Clay2

Hi  all,

I want to travel around Thailand.  I'm in Phuket now and it's unclear to me the cost for one checked bag (my golf bag} and one carry on.   I believe the length/size of the golf bag will trigger an extra charge.   I plan to keep the weight under the airline max for checked bag, looks like 20.  Do you know the likely charge or what to expect?  

Should I buy the ticket online with a regular checked bag and upgrade if necessary at the airline or ?

Thk u

On 6/18/2021 at 6:17 PM, johng said:

 

How does a foreigner "buy the land"  ???

I've read you buy land as a company.  ?  As I understand,,,, the Thai company is structured with you as the majority controlling shareholder.    

Ok, there are some listings on FazWaz

https://www.fazwaz.com/projects/thailand/chon-buri/pattaya/khao-mai-kaeo/pattaya-country-club-home-residence

No more information?  Not a popular topic I see....????

No comments?  Opinions?  ????

I would be interested to know as well. 

I thought I read you can't apply for another Visa if you have an STV.   I do remember reading/verifying if I intend to apply for a retirement visa not to use an STV visa.  Apparently this is not allowed.  I hope there are exceptions.   Good luck.

I have completed entering all my information into the Oa visa application online.  Now the application states it is in "process"  I believe this means someone at the Thai Los Angeles Consulate will review it and then okay it for the next step.  This is where I will send in my documents.   I think??? 

 I would hate to be waiting for this "process" when it actually means the Thai Consulate is waiting for my Passport and docs...   

I figured out how to send the Thai Consulate a message.  I hope the respond soon.  

Things have changed  from what I have read and seen in the last few months.  I only have to send a few documents as most everything is scanned in.   This is what I think????  Not sure.

I have just completed my application for an Oa Visa.   The application states "in process".  I believe this means the Thai consulate needs to review this before I send in my documents/passport?

However, maybe this means I need to send in my documentation to complete the process?  Please advise.   Do you know how long this online review takes?  Then there is the review of my documentation.  How long does that take?  I understand/believe I read the process takes a total of 15 days.   The whole thing is so confusing and constantly changing.  Maybe my brain is failing me.

Also, I am worried about the Oa visa and getting it approved.  The online application seems to indicate you can apply for multiple Visas.  Well, I was thinking about applying for a regular tourist visa along with my Oa Visa.  Is this something I can do and as a backup or will I make a mess of things?   

I would like an Oa Visa but I am thinking to expedite things (just get there) I should just try a tourist.  Then deal with Thai Immigration and the money deposit requirements which I understand are a pain.  I've already paid 200 dollars online to complete my application.   

An Elite Visa seems nice but 20 to 32 thousand dollars is a bit much for me.   I like to know what you all think about this Visa?  It's not a scam is it?  I imagine if you have the money and willing to pay it it's worth it.   I am considering it, but...not likely.

Thanks,

Clay

On 3/24/2021 at 9:22 AM, Jingthing said:

You'll want expert advice on your questions, but I want to add that (if it doesn't change) retired status people that started with an O-A are required to show health insurance (that is specifically approved in Thailand) at each annual extension, and retired status people that started with an O are not. So from expats POV, fewer requirements equals BETTER, so I would advice that IF you can swing it, do go the O path rather than the O-A. You may be planning to always have health insurance anyway, but perhaps the health insurance you might prefer wouldn't be accepted by Thai immigration. So you see, if you can, you're really better off without that requirement. 

Thank you for the feedback.  There is a form that immigration allows you to use to prove you have foreign health/covid insurance.  A few people have used this successfully (Greeny Travels).   The problem I see is getting the insurance company to provide the specific coverage amounts even though the coverage is actually much greater than required.  Still trying to figure this out and I am leaning toward Oa.

Hi I would be interested in hitting but that wouldn't be until early June 2021.  I am an over 60, former nationally ranked player from the US.  Love to hit and get some exercise, not so much into playing games unless it's doubles.  

On 3/24/2021 at 10:28 AM, Tanoshi said:

Why not consider the Non Imm O Visa to begin with to enter Thailand, which is now available in the US.

I just figured out how to respond, LOL

I am considering the O visa (any visa), but I don't like the 800,000 baht requirement.  I have the funds, just seems like a pain and I may go this way.  Trying to figure all this out.  thank u

On 3/26/2021 at 10:46 PM, Tanoshi said:

Confirm.

 

Immigration will not accept his Anthem Health policy for the purpose of annual extensions as it isn't on the list of Thai approved Insurers. - Health Insurance for Long Stay Visa in Thailand (tgia.org)

He will undoubtedly be forced to obtain the cheapest worthless throw away Thai approved policy he can find, which we know is LMG, on top of his Anthem policy.

 

The OP originally stated:

 

The Non O-A is certainly not going to minimise difficulty and cost, in fact both are increased, which is why I recommend the Non O Visa, but that requires funds depositing in a Thai bank within a month of arrival.

 

The fact that the OP isn't sure of retiring in Thailand, I would therefore suggest he obtains a Tourist Visa granting him a stay of 60 days, which he can extend by a further 30 days.

He can then apply for the Non O within Thailand if he feels comfortable.

No Thai Health approved Insurance required for the Non O, or subsequent extensions of stay.

I hope the tgia.org form for Overseas Insurance will allow my USA insurance?  I hope.  It appears that Greeny Travels has used this and got his overseas insurance approved.  See Greeny's Youtube video.  My insurance co only wants to show the calendar year for coverage is a problem, but working to fix this by talking to management.  

On 3/26/2021 at 3:36 PM, Clay2 said:

 

I understand my insurance co will provide acceptable Thai insurance coverage, even outpatient care.  What I see is the problem as J and T mention is that my insurance co will only show coverage for a calendar year.  So, I am thinking I will need to Thai health insurance and deal with the double coverage problems and hope to get Thai immigration to accept my insurance from the USA in subsequent years?  I guess I need professional help.  ????

 

How does this sound?  If I can get permission to stay until Dec 31st maybe that will work?  At the end of the year my USA insurance co can provide proof of coverage for another calendar year.

My insurance company is full coverage, it will cover COVID.  I hope Thai Govt accepts it and the period is more than Dec 31st a calendar year.

I understand my insurance co will provide acceptable Thai insurance coverage, even outpatient care.  What I see is the problem as J and T mention is that my insurance co will only show coverage for a calendar year.  So, I am thinking I will need to Thai health insurance and deal with the double coverage problems and hope to get Thai immigration to accept my insurance from the USA in subsequent years?  I guess I need professional help.  ????

How does this sound?  If I can get permission to stay until Dec 31st maybe that will work?  At the end of the year my USA insurance co can provide proof of coverage for another calendar year.

Wow.  A lot to digest.  Thank you all very much.  

I believe the Oa visa looks like the best option now.  I have no problem meeting the bank or income requirements, but would rather not deal with bank deposit unless necessary.  

I have health insurance with Anthem Blue Cross (Anthem) that will cover me in Thailand.  The problem I see is having Anthem completing the Thai proof of insurance form.  I talked with Anthem and the rep will be talking with management to see what they can do.  The insurance co. wants show the period of coverage for the calendar year.  They may be willing to say something like the insured has coverage for life at the insured's discretion or election.   Not sure how to word this, I just hope they will put in a two year period as Peter and Andy suggested.  

I have to reread all of this again.  Once is not enough...  LOL

Again thank all,

Clay

Advice/confirmation, please?  I am trying to figure out which Thai visa is best, minimizing difficulty and cost.  I am thinking of retiring in Thailand, but I’m not sure.  I am over 60, in the USA, and the two options I’m considering are the Tourist visa (T) and the Retirement visa (Oa).  The T visa looks like a good option because I believe it minimizes cost and difficulty.  Then if I decide to retire in Thailand I can apply for a retirement O visa in Thailand.  I will be vaccinated and hope to travel to Thailand by June 2021.   

I am concerned I am missing something/misunderstanding…  Is it so difficult to obtain an O visa in Thailand?  If so, maybe I should apply for an Oa rather than a T visa (in the USA)?  I understand the requirements are basically the same for both the O and Oa.  

I was considering a Special Tourist Visa, but I understand I can not change to a retirement visa if I obtain this visa.  Is this correct?

I am afraid once I obtain a Tourist Visa (T) and I’m in Thailand it may be very difficult to obtain documents/something from the USA.  Apparently, people do this so can it be that difficult?  I understand everyone is different.    

Thank you for your advice.  Any Visa services you can recommend?  I search/read information and still desire confirmation/clarification/Advil...LOL

On 8/1/2019 at 12:40 PM, userabcd said:

Do you have evidence?

Could this be similar to Mexico?  I have been living there off and on for 10 years.  I see so many vacant homes and condos, yet construction continues.  Natives I talked to say it is mostly money laundering.  Building something with the drug money or burn it in the fireplace.  Just saying....

Tennis anyone?  Where or want to hit?