cusanus

19 hours ago, rumak said:

I believe a large majority of single westerners come here to get away from lives that were not happy Unfortunately very few (from what i have seen) have taken advantage of the different way of life that thailand offers.  Pretty much like children that despise their parents and then proceed to become just like them.   For all that are making a better life here i applaud you.  Bring that thai smile to immigration with you. Yes, it might not be 100 % genuine,  but with practice it does tend to grow on you.

It's been nearly 14 years as close to heaven on earth as you could imagine. Wonderful, plus ten years of absolute marital bliss, many joyful family additions. I could go on for a long time...

14 minutes ago, rumak said:

I probably was not too happy to see you arrive just a scant 14 years ago ( ???? )........but do "like" the fact you enjoy and appreciate what we have here.   As for changing the attitudes of the multitudes arrived or arriving I am afraid the dam has burst...... 

Hmmm, well, I never even noticed there were like buttons and emoticons and such or considered them useful in this context. I think what you're trying to say is about what Will Rogers said when the city of Great Falls Montana held a dinner in his honor, was it in the 40s. Something to the effect, "I'm very honored, but must confess that I wish none of you were here." The last 14 years have been well worth living, but the prior 57 anything but, except for the three as a kid I spent fishing by myself. I'm hoping to die here in peace. 

42 minutes ago, stephenterry said:

My visa company also revealed that there is no need to start queuing at 4am for retirement extension as the process has been streamlined so that an applicant can walk in anytime during opening hours and not get delayed. Has anyone done that? 

Visa company? You mean agent, right? So why bother with an agent if it's that easy? Just curious.

37 minutes ago, NancyL said:

I don't think you'll be charged with "overstay" for failure to have a TM30 on file before filing an application for a retirement extension, but rather you'll be fined even though it's the responsibility of the home owner to file the TM30.  1600 baht seems to be the standard fine in Chiang Mai, although they impose a larger fine.

Was at least two years ago I found out about it and ran down and paid the 1600 baht fine. Maybe you got lucky. For 10+ years before there was no mention ever, nobody did it, but it was always the law. 

2 hours ago, Thailand said:

And the simple fact remains NOBODY knows if immigration will alter their requirements in the future and until then pure speculation.

Until then, the 800,000 baht / 3 month rule stands.  Is borrowing the required amount really a gambit? Lenders usually require collateral. Also, if you can get better interest elsewhere, why should you be required to let it sit for 12 months in a Thai commercial bank? And just how does the IO determine whether or not the 800,000 baht deposit is a gambit or simply a more efficient use of the money?  

15 hours ago, CharlieH said:

This is not the place to discuss "Wills".

Seems very little is resolved, and I probably should apologize to Nancy because she is indeed right, you must keep 800,000 baht on deposit during the three month period BEFORE going to Immigration to renew your visa. Before or after there is no rule. Otherwise, what hasn't changed either, is that you must show 65,000 baht/mo income or a combination of both. For example, if you only generate 700,000 baht income, you must have 100,000 baht on deposit for three months prior. Well, 65,000 x 12 is only 780,000 isn't it, so there may be a little give and take there. But what is getting people really upset is that the consultes no longer do income letters for submission to Immigration, and some are saying that Immigration won't accept foreign statements of income. YOU tell us your experience, because it seems to me that the annual Social Security statement and/or 1099R is a pretty good proof, and most pensions can give you a statement and of course all produce a 1099R, at least in the states. I sure don't have the answers for what will or will not satisfy Immigration. And then there are those who produce income by other means which may be rejected. For those affected by these issues we need people who will provide their own experiences in the coming months. I guess that could be too late for some. BUT, a much better option is to take whatever proof or evidence prior to that time to Immigration and wait for someone and ASK the horse. Right? Then report back to the rest of us. I also think that a letter from the bank proving 65,000 x 3 baht for three months prior will satisfy Immigration; at least this is what I vaguely remember doing myself 14 years ago, but then I also brought about $25,000 baht over in cash. So, don't believe anyone on the forum, just GO ASK THE HORSE, right? 

10 hours ago, NancyL said:

I know of numerous situations where survivors have been able to repatriate money back to the the U.S., even in the absence of a Final Will, although it's much easier if the deceased had the foresight to write a Final Will.  As for me, I plan to leave the 800,000 baht to local charities to make it easier for my executor. Our U.S. financial planner has no problem with a portion of our retirement savings being tied up this way.  Maybe because in the big picture, it's really not much money and it gives us a ready source of cash here.

A couple of points. The 800,000 baht need only be on deposit for the 90 days (or was it 3 months) prior to renewing an extension, not quite the big deal some are making of it, or correct me if I'm wrong. You can also put a beneficiary on an account, otherwise it will likely not be split the way you want, I think 50% spouse and 50% equally among children. But I think Bangkok Bank (and probably the others) will require a will before allowing a beneficiary (been der done dat). Be sure the will is properly signed (two witnesses, one is NOT legal), and unless you own real property in Thailand you should outline the will using legal boilerplate available in your home country. You can do that while in Thailand and have it notarized by the embassy, then take it to the bank and get the proper forms signed by both account owner and beneficiary. Most SOP last will packets include a number of other forms such as medical power of attorney and general power of attorney, the latter is advisable in case you become incapable of managing your own affairs, and do not be a fool, because undesirable relatives are more than likely to pounce and wrest control away from you at that point. Seriously, take heed. 

7 hours ago, CharlieH said:

Are there ANY first hand accounts of this ? As "he said she said" etc doesnt really count for much. (No offence)

 

Reports of people doing extensions with other than the deposit method (800k or 400k) in the following weeks/months will shed some light on the ""guidelines". 

Actual and factual experiences will be the only real way to enlighten and inform others as to what is actually working and acceptable.

I can only say how it worked for my ex wife and me when we arrived in early 2005. We didn't prove income by statements showing foreign income, but by a letter from the bank saying that over a 90 day period we had deposited 65,000 baht or more in Thailand originating from a foreign source, the assumption being is that this was sustainable. It may be different now. 

2 hours ago, Thailand said:

Where did you hear that?

Believe it was this forum, or at least another on Thaivisa.com. If it mattered to me I would pay a special visit to Immigration and make a personal inquiry. 

10 hours ago, connda said:

If that's the case, about 1/3 of the expats on Non-O visa extension are going to be freaking out, especially those with extensions ending in the first Quarter of 2019. 

My understanding may be wrong, but I thought it was that the Consulates will only do them through the end of this year, but that would make them good at least through January I would think. Also, if you have statements showing your pension and/or social security, wouldn't Immigration accept those? It's all gotten rather confusing it seems so I just keep 800,000 baht in an account. It would be a real tough situation if the rules switch and you're not prepared. Also heard that if you have a marital dependent then a joint 800,000 account no longer works, but it has to be 1.6 million baht, so why have a dependent visa? 

2 hours ago, geronimo said:

Sales may be on the increase but how does one know usage is on the increase ?   Market friction ....

Word gets out...

On 6/11/2018 at 8:48 AM, lvr181 said:

I met a very lovely girl who works in a bank and we had a wonderful short time together - what's "illegal" about this 'sex toy'?

What I've read and believe to be true is that sex toys are not illegal in Thailand, only that it is illegal to import them. That makes sense to me because the websites are all too obvious and claim their products are made in Thailand.

4 hours ago, Thailand said:

Q: Has it already been noticed (?) that the Chiang Mai immigration office is now: Opened from 6 AM to 8 PM (6:00 to 20:00h) Monday to Friday

A: Three weeks now? Appears to be BJ's influence. Can see it changing as time goes by, we will see.

Find that hard to believe. Mon to Fri or Mon through Fri? Is someone cracking a whip, paying overtime or hiring new blood?

On 11/12/2015 at 9:57 AM, manchesterlalala said:

Given my reading of previous instances of "new" processes being reported, I would be surprised if people did not say this is just a case of the rules finally being applied. However, I have been on the triple-entry tourist visa for three years now. I have made several trips to the immigration offices in Saphan Hin (Phuket Town), Chaeng Wattana (Bangkok), and now Jomtien/Chonburi –

and I have never been asked for this proof of address before.

I wonder if this is a surprise to other people?

This is an old post, but the TM30 proof of residence for permanent visas was always a requirement with the stub stapled into the passport same as the last 90 day stub; however, it was not enforced or done at all when I arrived in 2005. Then suddenly only a few years ago it was enforced with a 1600 baht fine if you didn't already have the stub in your passport that you couldn't have had in the first place. My Thai wife stubbornly refused to believe me until I took her to Immigration and she heard if from the horse's mouth. These things just happen, don't let it get under your skin. 

28 minutes ago, Lungstib said:

Just a point of interest. I live 200 kms from Chiang Mai Immigration but we have a closer office at Fang, dealing mainly with Burmese immigrant workers, which will do 90 day reports but not visa extensions. Yesterday afternoon a pick-up with 4 uniformed immigration officers arrived at my house suggesting I was overstayed. They had what looked like a computer print out list of every foreigner in the area. They didn't give me any facts about where my overstay was notified from, seemed more concerned to see my wife was also here, that we actually lived at this address and we were not running a business. No complaints, they were polite doing their job but they were wring about the overstay, thankfully. 

Scary. Glad it turned out ok. 

9 hours ago, moe666 said:

I was at the US Consulate a few days ago for my last income letter and decided to bite the bullet and got the Consulate letter of residency, I find it interesting no one ever complains about 50 dollars for a little stamp but carry on like the end of the world is around the cornor when some one pays 1000b for a expidited certificate from Thai immigration. Got what I needed no hassel no mess paid the price

Given the overall moderate costs of living in Thailand and wonderful culture, these are nibbles I also take in stride; however, I've been caught up in six years of legal battles due to fraudulent charges against my ex wife and then my wife. The court system is terribly incompetent and the attorneys as well ignorant of standard legal procedures but bent on squeezing cash for doing almost nothing. My wife was threatened with five years in prison and loss of her pension unless she coughed up an additional 2 million baht. After five years I finally pushed the evidence and proof before the court proving her innocent, but she was unable to recover a million baht (and million tears) they'd wrung out of her already. During all this time a dozen or so felonies were committed but despite tough laws nobody is ever prosecuted, so you have no protection. Try to keep clear of trouble in Thailand especially if not fluent in Thai because you're a sitting duck. Oh, when needing my residency certificate 14 years ago all I did was go to a separate building next to the old parking lot with my rental agreement. Can't remember any wait or any payment, but things change. Since then the yellow book has been sufficient.

6 hours ago, Skytrain2hell said:

Cheers. One order did get held up and we never found out why. Never got a notice, or a phone call. We don't know if it was held up in India or here, but it took a good 6 weeks to arrive. After 4 weeks the Indian pharmacy incredibly sent out another order for me for free ($200 USD). Then both packages arrived within days of each other, stamped 4 weeks apart.

That's funny! I hear that happens sometimes when packages are being looked over at the port of arrival (Bangkok). The postal service is remarkably efficient in Thailand, but the local branch here was almost 3 days late forwarding my last 90 day report. Nothing serious, though, I got the stub fine.

10 hours ago, Skytrain2hell said:

Ordinary post. Never had a customs issue through 3 orders. I just ordered again for a friend, and that should be here in 2 weeks. Will let you know if anything strange happens. 

Thanks, good to know. Ordinary post is usually fine, but for the past few years I'm unable to order vitamins. Some companies have quit shipping altogether and the others use courier. The couriers and customs have an agreement such that a few orders are let through but most are seized pending uncertain outcome. A healthy bribe may get them released or they may retain part or all of the shipment and in rare cases levy nasty fines. I'm still interested in finding a supplier here in Thailand. No, I'm not an alcoholic, but a friend has a different reason for taking an interest. Thank you. 

5 hours ago, EricTh said:

I think they won't open bank account to tourists anymore because the average tourist doesn't have much money in their bank account and they only stay for a short term so it's a waste of time for the bank to maintain your account. However, if you were to tell them the real purpose of the bank account which is to bring in 800k for retirement purpose, they should be more than happy to oblige and You won't be considered a tourist anymore.

Yes, Kad Suan Kaew branch seems to have the biggest number of retirees with an account there in Chiang Mai...

That's how I did it 14 years ago at the Mai Rim branch. Every social security recipient gets an annual statement of benefits which should be helpful, also  a 1099 and any other pension you should get a 1099. 

On 9/21/2017 at 2:08 PM, Skytrain2hell said:

I buy it online from India. Takes about two weeks to arrive.

https://www.reliablerxpharmacy.com/

Doesn't customs seize it? Does it come by courier or ordinary post? 

59 minutes ago, SiamAndy said:

 

Hi Nancy, I did try... They told me I need a Non Imm O visa, then I can open it. Is there a particular bank officer there that I should ask for?

I know it's been a very long time since I did this. I did it at the Mae Rim branch as I lived near there. I didn't have the Non-O for a few months because the person who was supposed to help me instead turned out to sabotage the effort, so I was stuck. Anyway, I didn't have to show any Thai bank account just to get the Non-O as I remember, not sure but maybe I showed my US bank statement to show recurring income. Maybe I should just keep a lid on it.  

1 hour ago, SiamAndy said:

 

2 hours ago, NancyL said:

There was a recent report of someone converting a tourist visa to a non-O at CM Immigration very easily.  This used to be a difficult process to do at CM Imm.  The cost for the conversion is 2000 baht.

 

As mentioned CM Imm may not be impressed with overseas bank statements.  It would be best to open a bank account in Thailand and transfer 800,000 baht soon so that it can age for at least 2 months, the length of time needed for the first extension of a non-O.  After that the money should age at least 3 months.

 

The income letter should be OK for the initial conversion but money in the bank in Thailand will be the best way to secure future extensions since the situation is so unsettled about what EXACTLY CM Imm will accept next year for proof of income once Consulate/Embassy letters are discontinued.

So based on what Nancy mentioned, One original affidavit should be enough for both the application for the 90 day Non Immigrant O and the subsequent  conversion/application for a 12 month visa based on retirement.  I just wanted to confirm that.

Oh yeah, I forgot, you can get the non-O in Thailand now. But think the 800,000 baht must be on deposit for at least 90 days. Originally, I had no trouble getting an account at Bangkok Bank on a tourist visa, explaining the non-O was pending and I needed to bring in the moolah, so you might give that a try.  It looks like the income letters may not suffice among other things, so I keep 800,000 baht in the bank. As for overseas bank statements, yeah, kind of scary isn't it, because you can't be sure what they'll approve or not. Originally, I got the non-O/retirement visa just by showing overseas bank statements with recurring income and periodic transfers and a bank letter, but was always a bit nervous so started keeping 800,000 baht in a fixed account. That's surely the most secure method. 

1 hour ago, SiamAndy said:

I arrived in Chiang Mai about 2 weeks ago on a Single Entry tourist visa. I will be applying for a 90 day Non Immigrant O visa at Chiang Mai immigration once I get the income affidavit from the American Consulate in a few days (I do have supporting bank statements showing the required income as well).  Can I use the same affidavit to later apply for the 12 month extension of stay based upon retirement? Would that involve using a photocopy for the application for the 90 day Non Immigrant O and then using the original to apply for the 12 month extension of stay based upon retirement?

Or would it be best to get 2 original income affidavits from the American Consulate just in case since I will not be able to get an affidavit after December 31st?

I'm pretty sure you'll have to get the non-O outside Thailand, Vientiane or Penang, then you have 90 days to apply for the retirement visa. That's what I had to do years ago. I thought the income letter was good for only 30 days, but others say otherwise, but why bother if you you have the bank statements showing the right amounts? You'll need a letter from the bank the first time around and a transaction on that day showing in your book. The easiest is to get the retirement visa in the US before coming to Thailand.