I am Done With Thai Retirement Extensions - Relocating to Ecuador or Mexico on Permanent Residency

[KhunLA]

10 minutes ago, possum1931 said:

 

????

Edited November 7, 2021 by KhunLA

[NoshowJones]

On 11/6/2021 at 10:08 AM, Jingthing said:

As one who has become notoriously well known for getting into the weeds on retirement visa / residency details of nations other than Thailand, I would suggest Mexico over Ecuador. Ecuador is going to give you a big problem with their requirements (MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS) for apostilled police reports from Thailand that have freshness expiration dates. Their immigration offices have no flexibility whatsoever on that matter. 

 

Even better: Colombia. Fantastic destination, very modern infrastructure, significantly less expensive than Mexico, excellent and required to enroll health system. and no hassles with police reports (they'll just check Interpol themselves). Yes, there are safe cities there. Just avoid Bogota, Cartegena, Cali, and unfortunately now even Medellin. However if you have high global income, then choose Mexico, as Colombia will tax that. Both offer easy enough paths to permanent residency. 

Being married to a Thai should be enough for permanent residency, but in the case of separation or divorce, PR should be taken away.

[NoshowJones]

On 11/6/2021 at 10:39 AM, Jeffr2 said:

Totally understood.  But not every place in the world has changed as much as here.  We live in one of the fastest growing areas in the world.  Asia.  Impossible to change, so we'll move on to another location.  Which will have issues just like here.  No stress. 

The difference Thailand today, now, is it is run by an unelected soldier masquerading as a PM instead of a democratically elected government.

[NoshowJones]

On 11/6/2021 at 10:58 AM, Skallywag said:

Udonjoe the visa expert doesn't say retirement extensions have changed requirements. I have done 3 Non-imm O extensions and all were the same. 

What are the "more and more requirements" you speak of?

"Udonjoe the visa expert doesn't say retirement extensions have changed requirements."

That's true, but you will find out as you go along that different IOs and even different officers have their own interpretations of the rules.

[LoudHailer]

On 11/6/2021 at 12:40 AM, JayAus said:

I can fully understand mate. We are also selling up and moving back home. (2023.) after 17 years. 

 future Stability is also a major factor in our decision to up and go. even though I’m on a marriage non O visa, I can’t but help sense trouble in my later, more vulnerable years.
 

enjoy the new experience. We are biting at the bit too leave. ???? 

Me too! I’m struggling under the oppressive and dysfunction persecution of the cursed Thailand Pass system to get back to Thailand. It is my home of the past 30+ years but enough is enough. The Thai Immigration Department, in particular, has “An unyielding appetite for farang subordination.” Their police uniforms empower them to intimidate. Threats of fines and kicking people out of the country for missing the 90 Day reports or other ‘accidents’ in meeting deadlines are as ever-present as ominous monsoon clouds. This Thailand Pass debacle is the last straw. My mission now is to return to Thailand, sell my condo, get my money out and return home. 

[NoshowJones]

21 hours ago, PeachCH said:

If married to a Pinay, you get a permanent visa and have to visit immigration once a year and pay 310 Peso. (210 Baht). 

The issued needed ID is valid for 5 years and has to be renewed when expired. 

 

Is there any reason why Thailand can't do anything similar? Don't tell me. Money??

[Jingthing]

24 minutes ago, possum1931 said:

"Udonjoe the visa expert doesn't say retirement extensions have changed requirements."

That's true, but you will find out as you go along that different IOs and even different officers have their own interpretations of the rules.

It is NOT true!

[brianthainess]

3 hours ago, possum1931 said:

But what if you don't have a partner when you fall of your perch?

I am no financial expert, but I thought that this 800k Bt had to stay in the bank, I know you can take so much out at certain times, but the rules regarding this keep changing from time to time.

Once in 15 yrs is not from time to time.

[brianthainess]

1 hour ago, possum1931 said:

You never know what is going to happen with these soldiers. If I knew I would have to do this nonsensical 90 day reporting like a prisoner on parole, I would never have came here even if it took just one min of my time.

So why did you come here ? you just failed to research before you came.

[NoshowJones]

1 hour ago, brianthainess said:

So why did you come here ? you just failed to research before you came.

You could not be more wrong, I researched all right, when I came here 15 years ago, it was just a nice pleasant drive to Maesot every ninety days, most of the other expats I got talking to were doing the same thing. Then I was on a work permit as a school teacher for a few years.

I will say it again. If I knew I would be getting treated like a prisoner on parole, I would probably have headed for the Philippines.

[Cleareye]

I'm planning on leaving as well. I would stay if it were easier, but I switched to using an agent the last couple of years because I was tired of going through all the hassle of filing for an extension. Plus, I didn't want to put 800,000 in a Thai bank and just let is sit there. This system doesn't make any sense to me. Why force retirees to keep 400,000 in the bank? You would think they would want you to spend the money and help the economy. You can't use it for emergencies either because the moment your balance dips below 400.000 you're technically in default of the visa rules. And tha'ts not even to mention the issue of how safe the money is.

 

I have to say the agent was great. 14,000 for an extension and I didn't have to do a thing. Courier picked up my passport and it was returned by EMS a few days later. The agent also handled all of the 90 day reports, reminding me when they were due, filing the report, and sending the receipt by mail. It was well worth the price.

 

Many will say that the extension is not a hassle but I just don't want to think about what my  balance is every month, whether I might have fallen below the minimum inadvertantly, having to get banks reports for all my monthly statements, and then have to worry about an I/O telling me my application is refused because of some techinal violation. I don't wnat to have to think about filing a TM30 when I move, a residence report every 90 days, or wondering whether next year all foreigners are going to have to have an app on their phone that that allows immigration to track them at all times.

 

However, all the agents are on hold now apparently because of the reshuffle of the top immigration officials, so i don't know if I'll be able to do another extension. And of course there's the risk involved in using an agent.

 

So I'm planning on going to Mexico. It's hard because I've been here since 2004. At that time, getting the retirement extension as a breeze. It took 15 minutes at immigration, no questions asked, and no need for money in the bank. They didn't even care if you did the 90 day reports. I was never once asked for proof of a 90 day report when I did an extension for the first 14 years.

 

But things change. Thailand isn't that cheap anymore and the value for the money isn't there anymore. I also feel like Westerners aren't really wanted anymore.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[sam6345]

3 hours ago, possum1931 said:

Being married to a Thai should be enough for permanent residency, but in the case of separation or divorce, PR should be taken away.

I saw a Thai law firm video on youtube about getting a Thai PR thru marriage and it mentioned that you have to be earning at least 30K Baht per month and filing taxes in Thailand (Don't know for how long) to qualify for PR. If not married you should be earning 80K baht/month with a work permit. This may not be doable for most retired older expats. After getting the PR, getting Thai citizenship is a whole different can of worms. None of these processes are similar for all expats. It all depends in which province (Changwat) you apply. Like I said no stability.

 

Non-O extensions may be ok for most expats now until some thing changes. I am not willing to wait and find out. In my opinion, the probability of change to the rules making them more restrictive in the future is high based on the current situation and recent past.

 

Even if Non-O extensions continue as they are, I just feel it is a bad fiscal policy to treat long term retirees who have spent millions of baht in your country and who will continue to do so without giving them a stable and consistent path to PR. I am not asking for citizenship or changing the rules of land ownership, just address our valid concerns or else be ready to face a disappearing expat population. Which I may add are being welcomed in other countries.

 

[murraynz]

7 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

You need letter from bank.

They should be familiar with what is required. It basically confirms that you are the owner of the bank account and also shows balance.

I prefer to obtain it on same day that I attend immigration, however few days early is acceptable at most immigration office. 

Also update your bank book by making a transaction on day of application.

I took a picture of my letter in case this question arose but think I trashed it. Ubonjoe has posted sample bank letter in a thread. 

Will try find it.

Thanks very much Dr Jack. 

I will go to my bank tomorrow.

Go to immigration on Wednesday, when not so busy.. 

[guzzi850m2]

23 hours ago, BE88 said:

Why return to Thailand in the winter?

Portugal has a pleasant temperature even in winter never below 16 ° C

 

 

I still love it here.

 

I think the northern pars of Portugal is colder than that?

[crazykopite]

As soon as I find a buyer for my beachfront villa I to will be off after 16 years it’s time to start ticking off some of my bucket list !

[The Hammer2021]

On 11/5/2021 at 11:18 PM, Mike Teavee said:

I take it this was a typo & you meant annual extensions... 

 

I'm only in my 3rd year of doing extensions but I don't find them (or TM30/90 day reports) onerous as I just pay an agent to do it for me:-

• Annual Extension - 7,000 (Bangkok) - 8,000 (Pattaya) - NB If you don't meet the financial requirements it's 12,500 + an extra 2,500 if you're on a Non-Imm OA & don't meet the health insurance requirements either
• TM30 - Free, my Estate Agent did it for me
• 90 Day Report - Normally free (online) but have problems this year so 200 THB with an agent. 

I get that these requirements may change but in the past decade+ since I've been planning my retirement in Thailand, the only examples I can think of are the tightening up around the financial requirements (limits stayed the same) & the addition of Health Insurance for Non-Imm OA - (Which I acknowledge is a huge deal for some guys)

 

 

 

TBH If I was 65 & sick of dealing with annual extensions, I would get the 20 year Thai Elite Visa (1 Million)  before I would up-sticks & move 1/2 way across the world (though I get that it's a lot closer to the US for you). 

 

Anything onerous and I pay an agent Once a year for retirement extension. TM 30? Only required when moving house and is done by the landlord or the hotel when traveling. Good luck to the OP. Hope he keeps in touch

[Orinoco]

Good luck Op

Don't blame you at all.

Thailand does not want us any more, the true

Money number one Country and Culture.

[zzaa09]

5 hours ago, possum1931 said:

You could not be more wrong, I researched all right, when I came here 15 years ago, it was just a nice pleasant drive to Maesot every ninety days, most of the other expats I got talking to were doing the same thing. Then I was on a work permit as a school teacher for a few years.

I will say it again. If I knew I would be getting treated like a prisoner on parole, I would probably have headed for the Philippines.

Yeah. Recalling the good old days of long-term stay/residency visa situations - before the advent of marriage/retirement visa types [O/OA] - could step out of the country for a day [even less] every three months.......one could do this forever. And many did. 

 

And then the restrictions and control policies kicked in. 

[Dickp]

I have been here since 1991 June 6, the first 2 years I had agent do the annual extension for me an my daughter. Seen easy so I tired on the 3rd year myself, went smoothly all I did was add a extra envelope with 1000 baht bill in it, Had all paperwork in one large Brown envelope. That when fine for about 4 years the then on the 6th year IO was gone new Lady working the english speaking countries, pull the extra envelope and went just as smoothly as before. But do I mind changes to the rules, seems like each year something new is added the list of documents. But I do not plan on leaving as the health care is better here than in the USA. Need a MRI done in the USA week or two before you get, here done with in one hour just can not beat that anywhere I know of.

Edited November 7, 2021 by Dickp
spelling error and word left out

[Old Croc]

On 11/6/2021 at 3:06 AM, NanaSomchai said:

Enlight us, Oh Great One.

I find people who refer to themselves in the plural believe their nether regions are the source of the light.

[NanaSomchai]

7 hours ago, guzzi850m2 said:

I still love it here.

 

I think the northern pars of Portugal is colder than that?

Definitely MUCH colder in the North of Lisbon.

[khunpa]

Well I don’t blame you. I am also planning on moving on. Which I actually never thought I would. Always felt Thailand was my home.
 

Currently on an Elite Visa which will expire next year. Not going to renew it. Could also get a retirement visa here, but I can’t be bothered.

 

Considering Philippines, Georgia or Belize as my next destination as a place to “hang out” with my son for a few years. Can always return to Thailand, if things should change to the better here. But hope to find a place that would fit us better in the long run.

 

I too have spent and invested a lot in my life in Thailand. Have no regrets, but I realize I need a break from this “mad-house”.

 

No doubt Covid has been the main contributor to me changing my views of Thailand. But I have also seen so many other changes to the bad, especially since 2014. And I think it is getting worse every day. No only for the foreigners here, but also the locals.

 

Will another place be less “mad”? I doubt it, but at least it will be a breath of fresh air and new life-experiences ????
 

 

 

 

Edited November 8, 2021 by khunpa

[RafPinto]

9 hours ago, NanaSomchai said:

Definitely MUCH colder in the North of Lisbon.

Winter time, very cold and most houses or apartments have no heating system.

[KarenBravo]

23 hours ago, possum1931 said:

The difference Thailand today, now, is it is run by an unelected soldier masquerading as a PM instead of a democratically elected government.

So what? It's happened many times before. In fact, 18 times already. Each time, they handed back to a civilian government (who didn't seem to do much better).

I've lived here through a few of them and absolutely nothing changed for me at all in my daily life.

[The Hammer2021]

On 11/5/2021 at 11:41 PM, Chris.B said:

You must be a wealth man to be able to afford to retire at 50 years old.

No. Just smart. There is no reason to work after 60 and 50 can be achieved with thought and planning

[The Hammer2021]

3 minutes ago, KarenBravo said:

So what? It's happened many times before. In fact, 18 times already. Each time, they handed back to a civilian government (who didn't seem to do much better).

I've lived here through a few of them and absolutely nothing changed for me at all in my daily life.

But these are the worst and they are here to stay.

[KarenBravo]

4 minutes ago, The Hammer2021 said:

But these are the worst and they are here to stay.

The worst? No, I don't think so. Read about Suchinda, 1991 to 1992.

[The Hammer2021]

On 11/6/2021 at 5:43 AM, Destiny1990 said:

The process all together is annoying and repetitive then submitting hundreds of signed photocopies, pics of my house, bedroom, and my gf, TM30, house visits, unclear insurances, bank statements.etc etc  I am not willing to continually waist my time on this .Complicated visas it thrives expats out. My child his Int school was yearly 315k, house rent 25k, received lots of visitors and family yearly from Europe, my car 1 million bht.  

The onerous paperwork you describe: 'hundreds of signed copies'...if true then PAY AN AGENT!!! to help you just as we pay an accountant to help us sometimes or get your wife to help!

[Chris.B]

26 minutes ago, The Hammer2021 said:

No. Just smart. There is no reason to work after 60 and 50 can be achieved with thought and planning

You have got to be a Yank with that attitude.

 

[KhunLA]

16 minutes ago, The Hammer2021 said:

The onerous paperwork you describe: 'hundreds of signed copies'...if true then PAY AN AGENT!!! to help you just as we pay an accountant to help us sometimes or get your wife to help!

< 100 pages, but not much, and yes, it's an amazing amount of paperwork / copies required for my -O- marriage visa extension. 

 

Just the 2 copies of Bank info account for about 50 pages, 2 per month, 24 X 2. 

About 6 pages of photos,

2 of marriage verification,

2 of certification,

2 house map to Imm,

2 app forms w/photos,

2 copies of 3 pages of lease (6),

2 copies of home owners blue book & ID (6 ttl),

2 copies of 10ish pages of my passport (20). 

2 copies of witness statement & his / her ID (6). 

 

Silly part, they have copies of the same, minus bank info, from previous 4 year of extending (x4) at same Imm office, as all those, other than bank info, is exactly the same.  It is mind boggling.

 

Still an easy process, but so redundant.

Edited November 8, 2021 by KhunLA