sumrit

 

 

 

 

3

2 minutes ago, yodsak said:

To OP.  You opened a BB AC in Bangkok.  Did you put 800k in it.?

 

You then got some kind of  visa from TI in Bangkok.  NON-O ? 

 

You then went to Pattaya and the IO said you must open another BB AC in Pattaya.

 

Did you open one, and put 800k in it ?    or was the 800k flashed in/out by the lawyer staff ?

 

The only reason to travel to Pattaya is if you don't have 800k. 

Avoid lawyers, use agents.  

 

Do it yourself, costs just 1900 baht.

If you are unsure and need advice, ask Ubonjoe on this forum. He will describe exactly what you need to do, wherever in Thailand you're living, to do and supply a link to all the documents you need.

3 hours ago, Jingthing said:

 

 

 

2

3 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Dude, I'm only saying it's UNCLEAR and anyone at this point with the information that has been released at this point that says things are definite shouldn't be taken seriously. 

 

Where you're at I don't think is reasonable. You're looking this from a legalist POV when in reality the press coverage and language even in official announcements in English here is notoriously vague and flawed.

I fail to see why you think my quoting what has been officially said is unreasonable when, throughout this thread and others currently running, you have made comments that have definitely not been said or even suggested yet treat them as accurate information without any foundation and yet you think your comments are reasonable. 

2 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Seriously? You seriously thinks that clear this up?!?

“Current holders of this visa will have to produce proof of their health insurance for visa renewal

At least I'm quoting what is actually written in the report, not quoting your assumption that has never been quoted on any report.

Please show me any official report that states expats on extensions will be included in this health insurance change. 

19 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Renewal means extensions obviously. 

Applications for annual retirement extensions are exactly the same thing if you started with an O-A or started with an O.

It's really hard to believe that they don't mean ALL retirement extensions. But why they had to confuse things by saying O-A is the problem. 

Read again: Firstly it specifically states it applies to applicants of O-A visas then states holders of this visa will have to provide proof of health insurance.

Nowhere does it mention extensions or existing holders of O-A visas that have extended their permission of stay before the implementation date.

She said that once the rule is implemented, applicants for the non-immigrant O-A visa, which is valid for one year from the date of issue, would be required to buy health insurance. 

“Current holders of this visa will have to produce proof of their health insurance for visa renewal

Taken from this article:

https://news.thaivisa.com/article/35306/mandatory-health-insurance-for-retirement-visa-holders-likely-to-take-effect-in-july

 

 

 

Quote

 

Approved by the Cabinet last month, the new regulation will require expats on the long-stay non-immigrant O-A visa to have health insurance that offers Bt40,000 coverage for outpatient treatment and Bt400,000 for inpatient. 

 

The requirement was introduced because foreign expats have piled up unpaid medical bills of more than Bt300 million since 2016. 

 

Once the rule is implemented, applicants for the non-immigrant O-A visa, which is valid for one year from the date of issue, would be required to buy health insurance. 

 

“Current holders of this visa will have to produce proof of their health insurance for visa renewal

 

So, once implemented, will only apply to new applicants applying for an O-A visa, who will also have to show current health insurance when applying a for visa renewal. 

1 hour ago, HampiK said:

Can I ask at which DLT you do the new 5 year DL? 
Last time I was at Mo-Chit and they also used the yellow book and everything, but still wanted the passport as well so on the driver license is the passport number..

Did you supply a pink ID card as well as the yellow book? It's the ID card that replaces the passport in order to show your ID number, instead of your passport number, on your new DL. The Yellow book replaces your proof of residence.

Works exactly the same as it does for Thai nationals.

21 hours ago, malagateddy said:

I am not a gossip monger..

But you are. Unless you provide accurate facts and sources to back up your comments, what you have written in your post is just pure gossip, plain and simple.

4 minutes ago, Peterw42 said:

Thanks, as I thought it would be but where did they get the English version of your name from ? 

Probably from the driving licence application form you filled in. It would also be on file in their computer records from your previous application.

On 5/4/2019 at 4:18 PM, Pattaya46 said:

I saw this question several times but didn't see any answer : How can an hotel make the TM.30 declaration to immigration if you do not show them your passport? They need to provide details of your visa in the online system form.

Dont know if this is accurate. I've stayed at various hotels/resorts etc over the last few years and always use my pink card, never had a problem and haven't even carried my PP for a long time. I asked a family friend who has a resort in Sa Keaw if there was a problem using the ID card and she told me there wasn't a problem, they didn't need to complete a TM30 if signing in with a pink ID  card, because an expat staying 'long term' didn't need to update there TM30 unless they had left the country. As I say, I don't know if this is correct or not but it's the answer I was given.

47 minutes ago, Boit said:

Is this discussion about minimum monthly deposits for Retirement visa renewal? If so, I thought the minimum was B65k monthly?

A minimum of 65k baht every month for twelve months (total 780k baht), transferred into a Thai bank from abroad, if applying for an extension based on retirement.

An average of 40k baht per month for twelve months (total 480k baht), transferred into a Thai bank from abroad, if applying for an extension based on Marriage.

Note, for retirement the minimum must be transferred each and every month but, for marriage the amount is an average so it can vary under/over during the year as long as the 480k baht minimum is met for the complete year.

2 hours ago, elviajero said:

It has never made sense that those using cash in the bank have had to actually transfer the money to Thailand and those declaring an income haven’t. The playing field is decidedly wonky.

 

I think once immigration get a taste for seeing transfers certified by local banks they will only want income proven that way.

Now people, using 'money in the bank' though, have to keep all that money in the bank for 5/6 months and half of it for the rest of the year they don't have to show they have enough money for their monthly living allowance.

I agree with you that 'once immigration get a taste for seeing monthly transfers certified by local banks they will only want income proven that way' and that will prove to be the demise of the money in the bank option.

2 hours ago, Thaidream said:

IMO had they made a few changes to their system- the letters could be accepted easily.  The US Embassy could have asked for the proof and then give the Oath/  The UK Embassy already asked for the proof  so it is obvious  they did not want to continue for reasons only known to them but I doubt it had anything to do with fraud.

The UK, data protection laws prevent the Embassy from obtaining proof of income so they accepted copies of bank statements and pension letters as 'proof'. But they were so easy to photoshop they weren't worth the paper they were printed on. I personally know of two UK expats who did this every year. As they couldn't confirm somebody's income the UK Embassy had no choice but to stop issuing Embassy letters.

There are several posts on this forum saying that lying on a US affidavit is a felony and, if reported to the US Embassy, that person could be prosecuted. In theory that may well be true.....but that would involve the US Government prosecuting an American citizen who is living several thousand miles away in Thailand, and at the American taxpayers' expense. The US Embassy was probably told that was simply a non-starter so chose to stop issuing Affidavits instead.

2 hours ago, BritTim said:

For those whose current income is to a substantial degree based on investments made in Thailand, it can be very difficult to quickly convert them into overseas investments so that the income can be transferred into Thailand as opposed to originating here (and it is difficult to construct an explanation as to why this is in Thailand's best interests).

If your income is 'substantially' Thai based (eg: derived from Thai rental income) would that then be a 'taxable income'? And, if so, would that not then be classed as requiring a work permit? If so, you would then be able to stay because of that work permit and not have to worry about transferring that money from abroad into Thailand in order to qualify for a retirement extension based on a monthly income.

Maybe it would be in Thailand's best interest because they would want the income tax owed.

1 minute ago, motdaeng said:

the owner or housemaster must register, that is normaly a thai person. in your case it should be your wife ...

Thank you

1 minute ago, Maestro said:

If your wife is the owner or contractual tenant of the residence where you live it is she who must submit the TM.30 notification.

It's not submitting a TM30 I asking about. I know how to do that.

I want to register to be able to submit information by the online system that was previously reserved for hotels, guest houses, etc when foreigners stay in our house. We have several friends coming over the next few months and It would be nice to be able to do it online.

https://extranet.immigration.go.th/fn24online/

1 hour ago, Sheryl said:

OK I am trying to register for this. Can anyone tell me what goes onto the field "Accommodation Name" (above the house ID number which comes from the tabian ban).?

 

And what documents are supposed to be attached, it does not specify?

I'm looking at this at the moment.

Not sure about the accommodation name but the red banner next to the document request mentions Tabien Baan, ID Card and Passport

I live with my wife but have my own pink ID card and yellow tabien baan. Does anybody know if I can use them to register myself or must it be a Thai ID and Tabien Baan?

 

 

 

 

3

4 minutes ago, GeorgeCross said:

how? whether (hypothetically) its transferred in monthly, quarterly, bi-annually or 10 years ago and just stayed here as long as it totals 800K by the end of the year as balance or TRANSACTIONS IN it would qualify. everybody would. thats an updated combo method not the current combo method btw (read my OP)

It's great that you have had sufficient income to maintain a healthy balance.

But, using your example, you've still got to have 800k in the bank as an annual float that you can use, then top up to maintain that level. A lot of people simply haven't got that money available any more.

How would you suggest people, who've lived here for years and no longer have a healthy bank balance that you enjoy, would proceed using your method? 

29 minutes ago, GeorgeCross said:

how can sending 12 x 65K cost the same as just leaving the 800K in the bank where we pay no transfer fees at all ???!!

The possible interest gained by investing (some of) that 800k baht into a higher interest account of your choice anywhere in the world would more than compensate for the minimal transfer fees using a company like Transferwise. Plus you have the flexibility to use that money exactly the way you want and not be dictated to by Thai Immigration on where to put it.

29 minutes ago, GeorgeCross said:

just consolidate it all to the combo method, rather than throwing half of us under a bus, then everybody can be happy

I'm not throwing anybody under a bus. The 800k baht is dead money so you still need to transfer more money into Thailand for your living expenses on a regular basis. My way you still bring your living expenses over PLUS have your 800k freed up and available to use as you please. And transferring the living expenses you use now costs transfer fees as well so you're paying them already.

By contrast, your 'put everybody onto the combo method' would cause untold problems and throw many expats under your bus. A lot of expats, many married with families, have lived in Thailand for many years. Over those years they have used their 'nesteggs' to build a house, buy a car, pay for their children's educations, helped out their Thai families at times, etc, etc. Over those years their nest eggs have well and truly gone on the more important things in their family lives. They simply would not be able to come up with the necessary lump sum required.

Do you want to throw those people under your bus!!!!

1 hour ago, GeorgeCross said:

and get rid of the blooddy agents

My suggestion would go a long way to getting rid of the agents illegal activity. 

You won't find agents fiddling the monthly income method because they will have to show a full twelve months of bank statements and bank book activity. Not easy to forge at all. They now only want to show the money in the bank option because it's easier for them to create those false documents.

Agents would become a small minority, just doing things legally almost overnight.

 

 

 

 

 

4

1 hour ago, ubonjoe said:

For an extension based upon retirement a average income of 65k baht is not allowed. It must be 65k baht or more every month.

For an extension based upon marriage a annual average monthly income of 40k baht is allowed.

I know it's not allowed to have an average of 65/40k baht pm now!

Read the title of the thread and what I have written. The thread is about what changes we might like to see in the near and more distant future, not what the rules are now.

If you read it properly my suggestion would be to simplify the extension requirements and everybody qualifying under a system similar system to the monthly income system we have at the moment and scrap the money in the bank alternative some people have now. People would no longer have to maintain 'dead' money (almost) permanently in a Thai account, freeing that up for their own use, while my suggestion would be more flexible and cost no more for expats.

Part of my suggestion was to include much more flexibility on how/when money was transferred to Thailand and the comment you highlighted was that part which was suggesting an average income per month, rather than a minimum 65k baht every month.

58 minutes ago, JackThompson said:

Most retirees who retire to Thailand don't have or need 65K Baht/mo in income.  Many own their own condos, so don't have rent to pay.  Thailand can wish all they want, but most retirees with that level of "disposable" income to transfer monthly won't be coming here, because this is a "discount" retirement destination - where working-class people can afford to retire, and live better than if they stayed at home. 

You obviously don't understand what I am trying to suggest.

The rules say an expat mush show money in Thailand of 800/400k baht per year, either by keeping most of that money permanently in a Thai bank OR transferring 65/40k baht into a Thai bank during the course of the year (equal to 780/480k baht per year).

Regardless of what an individuals personal circumstances are, the rules say that money must be in a Thai bank for that year whichever method is used.

With the money in the bank method most of that money must remain permanently in a Thai bank and can't be used. Whatever your circumstances, you must keep a lot of money in Thailand unusable and unable to transfer it back to your home country (or anywhere else) regardless of your particular needs.

With my suggested monthly version, yes, the rules say you must transfer an equivelent/average of 65/40k baht per month into Thailand, then then you can use it as you please - without any restrictions. If you want to keep any excess in your Thai bank you can (it's similar to keeping 800k in the bank) but this time you have full control and can use it. Or, if you prefer, you can send money else where (your home country?) using somebody like Dee Money.

Much more flexibility plus you would still have your original 800k baht to use, invest, spend as you pleasewith no restrictions whatsoever.

Although you didn't highlight it, I also said: a more flexible proof of the source of the income is required. Not everybody has a pension but many have an investment/rental income etc, or even just a large bank balance to use. As long as its source can, if necessary, be proved that’s all that should be required.

58 minutes ago, JackThompson said:

The combo method is/was ideal for many retirees - allowing a "buffer amount" in the bank to cover any shortfall between 65K and their income.

I didn't mention the combo method because there is some debate as to how usable it will be under the new/current rules anyway, and for many appears to be on the back burner.

But yes, for some people with lower incomes that has been a viable option in the past. But a larg(ish) lump sum still had to remain, unusable, in a Thai bank. My suggestion means that money could be invested/used to help make up the shortfall in their income.

58 minutes ago, JackThompson said:

Add to this, some offices demanding all income "must be from a govt pension" - which is insane, since those don't pay nearly enough (for most), and most have other sources of income they rely on from investments, etc.

I've covered that by suggesting the new rules are much more flexible and state pension and/or other income such as investments, rental income, etc.

1 hour ago, JackThompson said:

Limit the "minimum plan" to "stabilize and send home," with a deductible of 100K - which could be very inexpensive.  It is long-term care that usually creates the high-bills, and this would cover the less-common accidents, initial stabilizing treatment for heart-attacks and strokes, etc.

Just a basic idea at the moment but my suggestion would be to give expats the same/similar care that a Thai National would receive in a Governmet Hospital, with a (Government run) type of insurance (that doesn't need to factor in profits that private schemes do) to pay for the cost of Government Hospital (not private hospital) care.

18 hours ago, keemapoot said:

In the greater scheme of things, it's only an 800 Baht fine.

My daughter and family from the UK, a total of five people, recently stayed at our house. I did a TM30 to register them but if I hadn't would that still be an 800 baht fine or 5 x 800 - 4000 baht?

What changes are we likely to see? Anybody’s guess, but I’m looking primarily at extensions for people living in Thailand long term. While there have been restrictive changes recently, at least the overall income amounts haven’t increased. But I’d like to be optimistic and hope the new system will be simplified and make things easier.

The Monthly income Method:

The main change has been moving from declaring a 65/40k baht income to bringing that money into a Thai bank from abroad on a monthly basis – I don’t see a major problem with this in principle, we all need money here to live.

But the present rules are too rigid. Firstly some flexibility to make the transfers an average over 12 months and not a minimum monthly amount is needed.

Secondly, a more flexible proof of the source of the income is required. Not everybody has a pension but many have an investment/rental income etc, or even just a large bank balance to use. As long as its source can, if necessary, be proved that’s all that should be required.

Money in the Bank Method:

The main changes have been the restrictions and increase in length of time the money must remain in the bank. Having this money tied up seems to be hurting a lot of people.

The solution is to scrap this method totally.

Let everybody take their money out of the bank to use as they see fit. Just have everybody using the same ‘monthly income method’.

Everybody should have the necessary income to live in Thailand, wherever their income is sourced, be it from a pension, investments and/or savings. As long as there is some flexibility on bringing the money to Thailand the result will be the same – 65/40k baht average per month transferred into a Thai bank from abroad. And none of it needs to be seasoned, it can be used straight away.

And for all the people who have had to keep their lump sum in a Thai bank they will have an 800/400k baht windfall. To use as and when they want, including topping up any shortfall they might need to make in their monthly income if necessary.

Combining both these Extension methods should be acceptable to all expats, whether they have a regular income but little savings or people who have an income and reasonable savings – as long as they have the required average of 65/40k baht per month that Thai Immigration asks for.

Health Care:

This subject gets bandied around quite a bit on this forum. The problem for most ‘over 65’s’ is the cost of private health insurance is exorbitant and simply unattainable for most.

A solution could be a ‘low cost’ Government insurance scheme to provide basic health care at Government hospitals, at a cost that is available to all expats but profitable to the Thai Health system so any excess money is reinvested into the health system for Thai people to benefit from.

It could be renewed each year along with the annual extensions and paid for either monthly or annually.

Expats would no longer be a possible drain on Thailand while expats can still pay more to use private hospitals if they so wish.

13 minutes ago, kdrayong said:

About Jomtien Immigration it is quite well described here:

Good and clear explanation thanks.

Just one small addition on TM30's for long stay expats from Si Racha, which is also part of Chonburi Immigration.

If you are returning from another country, because you will have a new TM6 in your passport when you entered Thailand, you must do a TM30 report within 24 hours of arrival.

If you are just visiting an area within Thailand for a short period your permanent residence is already registered so you do not need to do another TM30 on return from that visit. Your 90 day reports will keep the information updated.

The only thing I couldn't clarify was 'how long they considered a short stay to be'. I suggested several days over Songkran and they said that's ok.

So, they said new TM6 - do a TM30 within 24 hours. Original/existing TM6 - new TM30 not required.