ago, Pattaya46 said:

Embassy Letters are still sufficient and provided by most embassies,

so clearly that policy did not change last year 

 

Edit: What may have change is that affidavits are no more accepted... maybe. 

 

1

It seems that Embassies providing letters confirming your income up to now have been accepted as fact by Thai Immigration.  Not so anymore (maybe) as there has been too much BS.  The only difference I see is that Thailand requires clear and unambiguous evidence and proof that what you say is absolutely true, as is required  There is no change, that's the way it is required and has been that way for years.  Only scammers have created new methods to get visas in Thailand.  If you have the money you don't need the letter from an Embassy.  Just show them the money as required.  Either use the 2 or 3 months of Bt800,000 in a Thai bank a/c (shown in a bank book) not something you can run up on Photoshop in 5 minutes, ( I can) Bt65,000 per month for at least 12 months again in a bank book or the combo method i.e. Aussie pension of Bt500,000 per year plus Bt 300,000 in a Thai bank book account (beg steal or borrow it).  Thailand only want hard copy of the evidence, that's is a real bank book is better. Quite simple just follow the instructions.  If your income statements are a mess you will have to do something about that so Thai Immigration staff can understand it all.  Nothing has changed.  It is/was still as required without the BS and maybe fewer scammers...don't hold your breath till things are fixed..

38 minutes ago, Pattaya46 said:

Bank statements alone, even from Thai bank, have never been an acceptable proof.

Don't know why you find it confusing?

It's rather simple: The main proof is an Embassy Letter or a Thai Bank Letter.

You will not get your extension without one or the other.

This option has stopped as it had more holes in then Swiss Cheese.

2 hours ago, jacko45k said:

I was under the impression that the rules were actually made easier, adding another option for income. The removal of income verification letters by 4 Embassies was the event that created this drama. Immigration accommodated those affected. You might argue IO asking that the Embassy letters  really did verify income started things off too.

Many of those obtaining Embassy letters, affidavits or stat decs were providing no proof that their stated income was true.  It appears that if you did not have the required amount the Embassies would issue a BS one for a price saying you do.  If you have the funds as required you do not need the letter, affidavits or Stat dec.

   One better thing that may come about from this issue is using the COMBO requirement.  Like for Australians who only have the Australian Aged Pension Bt500,000 P/A.  You could beg steal or borrow the remaining required Bt300,000 or use your own if you have it, put it in a Thai bank for the required 2 or 3 months before applying for a retirement visa and all would/supposed be above board.   That may be too simple, Thais often like things to be complicated.  This option has been available for a long time, even the Immigration Officers scratch their heads when you ask about it.  It's not new.  Perhaps a bit of office training and consistency is all that is needed from office to office.  It is the next best thing... for a price.

8 hours ago, moreem said:

 

Nothing.  only one word is required.  Presumably, Thai Immigration is stopping all the scams.  Including Embassy scams??       Nothing

8 hours ago, David Walden said:

Nothing has changed.  All these comments are much to do about nothing.  Thai Immigration appears to be suggesting that they hopefully are getting rid of all the scams...nothing has changed so far as I see it.  It is all the same as it was.  The Embassy letters were part of the Scams...sorry.

In answer to your above uestion, one million is good, but if you have a pension of Bt500,000  per year like an Aussie Pension you would only need Bt300,000 to qualify.  That's the way it has been for 15+ years.  It has not changed.  Most people don't know about this?  As indicated Bt300,000 plus a yearly pension is enough to get a Retirement Visa in Thailand.

1

At the risk of repeating my self over and over again, "nothing has changed". The requirements are still the same. The long-awaited update of the  Thai Immigration statement is just the same as it has been for the last 18 + year.  What they are suggesting is that is that all the corrupt actions cease.  How they handle that that has yet to be decided.

34 minutes ago, jaiyen said:

If I have 1 million baht in my bank account at all times which will remain untouched, will I be exempt from all the new rules saying I must deposit money every month into my account ? I am married to Thai lady.

2

Nothing has changed.  All these comments are much to do about nothing.  Thai Immigration appears to be suggesting that they hopefully are getting rid of all the scams...nothing has changed so far as I see it.  It is all the same as it was.  The Embassy letters were part of the Scams...sorry.

In answer to your above question, one million is good, but if you have a pension of Bt500,000  per year like an Aussie Pension you would only need Bt300,000 to qualify.  That's the way it has been for 15+ years.  It has not changed.  Most people don't know about this?  As indicated Bt300,000 plus a yearly pension is enough to get a Retirement Visa in Thailand.

32 minutes ago, sandyf said:

Surely the combination option must change. How does one deal with the income portion if embassy letters are no longer available.

Proof of payment of a Govt or as good as pension into a Thai bank a/c calculated to a yearly amount i.e. Bt500,000 and the balance in cash in a Thai bank a/c which you can beg steal or borrow to make the amount required Bt800,000...OK for Aussies, the Aus gov will pay your pension into a Thai Bank a/c of your choosing 13 x 4 weekly payments per year by request if living in Thailand.  You'll have to beg steal or borrow the remaining Bt300,000 required if you have not got it.

  Centrelink, Aussie Social Security will allow you to download a detailed statement of as to where the money went any time you wish with full details.  If you require hard copy they will post it to you wherever you are by snail mail takes 2/3 weeks to Thailand.

   The US Consul's 2 IC at US Embassy in a recent interview on FM 103 said that Thai immigration had said there would be no change to the combo method.  It will remain as is   Nothing about change in recent Thai Immigration release.   I believe the US Consul.