Popular Post DogNo1 Posted October 29, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted October 29, 2020 I wonder how retirees feel about the security of living in Thailand in light of plight of so many who can’t return to Thailand and will see their residence status expire. Do you see the pandemic as just a one-time glitch and believe that once it is safe, it will be safe to live in Thailand and once again become routine to consistently extend your permission to stay? If lockouts occur in the future, retirees will need to have two residences: one in Thailand and one somewhere else. That will not be easy for people who have all of their assets in Thailand. What are the options? Stay in Thailand and don’t travel outside the country? A marriage of convenience? What else? 5 2 1 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post onebir Posted October 29, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted October 29, 2020 Good questions. Prospects for affordable health care/insurance for older people also seem at risk, given the propensity to get insurers involved. (Totally unnecessary, where there's a single-payer system in place that's effectively a form of insurance/risk pooling...) 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post ubonjoe Posted October 29, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted October 29, 2020 Those with existing or new OA visas can get a certificate of entry now and I not don't think it will much longer before they can get one with a one year extension of stay based upon retirement. IMO at the this time it would be best to stay in the country unless the trip needs to be done urgently. 15 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Lacessit Posted October 29, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted October 29, 2020 My preferred option is to stay in Thailand. I'm not worried about security. All the turbulence in Bangkok is a long way from me. The pandemic could go on for quite some time, it's accelerating in the USA in a third wave as I type. I don't want to leave Thailand, and then be locked out like a lot of unlucky people who are desperate to get back in. 17 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post BritManToo Posted October 29, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted October 29, 2020 (edited) 1 hour ago, DogNo1 said: I wonder how retirees feel about the security of living in Thailand in light of plight of so many who can’t return to Thailand and will see their residence status expire. Do you see the pandemic as just a one-time glitch and believe that once it is safe, it will be safe to live in Thailand and once again become routine to consistently extend your permission to stay? 1. Doubt that many with PR are locked out, and any other VISA/extension is just permission for a temporary stay. Really not much sympathy, nobody forced them to leave the country. 2. I doubt international travel will ever be as cheap and easy as it was (next 10 years), flights will be expensive, borders will frequently close, conditions to enter countries will be expensive and restrictive. Now that most of the foreigners have gone it's much much easier to extend my permission to stay in Thailand because immigration offices are empty instead of being packed. Choose a country, stay in it until you die ....... is the obvious answer. Edited October 29, 2020 by BritManToo 13 9 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post steven100 Posted October 29, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted October 29, 2020 7 minutes ago, BritManToo said: Choose a country, stay in it until you die ....... is the obvious answer. That's the choice that these really old members should look at seriously. 5 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post DogNo1 Posted October 29, 2020 Author Popular Post Share Posted October 29, 2020 Thanks for your comment, Joe. It's my understanding that people who are out of the country when their extensions expire will need to return on a new Visa. Right now the options seem to be an elite, an STV or an O-A Visa. Regular tourist visas and non-O visas are not available. That makes returning to Thailand quite expensive for people who have had extensions of stay based on non-O retirement visas. To all of those who recommended not leaving the country: I wouldn't think of leaving if I didn't need to move out of my house and dispose of my possessions in Tokyo. If worse comes to worst, I will contract with someone in Japan to do it for me. It won't be cheap. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubonjoe Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 5 hours ago, DogNo1 said: Regular tourist visas and non-O visas are not available. There is a new single entry tourist visa available now in low risk countries. it requires 500k baht in a bank account for 6 months to apply for it. In some cases a non-o visa can issued. For example if married to or the parent of a Thai. As wrote before I expect the may soon allow those with valid extensions of stay with re-entry permit for retirees. But if it expires the problem would be getting a single entry non-o visa at the majority of embassies and official consulates. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JusticeGB Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 I had planned to go to Vietnam to avoid Songkran I was very lucky that my flights were cancelled before I actually left. Two weeks later I would have been locked out of Thailand for who knows how long. I do have a daughter in Thailand but even then it seems that many people with retirement Visas and dependents in Thailand are having extreme problems coming back to Thailand especially from countries with lots of covid19 cases. I do like visiting local countries but that will be some years away before it's possible. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post phantomfiddler Posted October 30, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted October 30, 2020 In general, I think most expats here feel very vulnerable, mainly because of the fact that we have absolutely no rights whatsoever. When a Farang sets up a holiday resort, builds several bungalows, only to have the local police chief come along and tell him if he values his life just pack his bags and head for the hills, this does not inspire confidence. 3 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post natway09 Posted October 30, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted October 30, 2020 I see no threats to me living here at present. I should travel to 3 countries for business deals but at present I will not, Long term (after 30 years) I do not have a home anywhere else. Right now I could not be in a better country 7 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ketherin Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 23 hours ago, ubonjoe said: Those with existing or new OA visas can get a certificate of entry now and I not don't think it will much longer before they can get one with a one year extension of stay based upon retirement. IMO at the this time it would be best to stay in the country unless the trip needs to be done urgently. Ubonjoe, are you saying that currently only people applying and getting a new O-A visa or people who still have time left on their O-A visa's are allowed back into thailand. And not people who have a O-A visa and have a extension of stay granted for another year based on the O-A visa? If that's the case I didn't realise that. And as always thank you for your help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoshowJones Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 23 hours ago, BritManToo said: 1. Doubt that many with PR are locked out, and any other VISA/extension is just permission for a temporary stay. Really not much sympathy, nobody forced them to leave the country. 2. I doubt international travel will ever be as cheap and easy as it was (next 10 years), flights will be expensive, borders will frequently close, conditions to enter countries will be expensive and restrictive. Now that most of the foreigners have gone it's much much easier to extend my permission to stay in Thailand because immigration offices are empty instead of being packed. Choose a country, stay in it until you die ....... is the obvious answer. Even for those who can't get insurance because of existing health problems. or are just too old. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post BritManToo Posted October 30, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted October 30, 2020 Just now, possum1931 said: Even for those who can't get insurance because of existing health problems. or are just too old. I don't have any health insurance. Minor problems very cheap in government hospital. Major problems, I'm OK with death. 5 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post onebir Posted October 30, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted October 30, 2020 1 minute ago, BritManToo said: Major problems, I'm OK with death. But for many visa types, the Thai government isn't ok with that... 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BritManToo Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 (edited) 1 minute ago, onebir said: But for many visa types, the Thai government isn't ok with that... I'm already here, been here 11 years, just put in an application for a 1 year family extension. Under consideration, no insurance required, I've never had any. Not my fault people are too stupid to enter at the right time, with the right VISA. Edited October 30, 2020 by BritManToo 1 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Sheryl Posted October 30, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted October 30, 2020 The once in a century pandemic does nOT concern me so much as the recent immigration rule changes that were made retroactive (e.g. the limits on spending the 800k lump sum, and the OA insurance requirements). Prior to this the precedent had been that when requirements for retirement extensions changed there was usual a "grandfather clause" to avoid it being retroactive and I assumed (obviously wrongly) that this would remain the practice. While I can readily meet the new requirements it has been a jolt and with it has come a new realization that the extensions really are a temporary year by year thing with no commitment on the Thai government's part. If I were newly looking at building or buying a home here this would give me pause and it has caused me to temper my advice to others thinking of doing so. As it is, I obtained land (land lease) and built a large house here 20 years ago with the intention of remaining in it for the rest of my life (I love it but there is no resale value) , and so am deeply invested in staying if at all possible. But I would not be so quick to do the same today. And if the opportunity to get PR status ever arises I will jump at it. At present the requirement to have worked and paid taxes in Thailand makes it impossible. If they ever waive that and perhaps lower the investment threshold I'll do it in a flash. 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubonjoe Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 44 minutes ago, ketherin said: Ubonjoe, are you saying that currently only people applying and getting a new O-A visa or people who still have time left on their O-A visa's are allowed back into thailand. And not people who have a O-A visa and have a extension of stay granted for another year based on the O-A visa? Yes to both of your questions. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisKC Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 1 hour ago, natway09 said: I see no threats to me living here at present. I should travel to 3 countries for business deals but at present I will not, Long term (after 30 years) I do not have a home anywhere else. Right now I could not be in a better country I agree. Covid is proving to be unpredictable in many ways worldwide. I don't want to live anywhere else but I would like to travel abroad some time. But recognise that matters outside of my local control I can do nothing about so I accept that I am fortunate enough with my situation here that covid is little more than a distraction from my normal routine! I am going next week to Krabi for a week to enjoy being a foreigner but without hoards of tourists around. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Elkski Posted October 30, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted October 30, 2020 (edited) 1 hour ago, BritManToo said: I'm already here, been here 11 years, just put in an application for a 1 year family extension. Under consideration, no insurance required, I've never had any. Not my fault people are too stupid to enter at the right time, with the right VISA. This is rather a harsh statement and you have lost some cred with me. You were near the top of my sexpats. Don't be complacent! Insurance can become required for all visa types after 1 cabinet meeting. This can mean the boot for many older expats. Dont doubt this for 1 minute. We see how HISO have now entered this new insurance business.. soon they will be looking to expand revenue. They have the ear or reins of the rule makers. They have already shown their power or greed by making insurance requirements via thai company mandatory. Is this enough of a red flag ???? Worldwide I can envision travel insurance being a requirement for international flights. Or proof of assets. Just look at the new 6 month 500,000 baht bank account requirement for O-A Visas. Who keeps this much not working in a checking account? Just shows the stupidity of Thai people regarding finance. Joe, what type of accounts are acceptable for the 500,000? iRA? 401k? Edited October 30, 2020 by Elkski 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Monday Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 I used to think PR meant something but nothing short of Thai passport constitutes legal residence in Thailand. How many months were PR holders blocked entry due to Sars covid-19? O-A, Thailand Elite , Thai Wife , working or student you are nothing but a temporary visitor. Have a plan B. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lacessit Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 47 minutes ago, Captain Monday said: I used to think PR meant something but nothing short of Thai passport constitutes legal residence in Thailand. How many months were PR holders blocked entry due to Sars covid-19? O-A, Thailand Elite , Thai Wife , working or student you are nothing but a temporary visitor. Have a plan B. My Plan B was the Philippines, shot to bits now. Plan C is back to Australia, and buy a mobile home. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Monday Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 Lets just agree with the idea that people with permanent residence to a country should be allowed entry. The virus does not discriminate. Japan also blocked foreign residents. I was hanging out there three months. Thai people were walking around in circles, some no money. I doubt any westerners were boarded on NRT-BKK flights in April and May it was bleak. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Aylesham Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 3 hours ago, natway09 said: I see no threats to me living here at present. I should travel to 3 countries for business deals but at present I will not, Long term (after 30 years) I do not have a home anywhere else. Right now I could not be in a better country Me too - and on the specific issue of security I left Madagascar 5 years ago where my house was surrounded by razor wire, two guards, had a state of the art burglar alarm and innumerable security lights - so yes I do feel secure here. And compared to most European countries or the USA, the risks from COVID are infinitely less - 'though I appreciate the gov'ts strict border control. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BritManToo Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 (edited) 1 hour ago, Elkski said: Insurance can become required for all visa types after 1 cabinet meeting. I'm OK with Cambodia, assuming any Asian countries ever open up again. Doubt I'll have any worries at all over anything in the near future. Edited October 30, 2020 by BritManToo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Monday Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 4 minutes ago, ThaiTraveller2000 said: Thailand didn't prohibit people with PR from returning. PR already know that they follow the same path as Thai citizens, and presumably contacted the local embassy if they desired to return. The formalization announcement normalized what was already the case. The problem with embassies and PR, is they typically may have no experience with PR since they no longer have to contact them, so additional discussion may be required. Cheers I think one of the problems in Tokyo is local where the Thai Embassy will not entertains applications unless Thai, or legal residents of Japan. Foreigners cant even get Thai tourist visas there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Monday Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 30 minutes ago, George Aylesham said: Me too - and on the specific issue of security I left Madagascar 5 years ago where my house was surrounded by razor wire, two guards, had a state of the art burglar alarm and innumerable security lights - so yes I do feel secure here. And compared to most European countries or the USA, the risks from COVID are infinitely less - 'though I appreciate the gov'ts strict border control. I don't think their is a good comparison to Thailand. If you take a Malagasy wife can you enter the country freely? Is there path to permanent residence through marriage or work? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gandtee Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 On 10/29/2020 at 5:11 PM, steven100 said: That's the choice that these really old members should look at seriously. That's the reason I'm here.Thirty Five years here and getting used to it.???? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post DogNo1 Posted October 30, 2020 Author Popular Post Share Posted October 30, 2020 Given the unpredictability of future requirements for retirees to be able to extend their stays, I am reconsidering my decision to leave Japan. I have permanent residence and health insurance there. I don't have health insurance here and I anticipate that it may be required for my future extensions. If I were able to buy it at the age of 78, it would be practically useless with all of my preconditions. It would just add to my cost of staying here. Maybe I will decide to spend the summer months in Japan each year so that I have a place to go if my residence here.becomes untenable. I realize that I was depending on the generosity and liberality of the Thai government but that seems to be waning. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wwest5829 Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 On 10/29/2020 at 4:55 PM, ubonjoe said: Those with existing or new OA visas can get a certificate of entry now and I not don't think it will much longer before they can get one with a one year extension of stay based upon retirement. IMO at the this time it would be best to stay in the country unless the trip needs to be done urgently. As to the Covid continuing period, not a problem after the initial finding the way was worked out. Inconvenient with the lockdown, the alcohol ban but ... well, happy to be in Thailand rather than the USA without question. Thailand has been my only residence for nine years now. Do I wish to travel? Yes but Covid has affected all countries ... I’ll wait. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now