Tounge Thaied

Also there is a "Check Status" option on the website... to presumably check your current status?

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

1 hour ago, Mambowoman said:

You always do the best resorts, and are simply the best teacher!

 

Regarding the Laos bank account, is it possible to open one while I'm in Laos, on a tourist visa?

I just did a quick online search, I wanted to know also, As a foreigner you require a Lao work permit and associated business VISA or residence VISA to open an account with a Lao Bank. you cannot open an account with just tourist VISA etc. 

http://www.retire-asia.com/lao-bank.shtml

I would contact the Thai embassy/consulate nearest you in the U.S., you might still be able to obtain a multiple entry on your original VISA, or you can re-apply, it may be easier there to obtain the multiple entry VISA again, as your original Ed VISA is likely null and void now. Of course they should be able to advise you best. 

It's been expressed, and is my understanding, 3 VISA exempt entries per 6 months for a total of 6 per year. Any immigration officer is going to begin to scrutinize your entries when you approach these two thresholds correct?

Is re-applying or re-newing anymore onerous? I know that when I renew my "Thai Wife" extension of stay, it is basically starting all over again every time. 

6 hours ago, Tchooptip said:

With a 1.000.000 Bhaht elite visa one do not need to keep 800.000 Bahts in a thaibank?

Right. Not required any longer. I think the only risk or downside to this VISA, that would need to be thoroughly investigated before you purchase, would be the future solvency of this VISA. I would want to know what the possible changes may be to the future terms and conditions of the VISA that may impact me in the future. I.E. will this VISA remain insurance free in the future. And of course, there may be no definitive answer to this. 

16 minutes ago, Krataiboy said:

As I understand it, sea levels are rising at 3.6 mm per year or around 10.8 centimetres (roughly four and a half inches) by 2050. Hard to believe such a relatively small increase would inundate such a huge area.

Well I will be approaching my 80's when 2050 rolls around... we shall see, I plan on still being around. ????

Here's a matix...ThaiOAvisaInsurances.xlsx

"Last September 21, as the Northern Hemisphere tilted away from the sun, scientists reported with unprecedented distress that the North Polar ice cap is “falling off a cliff.” One study estimated that it could be completely gone during summer in less than 22 years. Another new study, to be presented by U.S. Navy researchers later this week, warns it could happen in as little as 7 years." - Al Gore 2007
https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/2007/gore/26118-al-gore-nobel-lecture-2007/

https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/nasa-study-mass-gains-of-antarctic-ice-sheet-greater-than-losses

Don't you know... the U.N. has a plan... It's just not what you think it is. Agenda 21, the Agenda for the 21st century addresses climate change but is not what you think it is.

Rather than hold 800,000 baht in the bank that you can never use. You could add an additional 200,000 baht and purchase the 1,000,000 baht Elite Visa, that has no insurance requirement, that will last you 20 years. You are essentially paying for a hassle free, for the rest of your life, VISA. IMO, it is the best route to go at your age. 

On 12/7/2019 at 9:12 AM, bambooboi said:

hello all: does anyone know a lawyer who could help me to appeal to immigration about my blacklist.  thanks. any advice appreciated

http://www.integrity-legal.com/

10 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

As I wrote there was no change made the clause of the police order stating insurance was needed for a extension based upon marriage.

It does not matter what type of non immigrant visa that was used to get the original permit to stay that is being extended.

Got it. And with Peter Denis' post just after your's it is perfectly clear now. The police order clearly indicates only "retirement" extensions of stay based upon the OA VISA require health insurance. And I completely agree with Peter... bring the police order with you to your next renewal and politely inform if anyone has any trouble with this. 

1 minute ago, Peter Denis said:

Not so sure that the health-insurance requirement is applicabel for ALL extensions of stay based on an OA Visa.

I hate to throw in the dreaded and confusing PoliceOrder (see attached) but on page 8 of that document they make it in my opinion crystal-clear that the health-insurance requirement is ONLY for an extension of an OA Visa based on retirement.

* On the left-hand side of page 8 it refers to clause 2.22 > In case of retirement...

* On the right-hand side of page 8 they have taken over the requirements (criteria for consideration) for an extension based on an OA Visa for reason of retirement, and simply added # (6) which addresses the new health-insurance requirement.

When the local IO (in this case Phetchabun) tells it different, IMO we could - and actually should - challenge this with the text of the PoliceOrder, and/or contact the IO Helpline to clarify things.

1511398266_InsuranceO-AVisaNewPoliceOrder.pdf 1.87 MB · 0 downloads

Great point. OA VISA based on "retirement" only. 

6 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

It cannot be a matter of interpretation. There has been no change of clause 2.18 of the police order for extensions based upon marriage. Only clause 2.22 for retirement was changed showing insurance for OA visa and entries from it issued after October 31st.

Just an office making a excuse for not wanting to let you do the change to marriage.

It seems Billsmart is indicating that he attempted to renew a Marriage extension of stay that was granted based upon an OA VISA. I have never heard of that. I am only aware of extensions of stay based upon marriage that were granted within the Non-immigrant O category. It is my understanding that any extensions of stay based upon an OA or OX for that matter VISA will require insurance. 

12 minutes ago, billsmart said:

I came into Thailand 11 years ago on an O-A visa and have used both Retirement and Marriage at various times to get my one-year extension. My last extension was based on Retirement. I have plenty of money in the bank. I went down last week to get another one-year extension based on Marriage to avoid the health insurance requirement, but was told I need health insurance for any extension, Retirement or Marriage or Family, based on a O-A visa. As a result, I'm on my way to Vientiane next week to get an O based on Marriage.

I know different Immigration Offices seem to interpret these new rules differently, but that's what I was told in mine (Phetchabun.)

Just sayin'... ????

The insurance requirement is based upon your VISA. The marriage and retirement extensions of stay are not VISA's strictly speaking. So... in your case, you are extending your stay based upon the OA VISA which will require health insurance. When an individual goes to renew a Non-Immigrant O extension based upon Retirement or Marriage, that extension of stay is usually based upon a 90 day VISA that was granted during the first application. 

As has already been pointed out, it appears you have a Non-Immigrant O extension of stay based upon retirement and not an OA VISA. There will be no need to switch your extension of stay as you will not need to get health insurance to renew in April. I hold a Non-Immigrant O based upon Marriage so I don't have to keep any money in a Thai bank account. I simply move 40,000 baht per month into my account to meet the requirement. Yes there is more paperwork involved, but I get an agent, for a nominal fee, to put it all together for me. They are versed in any changes, and have the hassle free access to immigration that we do not. I am not interested in parking 800,000 baht in a nearly non existent interest bearing account where I can never withdraw the money. That money happily sits in a Vanguard brokerage account invested in the U.S. stock market currently at about a 7-10% rate of return. 

I was sure to have this conversation with the IO in January when I completed my very first "Thai Wife" extension of stay. I had expressed my intention to see him again in one more year for renewal and asked what the basic requirement are for renewal based upon income method, as I had the income affidavit from my embassy. He said I would need 12 months. So I reminded him that when I returned in Early January 2020, it would be impossible to have a full 12 months as I would only be starting the bank account in February. He appeared sympathetic, so we shall see how it goes when I return for my renewal, my bank statement only starts showing the required income starting in March. 

5 minutes ago, hugocnx said:

What about insurance?

Only O-A and O-X Visas require health insurance. Non-Immigrant O extensions currently do not require health insurance. 

3 minutes ago, Trolleen said:

Don,t yo?u see that people are leaving. Tourist come to your vietnam and Cambodia?

It's a sensible plan to shift your required retirement funds to the Elite Visa. No sensible Farang at the age of 80 is going to uproot himself to move to yet another country. 

2 minutes ago, Genericnic said:

So, in theory, since I have a foreign policy with unlimited IPD and OPD coverage, I should be able to get a Thai policy with 400k/40k coverage and an unlimited deductible for zero cost. ????

 

David

It's certainly good to be critical and pessimistic in this endeavour David. The guy in the video seems legit and each person, clearly noted in the video, will have their own unique set of circumstances. 

31 minutes ago, Trolleen said:

True speaking. I just said that people can get that cheap insurance in order to get a-o visa. People can get coverage to 1.200.000 baht. But it will be cost more. Thai insurance cover people to 80.years of age. Then can stay quiet with no visa and die.

 

Sad but true statement. Retirees approaching the 80 years mark at this point in time should prepare to shift their 800,000 baht from the "retirement" VISA or the "Retirement" extension of stay to the Elite VISA. Adding 200,000 baht to purchase the 20 year Thai Elite VISA will cover your VISA needs until you are dead. 

3 minutes ago, Trolleen said:

Requirement for O-A inpatient care 400.000

Outpatient care 40.000

It will make 25.000 baht per year for a man between 50-54.

You will get Thai insurance card which you can show to immigration

That is an easy option for that age group for sure. The issue comes with the older folks and anyone with Pre-existing health conditions that often excludes them from cover. Thus if they already have a coverage plan they have been with for many years, that plan will still qualify them if they can present the following form to the OA immigration officer. 

https://longstay.tgia.org/document/overseas_insurance_certificate.pdf