George36

I agree.  We would not be going to Thailand in February on a Tourist Visa unless we could convert to retirement.  
 

For info, this is what we accomplished today:

“Just for info concerning U.S.A. Tourist Visa applications, my wife and I were required to submit two 2 x 2 photos, paid for airline flights, Covid-19 Policy (8,450 Baht for two months, https://covid19.tgia.org/ ), Copy of Passport and Bank Statements.  
 

The website indicates these were not necessary until AFTER they initially looked at the application.  Left to send in would be:  ASQ reservation and payment, declaration and Passport.  The passport application seems to be satisfied by online information application.

For info, flights booked have free date changing and the Covid insurance is cancelled if denied a visa and/or COE.?

Below are the questions that I posted in a thread about my wife and I going to Thailand as soon as possible.  Would appreciate greatly any thoughts that you may have concerning vaccine in Thailand.

“A question please.  My wife is 62.  I am 66.  Both have Feb birthdays and 35th anniversary.  Would love to get to Thailand in February to surprise her.  Both of us believe we will have our vaccine completed by end of April, two dozes.  
 

We would move up our trip to Thailand if we could procure the vaccine in Thailand before the end of summer  of 2021 figuring Thailand will stay Covid free until then.

Is this a “money talks” situation where you will be able to procure the vaccine?
 

Or, perhaps, our age would allow us to get it?

Might changing to retirement visa move us under the line to receive vaccine?

Thanks so much.”

I am in Thailand now and have a nerve giving me trouble on my right hand up to under shoulder.  U.S. doctor prescribed Percocet and Valium to sleep.  I, also, was given a hand splint and sling.  Happened just before trip.

I did not bring the drugs in as I did not have time to go through the procedures.  Looks like I need the same class of drugs the OP is asking about.

What, if any, drug equivalent might be available.  I am taking horse pills of 800 mg of Ibuprofen three times a days.  Hot baths here are helping but not improving.  

Thanks OP for the thread. 

I put this in another thread but thought it would also be most relevant here.  Thanks.  Waking up my first day and looking forward to tonight on Walking Street.

“Just flew in to Bangkok airport and got to talking with another American about his travels.  He indicated that he had spent over seven months last year in Thailand on visa exempt and extensions.

He went to the counter and was quizzed for a couple of minutes about his onward flight out of Thailand.  He said that he did not have a paper copy of the onward flight but he could call it up on his phone.  After doing so, he was granted entry.

I had my follow on flight ready but was not asked for it.  I spent a total of about 40 days in Thailand last year.

One other thing that I have never seen before was that four people were having their bags inspected by customs and the desk was manned.  Do not know if it means anything.  They people looked like they were from western countries.”

Just flew in to Bangkok airport and got to talking with another American about his travels.  He indicated that he had spent over seven months last year in Thailand on visa exempt and extensions.

He went to the counter and was quizzed for a couple of minutes about his onward flight out of Thailand.  He said that he did not have a paper copy of the onward flight but he could call it up on his phone.  After doing so, he was granted entry.

I had my follow on flight ready but was not asked for it.  I spent a total of about 40 days in Thailand last year.

One other thing that I have never seen before was that four people were having their bags inspected by customs and the desk was manned.  Do not know if it means anything.  They people looked like they were from western countries.

My flight, today, to BKK via Japan Airlines has a return flight 55 days later. I will be entering on visa exempt and will pursue a 30 day extension in Jomtien.   

I was concerned about it being over 30 days so I purchased a $72 ticket to Laos on the 29th day after arrival. 

The airlines quizzed me about the 55 days and all was well after I showed the ticket to Laos.  $72 well spent.  If I get the extension, the ticket will not be used.  If for some weird reason that I do not get the extension, I will use the ticket and enter through the land crossing.

The JAL personnel were quite aware of the problems with immigration in Thailand.

On 2/11/2019 at 12:34 AM, ubonjoe said:

A one way ticket to anywhere within 30 days of arrival will accepted if needed. It is often the airline that asks for one not immigration.

You were absolutely correct about the airlines.  Japan Airlines quizzed me about being in Thailand for 55 days and all was well when I showed the flight to Laos at the 27th day.  

Thanks so much for the information.

Ubonjoe,

Thanks for the correction.  I will get the ticket just for my piece of mind.

A ticket to Laos would be $72 within the VOA timeframe.  Would this work for follow on flight?  I would not use the ticket.  If I was denied the extension, I would change my flight back to U.S.  Thanks.

Bangkok AirwaysPG 943

 

 

 

 

Please allow me to ask my simple question concerning 30 day visa on arrival and getting a 30 day extension at Jomtien.  I believe that the answer is yes but, with all that is going on with visas, I am paranoid.  

I spent 28 days in Thailand at the end of 2017, wife and I spent 23 days in Apr-May 2018 and I spent 19 days in Oct 2018.  Only other stanps in passport is a seven day trip to Spain last week.

I arrive in Thailand this coming Wednesday late on the 13th.  I have a return flight 55 days later.  I have never been asked to show tickets of return/onward flight but understand that they can request that and proof of 20k Baht.

My angst is whether I can be denied entry for whatever reason the IO desires like not having a return flight within the VOA. Cannot imagine it happening but it is a long flight from San Diego, California to think about.

If I cannot overcome my fear, I can certainly purchase a fully refundable, one way ticket home and cancel it after I get my extension from Jomtien.  Seems like a waste of time but I am paranoid.

Am I worrying and paranoid too much?  Appreciate your thoughts.  Thanks.

1 hour ago, LetsCleanUpTHAILAND said:

I'm a graduate of SDSU. Pleasure to meet you. For you guys, your pollution is Moderate. Feel free to hike Cowles Mountain anytime ????

My daughter is a graduate of SDSU also.  Small world.  Used to hike Cowles Mountain all the time.  Pleasure to meet another San Diegan.  We have lived here for 37 years.

We bought a new home in San Marcos and love it.  The map only has a couple of local readings.  Not sure how to more closely figure  it for San Marcos, North, just outside San Diego City border.

Thanks for the link: https://aqicn.org/here/) Very interesting to see readings in San Diego where I live.  

Sheryl,

Thanks again. I owe you.  ????????

George36

13 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

If you have Tricare for Life it will cover any medically necessary procedure here but on a reimbursement basis.

Sheryl,

Outstanding information.  I would never had known this but for your postings.  Unbelievably helpful.

One more question please.  What would your opinion be for my wife?  She did 16 years in the Navy but did not retire.  She is 61 and she uses Tricare at present.  

She was with me in Pattaya during April-May 2018 visit and will be visiting Thailand with me later on in the year.

Thanks Again.

P.s.  Appreciate the cervical spine part.  I will discuss with my provider in my yearly physical on Monday.

Thought that I would post the below link.  Seems I would only be covered for stuff associated with blood pressure and back??

https://www.va.gov/communitycare/programs/veterans/fmp/index.asp

Thanks for doing the homework on this and posting.

i am a retired veteran with 20% disability for blood pressure and back problems.  64 and will soon be switched to Tricare for Life.  I have my final yearly physical under Tricare Monday and then transfer to Tricare for Life.

I visit Thailand, at least, two times a year for under 30 days.  I will be in Pattaya beginning February 15, 2019 for 30-55 days.  

I seem to have a nerve injury in my hand that goes up into the shoulder area or vice versa.  We believe it is a pinched nerve in the shoulder.  The Doctor will, probably, put me on 800mg Ibruprophren, three times a day and may give me a sling.

My concern is that it gets unmanageable while traveling the 30 hours to Thailand or it gets worse in Thailand.  

If I go to Pattaya Hospital or another medical provider in Thailand, would it be best to buy insurance before leaving or can I get reimbursed for expenses.

Appreciate your thoughts.  Thanks.

So, I have all my documents that the Thai Consulate requires for the OA but have decided not to move forward at this time.  My travel to Thailand, this trip, will be from 15th of February for either 30 or 55 days. 

Why?  I would be crazy to move to Thailand, at this time, after reading extensively on this site.  I read about all types of hassles at almost all levels when it comes to visas, extensions, denials at airports, never knowing for sure about them and just continuing confusion and angst about almost everything having to do with foreigners.

Plus all my trips have been during low season as I do not like crowds and the higher prices associated with high season.  I am, somewhat of a home body, but I like going to New York Dinner, clubs and Walking Street to people watch and listen to rock music.

i was surprised to learn of the air quality during high season or around this time.  I was not aware of the extent of the problem.  Since I will be in Pattaya in 22 days, I will be able to see more readily the situation and how it affects me physically.  At 65, only experiencing it will tell.

My wife and I off are to Spain for seven days at the end of the month and, maybe, that will be an option for retirement.  She was with me in Thailand for three weeks last April-May.  

I wanted to say thanks to everyone for their replies and I gained a lot of knowledge that I would not have had otherwise.

If any of you, in Pattaya, would like to meet during my stay, please send me a PM.  I would love to pick your brain.  I will be staying at Flipper Lodge Hotel and we can meet for breakfast one day.

Thanks again and Have a Great Day or Night

Is there any way to find out if any of these type visas have been issued?  I could not find any using Google.  

The U.S. Embassy, Washington has this on there website:

https://thaiembdc.org/non-immigrant-visa-category-o-x-long-stay/

46 minutes ago, Wallander4 said:

You work for an agent maybe ?

Funny stuff.  

Bummer.  Government shutdown has resulted in the DOJ scan for criminal review being delayed indefinitely.  I received a letter from DOJ concerning the delay.

My next option is to request a city background review.  It will be ready next Tuesday for pickup.  

Then, I will go back up to the Thai Consulate on Wednesday.

Does anyone have any thoughts on whether the city review will be sufficient?  Appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks

Op, thanks for the thread.  You did good!! 

I have a thread going where I am moving to Thailand next month and I am working on my OA visa through Los Angeles.  Almost done and should be able to get the visa next week.  Fingers crossed.  

Thanks again.

First trip to Thai Embassy went really good.  They looked over my documents and indicated that I needed two items.  Both were anticipated as the Life Scan report takes a few days and the medical certificate needed Doctor’s signature.  I got the Doctor’s signature this morning and the Life Scan should be in by Monday.

The visa gentleman advised me that I can drop off the documents one day and pick up the Oa retirement visa the next day.  Wife and I will just stay in Los Angeles overnight to do away with an extra five hour round trip drive.

Interesting thing.  I have heard that Jomtien office has one.  On a table opposite the counters is a tip jar that had about $100 in ones, fives and tens.  Will make sure that I contribute.  When in Rome, do as the Romans do.  Lol.

55 minutes ago, Thailand J said:

How do you collect US income/pension? How do you move money to Thailand?

 

Better to have plan B: consider brokerage accounts such as Fidelity, Vanguard, Charles Schwab, Interactive Brokers, TD Ameritrade. Do some research see which one suits you best, and which ones  let you use Thai address and phone numbers.

 

Not sure about how to transfer money yet.  At present, I have my military retirement and social security payments go into NFCU, a credit union.  I have a Chase account that allows six debits a month for free.  Gonna definitely look at Charles Schwarbs account as I have heard of that in the past.  Thanks for raising the issues.

Btw, flight book and I will arrive on the evening of February 13th for this adventure.  Will be heading up to Thai Embassy early in the morning.  Have paperwork to support three different visas:  “Oa” Long Stay retirement, 90 immigrate “O” and 60 day tourist visa.  

Will be interesting to see what differences between what is on the website and up-to-date experience might be.  Wish me luck!  Lol.

21 hours ago, jacko45k said:

Tourist visas are 60 days but a flight 90 days on from entry is usually OK as they expect you will apply for an extension. The Non-Imm (certainly the OA) does not require an onward flight. Keep in mind it is rare that Immigration officials look for your onward flight at the main airport. 

Thanks.  I am going to make the flight reservation tonight for 60 days so I can provide a copy for the visa.  However, I have 24 hours to cancel so I will reserve tonight, go to Thai Embassy tomorrow morning and, then, change my flights as necessary.   Appreciated your thoughts.