pepper402

2 hours ago, Misty said:

Hi Pepper, congratulations on receiving approval.  You can apply for an e-visa at this site:  https://www.thaievisa.go.th/    You'll see the "Long-Term Resident Visa" listed as one of the options as you scoll down.

 

I think the payment is done as with similar e-visas, by credit or debit card. Let us know what the LA consulate is charging. You're in new territory now and are our "eyes and ears" as we used to say. I don't think anyone else has done this yet! I plan to apply soon via the NY consulate.

 

We all have lots of questions too, so please report back what you learn.

 

In past experience, I learned that the best way to communicate with US consulates in either LA or NY was by FB DM.  So if you have questions for them, try that.  I did once talk to LA consulate after a very long wait on hold, but didn't get much info and don't recommend that approach.

 

Here's the link:  https://www.facebook.com/thaiconsulatela/

 

Cheers!  Misty

Misty, I will certainly report back as soon as I can figure things out.  Unfortunately, I am going to have to wait until I get my new Passport, which should hopefully be in four to six weeks.  When I receive my new Passport, I will try to remove my old Passport from the BOI documents and submit a scan of my new one. Regarding the e-visa, I'm confused as to how this works.  After I receive the LTR approval from the BOI, do I then apply for an e-visa on the Thai Los Angeles Embassy website?  It doesn't look like this is functioning yet.  Then what?  What will I get from the e-visa? Will I need a "stamp" or something in my Passport?  

I was also just approved. Unfortunately, I am no longer in Thailand and don’t have any plans to return within the next 60 days…   I’ve tried calling the Thai Embassy in Los Angeles numerous times over the past several weeks and no one ever answers the phone.  If I go to Los Angeles and walk in, I’m confident that they will turn me away and tell me that I have to first make an appointment.  I will ask how I do that and I’m pretty sure they will tell me that I need to call them to do that....   I’ve also just sent my Passport in for renewal so the Passport on my LTR application is no longer valid

-          Is an E-Visa possible?  How would I go about doing that?

-          How do I pay the 50,000 Baht.  How much will the Embassy add as a surcharge via unfavorable exchange rate or other charges?

-          Can someone pay at the Chamchuri office for me, and then I can get the passport stamp at a later date?

I have lots of questions.

2 hours ago, ThailandRyan said:

Just checked the status of my application still in processing, but since I submitted my new PCH HI policy last Wednesday, the bottom buttons now on page 4 are now gone and there is no way to submit any new documents.  Seems it is in the final review process, keeping my fingers crossed I hear something back by the 22nd which is 20 actual days from when submitted, if you go by a 5 day work week then the 20 days would be the 30th,  I also can not change any items in the fields on any of the pages now as well.

I am in the same status.  I can add or remove items from #1 to #17 but can't "submit" (is that the bottom button you are referring to)?  I wonder if I add a document will the bottom buttons reappear.    I talked to a live person last week who told me that it would take 20 business days.  I did not want to bring to his attention the fact that the website says "within 20 business days).  I'm going to call again early next week.  I'll post results.  

18 minutes ago, Misty said:

I know one applicant with processing and one with pending, both supposed to hear by 29 Sep. Another applicant with processing, not sure their date.

It was similar with the skytrain, the project was under construction for maybe 5 years right through the main streets of Bangkok. Kind of hard to miss. Lots of interest as the initial test runs were conducted. Still when it opened, there were very few riders. Way below projections. You’d think people liked to sit in traffic jams. But I guess habits take awhile to change.

 

It would be really nice if they had a chart which showed the stages of the process.  Is processing ahead or behind pending?  What comes next?  They should be reading these forums, or have a feedback button. I was also one of the early Skytrain riders.  It's a giant concrete monstrosity but great way to get around. 

3 hours ago, ThailandRyan said:

Just read the article in the paper we can not link to on the LTR visas. It appears they have had 400 applications, many from retirees for the LTRWP.  Appears many Chinese have also applied.  Will be interesting. I hopefully will hear back by the 22nd or soon after that. My current extension of stay expires in November and I normally go to CW in October and renew that extension of stay 30 days prior.  Keeping my fingers crossed. Wishing all who have applied good luck as well.

I have a feeling that 400 applicants is not what they expected - especially since they have been advertising this program for months.  At this rate it will take 45 years to reach the 1 Million target.  I also have a feeling that to save face, someone is going to give orders to get more applications approved.  Anyone else have "processing" in their status?  Is the next status update "approved" or "denied" ?

33 minutes ago, ThailandRyan said:

On the actual application in step 4 where you upload documents there is this section to upload your tax documents as well as income documents

I was confused by this too.  Did they mean to put a comma after income?  A comma changes the definition.   Think:  Let's eat, grandma vs. Let's eat grandma. 

I couldn't understand why they would want evidence of income tax payments to another jurisdiction

My application now says "Processing" - sounds like progress, but who knows.  

4 hours ago, ThailandRyan said:

Better read the last sentence in your post, it does not require an in-person visit if done by E-Visa after being approved.

 

"In the case of collecting LTR Visa at the Royal Thai Embassies/the Royal Thai Consulate Generals overseas or E-visa, fee may vary depending on the currency exchange rate of each country"

Thank you, Ryan.  I obviously failed to read this carefully and I am not familiar with the E-visa.  I presume I can pay with a credit card or check and don't need anything stamped in my Passport.  I will be renewing my Passport in a few months so I'm guessing there will be some required paperwork to have them change the Passport number associated with my LTR visa (if approved).

30 minutes ago, Northwest87 said:

For planning purposes, that's something it would be interesting to know though. Regarding the LA consulate, it's also a 6-7 hours drive for me, but I had a visa issued before by sending them my passport, and that was well before the issuance of e-visas, so I would not expect to have to travel there.

 

NW

This LTR seems to require an in-person visit.

Visa Issuance

Qualified applicants may proceed with applying for LTR Visa issuance at the Royal Thai Embassies/the Royal Thai Consulate Generals overseas or Immigration offices in Thailand within 60 days from the issuance date of the endorsement letter. The processing fee for the 10-year visa with multiple entry is 50,000 Baht per person in case of collecting LTR Visa in Thailand. In the case of collecting LTR Visa at the Royal Thai Embassies/the Royal Thai Consulate Generals overseas or E-visa, fee may vary depending on the currency exchange rate of each country.

On 9/9/2022 at 2:42 AM, ThailandRyan said:

New e-mail today from the LTR Unit

 

Dear xxxx,    First of all we're terribly sorry for taking so long to reply your email. We're currently inundated with thousands of inquiries for LTR visa. However we're thankful for your everyone's patience and interests in making Thailand your home.  Your document has been well-received. Your application is already under the final consideration process. We will contact you shortly.

Kind regards,  LTR Visa Unit    As for the other e-mails I received there has been no information on those which indicated an appointment for the sealing of the visa in my passport, maybe this is what they are waiting on.

"Final consideration process".  I think they like you.  I was able to reach someone by phone to ask if I can get approval (or not) by Sept 21 as I am in Thailand now and this would allow me to pay for the visa at Chamchuri Square office. Otherwise, I'm not sure I'll get this visa.  The closest Embassy to me in California is seven hour drive each way and I don't think I will be back in Thailand within the prescribed 60 day window to consummate my visa.  The guy I spoke with spoke English well and seemed like a nice guy but stated that approval takes 20 business days.  On their website it states 'within 20 days"

4 hours ago, ThailandRyan said:

The LTR states that we will receive a reply within 20 days.  The email states that I will receive a reply in exactly 20 business days...   I sent them a Line question - not read and no reply...  ????

4 hours ago, ThailandRyan said:

OK Folks,

 

I just received an email from the LTR.BOI unit. As I already knew my HI insurance for my PCH Policy here in the Country ends on November 22nd, and my US policy I also supplied has it's annual policy period ending at the end of the year, but is a lifetime medical policy.  I am in the process of Renewing my PCH Policy early to show that it continues onward.

 

Here is what I was sent:

 

With regards to the application No. LTRWPxxxxxx registered on September 5, 2022.   Please note that your health insurance does not meet the LTR criteria (Health insurance policy covering entire course of stay in Thailand, with coverage for hospitalization treatment of no less than 50,000 USD.)  Please send new Health insurance policy with coverage for hospitalization treatment of no less than 50,000 USD after you get approval, but before making the visa issuance.   If no additional evidence is requested, you will be notified of the result on September 30, 2022 (decision timeframes will take 20 working days from September 5, 2022 excluding weekends and public holidays).   Kind regards, LTR Visa Unit

Not expecting any more evidence requests.   TR.

2 hours ago, Northwest87 said:

It looks to me like this is what I'll have to do too, although I'll check with my insurer to see if they're willing to help with a letter of justification. In view of the annual gov employees FEHB open season, in which retirees can also participate and switch insurer, I think the insurer might balk since technically they don't know if I will renew or switch.

I was able to get a letter from Blue Cross Blue Shield stating that my policy expires in 2099 but they would not write anything about my policy limits - since I don't have any.   It took me four tries. The first letter detailed my copay and deductible which could have easily confused BOI staff. the LTR requirements state that my insurance will cover $50 K or more and I can't get that in writing so.... we'll see.   I'm in "pending" status.   

5 hours ago, ThailandRyan said:

I received an E-mail requesting that I complete the Work Permit request form, which was listed on the Website also when I checked on the status of my application, even though I checked the NO box under do you wish to receive a work permit.  So I created a Word Document in which I stated that I did not want a work permit and declined the offer, I then submitted it via the website.  I was also asked to supply a photo, of which I scanned one into my computer and added it to the application as well.  Waiting to see what happens on Monday or Tuesday after the lady reviewing my application reviews the information.

I had the exact same requests!  I also checked "NO" for the work permit and was asked to complete a work permit request, and supply a photo.   I scanned the exact same photo as my  passport photo and hope they won't do the math and recognize that it's nine years old.

1 hour ago, mudcat said:

I raised the question about 10-month validity for an existing policy during the webinar (receiving an expression of understanding of the issue); having no official response I followed up with and an email to the webinar presenter, presenting my current policy and three-years of signed receipts - no answer as of yet: 

 

Could you please direct this question to Ms Kantarot Laopradith who presented the August 19th webinar.

 

Dear Ms  Kantarot Laopradith

 

You were so kind to respond to a number of questions I had during the webinar.  I want to present more detailed information about my situation in regards to LTR's requirement for 10-months of remaining health insurance validity at the time of the BoI's final approval letter.

 

My question during the webinar was whether there could be some forbearance for those of us who have maintained LTR compliant coverage over a number of years.  This allows those of us with an existing LTR compliant policy to be approved based on that basis contingent upon your  review.  As most health insurance policies issue on an annual basis, requiring 10-months of remaining validity for those of us with existing coverage creates about a 2-month window for approval between invoice being presented, payment being made, and the signed receipt being received.  

 

One of the important advantages of the LTR visa is the rational health insurance requirement unlike some of the immigration issued extensions such as the shifting and bewildering health insurance  requirements for those extending an OA visa, causing much angst in that community.  

 

The LTR opens up the opportunity to put my health insurance dollars where they are most protective of my health and finances. I plan to modify my existing policy, by dropping my outpatient coverage and increasing my deductible from 20,000 to 40,000 ThB.  The savings generated will more than allow me to increase my total cover from 3-million to 5-million ThB.

 

I have reached out to Pacific Cross but have been informed that they will re-open a policy only upon renewal, which in my case is January 12, setting my earliest receipt back into late December even if I turn around their invoice on the same day.  

 

I would appreciate hearing whether the LTR program can give consideration for those like myself who have maintained LTR compliant health insurance over time.

 

 

I attach the last three years of coverage receipts, my schedule of benefits, and my analysis spreadsheet.

Mudcat, your pose a valid question (I have the same issue), and sent a very-well written letter. I can't help but wonder if simplifying the language and leaving out non-essential text would make it easier to get a response from a likely non-native English speaker.   Just a thought. 

The LTR is open for business!  It's much better and easier to use than I expected (compared to the Thai Pass).  Easy instructions, easy to upload documents, etc. .  It seems that they added a new section "Evidence of income tax payment or annual personal income tax return" .  I submitted a copy of my pension payment which shows taxes withheld (Hope that is sufficient).  

Unless I missed something, there wasn't anywhere for me to upload documents proving my income!

I wasn't able to add children.  The field was there but it was greyed out

It already shows pending status and even shows the agent/analyst who is handling my application.

8 hours ago, ThailandRyan said:

Just received a new e-mail indicating my LTR for Wealthy Pensioner has Final approval.  I was given a number which started with the letters LTRWP with 8 numbers following. 

 

The e-mail indicated this:

 

"please make an appointment to seal the number"

Best regards,

The Board of Investment of Thailand

 

There was an individual email account listed which was a Thai name with a Gmail account.  

 

I emailed the name to Inquire when and where this number could be sealed in my passport. Hopefully this was not a scam e-mail like folks received after applying for Thai Pass as the email it originated from was this.

 

Congratulations, Ryan!  How many pages total was your document submission?  Did you attach monthly income statements for two years, or just submit one annual statement.  Did you submit monthly asset statements?  Did you attach copies of all Passport pages with a Thai entry stamp?  Thanks!

Only about 35 hours until the official launch of the LTR on Sept 1.  I submitted an application for prescreening about 10 days ago and never heard back.  I think I'm going to just submit my formal application on the 1st unless anyone has a better suggestion.  Thanks.  

6 hours ago, DodgerRodger said:

Got a reply to my questions, copied below (Q1 has been misunderstood by BOI)

 

1.May I please ask if the 10-year LTR visa has any restriction on the number of days the visa holder is required to be resident inside Thailand in one year?   Answer: There is no restriction on the number of days the visa holder is required to be resident inside Thailand in one year prior to the LTR Visa application.

 

3 hours ago, Boomer6969 said:

Did exactly the same, and same result. Promising.

Dear BOI: 

Below is an email you could send to everyone who submits an LTR application for pre-screening.  It takes 5 seconds to send and doesn’t require personalization (Dear Sir/Madam). 

You spent millions of Dollars on the Elite Visa program which has been in place for many years and attracted less than 9,000 applicants in total (program was introduced in 2003!).  Small things like receipt acknowledgement, consistent practices and policies, timely review and replies, reduced paperwork burden, etc. will help make this new program a success.  

----

Dear Sir/Madam,

Thank you for submitting your Long-Term Resident application for a pre-screening.  We will review your application and get back to you with any errors that need to be corrected, or requirements for additional documentation. 

Thailand Board of Investment

I submitted my pre-screening request on Aug 19 and haven't heard back.  Should I send them an email asking to confirm that they received it and for a status update?  I don't want be a pest. It would be nice if they sent an email confirming receipt.  It would also be nice if pre-screening doesn't find any issues with the application that the "official" review also doesn't find any issues. 

15 minutes ago, Lacrimas said:

What is your problem with a simple Non O? the 800k in a bank? To me this whole thing is a travesty but feel free to indulge.

My incentive (and I might be looking at this incorrectly) is to be able to visit Thailand as often as I like and stay longer than 30 or 45 days if I want to without headache or bureaucracy.  

13 hours ago, ThailandRyan said:

 

This should be the number to call.

Thanks, Ryan.  I submitted a draft application via email for review.  I'll report back when I get a reply.  

Just now, pepper402 said:

 

Ryan, how did you submit your application?  I went through every link on the website and couldn't find anything.  I got an error message when I tried to submit a question.  Thanks