Advertorial How to Retire in Thailand Comfortably

[SmartyMarty]

A friend of mine has just done the retirement visa here in CM. As the immigration people all spoke english, he did it directly. Saved himself about 15,000 + as the fee was around 2,000+. Forget the agents, they're just there to fleece you.

[Momofarang]

6 hours ago, Nemises said:

Thanks PD. They do say they use the help of agents and apparently the extension/multi entry stamps are issued by Thai IO Officials and are no different to the stamps obtained by non-agent assisted extensions. Many of the guys are frequently leaving/returning to Thailand without any border crossing issues using their agent-assisted extension passport stamps.

Dear Nemesis you have omitted the word "corrupt" somewhere in your post. I'd place it right after "issued by".

[Ron jeremy]

27 minutes ago, SmartyMarty said:

A friend of mine has just done the retirement visa here in CM. As the immigration people all spoke english, he did it directly. Saved himself about 15,000 + as the fee was around 2,000+. Forget the agents, they're just there to fleece you.

Sorry to hear about your friend, everyone has problems, perhaps things will turn around for him.

[Toadie]

On 12/30/2019 at 2:47 PM, losername said:

Is that right?  I thought it had to be 800k for at least three months after your extension of permission to stay.  Then you can spend provided the total does not fall below 400k.

Yes! Correct!

 

Dismissed the article straight after they cannot get the requirements right. Not bad given that point is pretty well cut and paste.

 

Stuff that up you don't have to worry about 90 day reporting...

[Lacessit]

On 12/30/2019 at 4:18 PM, Blue bruce said:

 you thai wife is entailed to all your assests.  ask me i found out. I'm out of a place  as bad as North Korea. good luck

You must have hired a fairly ordinary lawyer for that result.

Thai family law only divides assets 50:50 which are accumulated during the marriage. Any asset existing prior to the marriage remains the property of whoever had it initially.

Defacto relationships are not recognised by family law in Thailand, which is a good reason to avoid marriage.

[sungod]

If the ass dropped out of the baht tomorrow, all the whingers would say its great here despite the challenges for immigration.

 

Just admit its about the money..........

[Nemises]

20 hours ago, Momofarang said:

Dear Nemesis you have omitted the word "corrupt" somewhere in your post. I'd place it right after "issued by".

Dear Momofarang, Yes, maybe corrupt where you come from, but normal practice here.

 

When in Rome...

[Nemises]

21 hours ago, SmartyMarty said:

A friend of mine has just done the retirement visa here in CM. As the immigration people all spoke english, he did it directly. Saved himself about 15,000 + as the fee was around 2,000+. Forget the agents, they're just there to fleece you.

Indeed if you meet the financial requirements, forget the agents.

But (from what I understand) If you DON'T meet the financial requirements then goodbye, it's back from whence you came.... or.... if you want to stay here legally, use an agent.

Edited January 7, 2020 by Nemises

[Mike Teavee]

On 1/5/2020 at 2:15 AM, Cryingdick said:

 

That's funny. Anybody know this place and can identify it is in Thailand? Where is that wall?

Seems to be a pretty stock photo used by a lot of different sites, 1st occurance I can find on Tineye is 1st August 2016... https://tineye.com/search/487d86ccea03ae8a4891df3c10bd334eb126c3e2?page=1&sort=crawl_date&order=asc

 

If that link doesn't work, click on this guys Stock Photo site... https://unsplash.com/goian

[Mike Teavee]

On 1/5/2020 at 9:19 AM, Shot said:

La Jolla, San Diego. The first pic that is.

Great find... https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1464095718138-d9c47312eac5%3Fixlib%3Drb-1.2.1%26ixid%3DeyJhcHBfaWQiOjEyMDd9%26w%3D1000%26q%3D80&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Funsplash.com%2Fs%2Fphotos%2Fla-jolla%2C-san-diego%2C-united-states&docid=c1OMv0WH54Vc7M&tbnid=5m_tCxWuloeJTM%3A&vet=10ahUKEwj1vJ3hnvTmAhVX7HMBHT9QCG0QMwhxKAAwAA..i&w=1000&h=668&bih=633&biw=1163&q=La Jolla%2C San Diego images&ved=0ahUKEwj1vJ3hnvTmAhVX7HMBHT9QCG0QMwhxKAAwAA&iact=mrc&uact=8

 

[VBF]

On 1/4/2020 at 11:50 PM, yogi100 said:

You are making sense but I do not live in Thailand, I just visit Pattaya regularly for long holidays and have done so since 1999, 20 years ago. I actually first came in 1984 but it was a different world then.

 

Thai people and falangs have both developed negative attitudes about each other and it's probably usually quite understandable.

 

Pattaya and probably the rest of Thailand has become commercialised to such a degree that falangs are now taken for granted. We're no longer the welcome guests we used to be but an unwanted but necessary inconvenience as far as our spending power is concerned.

 

We're often resented particularly by Thai men and who can really blame them when they see us getting hold of their women and spending more in an evening than they can earn in a week.

 

Some say the attitude is all together different out in the boondocks but I know nothing about that. I just concern myself about Pattaya and may soon decide I no longer wish come here (Pattaya). But that's mainly because of the strong baht.

 

But a deteriorating attitude is definitely another strong factor along with the lack of pavements in busy sois such as Bhukaow and Diana. When you've seen a couple of nasty accidents involving falang pedestrians it makes you only too aware of what could happen to yourself. Especially as you get older.

 

The immigration and visa issues don't help either. I've said before I've never had an IO at the airport smile nor say welcome to Thailand when I've arrived for a holiday. That's not a good first impression for anyone. 

Your background and mine are almost mirrors, even the dates except that I first came to Thailand in 1985.

I would add that, IMO, it is different "out in the boondocks" - over the years I've visited friends and families of ladies (!) in Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Chaiyaphum and Loei.

However, I've never lived in those places and as a guest, I've always been well-received although "The Farang Boyfriend" usually is well looked after initially!

 

My friends who live in rural Thailand seem fairly content with their lots and generally get on with their neighbours.

 

Other than that, I think you've got it right @yogi100 at least for those of us who visit rather than reside in Thailand.

[legend49]

On 1/6/2020 at 4:19 PM, SmartyMarty said:

A friend of mine has just done the retirement visa here in CM. As the immigration people all spoke english, he did it directly. Saved himself about 15,000 + as the fee was around 2,000+. Forget the agents, they're just there to fleece you.

You obviously have never spent time in CNX IMO they do not ALL speak English. How did he save 15,000 + on a fee of 2,000+.???? Not very smarty.

[alfalfa19]

On 1/8/2020 at 6:44 AM, Mike Teavee said:

Great find... https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1464095718138-d9c47312eac5%3Fixlib%3Drb-1.2.1%26ixid%3DeyJhcHBfaWQiOjEyMDd9%26w%3D1000%26q%3D80&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Funsplash.com%2Fs%2Fphotos%2Fla-jolla%2C-san-diego%2C-united-states&docid=c1OMv0WH54Vc7M&tbnid=5m_tCxWuloeJTM%3A&vet=10ahUKEwj1vJ3hnvTmAhVX7HMBHT9QCG0QMwhxKAAwAA..i&w=1000&h=668&bih=633&biw=1163&q=La Jolla%2C San Diego images&ved=0ahUKEwj1vJ3hnvTmAhVX7HMBHT9QCG0QMwhxKAAwAA&iact=mrc&uact=8

 

i live in san diego and have been at that exact spot.  so these clowns are using stock images from la jolla to promote their hustle?

[gamini]

On 12/30/2019 at 2:23 PM, thrilled said:

To retire anywhere comfortably is all about the money. Most people if they have the extra money they wouldn’t retire in Thailand.

You probably don't know any wealthy people. All my expat friends ( and I have many) are wealthy and can afford to live in possibly any country. But we love the Thai people the food and many other good aspects of the country.

[BaanOz]

On 12/30/2019 at 2:29 PM, ThaivisaSales said:

• Visa application form, completely filled out
• Passport or travel document with at least 18 months of validity remaining
• Recent passport-sized photograph (3.5 x 4.5 cm), taken within the past 6 months
• Evidence of adequate finances (as stated above)
• Proof that you have retired

Never seen the last one before. How do you prove your retired?

[stropper]

On 12/30/2019 at 1:25 PM, crazykopite said:

The whole thing after 13 years of living here has become a pain in the backside I have fallen out of love with Thailand or if the truth be known immigration.once I have sold my property I shall be vacating never to return.

so after 13 years here , could you please advise where you think it is up to your standards of living  now !

[ThomasThBKK]

1 hour ago, BaanOz said:

Never seen the last one before. How do you prove your retired?

Have a 20 yo girlfriend.

 

 

- there's no proof needed, they might be talking about income letters from an embassy as a proof of having a pension, which is one of the methods to get a Retirment visa/extension.

[yankyoakum]

Jeze, I just got here and will stay and die here but been with my Thai wife coming up on 45 years.  Yea CM wasn't what we expected but there are lots of nice places here. Things have changed a lot in 40+ years, but so have they elsewhere. We will go down to the coast and see what its like, hope to convince her to rent for a year as others here have suggested. My perceived reality of what we dreamed of for 40 years and what we found upon arrival is lot different but we will figure it out... Talk about bad places, try West Africa, UK is not my home and to cold and dismal. We don't speak Spanish and wifes from here so here we are. I have been in some really sorry places but managed to make a go of it, dude think positive, quit winging and pull up yr big girl panties and rock on... or By Lao...but quit complaining, it is depressing to read.

[sucit]

On 12/30/2019 at 4:18 PM, Blue bruce said:

after 9 years in Thailand 6 years id Bangkok, 3 years in Buriram. I am out as 0f today. my next plan is california for a few months with my daughter  than onto to puerto Vallarta Mexico or Panama. Sick of the beaucrats and double pricing. sick of the new rules ever other month. next it will be 400,000 medical for everyone. being here is the same as being in North Korea. They can lock you up for no reason for any a mount of time and your you thai wife is entailed to all your assests.  ask me i found out. I'm out of a place  as bad as North Korea. good luck

I just showed your post to a group of Thais, and they all shed tears thinking of your exiting. 

[Rod the Sod]

On 1/5/2020 at 6:04 AM, sirineou said:

While all true,and I share some of your frustrations,  let's not forget that we have a very negative attitude about them, and I think they know it. 

How do you like people that dont like you? not very much I am willing to bet.

And how about our fake smiles? where we wai and smille, and when we think they cant hear as we trash them. 

One might argue that it is a chicken and egg issue, and what came first. But I have being in Thailand for over thirteen years now, and I have seen it change and IMO I think that it is because they are on to as. Well some of as ,but they paint as all with the same brush as we paint them all with the same bush.   

This is their country, their way of life, for better or for worse, They don't need to change we have too, and if we don't want to (and there might be good reasons why we might not want to) then we need to go someplace more conducive to our needs.   

Personally I like Thailand the way it is,or was,  If I want it it to be just like the west I would had stayed there. Some of as want some things to change, but not others, we want our cake and eat it too. 

I don't know, am I making any sense to you?

Well, if you types "us" instead of "as" it would make much easier reading and more sense. Guess you are from US. It is one thing to pronounce everything completely wrong, but to also spell it completely wrong!! I shall be reporting you to Her Majesty just as soon as she has finished with Harry and Andrew!!

[ThaiWai]

On 12/30/2019 at 1:25 PM, crazykopite said:

The whole thing after 13 years of living here has become a pain in the backside I have fallen out of love with Thailand or if the truth be known immigration.once I have sold my property I shall be vacating never to return.

Well there is good new on the horizon so long as you are Indian or Chinese and don't spend any money on short visits.  If you are white and spend a ton of money here annually you are not welcome so good riddance.  I heard this from a fly on the wall at the local Immigration Office.

[Thingamabob]

On 12/30/2019 at 1:23 PM, thrilled said:

To retire anywhere comfortably is all about the money. Most people if they have the extra money they wouldn’t retire in Thailand.

Why not ?

[Thingamabob]

1 hour ago, sucit said:

I just showed your post to a group of Thais, and they all shed tears thinking of your exiting. 

Bye, bye..

[Thingamabob]

On 12/30/2019 at 4:07 PM, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

 

For retirement extensions, it's at least 800K for a couple months before applying, and then a couple more months after applying. And then, at least 400K for the remainder of the year cycle until a couple months before your next application. And rinse and repeat.800

 

800K is not required to be on deposit yearround, only 5-6 months of the year. And then the rest of the year it only needs to be at least 400K. At least, that's what Immigration's actual retirement extension rules say.

 

Marriage extensions are a lot simpler. Only 400K for a couple months prior to applying, and the no minimum amount thereafter, until just ahead of your next application cycle.

 

 

 

I don't agree. 800k route much simpler, but more expensive.

[Thingamabob]

Here nearly 40 years. Still a great place to be. If you don't have enough money  to retire here then don't come here and then start moaning about it. 

[watso63]

Without enough funds retiring can be miserable so what's the excuse for so many miserable types that have plenty? The answer lies within. I'm coming up to living in Thailand for 8 years and still loving it. A few minor irritations that I suspect is because of douche bags that have scammed the system for years on end (corrupt Thai officials just as guilty). Thailand is still a great country to retire to for those that can adapt and pay their own way.

[watso63]

4 hours ago, BaanOz said:

Never seen the last one before. How do you prove your retired?

Not hard. Have a pension income letter, show funds coming in every month and Bingo. I retired from the military aged 42 and have the pension to prove it. The t's&c's of my Non O extension based on retirement are that I sign to accept I'm inelligable for employment in Thailand. Seems to work, at least for me????

[mike787]

On 12/30/2019 at 9:10 AM, ravip said:

On 12/30/2019 at 7:23 AM, thrilled said:

To retire anywhere comfortably is all about the money. Most people if they have the extra money they wouldn’t retire in Thailand.

You hit the nail right on the head!

This explains in one sentence why there are so many whingers, Thai bashers and keyboard warriors herein. Living on a tight budget for the rest of your life with no other choice even to go home is absolute torture, no doubt. Hence, the desperation is easy to understand.

Very sad indeed.

BOTH of you nailed it!...between the whingers, thai bashers, keyboard warriors, and THai immigration nonsense...it is a very sad state of affairs here.  On a positive note, it inspires some of us to seek a path of least or less resistance, ie, vietnam, Cambodia, etc....

[tomauasia]

Stay away from bar girls and Thai men and your sweet

[Nemises]

12 hours ago, mike787 said:

On a positive note, it inspires some of us to seek a path of least or less resistance, ie, vietnam,

Vietnam... "less resistance"??..................

 

Good luck being allowed to buy a car if you retire in Vietnam.