No Forwarding Address

4 hours ago, tai4de2 said:

Not only can you apply for it while you are in the US, it's arguably more convenient to do it that way. When the BOI endorses your application, you apply via eVisa (I believe LA is the designated consulate for Hawaii, not that this matters that much, except that you MUST use the correct one), and the visa is issued as a document you print out and carry with you to enter Thailand. You do not mail your passport anywhere, you do not collect a pile of documents and trudge off to an office in Bangkok, etc.

 

Assuming you have all your documents in order, the whole thing from start to finish can be done in under 6 weeks from the comfort of your home in Hawaii.

Thank you all for the informative replies, I am not ready to travel yet, wonder if there is a time limit on using the completed eVisa - 3 months, 6 months??   Does it have a 'must enter Kingdom before (date)' on the eVisa.............Cheers

20 hours ago, Misty said:

Hi I applied for my initial LTR visa last year while I was outside of Thailand.  The LTR BoI unit approved the application and issued an approval letter. I then had 60 days to either make an appointment in person in Thailand, or to use the approval letter to apply for an LTR e-visa from a US consulate.  I chose to apply for the LTR e-visa from the NY consulate and received the pdf of the visa very quickly.  I then had plenty of time to enter Thailand with the LTR e-visa print out.

I then had plenty of time to enter Thailand with the LTR e-visa print out.  Thank you for the information, very helpful, is there a time limit that you have to use the e-Visa if you are not ready to travel??       Cheers

3 minutes ago, Mike Teavee said:

Here's one for you, over the course of a year I give my mate who works in Bangkok approx. £10,000 in the UK for his regular investing there & stuff he buys for his kids etc..., he pays the equivalent into my Thailand Bank Account.

 

Am I bringing this money into Thailand? 

How is it deposited??  If in a UK Bank account, then no you're not bringing money into Thailand.  I would suspect he pays taxes on his income in Bangkok so taxes have been paid - all is good.   Cheers

2 hours ago, retarius said:

How did you manage to stop paying US taxes? I have not lived in the US since 2005 and always have had to pay up....and no I don't agree with spending my money on endless warmongering. 

The only ways I know are "getting a second passport and  being a Native American and living on a Reservation".   Big misconception is you don't have to pay US taxes after being overseas after so many years........The long arm of the IRS will come and get you, there are lot's of people in jail for income tax evasion..........don't do it.  You can take a Foreign Income Tax deduction if Thailand ever taxes your income, but I don't see that affecting most people here.      Cheers

On 9/22/2023 at 5:11 PM, Debaurazl said:

I recently had my 10-year LTR visa issued under the "Wealthy Pensioner" category after a three-week application period and am sharing my experience. Below I've outlined my application and appointment processes and included notes and tips. In addition, I've explained the benefits I've found with the LTR visa over the Non-Immigrant O.

 

Application Process

1. Created my account on the BOI website: https://visa.boi.go.th/

2. Submitted application and required documents

3. Within 7 business days, received email requesting additional documents

4. Uploaded requested documents to the BOI website

5. Within the next few days, received 2-3 additional emails requesting additional documents

6. Uploaded requested documents within 1-2 days

7. Shortly thereafter, received an email that my application was endorsed by relevant government agencies

8. As requested, I updated my information and uploaded additional required documents to the BOI website

9. Two days later, I received an email that my application was moved to pre-approval status

10. I was asked to email additional required documents, which I did the same day

11. The following day, I received an email that my application was approved for visa issuance

Appointment Process

1. Made an appointment on the BOI website

2. Printed all documents in the "3. COLLECT YOUR LTR VISA" section of this website: https://ltr.boi.go.th/page/visa-issuance-info.html

3. Arrived at the One Start One Stop Investment Center (OSOS) 30 minutes early

4. Submitted my documents at the front desk where my paperwork was checked

5. Sat down and waited comfortably about 10 minutes, and was then asked to sign a couple documents and enter information on a tablet

6. About 10 minutes later, I was escorted to Immigration across the hall to get my picture taken

7. The BOI staff member handed in my documents to Immigration

8. I waited an additional 20 minutes in the OSOS until Immigration contacted BOI

9. I was then led back to Immigration to pay the 50,000 Baht fee using bank transfer (QR code)

10. I sat and waited at Immigration approximately 5 minutes until my name was called

11. Received my passport with the LTR visa and original documents returned

Notes & Tips

• I used my U.S. 1040s and 1099s to show passive income from rental properties

• Most of the email communication was regarding requests for additional insurance documentation

• Documents must be in Thai or English

• Because my spouse is Thai, I had to provide our marriage certificate, the Kor.Ror.2 form and a copy of my spouse's Thai ID

• For me, the application process took 21 calendar days from the day I submitted my application to the day it was approved

• Once the visa is approved for issuance, you have 60 days to have it issued

• If you’re in Thailand, the only option for visa issuance is the (OSOS) in Bangkok

• Once you schedule your appointment, you can reschedule it as many times as you like

• Masks are required at the OSOS but not provided so bring your own

• One staff member attended to me during the entire appointment process (white glove service). He explained everything clearly and answered all my questions

• Although the LTR visa is valid for 10 years as the stamp shows in my passport, Immigration issues a 5-year visa stamp (also in my passport). I was told I will be notified via email 90 days before the 5-year expiration to submit updated financial and insurance information to confirm eligibility. No additional payment will be required

Benefits of LTR Visa over Non-Immigrant O

• I originally entered Thailand on a non-immigrant O visa; the LTR visa is easier and cheaper in the long run

• Because I have a Thai husband, I was not required to show financial information for the Non-Immigrant O; however, I had to do a TM.47 every 90 days, pay separately for the multiple re-entry permit and reapply for the Non-Immigrant O visa every year

• I would have had to pay 1900 Baht for the non-immigrant O visa renewal and 3800 for the mutliple re-entry permit each year so the LTR visa is less expensive

• Multiple re-entry is included in the cost of the LTR visa

• I can use the VIP Fast Track lane at the airport (foreigner side)

• The TM.47 Notification of Staying in the Kingdom is required every year (rather than every 90 days). If I leave the country, I was told to start counting 365 days from my entry stamp. Therefore, if I leave Thailand every year, which I plan to do, the TM.47 is not required

I chose this visa because it was easy for me to meet the financial requirements and I like that I am not required to keep or invest money in Thailand. I can retain my funds in the U.S. where they are earning higher interest.

 

I would be happy to help with any questions regarding the application or appointment processes.

 

LTR visa process explained: https://www.hlbthai.com/thailands-ltr-visa-process-explained/

 

This is all good information, very clear and concise.  One question, I am currently in USA for at least the next 6 months, do you know if I can apply for the LTR Visa here, or do I have to be in Thailand?   Closest Consulate is in California, I am in Hawaii, I would have to mail my passport to them.........Thanx again for informative post.       Cheers

Okay, I'll jump in, who drives on Thai roads at high speed at 3:30 AM  -  Drunks - and crab fishermen??   something doesn't add up.

On 9/19/2023 at 7:35 PM, prakhonchai nick said:

Perhaps the police can do what they're good at.......Turn a blind eye, and let the monster escape. Then Joe public et all can deal with him as required without delay.

Let him escape, then shoot him dead................should square things with the little one.

16 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

I suggest the following: If he is sick, he should stay in the hospital.

But obviously the hospital is not jail. So, the sick days should not count as days in jail.

If he is healthy enough again then he should go to jail and then they can start counting how much time he spends in jail.

It's hospital or jail. One or the other, make up your mind.

Eligible for parole after six months, with time off for good behavior, reduced to time served in Hospital - wouldn't be surprised at all...........good luck to him, then we can get on with our lives.........Cheers

19 hours ago, RocketDog said:

To my knowledge, starting year or two ago one cannot get a visa for more than a month in Vietnam now without being married to a national.

NB. I went to Cambodia once and would never consider living there. To each his own though.

As of 15 August, there are 90 day Visa's in Vietnam, can be extended once then a border run for another 90 days so on so forth.   Hopefully they will reinstate the six month Visa for US applicants.........used to have a one year tourist visa for US folks, but that was years ago, no hope of that being resurrected.      Cheers

3 hours ago, still kicking said:

Be careful what you post here, or you will be accused of Thai bashing.

Naah, I think he was describing his own country...........wandered into the wrong forum I suppose.

Rest in Peace Mr Wachira you had your reasons, right or wrong, and blamed yourself for the death of the other officer...........Peace

6 hours ago, Brigante7 said:

So he's living with a biological man? I'll bet he's finally relieved to be out of the closet.

 

 

 

Brigante7.

In his mind, he is not with a Man, but a Woman.......have known several couples like that in my day, to each his/her own.  Now if he will just stay of Social Media they may have a good life together.       Peace

1 hour ago, nobodysfriend said:

At least , THEY do something to reduce the number of soi dogs .

They don't only talk and complain .

The dog haters here should support them . What they do significantly reduces the number of strays .

But killing , culling , poisoning dogs with antifreeze or rat poison etc , seems to be so fashionable to some posters here on this forum .

Sorry for their kids , if they have any ...

I used too until I saw the fleet of New Pajeros with the Soi Dog Foundation on them, I now support TMWRD Foundation.     I am neither a dog lover nor hater, but believe in my money going toward the purpose, not so someone has a nice car to ride around in.      Peace

23 hours ago, kinyara said:

Absolute nonsense, Vietnam's visa situation has been a disaster for their tourism industry since the end of Covid. While Thailand sensibly increased visa free entry from 30 to 45 days ahead of the last high season to kickstart tourism the Vietnamese pen pushers were still shuffling paper from department to department. It may have taken them 2 weeks to sign it off but it's actually taken them almost 2 years to get there.

 

The tourist numbers before and after Covid speak for themselves. In 2019 Vietnam attracted 45% of Thailand's total, in 2022 that number had reduced to 33%, so far to July 2023 it has still not recovered to 2019 levels. at 43%. Hence why they have finally decided to awaken from their coma and do something.

 

To tout the Vietnamese government as a model of fast responsive law making is laughable, it remains the epitome of a slow moving Communist style committee bureaucracy. 

 

 

 

 

It may have taken them two years to formulate their tourist visa plans, but only two weeks to approve and sign into law.........not hemming and hawing or protesting from every tom, dick, or harry MP like Thailand, that is all I was trying to convey.  Subject of this post is "PM looking into extending tourist visa's to 90 days". and Vietnam has done it already, only after two weeks from proposal.   As for the other parts of your post I have no argument, it wasn't part of my post, go cast your fishing line in another klong.        Cheers

Not really off-topic, but Vietnam just approved the 90 day tourist eVisa on 15 August 2023.......was 30 days .then you had to do a visa run......totally on line, application fee is $25 USD, then you pay ?? at the airport for the actual visa.   Certain categories of marriage visa's are 3,5, or 10 years in length.  Took them a whole two weeks to approve this change to their Visa Laws, wonder why it takes Thailand months, years or not at all.  Cheers

6 hours ago, pomchop said:

How long is a piece of string?

Beat me too it.............????

Jeez, so many twists and turns, you need a map to navigate, even then it would confuse us all.   It's like the skit with Abbot & Costello "Who's on First".  Maybe they are waiting for Tony Taksin to come back and straighten things out - he is the Donald Trump of Thailand.       Cheers

On 6/21/2023 at 3:55 PM, Yellowtail said:

I've had two MacBook Pros and they were both great. Keyboards are certainly better than the Acer. 

 

Still have one of them. 

Just bought the 16" MacBook Pro M2 chip 32gb ram...........have had Mac's since 1996, one is a 17" - 9 years old, and is still being used for TV today...............love this new Mac - expensive??  how many people can say they use the same computer for 5,6,7 years............you get what you pay for.  Cheers

On 7/28/2023 at 9:55 PM, khunPer said:

I have both Bangkok Bank and SCB; Bangkok Bank works on both app and PC Internet banking. SCB unfortunately only has app now, which is less convenient than using a PC. I also considers to move some of my accounts away from SCB.

Hello Folks, Concerning SCBEasy.net.  I tried last night and of course the banner (all in Thai) came up that the SCBEasy.net had been discontinued on 07/15/23, after a few try's, was able to download the mobile app - but there is an accessability setting on my phone that I need, but blocks the app from opening.  I am not in Thailand at this time, don't expect to get back till end of year............question is, how can I continue to check my balances if the mobile app won't open??  Any ideas.........would save me a lot of anxiety - always checked at least once a week on the scbeasy.net site on my computer - never use my phone for anything 'cept talk n text, once in awhile for new or directions.  Cheers

19 hours ago, Joe32 said:

Sorry to say, but they could be. I've seen foreigners, fully consciously, tipping 1k for something that was actually like 150 THB or so. 

a fool and his money will soon be parted............

22 hours ago, Cory1848 said:

Aw ... We're a nice little state, really -- plus, no sales tax, and really low property taxes!

Biden Country