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
Created my account on the BOI website: https://visa.boi.go.th/
Submitted application and required documents
Within 7 business days, received email requesting additional documents
Uploaded requested documents to the BOI website
Within the next few days, received 2-3 additional emails requesting additional documents
Uploaded requested documents within 1-2 days
Shortly thereafter, received an email that my application was endorsed by relevant government agencies
As requested, I updated my information and uploaded additional required documents to the BOI website
Two days later, I received an email that my application was moved to pre-approval status
I was asked to email additional required documents, which I did the same day
The following day, I received an email that my application was approved for visa issuance
Appointment Process
Made an appointment on the BOI website
Printed all documents in the "3. COLLECT YOUR LTR VISA" section of this website: https://ltr.boi.go.th/page/visa-issuance-info.html
Arrived at the One Start One Stop Investment Center (OSOS) 30 minutes early
Submitted my documents at the front desk where my paperwork was checked
Sat down and waited comfortably about 10 minutes, and was then asked to sign a couple documents and enter information on a tablet
About 10 minutes later, I was escorted to Immigration across the hall to get my picture taken
The BOI staff member handed in my documents to Immigration
I waited an additional 20 minutes in the OSOS until Immigration contacted BOI
I was then led back to Immigration to pay the 50,000 Baht fee using bank transfer (QR code)
I sat and waited at Immigration approximately 5 minutes until my name was called
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/