JohnnyBD

34 minutes ago, hapy2rtire said:

Hi JohnnyBD,

I've been away from the forum for a few days. You hit the nail on the head... didn't know. Also a little scared. i did not want to get over there and then have to come back for some "visa-mistake". I had decided on a 5 year retirement visa... sounded good to me. Would have to put some money in a Thai bank for a few months but then could take it out (or so I read - I am finding that websites have all sorts of kooky information), then wouldn't have to worry about visa for 5 years... ahhh relax and do what I want. Then I read I couldn't get 5 year visa here in the US, that the best way to do it (per the couple of sites I found) was to get the 1 year O-A here first, then convert to 5 year over there. So that was my plan. Regarding the $'s in gas to drive to LA, my son lives in LA and I want to see him before I go. So I would be driving down there and spending the night in hotel (he lives in dorm) anyway. Regarding rig-ma-role of Tb tests and FBI checks, I was under the impression those were necessary even if you applied from within Thailand. I heard the medical clearance was easier in Thailand... as I said, I read that one could just about walk into any Thai MD office and if you are breathing they sign, but I assumed the FBI clearance would be more difficult from over there. It was actually quite easy here. Getting TB test was a waste because as I said, for a while the only place I could find that was willing to do the medical clearance wanted it. But I am a nurse and had to get TB tests every year for work for over 20 years, so it didn't seem like too much inconvenience at the time, same-same every year, just this year it wasn't free from my work. Yes I've wasted a couple of hundred dollars doing it this way, but my head is clear and my stress level is calm. Live and learn. Next time will be cheaper. 

Thank you all for your help.

I understand totally... a little extra money is worth the peace of mind to make the trip so much more relaxing when you have everything done already and don't have to worry. Wish you well in your move. You will love it here I think... some things are so easy. There's scooter delivery for everything, not like US where it's only pizzas. My wife wanted fresh seafood yesterday, so she got online, texted people she know to get some steamed crabs & crayfish delivered directly from the gulf coast (2 hrs away). They steamed them, put them in Styrofoam chest, put them on a bus and wife picked them up at bus station 10 min from our condo in BK (still hot). It doesn't get any easier than that... Enjoy your retirement and if ever in BK, look me up... send me private message, ok... I am from Louisiana, moved here in 2016 after finishing a 40 year career with same company.  

The only options I know are regular savings accounts, foreign currency accounts and fixed deposit accounts (similar to CDs in some countries). I don't know of any other investment vehicles that would qualify for Thai immigration. Others on the forum may know more...

14 hours ago, Thailand Outcast said:

That's why I would like to know the process. 

You can always ask the Moderator to lock this thread by clicking on your original post, click "report post", and ask to close or lock it. Then start over with new post with one simple question about the process. No personal details for people to comment on. You may get better results, but maybe not.

1 hour ago, attrayant said:

Just think about that for a moment.

 

To get a retirement stay, you have to prove you can support yourself financially by showing 800K in the bank that... you can't touch to support yourself for five months of the year.

Isn't that crazy... it makes no sense... but show you have 65k each month (could be recycled) and that's ok.

1 hour ago, onekoolguy said:

That shows how bad a deal it is to buy here! But the women have a different view. I get reminded every month how much money I am spending on rent when all I have to do is "buy them a house" and I can live rent free!

Thai ladies are much smarter than we give them credit for. If they ask and we are gullable enough to buy or build them a house in their own names, then we tell everyone it's ours (like some friends of mine try to do), then somehow that makes the men feel better, but the house legally belongs to the wife or girlfriend and I remind them of that. It's their own fault, not the Thai ladies. I never once had an American lady ask me to buy or build her a house, it would be absurd for her to ask in the US, but men come to Thailand and lose all perspective when they fall in love. Not me... I rent... and I'm married to a sweet Thai lady. She can have what I leave her in my "WILL" just like I would normally do with a western wife.

1 hour ago, Peasandmash said:

I keep the 800k in a bank and rent a new 2 bedroom, 3 bathroom townhouse. the interest I make on the 800k pays for nearly 90% of the annual rent.

How much interest are you earning on your 800k? Which bank and what is the interest rate?

5 minutes ago, Crossy said:

Check-in.

 

Use the security in the centre of the terminal, near the Thai desks.

 

Upstairs, through the screening, down the escalator, turn right (there's a sign "re-entry visa") and it's at the far end.

 

There's a service charge (IIRC 200 Baht) but you don't need the form or photo (I always have photos anyway).

 

Thanks for the quick response... 

Where exactly can I get a re-entry permit at Suvarnabhhumi BKK airport? Is it before or after check in at airline counter? Is it after you go thru the security check at a separate counter or at the same counter you show passport to clear immigration. I usually get a multiple (cost 3,800) at IM when I renew my extension, but sometimes I only leave 2 or 3 times during the year, so I'm wasting a little money if a single only costs 1,000 THB. I just want to be sure and not screw up or have to worry at the last minute. Thanks...

17 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

You don't see an issue with Kasikorn being the bank that receives the transfers even though i subsequently move 800k to Krungsi into a higher interest account?

 

I would agree with Ubonjoe that a bank statement & letter from Kasikorn should be proof enough that the money which is now in Krungsri came from abroad. I wouldn't worry at all, what's done is done. You can't change the past.

1 hour ago, EricTh said:

Frankly there is still a loophole in the 65 k per month.

 

Unlike the 800k method where you have to keep a minimum of 800k for x month, 400k for x months, there is no minimum for the monthly transfer method.

 

That means you can transfer in on 1st every month, and a few days before 1st , transfer back to the home country, then transfer in the same money back.

 

It is recycling the money. Immigration hasn't closed this loophole yet.

I'm sure some people are already trying to figure out the cheapest way to recycle. There doesn't appear to be any wording in the new police order regarding recycling. So, if someone has no other way, then they will probably do it so they can continue living here. I find that very sad...

1 minute ago, bunta71 said:

Johnny is that with a Social Security direct deposit?f so...I am already setif I could only get the for from SS

 

Better you ask Ubonjoe about SS direct deposits. I am not on SS yet and I do international transfers to Thailand.

19 minutes ago, lopburi3 said:

A regular savings account with only passbook access (that is key factor).  

Why do you say "with only passbook access"? Does SS have to go in an account where you are required to go in-person to withdraw monies. Just learning... I am not SS age yet...

The bank officer was probably confused by you calling it a direct deposit account. All you really need is a regular THB savings account. When you send money over, it is automatically converted to THB. If you want to convert USD to THB yourself, then you would also need a foreign currency account, then you would convert it to THB at your convenience. That's what I do...

1 hour ago, SenorJorge said:

Sorry if I seem short/rude by the way.  I am a physical wreck and it's not you I'm angry with, it's years of dealing with societies treating me unfairly as a person with an ethnic handicap and near totally disabled person with limited income (62k baht per month welfare cheque).

You're ok...  no need to a apologize. 62,000 THB is more than enough for marriage extension. If you don't mind me offering a little advice... I got married in Bangkok in 2017 and used Express Translations to do all the paperwork and arrange the marriage at the Amphur office. I would never have been able to arrange it all myself. And, you will need English translations done anyway and you cannot do that yourself. They took us to the Amphur, we were married by an Officer, they translated the Thai marriage certificate & registration and had everything stamped at MFA Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I paid for 3 MFA stamped copies of everything because I had to send one to IRS when filing taxes (the IRS did return it). If you need more specific details on marriage, bank account or anything else, just private message me by clicking on my name and then send me a message. Will be glad to help...

7 minutes ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

 

The other differences are:

--the O-A visa allows you to keep your bank funds in your home country, and doesn't require their being brought into Thailand and deposited into and kept in a Thai bank.

--But the O-A visa also typically requires you to obtain medical and police clearances in your home country that must be submitted to the Thai Embassy or consulate. The retirement extension of stay at Immigration doesn't require those.

 

Some people travel back to their home countries regularly anyway... Others don't and want a solution that allows them to stay in Thailand without having to travel internationally.

 

 

Thanks for explaining... That makes sense...

11 minutes ago, chang50 said:

Only if they are from the US..

Yes, only US citizens can get O-A visas in the USA. I think everyone understood my sentence that "people going back to the US for the O-A visa" meant people who are only from the US. Thanks anyway...

11 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

Yes, sorry didn't complete my last post.

The one year of transfers or 800k in the Thai bank are other reasons the 1900 baht extension may not suit you. (Or getting married... ????)

I'm ok, I have the 800k in bank. I'm just trying to understand why some people go back to USA to get O-A visa and then do a border run for a 2nd year stay when they could go to immigration and pay 1,900 THB for a 2nd year stay. Ubonjoe more or less explained...

7 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

More or less correct.

You have to remember though that to apply for the one year extension at immigration you would have to meet the financial requirements for it. That would be proof of 800k baht in a Thai bank or proof of 65k baht income.

Thanks... that is understood. So, people who don't have the 800k in Thai bank or 65k in income are more likely to go back to the USA for the O-A visa. Whereas, those with the 800k can just get another year's stay by paying the 1,900 THB at immigration and doing the normal 1-year extension-of-stay.

6 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

It is not a choice, you need to do both! A border run just before the Visa expires to get a further 1 year permission of stay. If during that further year you wish to leave Thailand, a re-entry permit is needed to retain the further permission of stay date. Multiple Re-Entry if multiple trips.

You may have misunderstood my question. Not about re-entry permits. It was about getting an extra year's stay.

The choice for getting another year's stay would be either, 1) doing a border run which costs 2,000 to 3,000 THB or, 2) you can just go to Thai immigration and get your normal 1-year extension-of-stay for 1,900 THB.

In either of those cases, if you wanted to travel, you would need to pay for a re-entry permit...

32 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

Requirements are here on the MFA website. http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/services/4908/15385-Non-Immigrant-Visa-"O-A"-(Long-Stay).html

You can get a total stay of almost 2 years from it by getting a new one year entry just before it expires and then a re-entry permit to keep it it valid if you want to travel.

Ubonjoe,

Just so I understand correctly, to get the 2nd year stay from an O-A visa (almost 2 years as you state), you would need to do a border run (leave & re-enter Thailand) before the expiration of the O-A visa to get the 2nd year stay, correct? And, if you want to travel during that 2nd year stay, you would need to buy a single or multiple re-entry permit. Is that correct? So, the choice for an O-A visa holder is; 1) do a border run at a cost of 2,000 to 3,000 THB depending on your location or, 2) go to immigration and pay 1,900 THB for a 1-year extension-of-stay. Is that all correct?

Hi hapy2rtire,

Congrats on you upcoming move. I can see by your posts that you are excited. Just have to ask... I read where you have to drive 8 hrs to Thai Consulate in LA, probably stay 1 night minimum in hotel, then drive home and you had to see a doctor for medical, do TB test, fingerprints, FBI report or clearance, plus $200 O-A visa fee, etc. Seems like you are probably spending about $800 or so on gas, hotels, fees, etc. If you did in Thailand you would get 30 days visa exempt, 90-days Non O visa (2,000 THB) and a 1 year extension (1,900 THB) + 3,800 more for multiple re-entry (or 1,000 for a single entry) permit, so you would have to travel more than 4 times per year outside to make the multiple more cost effective. Total cost about $250 for 16 months of stay. Your 2nd 12 mth extension is 1,900 THB + 1,000 single or 3,800 for multiple re-entry. I think it would have been easier and less expensive to do in Thailand. Anyway, have a good move...

Just curious.... Why didn't you come to Thailand and enter with 30 days visa exempt, apply for a 90-day Non O visa, put your 800k in Thai bank and apply for your 1 year extension-of-stay after the 800k seasoning at a cost of 3,900 THB (2,000 for 90-day & 1,900 for 1 year) instead of doing everything you posted below. I did mine here... no medical, no police reports, no fingerprints, no traveling to other states in USA; Los Angeles, Chicago, New York or Washington DC. Just asking... Did you know you could do it here? Getting an extra year out of an O-A by leaving Thailand and re-entering before the 1 year O-A expires only saves you 1,900 THB for the 2nd year extension, but it costs to leave & re-enter Thailand to get that extra year, so to me that's a wash. For me, it was so much easier to do it here. Just wondering why you didn't do it here.

7 hours ago, hapy2rtire said:

Hi Sorry for the late reply. I'm crazy busy trying to get all things worked out to rent my house.

For FBI there is a website that tells how to do it. You fill in the application on line and pay ($12 I think, maybe $18 - I forgot), then go some place and get your fingerprints taken. In the states you can get it done at a UPS/packaging /mailing store. The FBI site stated they do not accept the electronic finger prints, only the real ink fingerprints on an official card. Finger prints cost me $38 USD. Then snail mail the prints to the FBI. They say it takes 5 business days to process from the time they receive prints. I received email when the received prints (took about 5-6 business days), then I received email with results and "Clearance Letter" which I printed. Email with results and letter came about 24 hours after they received my prints. Whole thing was about 7-8 business days. I believe I will receive a copy of the clearance letter via snail mail as well but printed copy from email looks good. Somewhere I read that you can get your finger prints taken at any police station in the US. And it is possible to get a State clearance letter (not FBI) from the local police station. I'm not sure if State clearance works for visa. Actually I'm not 100 % sure my FBI clearance will work. I've decided not to go to LA to get my visa until mid April. Leaving April 23.

Ok, medical clearance. I don't have a primary doctor here in the States. Mine retired. They were so booked where I normally am seen that to get an appointment with a new doctor would take over 2 months. So I tried to get a clinic to fill out the form. Called around... no, no, no. Lots of places say they do medical clearance for immigration but they only do it for those wanting to get INTO the US, not those going out. Some would look at the form and see the Thai wording and freak because they didn't know if the Thai wording said the same as the English wording right below it. Really people? I found an urgent care place that said they'd do appt and sign for $158, but they wanted me to get a quantiferon TB test first... that's another $150 here in the States. I got them to finally agree on a regular TB skin test and I went and got that done at a funky little medical place I found online for $35. Took 2.5 days for TB skin test. Meanwhile, I found out that an old primary doctor I had seen a few years ago at a different facility, who had moved to Michigan but (because of popular demand) was coming back to California to see patients a couple of days a month, had an opening the next week. Since he had seen me once before, he agreed to do an annual physical (made it free thru my insurance because of my insurance - 1 annual preventative appt per year is free, the intent care appt would have been out off pocket) and I emailed him the form ahead of time and he agreed to sign it.... if I was healthy.... which I am. At the appt he said he didn't need the TB test that I had gotten, and he signed it.

so that's my story. Your's will probably be different. I hear the medical clearance is easy in Thailand. Walk into any doctors office and if you are breathing they will sign. Don't know if that is true, just what I read on blogs. It seems like US doctors take it more seriously... are afraid to sign anything. Ragarding the FBI clearance, that was easy. Fill out form on line, pay money, get finger prints and mail in, about 10 days later get email of clearance letter.

I hope this helps ????

Thanks Ubonjoe.

55 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

Many people have been doing it for some time now but it calling a transfer is not correct.

You get the funds in cash or you can have it deposit in you bank account.

It will not work to use it as proof your funds were transferred into the country for proof of income when applying for an extension at immigration.

Unbonjoe,

Does the 40,000 THB for extension based on marriage need to be money transferred from overseas or can it be from any source? If it can be from any source, then doing debit card withdrawals and deposits could be a cheaper option than doing international transfers for some, correct?