erinsf

This is the right thing to do.  The masks do keep us safer.  We don't know who has been exposed to the virus.  The problem of course, is people reusing the masks, then touching the front of their masks to take them off etc.  I noticed this happening a lot.  You are supposed to take them off using the rubber on the sides.  Anyhow, the masks also are a reminder not to touch your face.  The only reason we were told initially, not to wear a mask is because, of the shortage in many counties around the world.  

What rock have you been under? Why are you traveling? I just don’t get why, anyone thinks it’s okay to travel?  Thailand is smart. They are closed . The country goes into a state of emergency tomorrow. Nothing will be open. 

Very different.  Two things:  one is by the beach...clean air.  One is in the North of Thailand where a lot of burning takes place; bad air. 

Per the person below who mentioned islands like, the Marshalls being safe.....I learned yesterday, the Marshalls are on lockdown so, yes....I imagine they are a good place to be. 

Vietnam announced yesterday, they will not allow visitors from any country where Coronavirus exists.  

Scam.  This same thing happened to my husband and I in, Hoi An last year.  The guy tried to talk us up....guessed we were from somewhere and he was wrong. Tried to find things he had in common with us.  Gave us a sob story.  We had heard about this scam before we were approached.  But, he was also blatantly off.  I imagine a lot of these people are very good actors.  Beware:( 

One other thing: 

other than the 800K in the bank, what documents will your bring to renew the VISA?  Security Check from Thai Police- forms- address/lease-health care-? 

Yu need to communicate with the authorities and with the Embassy. 

You will be able to show an actual letter from Social Security along with your bank statements from a ew months showing the social security is deposited each month.  You might want to have the SS income deposited directly in your bkk account. Of course, you will need to be receiving the amount required per month by the immigration authorities which I think is over 2000 USD (check this.) The only other way, per our journey to Vientiane...is to put 800,000 in a Thai Bank account. You also need a police check among other documents.  

1.  Kaiser will not work in Thailand.  You can get reimbursed yourself for an EMERGENCY, possibly.  But, the Thai requirements include :  400K thb coverage for hospital and 40K for outpatient.  

2.  We too are applying for an OA.  We are purchasing through AETNA.  They complete all the forms you need and get approval from govt.  We had to take a Ruby Plan.  AETNA was by far the most affordable at one point. 

3.  We are in Thailand right now but, they will help you via email...so, you can do it online, too. And, they speak English. 

Thank you to everyone on this link.  We have requested the TM30 and the landlords ID/and blue house book. I am in a huge condo building so, i wonder who has this. I sent my actual landlord the request.  He told me the Management of the Building have the TM 30.  I wonder.  I sure hope so.  Otherwise, we need to move and then this will still be a pain as, we have been here a week and that would mean we are not registered.  oi.  Not to worry.  Will wait to hear from owner of the condo:)  Have a great weekend everyone.  

Okay.  Lots of information. I understand opening a bank account is kind of a difficult task.  We are in Bangkok...Sukhumvit ... anyways, we have an apartment....2 month contract right now. I requested documentation from management to show bank.  I think we will hire an agent to help with this part of our journey.  We are both going to transfer the money.  We are committed. We will change to a Non-O at immigration. But, the bank account issue and the criminal check require us to seek some assistance to speed things up and get it done efficiently or, at least guide us.  If you know of an agent you recommend let us know.  ????

44 minutes ago, Tanoshi said:

Erin,

I assume you want to stay in Thailand for an indefinite period?

 

You obviously entered VE or on a Tourist Visa.

You can apply for a 1 year extension of permission to stay at Immigration (a permit, not a Visa) but must have a Non O type Visa and meet the financial criteria by deposited funds in a Thai bank account.

 

You can obtain a Non O Visa from a number of Thai Embassies/Consulates providing you meet there requirements (which vary).

You can also convert your Visa exempt or Tourist Visa through a conversion process at a local Immigration office to a Non O stamp as a prelude to obtaining an annual extension.

https://www.immigration.go.th/content/service_80

Click 'ENG' top RH corner if displayed in Thai.

 

It is not possible in your circumstances (2 x foreigners) to remain for 'long stay' periods without transferring funds into a Thai bank, unless you return to the US and apply for the Non O-A Visa, again subject to financial requirements, but the funds can be from your US bank.

This is great information.  I appreciate all of your help.  I am thinking my husband is now, more inclined to take a chance and transfer the money.  I have been working up to this but, he hasn't been ready for it. He is more conservative about money.  But, really....its an all or, nothing proposition here. Either we do it or, we leave. You have all been helpful, kind and generous with your time.  I am excited for the next chapter. As our latest Tourist Visa is new, we will most likely convert to the Non -O- as, you recommended.  Thank you again. 

3 hours ago, Tanoshi said:

No, but the OP stated for the time being they don't want to hold funds in a Thai bank, so depending on their nationality it may be impossible to go down the conversion route.

We will eventually have to put the money in the bank but, wonder if we have to put 800k or 1.6 million for the 2 of us.  We would want to open 1 account.  Not sure this is possible.  But, will consider our options;)  

2 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

Changing a tourist visa to a Non Imm O at Jomtien with a few months of 65k transfers wasn't acceptable for me, but hey they wanted their tea money

3 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

Sounds like using an agent may be a good route, 21,000 for 15 months (Non Imm O 3 months plus 12 months retirement extension)

Can you refer me to an agent?  I have been communicating with a lot of 'lawyery' folk who seem to want a lot of money.  Does the agent help with criminal check and acquiring the actual visas from within Thailand?  Do we have to leave Thailand to get the 3 month /1 year VISA?  

Thank you so much, 

Erin

We are in Bangkok.  We can travel to Vientiane or Penang.  Either is fine with us.  However, a few more specific questions...AND THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE HELP.  

1.  My husband is retired. We have the letter from Social Security.  But, the US Embassy will NOT verify/certify it. 

Is bringing the actual social security letter, good enough for him?  

a.  If so, will I still need 800thb in an account in Thai Bank? OR, as his wife am I his dependent and not required to have 800thb in addition to his ss payment? 

b.  If no, do we both have to put 800thb in the bank ie: 1.6 Million?  We share accounts from the US (investment and checking etc.) 

Thank you all -  

4 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

Vientiane will issue a single entry non-o visa for being 50 or over for retirement.

You will need to show 800k baht in the bank or proof of 65k baht income and a police clearance certificate and medical certificate which can be from here.

Savannakhet, Laos and Penang, Malaysia will also issue them if you show 800k baht in the bank and proof of retirement. Or 65k baht income. The do not require the police clearance or medical certificate.

You can only apply for a OA long stay visa in you home country or or country of legal residence. Most embassies and official consulates will will not issue a non-o visa for retirement in your home country.

 

I am seriously confused. 

My husband and I have planned to go to Vientiane, Laos from Bangkok, to apply for a NON-O, over 50 VISA which begins with a 3 month VISA we will ultimately, convert to a one - year VISA.   Our documents include: criminal report, health certificate, government apt. Registration, printed statement of bank holdings, marriage certificate, copy of passport and photos.  This morning I read that they are no longer issuing these VISAs and our only option is to apply for an OA.  I confirmed this with an immigration law firm, who tells me they will only do a one year with the 800K Thai Baht in the bank, now? Can anyone confirm this?  We will go to immigration to inquire of course but, we are concerned because each time we approach a different embassy or employee of an embassy, we have been given the 'i don't know' answer or, different answers to the same question. 

Does any of you know where to find the MOST UP TO DATE and verifiable information regarding a VISA of this type?  

We are trying NOT to put the money in the bank for now. 

We will confer with an agent.

if, you have any recommendations this is appreciated too:)  

Thank you to whoever, has access to updated information. I am seriously confused.