9 minutes ago, Dezmo said:

 

Now they emailed me and asked me to email them back my Passport pages.   I had uploaded the same during the application but maybe this is a different department with no access to it.  ?

 

 Kindly, send us for the all-passport pages in the form of double-page spread, Fingers must not appear on the photocopy, no cut off the photo. (merge into single PDF file) to this email.

Kind regards,
LTR Visa Unit

 

No...this is just BOI needing to see your full passport as of "now/today" before they issue the actual, signed LTR endorsement document in English and Thai which you will then be able to download from your LTR online acct.

 

Although you initially uploaded your passport when initially applying you could have traveled and got some undesirable stamp(s) in your passport--maybe even had your passport revoked in some extreme case.  BOI just needs to see the passport again....your passport as of today.  

20 minutes ago, Pib said:

No...this is just BOI needing to see your full passport as of "now/today" before they issue the actual, signed LTR endorsement document in English and Thai which you will then be able to download from your LTR online acct.

 

Although you initially uploaded your passport when initially applying you could have traveled and got some undesirable stamp(s) in your passport--maybe even had your passport revoked in some extreme case.  BOI just needs to see the passport again....your passport as of today.  

Ah ok... impressed that is a pretty fast process... I started Oct 4 and had a few document requests since that time. 

 

Assume once I get the Visa, it will be paper that I need to print.    Does an IO (at airport?) later stamp my Passport and also include a "Multiple re-entry permit " stamp? 

Or do I just need to keep the paper for all my travels...?

 

Curious about a few things:

--"Permission to work in Thailand (Digital Work permit)" - assume this is to work for a Thai company?      Not that I would (though I may do some contract work for a USA company but I coudl to that anyway as before) but I had heard that if I wanted to perform some volunteer work (coaching, etc.) that I needed some type of work permit. Maybe this covers it?

--"Fast Track Service at International Airports in Thailand" - I do not recall seeing these at BKK but assume they are marked and LTR holder can use them (or are there different "fast track" lanes)?

 

 

10 minutes ago, Dezmo said:

Ah ok... impressed that is a pretty fast process... I started Oct 4 and had a few document requests since that time. 

 

Assume once I get the Visa, it will be paper that I need to print.    Does an IO (at airport?) later stamp my Passport and also include a "Multiple re-entry permit " stamp? 

Or do I just need to keep the paper for all my travels...?

 

Curious about a few things:

--"Permission to work in Thailand (Digital Work permit)" - assume this is to work for a Thai company?      Not that I would (though I may do some contract work for a USA company but I coudl to that anyway as before) but I had heard that if I wanted to perform some volunteer work (coaching, etc.) that I needed some type of work permit. Maybe this covers it?

--"Fast Track Service at International Airports in Thailand" - I do not recall seeing these at BKK but assume they are marked and LTR holder can use them (or are there different "fast track" lanes)?

 

 

Others who have went the evisa route for the issue of their LTR visa can best answer this...hopefully some will chime in....and I remember reading posts earlier in this long thread that basically gave the answers.   I got my LTR visa issued/stamped into my passport at BOI immigration; I didn't go the evisa route as I was already in Thailand. 

 

But basically, I think when your evisa application is approved you get notice via email it's approved with attachment...and you can also logon onto your evisa account to download the approval doc.  You then treat that printout like gold as you use that to show the airlines and immigration officials you have a visa.   Immigration can then lookup the info up in their IT system.  They will then stamp a permitted to stay stamp in your passport when you enter Thailand.   "Be sure to keep that evisa approval document secured to your passport....it's basically your visa stamp.

 

The work permit is something separate that you can now apply for with the LTR visa approval.  It all but approved after you submit the required docs. But it's not free....it cost Bt3,000/per year and I think they only issue a 5 year work permit (Bt15,000)  just like the initial 5 year permitted to stay period of the LTR visa....when getting the 2nd 5 year portion of the LTR visa then you could apply for another 5 year work permit.   Once again, hopefully others who took the optional work permit will chime in with more details....I didn't take the work permit option as I'm retired, retired...me no want to workie anymore.  

 

 

19 hours ago, Eddie45 said:

I am thinking about applying for an LTR Visa. How safe is it to invest in Thai Government bonds?

 

Typically the federal government bonds are safer than ANY bank in a country. 

 

So if your choice is between keeping your money in a Thai bank account in cash, or keeping your money in Thai Government Bonds, where immediate liquidity is not an issue, then federal government bonds are almost always safer than any bank.

 

I am NOT saying to keep one's money in cash.

 

Further, interest on bonds (any bonds that do not have horrendous risk) is relatively pathetic compared to a decent stock portfolio and bond interest pathetic compared to a basic ETF that mostly tracks a market such as S&P-500.

 

However i have read recommendations that one nominally should have some money in bonds as part of one's portfolio.  i am not saying that is a good recommendation, i just note something that some say is a good strategy as part of overall diversification.   

 

Until recently, I have not owned any bonds for a very long time. My last bond transaction (until a Dec-2022 Thai government bond purchase - and other than some crazy but successful speculation on Irish and Greek bonds) was  somewhere around 1980, when i sold the last of my Canadian Savings bonds. 

 

But back in 2022 in Thailand i purchased 2-million THB in Thai government bond ( equal to ~ $62,000 USD) which have a 7 year term . This was so to contribute to my meeting the $250K US$ investment in Thailand for an LTR-WP (ie the criteria that goes along with a $40K US$ passive income).   I do not plan to replace these bonds when they mature.  Instead, when I reprove my achieving the LTR-WP visa financial requirements in 2028, more "pension" style funds coming my way, will have long before kicked in, pushing me over the $80 K US$ yearly passive income, so having to prove a Thailand investment no longer be needed..  

 

If you do buy the bonds, you could try to get a bond certificate (which is what BoI wanted and insisted for the longest time from me), but like myself, you may find that getting a bond certificate is next to impossible.

 

In the end, to get BoI to accept my 2-million THB in Thai government bonds, I ended up getting Bangkok Bank to write a one page later noting indeed I was the owner of the bonds, and further they inserted additional entries into the last page of the bond book, providing the specification of the bonds.  Only then, with no bond certificate, did the BoI accept the 2-million THB in Thai government bonds I owned, would contribute to my investment in Thailand.

 

Also - the Bangkok bank branch where i bought the Thai government bonds, insisted that i have a yellowbook and a Thai pink ID.  i suspect that is policy of only that particular Bangkok Bank branch, but i do not know if that is for certain.

12 hours ago, Dezmo said:

Ah ok... impressed that is a pretty fast process... I started Oct 4 and had a few document requests since that time. 

 

Assume once I get the Visa, it will be paper that I need to print.    Does an IO (at airport?) later stamp my Passport and also include a "Multiple re-entry permit " stamp? 

Or do I just need to keep the paper for all my travels...?

 

Curious about a few things:

--"Permission to work in Thailand (Digital Work permit)" - assume this is to work for a Thai company?      Not that I would (though I may do some contract work for a USA company but I coudl to that anyway as before) but I had heard that if I wanted to perform some volunteer work (coaching, etc.) that I needed some type of work permit. Maybe this covers it?

--"Fast Track Service at International Airports in Thailand" - I do not recall seeing these at BKK but assume they are marked and LTR holder can use them (or are there different "fast track" lanes)?

 

 

You print out the e-visa and show it to the immigration officer each time to enter Thailand.  I've used the same printout now for over a year and it's well worn.  I did print an extra one in case I somehow lose one.

 

The Fast Track lanes in BKK are all the way to right of the check-in counters at the departure hall.  You need to show the staff your e-visa printout.  I use it every time I leave BKK and the security lines are never crowded.  For arrival follow the signs for Fast Track. There is maybe no more than one person in front of me whenever I use the fast track lanes on arrival.

1 hour ago, 1tent42 said:

You print out the e-visa and show it to the immigration officer each time to enter Thailand.  I've used the same printout now for over a year and it's well worn.  I did print an extra one in case I somehow lose one.

 

The Fast Track lanes in BKK are all the way to right of the check-in counters at the departure hall.  You need to show the staff your e-visa printout.  I use it every time I leave BKK and the security lines are never crowded.  For arrival follow the signs for Fast Track. There is maybe no more than one person in front of me whenever I use the fast track lanes on arrival.

 

Thanks, I may keep an electronic copy on my phone also (and several paper copies).

 

    They did email me for the latest passport pages in a PDF.  I sent them the same PDF I uploaded a few weeks ago as I have not traveled yet they sent a vague email back saying the "PDF is not working" and instructions to "Scan the latest stamp and all passport pages in the form of double-page spread, ...".   

    I just sent them the same PDF again as it was formatted properly.   I assume they mean a 2 page spread...It as a little challenging and I just set it up in Word and copied in the scans side-by-side then saved as PDF.   I assume the actual format is OK as they didn't complain when I first uploaded it.   Maybe they had an issue with opening it this time.

 

I received notice from BOI that they accepted the PDF of my Passport and the qualification letter was available.

 

I then created an account on the https://thaievisa.go.th/ and started the process for the LTR but it has me select the NYC Embassy.  Now I am on a page where it is asking me for my arrival and deprature dates and where I am staying in Thailand.  

 

So I am a bit confused if I am doing the proper process.....to get the LTR eVisa (not have to visit an embassy), and I do not yet have a flight plans nor hotel for Thailand.    Do I just put in anythng here (flights dates, hotel, etc.) or will they ask proof on next steps?

Wil they still issue the LTR eVisa here? 

I assume they will ask for the "notification of qualification endorserment" letter.....

 

Thoughts?

7 minutes ago, Dezmo said:

I received notice from BOI that they accepted the PDF of my Passport.

 

I then created an account on the https://thaievisa.go.th/ and started the process for the LTR but it has me select the NYC Embassy.  Now I am on a page where it is asking me for my arrival and deprature dates and where I am staying in Thailand.  

 

So I am a bit confused if I am doing the proper process.....to get the LTR eVisa (not have to visit an embassy), and I do not yet have a flight plans nor hotel for Thailand.    Do I just put in anythng here (flights dates, hotel, etc.) or will they ask proof on next steps?

Wil they still issue the LTR eVisa here? 

I assume they will ask for the "notification of qualification endorserment" letter.....

 

Thoughts?

I believe you can just put your planned itinerary and not necessarily your booked and reserved itinerary.  Pick a hotel in Bangkok for a night or week.  They didn't ask for proof that I paid for flights or hotels when I submitted my application.  They will require you to upload your LTR endorsement letter.  Once all the documents are uploaded you will be prompted to pay.  You can pay by credit card.  It took five working days to get my e-visa issued.  They didn't notify me though, I had to check my thaievisa account.

22 minutes ago, 1tent42 said:

I believe you can just put your planned itinerary and not necessarily your booked and reserved itinerary.  Pick a hotel in Bangkok for a night or week.  They didn't ask for proof that I paid for flights or hotels when I submitted my application.  They will require you to upload your LTR endorsement letter.  Once all the documents are uploaded you will be prompted to pay.  You can pay by credit card.  It took five working days to get my e-visa issued.  They didn't notify me though, I had to check my thaievisa account.

 

Thanks, I put in some info for flight, condo, etc.

 

I did get to the Payment page, and of course Barclay flagged my MasterCard payment as fraud but I approved it 🙂  (at least it appeared to accept it as sometimes using overseas payment systems I have trouble with MasterCard and need to use my Visa).  

After having completed the online payment process, the applicant should receive a confirmation email together with an e-receipt. This process should take approximately 15 minutes. Alternatively, the applicant can download the e-receipt on e-Visa account which will also be available once the payment is successfully processed.

 

It really did not provide any payment confirmation but sent me back to the Home page with this popup (below).    But when I login I can download the payment receipt.  The Barclay app does show a Temp Authorization for $1,600 so hopefully it all goes through.

 

 

 

When I login again my application seems to be in "All Status" category and "Processing Pending Document Check (1) ".  So I am assume I just wait now...

 

I appreciate all the help.... seems they could provide a bit more instructions for this process 🙂

 

 

On 9/1/2025 at 3:59 PM, oldcpu said:

 

Typically the federal government bonds are safer than ANY bank in a country. 

 

So if your choice is between keeping your money in a Thai bank account in cash, or keeping your money in Thai Government Bonds, where immediate liquidity is not an issue, then federal government bonds are almost always safer than any bank.

 

I am NOT saying to keep one's money in cash.

 

Further, interest on bonds (any bonds that do not have horrendous risk) is relatively pathetic compared to a decent stock portfolio and bond interest pathetic compared to a basic ETF that mostly tracks a market such as S&P-500.

 

However i have read recommendations that one nominally should have some money in bonds as part of one's portfolio.  i am not saying that is a good recommendation, i just note something that some say is a good strategy as part of overall diversification.   

 

Until recently, I have not owned any bonds for a very long time. My last bond transaction (until a Dec-2022 Thai government bond purchase - and other than some crazy but successful speculation on Irish and Greek bonds) was  somewhere around 1980, when i sold the last of my Canadian Savings bonds. 

 

But back in 2022 in Thailand i purchased 2-million THB in Thai government bond ( equal to ~ $62,000 USD) which have a 7 year term . This was so to contribute to my meeting the $250K US$ investment in Thailand for an LTR-WP (ie the criteria that goes along with a $40K US$ passive income).   I do not plan to replace these bonds when they mature.  Instead, when I reprove my achieving the LTR-WP visa financial requirements in 2028, more "pension" style funds coming my way, will have long before kicked in, pushing me over the $80 K US$ yearly passive income, so having to prove a Thailand investment no longer be needed..  

 

If you do buy the bonds, you could try to get a bond certificate (which is what BoI wanted and insisted for the longest time from me), but like myself, you may find that getting a bond certificate is next to impossible.

 

In the end, to get BoI to accept my 2-million THB in Thai government bonds, I ended up getting Bangkok Bank to write a one page later noting indeed I was the owner of the bonds, and further they inserted additional entries into the last page of the bond book, providing the specification of the bonds.  Only then, with no bond certificate, did the BoI accept the 2-million THB in Thai government bonds I owned, would contribute to my investment in Thailand.

 

Also - the Bangkok bank branch where i bought the Thai government bonds, insisted that i have a yellowbook and a Thai pink ID.  i suspect that is policy of only that particular Bangkok Bank branch, but i do not know if that is for certain.

Thanks for the detailed reply.

BOI has increased the number of BOI "certified agencies" for LTR visa applications from 4 to 8.   The first 4 on the list below were the original agencies and these are still the only ones shown on the BOI LTR website as of 3 Sep 2025, but the BOI LTR website typically lags in being updated for some info....expect their website will soon also list the 8 agencies.

 

These are BOI "blessed" (so to speak) visa agencies as these agencies applied to BOI and went thru a BOI screening process to obtain "certified agency" status. 

 

It's not like other visa agencies seen for other types of visas....these other agencies like to get 1 year type visas are not government-certified....some are very good agencies....others not-so-much.

 

The certified visa agencies can help a person apply for an LTR visa  But an agency will have their fee to assist....a fee that is possibly higher/above and beyond the govt LTR fee of Bt50K which a person must pay even if not using an agency to assist.    And please note just because you might use a certified-agency you can't hold the govt liable for any "claims/expenses/etc.," you might have with that agency.

 

Now a person does "not" need an agency to apply for an LTR visa....it can be pretty much a 100% online process vs having to visit a govt immigration office.   Now, if having the LTR visa issued within Thailand you will have to go to the BOI immigration office in Bangkok for the final formality step of having the LTR visa stamped into your passport (takes about an hour at BOI immigration)  but you are visa-approved before arriving on that day;  if outside Thailand you can use the evisa portal for final issue of the LTR visa.   

 

It can be an easy process "if", repeat, if you have necessary qualifications documentation in English or Thai to apply.  If you have the qualification docs but they are not in English or Thai then you need to have the docs translated to English or Thai just like when applying for any type of visa.   But using a BOI certified agency can be a good choice for those who want to go that route when applying for a LTR visa.

 

From BOI LTR Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/LTRVisaThailand/

 

 

Disclaimer from BOI LTR website

https://ltr.boi.go.th/index.html

I am going to wait and maybe apply for LTR in the future (probably not).  There are a few reasons if anyone is interested in knowing why it does not suit me:-

 

They want 'approved' health insurance which for me is a no no - although I have found what one person claimed they use is OK for 25K PA but the coverage is extremely poor and it basically means 50K for the LTR Visa and another 300K for useless insurance (with annual increases). We self insure and have done so for over 10 years - I am not keen paying out 'dead money' for 10 years insurance coverage that might not pay out if something bad happens. Especially given I have car insurance that covers medical expenses in a car accident.  I do not want to be put in a position whereby I lose my LTR because I made a medical claim and now my next annual premium post 70 is 200+K. 

 

The new incoming Thailand global taxation system is a worry.  Under the current LTR Visa, income taxation is exempted on money brought into Thailand under the current Tax Laws. But will that be 'over-written' when the new Tax Laws mean all income earned globally is taxable income, whether remitted into Thailand or not.  I just cannot see the Thai Govt being able to give Expats free taxation on money earned overseas, when they are taxing Thais on their money earned overseas.  Plus providing details of my income and investments overseas, including taxation returns, is required to get approval for the LTR - will that data be provided to TRD when the new Tax Laws start.

 

The current 'state of play' with regards to who will be the new PM and when there will be an election is also a major concern. It is not just someone like Anutin who could become the PM (anti-Expat reputation) it is also Peoples Party becoming the Government and what they will do.  There are 'progressives' I know that would welcome a change away from the 'military-elite' aligned Parties, but I know that with their raft of reforms they have in mind (including a great deal more social welfare) will require a lot more taxes to be collected. If that comes to pass, then rest assured the taxation of wealthy Expats will be an easy target and easily justified to the Media and People. That doing something like that will drive Expats away is not something they will think about much - until after most of us have gone (as per the 180 on taxing all remitted income).  I am not saying that will happen - it is a concern that I have - and I do not think for one minute that previous change was reversed because of the impact it had on Expats.

 

When it was first announced in 2022 the BOI claimed 1 million 'customers' within 5 years - they have 6000 (according to media report). They have lowered the bars and made it easier in some regards, but I would not be surprised if the whole program was canned in 2027 (and/or changed) and brought in under the Immigration Police to manage and control going forward. It is not unusual, in fact it is expected, that the Thai Govt keeps making ad-hoc knee-jerk changes to the Immigration rules and regulations without any thinking or care about what the impacts the changes will have for Expats.

 

Both my Wife and I are Aussie Citizens and can return at any time, and therefore we do not have to stick it out and just suck it up - whatever they do. Not 'risking' enough money on an LTR Visa and Health Insurance to buy a brand new top of the range golf clubs, let along the possible income taxation ramifications, seems to me to be the best way forward for myself.  I am going to wait and see how things play out over the next few years before re-considering LTR - I might regret that decision but I might not. 

 

1 hour ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

I am going to wait and maybe apply for LTR in the future (probably not).  There are a few reasons if anyone is interested in knowing why it does not suit me:-

 

They want 'approved' health insurance which for me is a no no - although I have found what one person claimed they use is OK for 25K PA but the coverage is extremely poor and it basically means 50K for the LTR Visa and another 300K for useless insurance (with annual increases). We self insure and have done so for over 10 years - I am not keen paying out 'dead money' for 10 years insurance coverage that might not pay out if something bad happens. Especially given I have car insurance that covers medical expenses in a car accident.  I do not want to be put in a position whereby I lose my LTR because I made a medical claim and now my next annual premium post 70 is 200+K. 

 

The new incoming Thailand global taxation system is a worry.  Under the current LTR Visa, income taxation is exempted on money brought into Thailand under the current Tax Laws. But will that be 'over-written' when the new Tax Laws mean all income earned globally is taxable income, whether remitted into Thailand or not.  I just cannot see the Thai Govt being able to give Expats free taxation on money earned overseas, when they are taxing Thais on their money earned overseas.  Plus providing details of my income and investments overseas, including taxation returns, is required to get approval for the LTR - will that data be provided to TRD when the new Tax Laws start.

 

The current 'state of play' with regards to who will be the new PM and when there will be an election is also a major concern. It is not just someone like Anutin who could become the PM (anti-Expat reputation) it is also Peoples Party becoming the Government and what they will do.  There are 'progressives' I know that would welcome a change away from the 'military-elite' aligned Parties, but I know that with their raft of reforms they have in mind (including a great deal more social welfare) will require a lot more taxes to be collected. If that comes to pass, then rest assured the taxation of wealthy Expats will be an easy target and easily justified to the Media and People. That doing something like that will drive Expats away is not something they will think about much - until after most of us have gone (as per the 180 on taxing all remitted income).  I am not saying that will happen - it is a concern that I have - and I do not think for one minute that previous change was reversed because of the impact it had on Expats.

 

When it was first announced in 2022 the BOI claimed 1 million 'customers' within 5 years - they have 6000 (according to media report). They have lowered the bars and made it easier in some regards, but I would not be surprised if the whole program was canned in 2027 (and/or changed) and brought in under the Immigration Police to manage and control going forward. It is not unusual, in fact it is expected, that the Thai Govt keeps making ad-hoc knee-jerk changes to the Immigration rules and regulations without any thinking or care about what the impacts the changes will have for Expats.

 

Both my Wife and I are Aussie Citizens and can return at any time, and therefore we do not have to stick it out and just suck it up - whatever they do. Not 'risking' enough money on an LTR Visa and Health Insurance to buy a brand new top of the range golf clubs, let along the possible income taxation ramifications, seems to me to be the best way forward for myself.  I am going to wait and see how things play out over the next few years before re-considering LTR - I might regret that decision but I might not. 

 

 

 

I note your view. Let me provide some 'counterpoints'.

 

Re: health insurance, you note you 'self insure'.  You can do that self health insurance with an LTR visa, with money still in Australia. 

 

Possibly a Health Insurance 'issue' here for you,  is that you believe you either need less money than what BoI insist is adequate for self-health insurance, or you believe you need less liquidity in your self-health insurance funds, than what BoI insist is necessary for liquidity.  

 

In comparison to Type-OA visa, I also want to point out, the Type-OA visa does not accept health insurance from branches of insurance companies from outside of Thailand, nor does the Type-OA visa accept self health insurance. So for many expats that means the Type-O visa is THE visa of choice for long term stay in Thailand, if not working/receiving income in Thailand.

 

 However I would also speculate there is just a big chance of Health Insurance becoming a type-O visa requirement (which would be a disaster for many) as there is of the LTR visa being cancelled. ... I suspect we will disagree on that view of mine.

 

I do note that this is Thailand and predicting the future is nebulous at best.

 

Next point.

 

Reference Tax laws, there is no incoming Thailand global taxation system.  None. Not at present.

 

There is no Royal Decree establishing such a global taxation.  

 

So that is only speculation at present. 

 

Further, any such global taxation law, if ever implemented, will impact ALL Thai tax residents, and not only hypothetically the LTR visa holders.

 

Now I think it is very very clear, that at present, LTR visa holders (per Royal Decree) are tax exempt remitted income to Thailand. 

 

That Thailand tax exemption, for some, provides an excellent opportunity NOW, for those on the LTR visa (whose DTA of their source income does not protect them) to bring money in NOW, so to last them some years, in case tax laws change. So from that view point, it makes sense to get an LTR now !! Don't wait ... take advantage of it now, before any laws hypothetically change.

 

Reference the new PM or Thai politics. Trying to predict what will happen there is highly speculative. Again, if there is something good in place now for Visa, it makes sense to use it while it is good.  

 

Reference 'risking money' on LTR, I would argue the opposite. If you are a Thai tax resident, and if have foreign income that a DTA (on a Type-O) does not make tax exempt in Thailand, you risk much more.

 

Clearly thou - at least clear to me - every foreign expat needs to consider their financial situation, consider their source income amount and consider any associated DTA with the source country of that income, and come to their own assessment.

 

But if one is worried the LTR may in the future close to new applicants, the logic i see is its best to get the LTR now, before the door closes - contrary to your assessment.

 

Regardless, the very best wishes to you and the approach you adopt.  

4 hours ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

I am going to wait and maybe apply for LTR in the future (probably not).  There are a few reasons if anyone is interested in knowing why it does not suit me:-

 

They want 'approved' health insurance which for me is a no no - although I have found what one person claimed they use is OK for 25K PA but the coverage is extremely poor and it basically means 50K for the LTR Visa and another 300K for useless insurance (with annual increases). We self insure and have done so for over 10 years - I am not keen paying out 'dead money' for 10 years insurance coverage that might not pay out if something bad happens. Especially given I have car insurance that covers medical expenses in a car accident.  I do not want to be put in a position whereby I lose my LTR because I made a medical claim and now my next annual premium post 70 is 200+K. 

 

The new incoming Thailand global taxation system is a worry.  Under the current LTR Visa, income taxation is exempted on money brought into Thailand under the current Tax Laws. But will that be 'over-written' when the new Tax Laws mean all income earned globally is taxable income, whether remitted into Thailand or not.  I just cannot see the Thai Govt being able to give Expats free taxation on money earned overseas, when they are taxing Thais on their money earned overseas.  Plus providing details of my income and investments overseas, including taxation returns, is required to get approval for the LTR - will that data be provided to TRD when the new Tax Laws start.

 

The current 'state of play' with regards to who will be the new PM and when there will be an election is also a major concern. It is not just someone like Anutin who could become the PM (anti-Expat reputation) it is also Peoples Party becoming the Government and what they will do.  There are 'progressives' I know that would welcome a change away from the 'military-elite' aligned Parties, but I know that with their raft of reforms they have in mind (including a great deal more social welfare) will require a lot more taxes to be collected. If that comes to pass, then rest assured the taxation of wealthy Expats will be an easy target and easily justified to the Media and People. That doing something like that will drive Expats away is not something they will think about much - until after most of us have gone (as per the 180 on taxing all remitted income).  I am not saying that will happen - it is a concern that I have - and I do not think for one minute that previous change was reversed because of the impact it had on Expats.

 

When it was first announced in 2022 the BOI claimed 1 million 'customers' within 5 years - they have 6000 (according to media report). They have lowered the bars and made it easier in some regards, but I would not be surprised if the whole program was canned in 2027 (and/or changed) and brought in under the Immigration Police to manage and control going forward. It is not unusual, in fact it is expected, that the Thai Govt keeps making ad-hoc knee-jerk changes to the Immigration rules and regulations without any thinking or care about what the impacts the changes will have for Expats.

 

Both my Wife and I are Aussie Citizens and can return at any time, and therefore we do not have to stick it out and just suck it up - whatever they do. Not 'risking' enough money on an LTR Visa and Health Insurance to buy a brand new top of the range golf clubs, let along the possible income taxation ramifications, seems to me to be the best way forward for myself.  I am going to wait and see how things play out over the next few years before re-considering LTR - I might regret that decision but I might not. 

 

 

You do know a person has  the option to "self-insure" for an LTR visa, right?  You have two options to meet the health insurance requirement: (1) a  health insurance policy (foreign or Thai) providing coverage in Thailand of at least $50K (USD equivalent)....or (2) "self-insure" by having at least $100K (USD) equivalent in a bank account somewhere in the world...bank account does not have to be in Thailand....keep all your money in another country if desired....not even one baht needs to be maintained in Thailand.

 

Now a lot of people say they are "self-insured" but what that typically really means the person is betting  they will hopefully never have a serious medical event like a stroke, heart attack, accident, etc) that requires immediate and costly hospital care in Thailand.  A lot of people in this category think if high-cost medical care becomes a reality that they will just hop on a plane back to their home country free health system if their country has free health care. But it may be hard to hop on a plane while in ICU.   Then others plan to utilize a "GoFundMe" health care coverage.   And we have those whose self-insure plan is to "play it day-by-day" regarding medical care.   

 

And there is a "Dependent's LTR Visa" for a spouse or kids of an LTR visa holder.  This Dependent's LTR visa does not have any income requirements; only health insurance coverage is required which can be either a foreign or Thai policy providing USD $50K coverage in Thailand or self-insure with only USD $25K equivalent in a bank acct somewhere in the world.  PLEASE NOTE for the dependent only $25K (USD) self insurance is required if going the self-insure route; not USD $100K like for the primarily LTR visa holder.  Could be a good deal for a couple versus both of them having to meet 1 year visas requirements year-after-year.

 

All the possible political, tax, visa, and other what-ifs that could possibly occur in the future are pure conjecture/opinion.  No one really knows what the future will bring to include mass extinction events like asteroid strikes, what crazy thing Donald T. will say tomorrow (highly probable), etc.  

 

One thing for sure I would much rather have an LTR visa (which I have) than a 1 year type of visa due to the LTR tax advantage, not needing to worry about visa renewal every year, not needing an exit/reentry permit, not needing to do 90 day address reports, etc.

 

 

10 hours ago, Pib said:

BOI has increased the number of BOI "certified agencies" for LTR visa applications from 4 to 8.   The first 4 on the list below were the original agencies and these are still the only ones shown on the BOI LTR website as of 3 Sep 2025, but the BOI LTR website typically lags in being updated for some info....expect their website will soon also list the 8 agencies.

 

These are BOI "blessed" (so to speak) visa agencies as these agencies applied to BOI and went thru a BOI screening process to obtain "certified agency" status. 

 

It's not like other visa agencies seen for other types of visas....these other agencies like to get 1 year type visas are not government-certified....some are very good agencies....others not-so-much.

 

The certified visa agencies can help a person apply for an LTR visa  But an agency will have their fee to assist....a fee that is possibly higher/above and beyond the govt LTR fee of Bt50K which a person must pay even if not using an agency to assist.    And please note just because you might use a certified-agency you can't hold the govt liable for any "claims/expenses/etc.," you might have with that agency.

 

Now a person does "not" need an agency to apply for an LTR visa....it can be pretty much a 100% online process vs having to visit a govt immigration office.   Now, if having the LTR visa issued within Thailand you will have to go to the BOI immigration office in Bangkok for the final formality step of having the LTR visa stamped into your passport (takes about an hour at BOI immigration)  but you are visa-approved before arriving on that day;  if outside Thailand you can use the evisa portal for final issue of the LTR visa.   

 

It can be an easy process "if", repeat, if you have necessary qualifications documentation in English or Thai to apply.  If you have the qualification docs but they are not in English or Thai then you need to have the docs translated to English or Thai just like when applying for any type of visa.   But using a BOI certified agency can be a good choice for those who want to go that route when applying for a LTR visa.

 

From BOI LTR Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/LTRVisaThailand/

 

 

Disclaimer from BOI LTR website

https://ltr.boi.go.th/index.html

 

Now like I said in above post which talked about the number of BOI LTR Visa certified agencies increasing from 4 to 8, the applying for an LTR visa it is pretty much a 100% online process....a person can easily do it themselves (no visa agency needed) if they have their ducks lined-up with those ducks being able to provide/upload the required documents to prove a person satisfies LTR visa requirements. 

 

However, some people may feel more comfortable using a visa agency.   And remember, a certified agency can not "generate" the docs like copies of income tax returns, pension letters, bank statements, etc.,...that must be provided to BOI.  The certified agency can only advise/assist you in rounding-up the docs....possibly upload/submit the documents on your behalf....help/guide you thru the application process.  Remember, it's an easy online process if your have your "document" ducks lined-up.

 

IMO below Siam-Legal YouTube video provides a good description of what a "BOI LTR certified agency" is.    Siam Legal is one of the new BOI LTR certified agencies.    Once again, I'm not endorsing Siam Legal--never done any business with them---but I do think their YouTube video does a good job of explaining what a BOI LTR certified agency is and how use of such an agency may benefit some folks interested in getting an LTR visa.  And remember regardless of agency use there will be an agency fee (gotta pay for their assistance) above-and-beyond the Bt50K government fee for issue of an LTR visa.   

 

 

 

Unfortunately, these agencies can't replace your presence at BoI in Bangkok for your initial visa/five year stamp -- and for your second five year stamp. So, if you live far away from Bangkok, at least two trips to Bangkok will be required for a 10-year LTR visa. (One trip, if you get an LTR eVisa, i.e., at the five year point.)

 

When I asked about this two years ago, here's what I got:

 

Quote

Currently, our LTR Visa office is located in Bangkok, and for visa extensions [I had asked about the renewed five year permission of stay stamp], you will need to visit our office in person once your extension has been approved. The in-person visit is required as the Immigration authorities will need to take a current photograph of you.

However, for visa transfer, you can have a representative do it on your behalf, so you don't have to be present in person for this process.

In case you need to transfer a LTR Visa to a new passport, you [or your agent] must apply to have your LTR Visa transferred at the Immigration at One Stop Service Center for Visa and Work Permit (OSS).

 

Note the second paragraph, which allows an agent to make that trip to Bangkok to have the LTR visa transferred to your new passport. And, I imagine, most of us have 10-year passports; thus, yes, sometime during your 10-year LTR visa timeframe, you'll need to transfer that visa to a new passport. Nice, then, that if you live away from Bangkok, you can use an agent for the Bangkok trip (not sure if that need be a 'LTR certified agent,' which may require at least a trip to the nearest big city, if you live in the sticks).

 

Agents, too, may be needed if you live in the sticks and your podunk Immigration office has never heard of an LTR TM-95/One year report. And, when I queried BoI two years ago, TM95 reporting could not be done online, or even by mail. The following answer from BoI:

 

Quote

While some local Immigration offices may offer the one-year report service, it's essential to confirm this directly with them. Each Immigration Bureau operates differently, and not all may provide this service.

If your local Immigration office does not offer the one-year report service, you or your representative will need to visit the Immigration office at Chamchuri Square in Bangkok to complete the report [new location now].

 

Fortunately, Chiang Mai knows about TM95s and allows you to use the the 90-day report drive thru window. The receipt is a 90-day formatted receipt, except the "please notify again" date is one year hence, not 90 days. 

 

 

12 minutes ago, JimGant said:

Unfortunately, these agencies can't replace your presence at BoI in Bangkok for your initial visa/five year stamp -- and for your second five year stamp. So, if you live far away from Bangkok, at least two trips to Bangkok will be required for a 10-year LTR visa. (One trip, if you get an LTR eVisa, i.e., at the five year point.)

 

When I asked about this two years ago, here's what I got:

 

 

Note the second paragraph, which allows an agent to make that trip to Bangkok to have the LTR visa transferred to your new passport. And, I imagine, most of us have 10-year passports; thus, yes, sometime during your 10-year LTR visa timeframe, you'll need to transfer that visa to a new passport. Nice, then, that if you live away from Bangkok, you can use an agent for the Bangkok trip (not sure if that need be a 'LTR certified agent,' which may require at least a trip to the nearest big city, if you live in the sticks).

 

Agents, too, may be needed if you live in the sticks and your podunk Immigration office has never heard of an LTR TM-95/One year report. And, when I queried BoI two years ago, TM95 reporting could not be done online, or even by mail. 

 

 

Re: having to go to Bangkok ( given its a bit far from Phuket) while I see it as a bit of  PIA if having to go there, my Thai wife loves it. Her view? A great place for more shopping.  Lol. Reminds me of the saying: Every cloud has its silver lining.

21 hours ago, oldcpu said:

 

 

I note your view. Let me provide some 'counterpoints'.

 

Re: health insurance, you note you 'self insure'.  You can do that self health insurance with an LTR visa, with money still in Australia. 

 

Possibly a Health Insurance 'issue' here for you,  is that you believe you either need less money than what BoI insist is adequate for self-health insurance, or you believe you need less liquidity in your self-health insurance funds, than what BoI insist is necessary for liquidity.  

 

In comparison to Type-OA visa, I also want to point out, the Type-OA visa does not accept health insurance from branches of insurance companies from outside of Thailand, nor does the Type-OA visa accept self health insurance. So for many expats that means the Type-O visa is THE visa of choice for long term stay in Thailand, if not working/receiving income in Thailand.

 

 However I would also speculate there is just a big chance of Health Insurance becoming a type-O visa requirement (which would be a disaster for many) as there is of the LTR visa being cancelled. ... I suspect we will disagree on that view of mine.

 

I do note that this is Thailand and predicting the future is nebulous at best.

 

Next point.

 

Reference Tax laws, there is no incoming Thailand global taxation system.  None. Not at present.

 

There is no Royal Decree establishing such a global taxation.  

 

So that is only speculation at present. 

 

Further, any such global taxation law, if ever implemented, will impact ALL Thai tax residents, and not only hypothetically the LTR visa holders.

 

Now I think it is very very clear, that at present, LTR visa holders (per Royal Decree) are tax exempt remitted income to Thailand. 

 

That Thailand tax exemption, for some, provides an excellent opportunity NOW, for those on the LTR visa (whose DTA of their source income does not protect them) to bring money in NOW, so to last them some years, in case tax laws change. So from that view point, it makes sense to get an LTR now !! Don't wait ... take advantage of it now, before any laws hypothetically change.

 

Reference the new PM or Thai politics. Trying to predict what will happen there is highly speculative. Again, if there is something good in place now for Visa, it makes sense to use it while it is good.  

 

Reference 'risking money' on LTR, I would argue the opposite. If you are a Thai tax resident, and if have foreign income that a DTA (on a Type-O) does not make tax exempt in Thailand, you risk much more.

 

Clearly thou - at least clear to me - every foreign expat needs to consider their financial situation, consider their source income amount and consider any associated DTA with the source country of that income, and come to their own assessment.

 

But if one is worried the LTR may in the future close to new applicants, the logic i see is its best to get the LTR now, before the door closes - contrary to your assessment.

 

Regardless, the very best wishes to you and the approach you adopt.  

Cheers mate - I understand all your points - but please let me clarify and respond to your points.

 

Re: health insurance.  I have an email from BOI stating that the 3 Million Baht has to be lodged in a Thai savings bank/s.  Money invested in Australia or in a savings account there is not acceptable.  

 

In comparison to Type-OA visa. I have an O Visa (Marriage) at the moment and will be changing to an O (Retirement Extension) later this year. As you say, right now health insurance is not a mandatory requirement for either of those Visa/Extension.

 

Reference Tax laws.

I saw a Youtube video where a senior Exec of TRD stated that they are developing a global based taxation system to replace the current remittance based system. This is mainly due to the cluster*** that was caused when they tried to do that by removing the 12 month tax exempt rule on remitted income under the current tax system. No date was given - but she stated they are 'very busy' pulling everything together - but yes it will take a few years. The announcement they would not tax income remitted now for 2 years  (year earned and now also the next year) indicates that is their timeframe is probably 2-3 years. 

 

TR visa holders (per Royal Decree) are tax exempt remitted income to Thailand. 

Yes - under the current taxation system, but will that be the case under a new global taxation system is not absolutely clear or certain - that is my point.  And that once they have all my finance records I am not keen to move until that is made clear - one way or the other. 

 

Reference the new PM or Thai politics. I always take account of all relevant factors when managing my money. Thailand has been a bit anti-Expat for a while and under Anutin it is likely to be more so, but under a PP Govt they will probably increase taxation (as all progressive/lefty Governments do).

 

Reference 'risking money' on LTR. That is true if/when a new global system is announced, that the taxation exemptions provided to LTR Visa holders under the current  taxation system also apply to the new one.  If they do then all is good for those like yourself with one, and also for others thinking of applying. 

 

every foreign expat needs to consider their financial situation.  Absolutely true and agree 100%.

 

its best to get the LTR now, before the door closes - contrary to your assessment.  Perhaps and perhaps not. There are good points on both sides of such a debate. I am happy to wait a few years and see how things pan out. Each person must make their own decisions.

 

18 hours ago, Pib said:

You do know a person has  the option to "self-insure" for an LTR visa, right?  You have two options to meet the health insurance requirement: (1) a  health insurance policy (foreign or Thai) providing coverage in Thailand of at least $50K (USD equivalent)....or (2) "self-insure" by having at least $100K (USD) equivalent in a bank account somewhere in the world...bank account does not have to be in Thailand....keep all your money in another country if desired....not even one baht needs to be maintained in Thailand.

You are the second one to say that and it is technically true - perhaps the Officer at BOI misunderstood my question.

So to explain this in more detail and for those 'interested' - I have my money invested overseas in a Superannuation investment account that 'pays' on average about 5-6% annual interest (with big taxation offsets). That money is available under the banking rules and regulations of Australia (same people manage them as do the banks) and I can transfer any or all of it to a bank within 2 days and then to Thailand within 1 day (depending on amount and bank).  That was unacceptable to BOI as was an investment bank account - it must be in a at-call 'savings account' (no term deposit etc.) and earn 2-3% after fees and costs.  Then comes taxation - as a person living overseas I would be taxed on that interest at the top marginal rate of 45% - and that interest would be classed as 'direct' income and affect my Pension payment amount (my Super gives big tax benefits as I said). After that (and a couple of other thorns)  the net amount I would get is about a quarter of what I would get in my Super account and leave me open to other 'issues' in Australia. That I have way more than required in my Super account made no difference to BOI - it must be in a 'savings account'.  Other countries have different Pension, Taxation, Superannuation and Banking rules and regulations than Australia.   

19 hours ago, Pib said:

Now a lot of people say they are "self-insured" but what that typically really means the person is betting  they will hopefully never have a serious medical event like a stroke, heart attack, accident, etc) that requires immediate and costly hospital care in Thailand.  A lot of people in this category think if high-cost medical care becomes a reality that they will just hop on a plane back to their home country free health system if their country has free health care. But it may be hard to hop on a plane while in ICU.   Then others plan to utilize a "GoFundMe" health care coverage.   And we have those whose self-insure plan is to "play it day-by-day" regarding medical care.   

 

And there is a "Dependent's LTR Visa" for a spouse or kids of an LTR visa holder.  This Dependent's LTR visa does not have any income requirements; only health insurance coverage is required which can be either a foreign or Thai policy providing USD $50K coverage in Thailand or self-insure with only USD $25K equivalent in a bank acct somewhere in the world.  PLEASE NOTE for the dependent only $25K (USD) self insurance is required if going the self-insure route; not USD $100K like for the primarily LTR visa holder.  Could be a good deal for a couple versus both of them having to meet 1 year visas requirements year-after-year.

 

All the possible political, tax, visa, and other what-ifs that could possibly occur in the future are pure conjecture/opinion.  No one really knows what the future will bring to include mass extinction events like asteroid strikes, what crazy thing Donald T. will say tomorrow (highly probable), etc.  

 

One thing for sure I would much rather have an LTR visa (which I have) than a 1 year type of visa due to the LTR tax advantage, not needing to worry about visa renewal every year, not needing an exit/reentry permit, not needing to do 90 day address reports, etc.

I agree that some people do it wrong - but that is not me - and I am assuming you are not stating that it is me. We have over 1 Million Baht in Thai bank accounts and can access other funds quickly if needed.  No dependents.  But a big one is this - after not paying health insurance here for over 10 years we are about 400K in front - that is our money and we still have it. Going forward I calculated a few years ago that if we self-insure until I am 80 we will have saved 1.3 Million baht each (at least). Plus we have personal accident insurance and car accident insurance that covers medical up to 1 million baht per incident.  I am glad you are happy you have an LTR - and I am happy to wait - no rush. 

 

2 hours ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

You are the second one to say that and it is technically true - perhaps the Officer at BOI misunderstood my question.

So to explain this in more detail and for those 'interested' - I have my money invested overseas in a Superannuation investment account that 'pays' on average about 5-6% annual interest (with big taxation offsets). That money is available under the banking rules and regulations of Australia (same people manage them as do the banks) and I can transfer any or all of it to a bank within 2 days and then to Thailand within 1 day (depending on amount and bank).  That was unacceptable to BOI as was an investment bank account - it must be in a at-call 'savings account' (no term deposit etc.) and earn 2-3% after fees and costs.  Then comes taxation - as a person living overseas I would be taxed on that interest at the top marginal rate of 45% - and that interest would be classed as 'direct' income and affect my Pension payment amount (my Super gives big tax benefits as I said). After that (and a couple of other thorns)  the net amount I would get is about a quarter of what I would get in my Super account and leave me open to other 'issues' in Australia. That I have way more than required in my Super account made no difference to BOI - it must be in a 'savings account'.  Other countries have different Pension, Taxation, Superannuation and Banking rules and regulations than Australia.   

 

Yeap...BOI no longer accepts "investment" type accounts to satisfy the self-insure $100K (USD equivalent) medical coverage.   They did allow it during the first 3-6 months (late 2022-early 2023) of the LTR program.   But then that flexibility disappeared and it was back to the original LTR policy of the funds must be in a bank account...a regular kind of savings/checking/current account.    To quote from three areas of the BOI website regarding the self-insure funding source: 

 

"Financial evidence or bank statement (Investment portfolio and fixed deposit are NOT accepted) showing a deposit of no less than 100,000 USD which has been held and maintained for no less than 12 months at the time of application."

 

" or a deposit balance of at least USD 100,000 in a bank account in Thailand or abroad retained for at least 12 months as of the date of application."  

 

"OR deposit and maintain at least USD 100,000 in bank account balance under the applicant’s name for no less than 12 months"

 

I'm guessing but I expect BOI and/or Immigration felt with all the various types of investment accounts in different countries, varying laws that apply to some kinds of investment accounts "especially superannuation, 401K, IRA type retirement investment accounts" which typically have some strings/penalties attached if withdrawing funds before a certain age or not having the account open for X-amount of years along with concerns of a stock market crash that could severely & quickly deplete the balance in an investment type account that BOI wanted something more simple and less potentially volatile in terms of funds availability to quickly pay for medical care/hospital bills in the absence of having a medical insurance policy that provided coverage in Thailand.

 

And the answer to that is a basic savings/checking account that does not change if the stock market crashes plus standard/regular bank account funds can always be withdrawn/transferred "immediately" to pay for medical care vs the possible delays in withdrawing money from a fixed account or an investment type account which can have strings as to how fast and how much can be withdrawn really fast.   

 

Yes, while funds can immediately be withdrawn from investment type accounts in many countries, I expect in some countries withdrawal may not be a quick process.  And BOI is trying to set "one" policy to deal with any LTR applicant regardless of their home country laws/rules in how investment and savings accounts are managed....how quickly those accounts can "let loose some of the money in them" to pay for medical care.   I'm not taking BOI's side; I'm just trying to get into the probable BOI/Immigration mindset considering all the different types of investment/savings account available in this big, wide world.

 

Additionally, I expect BOI noticed some folks were using they investment account to meet the basic LTR income requirement and the folks  wanted  to use the same investment account to satisfy the self-insure requirement.  But what happens if a person needs to pull a lot of money from the investment account to pay for medical care and then that lowers the investment account below a balance that will provide enough annual distributions to satisfy the annual LTR income requirements.  

 

From your post no doubt you can self-insure/pay your medical bills in Thailand, but there are those folks who think the term "self-insure" really means they don't feel they will ever have big medical bills, maybe just head back to the home country if they are not wired-up to an ICU bed,  or just try to utilize a "GoFundMe" policy.   

 

And I hear you about you would rather not pay for a Thai insurance policy that typically comes with a bunch of pre-existing conditions non-coverage, HIGH premiums for us older folks, and/or big deductibles....can make a person feel like they are burning money.   You and I are on the same wavelength there.    While Thai insurance policies can be affordable up to around 65....after 65 they tend to sky rocket in premiums which can make a person feel like they are throwing money into a bond fire. 

 

 

 

  

 

1 hour ago, Pib said:

 

Yeap...BOI no longer accepts "investment" type accounts to satisfy the self-insure $100K (USD equivalent) medical coverage.   They did allow it during the first 3-6 months (late 2022-early 2023) of the LTR program.   But then that flexibility disappeared and it was back to the original LTR policy of the funds must be in a bank account...a regular kind of savings/checking/current account.    To quote from three areas of the BOI website regarding the self-insure funding source: 

 

"Financial evidence or bank statement (Investment portfolio and fixed deposit are NOT accepted) showing a deposit of no less than 100,000 USD which has been held and maintained for no less than 12 months at the time of application."

 

" or a deposit balance of at least USD 100,000 in a bank account in Thailand or abroad retained for at least 12 months as of the date of application."  

 

"OR deposit and maintain at least USD 100,000 in bank account balance under the applicant’s name for no less than 12 months"

 

I'm guessing but I expect BOI and/or Immigration felt with all the various types of investment accounts in different countries, varying laws that apply to some kinds of investment accounts "especially superannuation, 401K, IRA type retirement investment accounts" which typically have some strings/penalties attached if withdrawing funds before a certain age or not having the account open for X-amount of years along with concerns of a stock market crash that could severely & quickly deplete the balance in an investment type account that BOI wanted something more simple and less potentially volatile in terms of funds availability to quickly pay for medical care/hospital bills in the absence of having a medical insurance policy that provided coverage in Thailand.

 

And the answer to that is a basic savings/checking account that does not change if the stock market crashes plus standard/regular bank account funds can always be withdrawn/transferred "immediately" to pay for medical care vs the possible delays in withdrawing money from a fixed account or an investment type account which can have strings as to how fast and how much can be withdrawn really fast.   

 

Yes, while funds can immediately be withdrawn from investment type accounts in many countries, I expect in some countries withdrawal may not be a quick process.  And BOI is trying to set "one" policy to deal with any LTR applicant regardless of their home country laws/rules in how investment and savings accounts are managed....how quickly those accounts can "let loose some of the money in them" to pay for medical care.   I'm not taking BOI's side; I'm just trying to get into the probable BOI/Immigration mindset considering all the different types of investment/savings account available in this big, wide world.

 

Additionally, I expect BOI noticed some folks were using they investment account to meet the basic LTR income requirement and the folks  wanted  to use the same investment account to satisfy the self-insure requirement.  But what happens if a person needs to pull a lot of money from the investment account to pay for medical care and then that lowers the investment account below a balance that will provide enough annual distributions to satisfy the annual LTR income requirements.  

 

From your post no doubt you can self-insure/pay your medical bills in Thailand, but there are those folks who think the term "self-insure" really means they don't feel they will ever have big medical bills, maybe just head back to the home country if they are not wired-up to an ICU bed,  or just try to utilize a "GoFundMe" policy.   

 

And I hear you about you would rather not pay for a Thai insurance policy that typically comes with a bunch of pre-existing conditions non-coverage, HIGH premiums for us older folks, and/or big deductibles....can make a person feel like they are burning money.   You and I are on the same wavelength there.    While Thai insurance policies can be affordable up to around 65....after 65 they tend to sky rocket in premiums which can make a person feel like they are throwing money into a bond fire. 

 

 

 

  

 

Good summary mate - nail on the head. Thai officials are just not 'practised' or informed in the vagaries of the financial arrangements in different countries. I am sure there are some countries where removing a large amount of money from a bank savings account and sending it overseas quickly would be very difficult - China, African and Arabian countries come to mind.  And being closer to 70 than 60 means for me exactly what you said - higher and higher premiums. I recall one bloke asked for a quote for health insurance many years ago when he was late 70s and only one company replied - almost 400K PA with so many exclusions and pre-existing statements that it was ridiculous. 

10 hours ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

Cheers mate - I understand all your points - but please let me clarify and respond to your points.

 

Re: health insurance.  I have an email from BOI stating that the 3 Million Baht has to be lodged in a Thai savings bank/s.  Money invested in Australia or in a savings account there is not acceptable.  

 

I would be most interested to see the text of that email, as it is contrary to what BoI told me, and contrary to what BoI were saying when I obtained my LTR-WP. 

 

What BOI will not accept is any savings in an account that can trade equities.  But if the money is in a true bank account, where equities can not be traded, then when I applied for my LTR visa, that type of foreign account was acceptable..

 

So I am curious to see if BoI's policy has changed here.  

 

 

 

10 hours ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

 

Reference Tax laws.

I saw a Youtube video where a senior Exec of TRD stated that they are developing a global based taxation system to replace the current remittance based system. This is mainly due to the cluster*** that was caused when they tried to do that by removing the 12 month tax exempt rule on remitted income under the current tax system. No date was given - but she stated they are 'very busy' pulling everything together - but yes it will take a few years. The announcement they would not tax income remitted now for 2 years  (year earned and now also the next year) indicates that is their timeframe is probably 2-3 years. 

 

A lot can happen 2 to 3 years.  Any global taxation system, if implemented will affect all Expat visa holders.   As I noted elsewhere, the tax exemption of the LTR-WP visa for me, was just the icing on the cake.  It was not my main reason for applying ... even without the tax break I would have applied regardless.

 

 

10 hours ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

TR visa holders (per Royal Decree) are tax exempt remitted income to Thailand. 

Yes - under the current taxation system, but will that be the case under a new global taxation system is not absolutely clear or certain - that is my point.  And that once they have all my finance records I am not keen to move until that is made clear - one way or the other. 

 

I repeat,  any global taxation system, if implemented will affect all Expat visa holders.   i think we agree there. 

 

So as I noted elsewhere, the tax exemption provided to the LTR-WP visa for me, was just the icing on the cake.  It was not my main reason for applying ... for even without the tax break I would have applied regardless.

 

As for waiting ??  , my view is if you plan to retire in Thailand now, waiting is the worst strategy to adopt.

 

Get the LTR-WP now, bring your money in while there is no global taxation. 

 

Waiting, just increases the odds of any global taxation causing you issues no matter what Thai visa you have (unless of course, the wording of the specific DTA between Thailand and the source country of your income exempts you from Thai tax on your global income).

 

You have a window NOW with LTR to bring money into Thailand and per Thai Royal decree it is not taxable by Thailand.

 

 

10 hours ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

 

Reference the new PM or Thai politics. I always take account of all relevant factors when managing my money. Thailand has been a bit anti-Expat for a while and under Anutin it is likely to be more so, but under a PP Govt they will probably increase taxation (as all progressive/lefty Governments do).

 

Don't forget, a lot of the Thai politicians are very wealthy and they likely have many investments outside of Thailand making money. They may not want that taxed.

 

 

10 hours ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

its best to get the LTR now, before the door closes - contrary to your assessment.  Perhaps and perhaps not. There are good points on both sides of such a debate. I am happy to wait a few years and see how things pan out. Each person must make their own decisions.

 

 

Well its up to you.  The current LTR-WP remitted exempt income situation is known. Remitted income not taxable for LTR-WP visa holders.  Worst case that might change in 2 to 3 years, but my guess is it won't change.  And who knows, maybe if it does change there will be a 'grandfather' clause indicating those already with the Visa are exempt (but new applications are not).  Obviously - speculation. 

 

Regardless, waiting 2 to 3 years (to decide on a LTR-WP) only loses a clear and obvious 2 to 3 year window to bring money into Thailand and not have it taxable by Thailand.

 

In my case, taxation was not a consideration for the LTR-WP (rather it was the 'icing on the cake') ... The German-Thai and Canada-Thai DTAs work in my favour independent of the LTR-WP benefits.   So rather than taxation considerations, it was the other LTR visa benefits that i liked (no 90-day reports when on LTR, and when on LTR not having to suffer through the annual visa extensions which at times took up almost an entire very uncomfortable day every year, in a hot, not air-conditioned waiting area).  

 

But we do agree - each person needs to make their own decisions. 

 

 

 

 

5 hours ago, oldcpu said:

Regardless, waiting 2 to 3 years (to decide on a LTR-WP) only loses a clear and obvious 2 to 3 year window to bring money into Thailand and not have it taxable by Thailand.

Excellent point. I was able to remit over 5 MM Baht so far this year with no tax worries.

 

I think the number one reason more people haven't gotten the LTR-WP visa is because most retired expats in Thailand do not or cannot meet the $80,000 per year in passive income requirement.

7 hours ago, JohnnyBD said:

Excellent point. I was able to remit over 5 MM Baht so far this year with no tax worries.

I brought millions in as a gift to the Thai wife and that is not taxable income - and I can do that every year. LTR not needed for that reason for me - but a great reason to get one if you are not married to a Thai. 

 

7 hours ago, JohnnyBD said:

I think the number one reason more people haven't gotten the LTR-WP visa is because most retired expats in Thailand do not or cannot meet the $80,000 per year in passive income requirement.

Probably true - but mine is other reasons. I could put 3 million in a Thai bank account but again that is such a waste - no interest/earnings. I did not accumulate money by wasting it so badly.  The future taxation implications are a concern maybe not for some but for me they are.  There are many benefits of an LTR - but for me not the way to go - yet.  

1 hour ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

I brought millions in as a gift to the Thai wife and that is not taxable income - and I can do that every year. LTR not needed for that reason for me - but a great reason to get one if you are not married to a Thai. 

 

Probably true - but mine is other reasons. I could put 3 million in a Thai bank account but again that is such a waste - no interest/earnings. I did not accumulate money by wasting it so badly.  The future taxation implications are a concern maybe not for some but for me they are.  There are many benefits of an LTR - but for me not the way to go - yet.  

Why would you need to put 3 million in a Thai bank, when you can keep that money in your home country bank earning a much better interest rate? The $100k in lieu of insurance can be kept in a foreign bank savings acct. I confirmed that with BOI, and it's stated on their website.

 

I am married to a Thai also, but I do not need to gift monies to my wife to avoid paying Thai income taxes. Even if I didn't have the LTR, I wouldn't need to pay taxes on my remitted monies, because I can remit only pre-2024 monies, and gov't Social Security monies (covered by DTA), which are not taxable.

 

If you're happy with your current visa, and feel a LTR visa is not beneficial to you, then you're already set. You don't need to keep replying to my posts as to why a LTR visa is not beneficial to you, I have already read your previous posts and replies. Have a good day...

3 minutes ago, JohnnyBD said:

Why would you need to put 3 million in a Thai bank, when you can keep the $100k in your home country bank earning a much better interest rate? The $100k in bank method in lieu of insurance can be in a foreign bank savings acct. I confirmed that with BOI, and it's stated on their website.

I am 'active' in two posts about LTR - maybe I explained all that in the other one.  Having 100K USD money in a bank account (besides getting minimal returns) would have taxation, Pension and Superannuation problems for me. 

 

5 minutes ago, JohnnyBD said:

I am married to a Thai also, but I do not need to gift monies to my wife to avoid paying Thai income taxes. Even if I didn't have the LTR, I wouldn't need to pay taxes on my remitted monies, because I can remit only pre-2024 monies, and gov't Social Security monies (covered by DTA), which are not taxable.

All good - mine is mostly pre-2024 and current non-taxable returns in Super plus untaxable Pension too.  But why risk being asked to 'explain' the large transfers into Thailand in the future, when I can send millions to wife and manage things that way. New car next year (probably) - send extra money to wife - buys it in her name - no tax issues ever. 

 

7 minutes ago, JohnnyBD said:

Anyway, if you're happy with your current visa, and do not feel a LTR-WP visa is beneficial, then you're all set. You don't need to keep justifying to me why the LTR visa is not benefical to you, I have already read your previous posts and replies and know your position. Have a good day...

Not 'justifying' - answering comments and questions.  In fact I am finding a few people saying they have an LTR are the ones 'justifying' their decisions. But maybe I am just a little 'sensitive'.   

1 hour ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

I am 'active' in two posts about LTR - maybe I explained all that in the other one.  Having 100K USD money in a bank account (besides getting minimal returns) would have taxation, Pension and Superannuation problems for me.

It sounds like your Pension & Superannuation accts are basically retirement type accts where the money is taxable when you withdraw it. If that's the case, it's not worth taking withdrawals unless you need the money to live on. I understand your situation now...

 

I'm fortunate to keep enough cash in my brokerage acct, that I can easily move to a high-yield bank savings acct, and then use in lieu of the LTR Thai insurance.

1 hour ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

But why risk being asked to 'explain' the large transfers into Thailand in the future, when I can send millions to wife and manage things that way.

I'm afraid, if you were queried, that a large transfer into Thailand under an LTR visa would be much more supportable as tax exempt -- then assessable income remitted to Thailand, where its purpose, once in Thailand, has no bearing on its taxability. We had this "gift" discussion a few years back on this forum -- and a chunk of assessable income remitted to Thailand as a "gift" was no different than a remittance to buy a condo, a new car, or provide for living expenses.

 

Certainly don't wish to reopen that discussion -- it can be found somewhere here with a search. Suffice to say: a Royal Decree exists for LTR remittances; it certainly doesn't for "gifts" to the wifey. 

11 hours ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

I brought millions in as a gift to the Thai wife and that is not taxable income - and I can do that every year. LTR not needed for that reason for me - but a great reason to get one if you are not married to a Thai. 

This is only non-taxable if the money will not benefit you in any way, which is clearly not the case if you are just using this as a tax loophole.