martin42f

I have been reading English language comments for many years, and frankly have been ashamed or bored with most (but not all) of them. Many are long time, many time contributors aruging or trying to "one-up" each other. We are visitors to another country and tend too often to be condescending or clever in our unasked for comments or "advice" to Thais telling them how to run their own country.

BUT, the editorial on "Democracy is not just about elections" generated some very thoughtful and fascinating responses without the usual sarcastic and condescending attempts at humor or pithy ironic comments. We are all concerned with a true Thai crisis and consequences of its resolution.

Contributors, thanks for that.

As of 17Dec04, room 301 of headquarters in Soi Suan Plu(Sathorn) has never heard of this policy. Pl. Capt. Panan Sirisamphan, Sub-Inspector (Resident Section) made some phone calls and said the article was in error, and it does NOT APPLY to retirees.

PLEASE CLARIFY as the "open window" for applying is only in the last two weeks of December, and the office never heard of it.......

Immigration boss explains new visas

Much less paperwork for some farangs

PATTAYA: -- Head of Pattaya’s immigration bureau, police colonel Ittipol Ittisarnronnachai, has announced that the foreign holders of some long visas will no longer have to provide mountains of paperwork every year. Once registered, they will be cleared for entry and exit for up to five years on a case by case basis. However, they will still need to obtain a re-entry permit if they do decide to leave the country.

To qualify for the new fast track facility, foreigners must hold a non immigrant visa, any type, and show that they have been “living” in Thailand for the past three years. The most obvious way of demonstrating this is to have held consecutive one year extensions authorized by the immigration bureau. Police colonel Ittipol said there were six categories of people eligible to transfer. These included farangs with a Thai spouse, those with a Thai dependant, retirees, substantial investors, work permit holders and special categories including diplomatic personnel.

Ittipol added it was not compulsory for eligible people to change to the multiple years’ option. They could continue making annual applications as in the past. Although the detail is still settling down, it is understood that applications for the multiple year visa can be made only in the Bangkok immigration headquarters in Soi Suan Plu (Sathorn). However, Pattaya immigration officers will be able to provide further details of the new system which bears some similarity to “green card” options operating in some parts of the world.

Applications have to lodged in the second half of December 2004. Otherwise you have to wait until late next year. Police colonel Ittipol explained that the fast track notion was designed to simplify visa life for long term farangs who had shown by their immigration record that they were contributing significantly to Thai economic and financial strength or had ongoing family responsibilities. He concluded that it was the aim of the immigration bureau to create a safe environment for all foreigners in the kingdom and that included a privileged status for the long stay residents as defined.

--Pattaya Today 2004-12-16

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Thanks to all for the good news.

1) I have been living in Thailand for 3 years with a 1 year renewable retirement visa. I am retired, not working. Do I need to file/pay Thai Taxes on my USA retirement pension and Social Security? I report this income to US Federal Tax Revenue Office each year.

2) I am planning on a one week visit to UK. Other than a re-entry permit, do I need any Thai tax documents to leave and then return? I don't want any problems at the Thai airport.

Thanks