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

[cmarshall]

Renewing the non-Imm O visa doesn't seem onerous to me. 

 

I liked Ecuador when I visited there, but I didn't feel safe in Quito where you couldn't hail a cab for fear of being kidnapped and every bank had a guy with a carbine standing in the doorway.  When I bought some over-the-counter meds in a drug store in Quito, the pharmacist opened every box to make sure no one had stolen the pills inside.

 

 Despite the many attractions I wouldn't live anywhere in Latin America, because of the crime.  

[LarrySR]

Extending the retirement visa is a piece of cake. 1,900Bt fee, money in the bank (you sound like you can afford it) and an hours time.

 

Pulling up stakes, selling the car/house and relocating across the globe somewhere is easier?

[bkksteve123]

The visa requirements and renewals are a pain, but surely shouldn't be the main reason for leaving? Get an Elite Visa if you have the money. As for the TM30 and 90-Day Report, you can just skip that nonsense if you wish, and pay a fine once per year or so. You won't be thrown in jail or denied renewal, it's merely a fine (around 2000b). Not bad for saving 3-4 trips to immigration.

 

And yes, the Thai government is....a joke. But is it really that much worse than anywhere else? Especially other developing nations? I think we're nearing the end of the COVID-19 nonsense restrictions, after that things should get easier.

 

What is it that you're looking for? I agree that Thailand simply isn't as much fun as it was 10 years ago, sadly. But it's not only Thailand that has changed, the entire world has changed. Everywhere you go people will mainly be staring at their phones, that's all. What will actually be different in Mexico or Ecuador? Thailand still offers the same nice weather, friendly people (in general), safety, good healthcare, decent infrastructure, overall value for money and some of the fun factor it did 10 years ago.

 

Thailand is a very safe country where you can walk the streets at night completely drunk and probably nothing bad will happen to you. You can forget your keys in the motorcycle ignition for a day and the bike will still be there. You can drive around the country into the smallest most remote villages and not be murdered because you didn't stumble into a cocaine lab run by cartels.

[Destiny1990]

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.  

[HappyExpat57]

I came here in 2006, got the 7 year itch in 2013, so I pulled up stakes and moved to Zihuatanejo, Mexico. It's NOTHING like in the movie "Shawshank Redemption!" I was back in Thailand 6 weeks later with a renewed appreciation. Rent is about 4 times what you pay in Thailand, the infrastructure is horrid, and you think Thai traffic is bad? I also traveled a bit and saw it wasn't just that god-forsaken town. Naturally, the first day back to Thailand, I was reminded why I left in the first place, but it was somehow much more tolerable.

 

I'd never recommend Mexico. I hear good things about Ecuador, but I heard REALLY good things about Mexico, so if it were me, I'd make as long a visit to get a real feel for the place. For all its warts and political falderal, Thailand is still a far cry better than most places. And what does THAT say about the state of the planet?

 

Addendum: The corruption in Mexico is MUCH worse than in Thailand.

 

 

 

Edited November 5, 2021 by HappyExpat57

[fangless]

You do not appear to say so but have you actually spent any time in either of those two countries and spoken to the expat communities there?

[sam6345]

1 minute ago, fangless said:

You do not appear to say so but have you actually spent any time in either of those two countries and spoken to the expat communities there?

Yes, I visited Merida, Mexico and the surrounding places on my trip to the US in 2018. I have a friend living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

[tonray]

3 minutes ago, fangless said:

You do not appear to say so but have you actually spent any time in either of those two countries and spoken to the expat communities there?

I know a few people in Mexico, while we live in 'gated' MooBaans here....they are forced to live in "guarded" villages there with real armed security and only go out shopping with village bus...again with an armed escort. I don't know about Ecuador but my guess is you would not be safe walking around at night.

[Jeffr2]

1 hour ago, cmarshall said:

Renewing the non-Imm O visa doesn't seem onerous to me. 

 

I liked Ecuador when I visited there, but I didn't feel safe in Quito where you couldn't hail a cab for fear of being kidnapped and every bank had a guy with a carbine standing in the doorway.  When I bought some over-the-counter meds in a drug store in Quito, the pharmacist opened every box to make sure no one had stolen the pills inside.

 

 Despite the many attractions I wouldn't live anywhere in Latin America, because of the crime.  

There are better options than Quito.  As you say, not the best place to live.  Same applies to Mexico.  There are some wonderful places to live that aren't crime ridden.  Lake Chapala, San Miguel de Allende, Far south beach towns, etc.  I'm hoping to explore there also.

 

I've been here off and off for 20 years, permanently for 13.  Time for a change.  Love Thailand, just looking for a new adventure.

[bojo]

1 hour ago, bkksteve123 said:

The visa requirements and renewals are a pain, but surely shouldn't be the main reason for leaving? Get an Elite Visa if you have the money. As for the TM30 and 90-Day Report, you can just skip that nonsense if you wish, and pay a fine once per year or so. You won't be thrown in jail or denied renewal, it's merely a fine (around 2000b). Not bad for saving 3-4 trips to immigration.

 

And yes, the Thai government is....a joke. But is it really that much worse than anywhere else? Especially other developing nations? I think we're nearing the end of the COVID-19 nonsense restrictions, after that things should get easier.

 

What is it that you're looking for? I agree that Thailand simply isn't as much fun as it was 10 years ago, sadly. But it's not only Thailand that has changed, the entire world has changed. Everywhere you go people will mainly be staring at their phones, that's all. What will actually be different in Mexico or Ecuador? Thailand still offers the same nice weather, friendly people (in general), safety, good healthcare, decent infrastructure, overall value for money and some of the fun factor it did 10 years ago.

 

Thailand is a very safe country where you can walk the streets at night completely drunk and probably nothing bad will happen to you. You can forget your keys in the motorcycle ignition for a day and the bike will still be there. You can drive around the country into the smallest most remote villages and not be murdered because you didn't stumble into a cocaine lab run by cartels.

Good level headed summary, especially the 'entire world' perspective and a great alternative 90 day report tip for those that dare....................................................

[Trujillo]

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

 

I retired at 49. Not everyone is poor. 

 

 

[Jeffr2]

Just now, Trujillo said:

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

 

I retired at 49. Not everyone is poor. 

 

 

46 for me.  But definitely not rich!!! LOL

[Henryford]

What are you talking about. I have been here 15 years too. The annual extension to my visa takes all of 2 hours, ONCE a year, total cost 2000 baht. The 90 day reporting takes about 15 minutes each time, total cost zero. Hardly a reason for leaving. I think we might have a problem if they added insurance requirements to Non O visas but no sign of that yet.

Edited November 6, 2021 by Henryford

[Jeffr2]

5 minutes ago, Henryford said:

What are you talking about. I have been here 15 years too. The annual extension to my visa takes all of 2 hours, ONCE a year, total cost 2000 baht. The 90 day reporting takes about 15 minutes each time, total cost zero. Hardly a reason for leaving. I think we might have a problem if they added insurance requirements to Non O visas but no sign of that yet.

True, but it's still a hassle.  I almost lost my visa last year because I had to leave 38 days before renewal.  Luckily, due to covid, I came back in time for the renewal.  But it's ridiculous. 

 

If they add insurance requirements, that will probably tip the scales for me big time.

[sam6345]

1 minute ago, Henryford said:

What are you talking about. I have been here 15 years too. The annual extension to my visa takes all of 2 hours, ONCE a year. The 90 day reporting takes about 15 minutes each time. Hardly a reason for leaving. I think we might have a problem if they added insurance requirements to Non O visas but no sign of that yet.

Well the insurance requirement has already been added to your Non-O extension thru a back door by making you get it even if you leave Thailand for a day.

 

Like with everything else in life there are always options. I choose Permanent Residency over this unpredictable annual song and dance.

[DrJack54]

11 minutes ago, sam6345 said:

. I choose Permanent Residency over this unpredictable annual song and dance

Rather than random dreams...

Post exactly what is "unpredictable annual song and dance".....

 

My annual extensions are consistent. Very simple and personally I find it painless.

 

 

[1FinickyOne]

I would think twice on whether or not you are inflating the obstacles and distorting your view... you said you like it here, me too.

 

I used to mail in my 90 day - 15 minutes each time - total 1 hour and extremely minimal expense... not sure of your visa type but for me nothing has changed much in 20 years... and I now live in an area w/visa agents and so for a nominal fee they fill out all annoying forms and make my life very very easy... 

 

All together it is a few hundred dollars and a few hours in exchange for the privilege of living here full time.  

 

I have been to Mexico and spent some time doing business in Otavalo - I have friends and business associates there... it just doesn't come close to comparing to the friendliness of the people and fun of living here... even if I did not have strong family ties here...

 

But, I wish you the best... 

 

ps - if it is security you are looking for, that is not something available anywhere... for me, I might define ageing as an increased feeling of vulnerability... I no longer skip down the stairs but hold the railing... 

[sam6345]

8 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Rather than random dreams...

Post exactly what is "unpredictable annual song and dance".....

 

My annual extensions are consistent. Very simple and personally I find it painless.

 

 

Good for you. I hope it stays the same year after year after year ------

[DrJack54]

Just now, sam6345 said:

Good for you. I hope it stays the same year after year after year ------

That's your answer to how things are unpredictable each year according to you? 

 

Try point form to list all these changes.

[clivebaxter]

8 hours ago, Zikomat said:

You will come back, sooner or later. There is no other place on Earth like this. Learn to accept its negatives as a part of its uniqueness. Other places may be 100 times better on the paper, but in reality…. there is no other place like this one. Magic in the air.

 

 

Magic in the air- the yapping soi dogs, the racket from wat speakers and vendors. the enchanting whiff from the drains and rubbish tipped along the roadside. If not for the Mrs I would be on the first flight home after selling up. After 15 years the magic has worn off.

[1FinickyOne]

1 hour ago, HappyExpat57 said:

It's NOTHING like in the movie "Shawshank Redemption!"

They should have written in a fictitious town... but then, paradise is a state of mind more than a place..

[NanaSomchai]

1 hour ago, sam6345 said:

Like with everything else in life there are always options. I choose Permanent Residency over this unpredictable annual song and dance.

You're making it sound like getting Permanent Residency is a walk in the park to get.

 

Maybe it was super easy for you and again if that's the case, all kudos to you, but more many of us for a plethora of different reasons it just isn't realisticly doable.

[ubonjoe]

The nothing related to visas or extension of stay in this topic.

Moved to the pub.

[rott]

1 hour ago, Henryford said:

What are you talking about. I have been here 15 years too. The annual extension to my visa takes all of 2 hours, ONCE a year, total cost 2000 baht. The 90 day reporting takes about 15 minutes each time, total cost zero. Hardly a reason for leaving. I think we might have a problem if they added insurance requirements to Non O visas but no sign of that yet.

You've been here 15 years and you still call it an annual extension of visa.? No wonder newbies know nothing and continue to call it a retirement visa. It is an extension of permission to stay. 

Not having a go at you at all. 

Just a dinosaur who growls inwardly when I hear "Ferrang" and "PatTAYa" and retirement visa (unless it's an OA). 

Edited November 6, 2021 by rott
TAY

[statman78]

Yes, it would be nice to be able to get permanent residence here in Thailand but I don’t find doing the annual retirement extensions or the 90 day reports that hard. I’ve done 3 annual extensions and nothing has changed.  Since the US embassy doesn’t do income verification letters it is actually easier for me.  I get an annual statement from my bank showing the monthly transfers.  The statement, a copy of my bank book and a bank letter is all I need.
Here in Chiang Rai doing the 90 day report is easy and quick if the online system doesn’t work.  It takes less than 5 minutes.  I have the form on my computer so I simply change the date, print it out, sign it and turn it in.

With the latest requirement change to TM 30 requirements, I no longer need to file one since I always return to the same address here in Thailand.

[rott]

1 hour ago, clivebaxter said:

Magic in the air- the yapping soi dogs, the racket from wat speakers and vendors. the enchanting whiff from the drains and rubbish tipped along the roadside. If not for the Mrs I would be on the first flight home after selling up. After 15 years the magic has worn off.

Ha ha the smell from the drains is one of the first things I remember but haven't noticed it for a long time. 

It's not the same as it was 24 years ago but it's still better than the alternatives. For me anyway. 

[murraynz]

10 hours ago, freedomnow said:

Retired at 50, so you did....

 

Nice !

Yes,  but after 15 yrs in Thailand, they continue to make it very difficult for him to stay in Thailand. 

As we age, we want things to become more simple, not a problem each year with renewing visa and 90day reports. 

I've only done 5 yrs in Thailand,  I've invested a bit more than that guy here.. At this stage,  I'm not ready to leave, but in future years,  I hope they make it easier to stay here.. NOT harder.. 

[bbko]

3 hours ago, HappyExpat57 said:

so I pulled up stakes and moved to Zihuatanejo, Mexico. It's NOTHING like in the movie "Shawshank Redemption!

You went at the wrong time, should have did like Andy Dufrane did and went there in the 1950s-60s ????

[murraynz]

4 hours ago, bkksteve123 said:

The visa requirements and renewals are a pain, but surely shouldn't be the main reason for leaving? Get an Elite Visa if you have the money. As for the TM30 and 90-Day Report, you can just skip that nonsense if you wish, and pay a fine once per year or so. You won't be thrown in jail or denied renewal, it's merely a fine (around 2000b). Not bad for saving 3-4 trips to immigration.

 

And yes, the Thai government is....a joke. But is it really that much worse than anywhere else? Especially other developing nations? I think we're nearing the end of the COVID-19 nonsense restrictions, after that things should get easier.

 

What is it that you're looking for? I agree that Thailand simply isn't as much fun as it was 10 years ago, sadly. But it's not only Thailand that has changed, the entire world has changed. Everywhere you go people will mainly be staring at their phones, that's all. What will actually be different in Mexico or Ecuador? Thailand still offers the same nice weather, friendly people (in general), safety, good healthcare, decent infrastructure, overall value for money and some of the fun factor it did 10 years ago.

 

Thailand is a very safe country where you can walk the streets at night completely drunk and probably nothing bad will happen to you. You can forget your keys in the motorcycle ignition for a day and the bike will still be there. You can drive around the country into the smallest most remote villages and not be murdered because you didn't stumble into a cocaine lab run by cartels.

Very well said.. I agree with your points. 

[Jingthing]

9 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

A ray of reality from @KhunLA

 

Glad I'm not the only one that finds it all so simple and easy.

But he's totally wrong. A LOT has changed.