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

[Jingthing]

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. 

Edited November 6, 2021 by Jingthing

[DrJack54]

Just now, Jingthing said:

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

Detailed list please.

Yes we know the major ones of insurance for extensions from a non O-A and money in bank requirement for extensions RT.

And the "LOT has changed" would be .......

[Jeffr2]

1 minute ago, DrJack54 said:

Detailed list please.

Yes we know the major ones of insurance for extensions from a non O-A and money in bank requirement for extensions RT.

And the "LOT has changed" would be .......

Increase in traffic, big time.  Huge build up pretty much all over the country, but especially in the tourist hot spots.  Nothing like 15 years ago.  And a huge increase in prices as they've tried to go upscale in every tourist hot spot.  Even going after street food vendors in Bangkok.  Which for me, was one of the biggest attractions.  Never had to worry about visas back then.  It was a breeze.  Police are going crazy with alcohol checkpoints (which is kinda a good thing).  Weekend traffic in areas near Bangkok now is insane.  Etc, etc, etc.

 

Not trying to bitch, I still love Thailand, but I'm not going to look at it through rose colored glasses either.

[KarenBravo]

If meeting an easy visa requirement is making you leave Thailand, then I'm sure you'll find something about Equador that will make you leave there, too.

 

Maybe you should go back to your home country? That will take care of all the visa hassles....

[KarenBravo]

1 minute ago, Jeffr2 said:

Increase in traffic, big time.  Huge build up pretty much all over the country, but especially in the tourist hot spots.  Nothing like 15 years ago.  And a huge increase in prices as they've tried to go upscale in every tourist hot spot.  Even going after street food vendors in Bangkok.  Which for me, was one of the biggest attractions.  Never had to worry about visas back then.  It was a breeze.  Police are going crazy with alcohol checkpoints (which is kinda a good thing).  Weekend traffic in areas near Bangkok now is insane.  Etc, etc, etc.

 

Not trying to bitch, I still love Thailand, but I'm not going to look at it through rose colored glasses either.

Yes, I agree. It was so much better when horses ruled the roads......

[AwwYesNice1]

7 minutes ago, 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, and Colombia will tax that. Both offer easy enough paths to permanent residency. 

 

Have you actually lived in these places?

[Jeffr2]

1 minute ago, KarenBravo said:

Yes, I agree. It was so much better when horses ruled the roads......

A bit ridiculous.  But the traffic has increased significantly.  As you well know.  They're doing some 60-80k new cars sales here now, compared with about 20k 20 years ago.  Thus...

[cmarshall]

1 hour ago, rott said:

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). 

Nevertheless, there is a small sign at the TM at Chaeng Wattana that announces this section is the place for extending visas.  

[sam6345]

7 minutes ago, KarenBravo said:

If meeting an easy visa requirement is making you leave Thailand, then I'm sure you'll find something about Equador that will make you leave there, too.

 

Maybe you should go back to your home country? That will take care of all the visa hassles....

Lol! I thought living and loving this wonderful land of smiles might have rubbed off on you a little it. But I guess I am wrong!      

[KarenBravo]

Just now, Jeffr2 said:

A bit ridiculous.  But the traffic has increased significantly.  As you well know.  They're doing some 60-80k new cars sales here now, compared with about 20k 20 years ago.  Thus...

I was making a very valid point.

Don't expect today to be the same as twenty years ago.

You can either try and change the world, which is not easy, or you can change yourself and your expectations. One will give you a heart attack and the other peace of mind. Up-to-you.

[KarenBravo]

2 minutes ago, sam6345 said:

Lol! I thought living and loving this wonderful land of smiles might have rubbed off on you a little it. But I guess I am wrong!      

I don't mention in my post anything at all about myself. I was referring to you.

 

I have called Thailand home for 37 years now. I just love living in places I hate.

[BritManToo]

15 minutes ago, KarenBravo said:

Yes, I agree. It was so much better when horses ruled the roads......

Apart from all the horse poop.

 

Back to the OP,

With no tourists my extensions have never been easier.

Last year there was one person in front of me.

This year I just walked straight up to the counter and was served.

 

Edited November 6, 2021 by BritManToo

[KarenBravo]

1 minute ago, BritManToo said:

Apart from all the horse poop.

 

Yeah, but they had fantastic looking roses back then.

[DrJack54]

17 minutes ago, Jeffr2 said:

Not trying to bitch, I still love Thailand, but I'm not going to look at it through rose colored glasses either

The OP specifically mentioned annual extensions and related matters.

Nothing of change in general life (BTW that occurs everywhere) 

 

[Jeffr2]

11 minutes ago, KarenBravo said:

I was making a very valid point.

Don't expect today to be the same as twenty years ago.

You can either try and change the world, which is not easy, or you can change yourself and your expectations. One will give you a heart attack and the other peace of mind. Up-to-you.

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. 

[Jeffr2]

4 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

The OP specifically mentioned annual extensions and related matters.

Nothing of change in general life (BTW that occurs everywhere) 

 

That's an issue also.  Kinda getting old to have to do this along with 90 day reports.  But not a deal killer for me.

[DrJack54]

Just now, Jeffr2 said:

That's an issue also.  Kinda getting old to have to do this along with 90 day reports.  But not a deal killer for me.

No doubt there are many stupid requirements. Think 90 day reporting near top of the tree.

BTW...with online not working for me I have become very familiar with mail in.

One nice thing CW does is to return my pp photocopies and new TM47 form. I fill it in straight away dated and signed and wait for the 15 day window to come around to post. Stupid but not difficult.

The change to the TM30 was a welcome one. 

[KarenBravo]

Never understood the need to announce to the world the intention of leaving a country, or a forum. It has a technical name. It's called "flouncing".

Just leave...........or maybe they're hoping someone will talk them out of it.

[Skallywag]

11 hours ago, EricTh said:

@sam6345

 

Yes, I agree with you. Things are getting tougher and tougher every year for retirees with more and more requirements.

 

If I had known, I wouldn't have come to Thailand either. Unfortunately, some of us still have commitments in Thailand and can't really pack up and leave.

 

Best of luck in your new country.

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?

[Gecko123]

My so called "simple" 90 day reporting by mail routine (on line system doesn't work, immigration is 110 km away):

 

gather up photocopies of my passport, last entry stamp, departure card, original of receipt of notification (10-15 minutes), fill out new 90 day report, find envelope, find mailing address for immigration, write envelope address (8 minutes), fill out self-addressed envelope, find stamps for self-addressed envelope (3 minutes). Double and triple check everything (5 minutes) (Total time 26-31 minutes)

 

If I have run out of photocopies, or if any of the documents have been updated since last 90 day report (i.e. I've left the country and received a new entry stamp or departure card) I have to go to the photocopy shop and make photocopies of the necessary documents on way to post-office to mail registered letter 90 day report.

(drive to and from post office and possibly photocopy shop 16 km away = 1 hour).

 

Upon returning home, after receiving registered mail receipt for 90 day report, set a reminder on computer to make sure the new 90 day receipt is received.

(10 minutes).

 

Once 90 day report is received, the envelope is opened, the new reporting date is noted, the new 90 day receipt is stapled in my passport, and a new reminder to make the next 90 day report has to made. (10 minutes).

 

Almost always the immigration office counts from when they receive the 90 day report, even if it is before the expiration of the old receipt. As a result, I end up having to do five 90 day reports per year, even if I renew my annual visa 30 days in advance of expiration.

 

Recap:

Preparing documents, addressing envelope, and self-addressed envelope and double checking documents (approx 30 minutes)

 

Travel to post office, waiting in line, paying postage, and receiving receipt, and possible trip to photocopy shop (1 hour).

 

Setting a reminder to ensure new 90 day receipt is received, and once new report date is known, setting reminder for filing new report. (10 minutes)

 

Total: 1 hr 40 minutes/per report x 4-5 reports per year = 6.6 to 8.3 hours per year. Please note that you usually make the 90 day report by mail before the expiration date. Immigration says you should post it at least 10 days ahead of expiration. After you have mailed it, it's still in the back of your mind, because you're waiting for the receipt. It usually takes at least another 10 days for immigration and the postal service to return the new receipt. So that's 20 days when it's in the back of your mind and that 20 day process happens 4 times a year.

 

So while you're "only" spending upwards of 6-8 hours per year filling out, preparing and mailing your 90 day reports, every 90 days you go through a 20 day loop where you have to remain cognizant of the upcoming report date and await receipt of the new receipt.

 

I've been doing this for 18 straight years, all while living at the same address. Never been fined for late reporting. But it does wear on you over time, and becomes more tedious the older you get. It feels like an endless cycle of reporting. That's why people become so fatigued by the 90 day reporting process over time.

Edited November 6, 2021 by Gecko123

[Jeffr2]

33 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

No doubt there are many stupid requirements. Think 90 day reporting near top of the tree.

BTW...with online not working for me I have become very familiar with mail in.

One nice thing CW does is to return my pp photocopies and new TM47 form. I fill it in straight away dated and signed and wait for the 15 day window to come around to post. Stupid but not difficult.

The change to the TM30 was a welcome one. 

I use to enjoy the 90 day report.  Go to Jomtien, spend a few minutes there getting it done, then go for a walk down the beach and have lunch.  Not a biggie.  Jomtien got their act together with regards to this and the retirement renewal.  Both quick and relatively easy now.  Just have to play the game of what copies do they want this time. LOL

 

I did get the online one to work recently.  But that was the first time in years! LOL

[rott]

59 minutes ago, cmarshall said:

Nevertheless, there is a small sign at the TM at Chaeng Wattana that announces this section is the place for extending visas.  

That does not surprise me, they have to dumb down for the lumpen proletariat. 

But it does not say visa  in the passport. 

[BritManToo]

7 minutes ago, Gecko123 said:

Total: 1 hr 40 minutes/per report x 4-5 reports per year = 6.6 to 8.3 hours per year. Please note that you usually make the 90 day report by mail before the expiration date. Immigration tells you you should post it at least 10 days ahead of expiration. After you have mailed it, it's still in the back of your mind, because you're waiting for the receipt. That usually takes at least another 10 days for immigration and the postal service to return the new receipt. So that's 20 days when it's in the back of your mind and that 20 day process happens 4 times a year.

Sounds like a huge effort,

I do the CM drivethrough, 12Km from my house, do a bit of shopping in town, drive through with my passport and application form (2-5 mins). Say "Hello Google set an alarm for xxxx"

Edited November 6, 2021 by BritManToo

[seedy]

12 minutes ago, Gecko123 said:

My so called "simple" 90 day reporting by mail routine (on line system doesn't work, immigration is 110 km away):

 

gather up photocopies of my passport, last entry stamp, departure card, original of receipt of notification (10-15 minutes), fill out new 90 day report, find envelope, and address envelope, write address envelope, (8 minutes), fill out self-addressed envelope (3 minutes). Double and triple check everything again (5 minutes) (Total time 26-31 minutes)

 

If I have run out of photocopies, or if any of the documents have been updated since last 90 day report (I've left the country and received a new entry stamp or departure card) I have to go to go to the photocopy shop and make photocopies of the necessary documents on way to post-office to mail registered letter 90 day report.

(drive to and from post office and possibly photocopy shop 16 km away = 1 hour).

 

Upon returning home, after receiving postal receipt for 90 day report, I have to set a reminder on my computer to make sure the new 90 day receipt is received.

(10 minutes).

 

Once 90 day report is received, the envelope is opened, the new reporting date is noted, the new 90 day receipt is stapled in my passport, and a new reminder to make the next 90 day report has to made. (5 minutes).

 

Almost always the immigration office counts from when they receive the 90 day report, even if it is before the expiration of the old receipt. As a result, I end up having to do five 90 day reports per year, even if I renew my annual visa 30 days in advance of expiration.

 

Recap:

Preparing documents, addressing envelope, and self-addressed envelope and double checking documents (approx 30 minutes)

 

Travel to post office, waiting in line, paying postage, and receiving receipt, and possible trip to photocopy shop (1 hour).

 

Setting a reminder to ensure new 90 day receipt is received, and once new report date is known, setting reminder for filing new report. (10 minutes)

 

Total: 1 hr 40 minutes/per report x 4-5 reports per year = 6.6 to 8.3 hours per year. Please note that you usually make the 90 day report by mail before the expiration date. Immigration tells you you should post it at least 10 days ahead of expiration. After you have mailed it, it's still in the back of your mind, because you're waiting for the receipt. That usually takes at least another 10 days for immigration and the postal service to return the new receipt. So that's 20 days when it's in the back of your mind and that 20 day process happens 4 times a year.

 

So while you're "only" spending upwards of 6-8 hours per year filling out, preparing and mailing your 90 day reports, every 90 days you go through a 20 day loop where you have to remain cognizant of the upcoming report date and await receipt of the new receipt.

 

I've been doing this for 18 straight years, all while living at the same address. Never been fined for late reporting. But it does wear on you over time, and becomes more tedious the older you get. It feels like an endless cycle of reporting. That's why people become so fatigued by the 90 day reporting process over time.

One word - Agent

[Jingthing]

1 hour ago, KarenBravo said:

If meeting an easy visa requirement is making you leave Thailand, then I'm sure you'll find something about Equador that will make you leave there, too.

 

Maybe you should go back to your home country? That will take care of all the visa hassles....

You're not wrong. There are downsides to ALL visa programs. But some are better than others. A good program for one person may be problematic for others. That said, Thailand's lack of any path towards residency security for retired expats has become a potentially fatal downside for many aging expats here. So people considering moving from Thailand should logically only consider nations that actually have residency security paths. To quote the Nomad Capitalist, go where you're treated best (or at the very least not as disposable caca when your visa qualifying account goes one baht under for one day over the entire year). Yes, home countries don't have visa issues, but keeping it real, the majority of retired expats in Thailand are economic refugees and can't expect a dignified life back home if they return. My personal opinion is that Thailand is INTENTIONALLY creating hoops to slowly but surely (and sometimes not so slowly) BOOT OUT significant numbers of retired expats. Those that can navigate those hoops so far -- do not be so freakin' SMUG. You could be next.

Edited November 6, 2021 by Jingthing

[worgeordie]

I just don't understand when people say things are difficult extending

retirement visa's , maybe marriage visa's might be more difficult ,but

you only need 400 K for that so swings and roundabouts , I have never

understood that, 400 K ,to cover you, a wife and and maybe some kids,

where retirement 800 K for 1 person.

 

35 years here now , started off with visa runs, then support of my daughter,

suffered the black hole of Calcutta , that used to be the old immigration at

Chiang Mai , getting up at 4.00 in the morning to get in line at Promenada,

in the early days you had to pay taxes before you could leave the country,

it was only 200 - 500 Baht, but an inconvenience ,  Big joke made big changes

at Chiang Mai immigration, but it is slowly reverting back, so i would say 

things are much easier now, those that complain don't realise that,couple

hours a year ,copy a few pages ,fill in one form , 90 days , online if it works,

if not by post....a walk in the park.

regards Worgeordie

 

[toofarnorth]

at 74 too far round the track to change horses now. The winning post is in sight but how long 'till I reach it .

Time for a ride out to my fav, coffee shop.

 

 

 

[Jingthing]

Just now, toofarnorth said:

at 74 too far round the track to change horses now. The winning post is in sight but how long 'till I reach it .

Time for a ride out to my fav, coffee shop.

 

 

 

Another good point. You reach a certain age and moving country becomes out of the question. Which makes Thailand's lack of residency security for long term retired expats especially cruel because it can and does hit very vulnerable elderly people. 

[Longwood50]

I have to agree that it is a hassle and I am not sure why they want it to be.  I am also from the USA and have looked at Mexico although not extensively.  At one time Belize and Lake Chapala were considered great retirement destinations.  Now I am not so certain of it.  

I will share that two years ago I was in an elevator in a Las Vegas hotel and two people of Mexican descent were also in the elevator.  I asked where they were from and they said originally Mexico but now living in the USA.  I inquired why they moved and they said safety.  I asked where it was safe in Mexico anymore and both agreed, no where anymore.  Even resort areas like Cancun, Cozumel, and Las Cabos that the authorities use to control with police to make sure the tourists would come are now experiencing the violence that comes from the drug gangs.  Mexico is the world's leader in kidnapping as expatriates are taken and held for ransom.  The health care system is pretty shoddy.  And, you better learn to speak Spanish.  If you are from the USA you know the Hispanics who live in the USA refuse to speak English let alone those residing Mexico and Ecuador.  Perhaps if the Thai government continues to make life difficult for expatriates I will consider leaving but if I do, it will not be to Mexico or central America.  



 

[Pravda]

12 hours ago, Chris.B said:

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

Everyone who comes to live in Thailand regardless of age is basically retired