10 hours ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

Yes we do - I am now in late 60s and have progressed to the 'section' where I am married to a Thai lady who I know will look after me until I pass away - been 10 years now and very happy knowing she will stick by me and I her. 

 

That is a good idea about a bike for a local pathway - I might just get one for riding around the gated village - with those knee and elbow guards as well as my helmet and shoes and light gloves bought in Australia. The Thais will laugh for sure - but any fall/slip will be serious at my age. Actually I was thinking of those discontinued 3 wheel Yamaha TrRicity scooters - know or heard of anyone who has ridden one here? 

 

 

I am in the same situation re a Thai lady, been together twenty plus years, both financially independent, still good fun together, a nice relaxed easy ongoing relationship. 

 

I saw a three wheeler bike a few years ago in Phuket, I will stay away from any motorbike on main roads as I don't mind my car being damaged as I can buy another one, I can not buy a new body at the tender age of 69 😃 (I do not feel that age, where did the years go?)

 

On the walk around the reservoir I have seen Thai women pushing cats and dogs in a pram like contraption so I don't think a farang wearing protective gear on a bike will get much attention. 

On 9/20/2025 at 9:18 PM, 1tent42 said:

I suggest you email the Thai consulate where you applied for the e-visa. If it is New York they are not responsive. They do not answer their phones. But your experience may vary. it could be someone in the approving chain may be out on vacation. 

 

For the first LTR visa I received in the very early days of the program, I used the NY consulate.  They didn't answer their phone, so at first I ended up calling the LA consulate to get answers. Then I discovered the NY consulate's FB page and DMed them.  After that, the NY consulate was great, answering all questions in detail, via FB DM.

 

No idea if FB DM communication still works now, but it's worth a shot for anyone trying to talk to NY consulate.  It worked a charm in Sep 2022.

2 hours ago, JamesPhuket10 said:

I am in the same situation re a Thai lady, been together twenty plus years, both financially independent, still good fun together, a nice relaxed easy ongoing relationship. 

 

I saw a three wheeler bike a few years ago in Phuket, I will stay away from any motorbike on main roads as I don't mind my car being damaged as I can buy another one, I can not buy a new body at the tender age of 69 😃 (I do not feel that age, where did the years go?)

 

On the walk around the reservoir I have seen Thai women pushing cats and dogs in a pram like contraption so I don't think a farang wearing protective gear on a bike will get much attention. 

Thai women (good ones) make excellent Wives/Partners - and I do mean Partners. Some blokes here treat them 'not so good' - but the majority have a good one and they treat each other well. So much better than the western ex-wife that many of us have experienced.  If there is any advice I could give (and do) to any young man willing to listen, it is to avoid the western women 'trap' and stay single (including getting a 'reversible' vasectomy) and spend your 20s-40s building up your wealth. If you have done well and can retire early and want kids, then move yourself (not your wealth) to a country where the marriage laws do not enable a woman to divorce you after 5-10 years and take half your money plus get child support and alimony - Thailand fits that bill perfectly.  Alternatively, if you decide in your mid-late 30s to change the situation and marry a western 'good one', then vasectomies are very reversible these days. Most blokes that get caught in the western women 'trap' do so early in life, and they 'lock you in' by having babies - and you have to pay for 20-30 years (the first 10 being normal, and the next 20-30 being for the kids). 

 

I will be 69 later this year - we will both be hitting the big 7 0 in 2026 😁.  And yes, we dont bounce at our ages - a fall from 3 feet now is like from 15-20+ feet when 18.   Yes it is hilarious was some Thais do with 'vehicles' - I agree that I will fit right in with all that.  

On 9/23/2025 at 11:32 AM, JohnnyBD said:

On 9/22/2025 at 10:49 PM, oldcpu said:

Are you planning to contact BoI to ensure they have no issues with you switching how you are meeting the Health Insurance requirement ? 

 

I had (possibly mistakenly) assumed the switch needed to be done at the 5-year point (when finances are re-proven), ... but possibly by contacting BoI it can be done earlier.  BoI on their web site do note criteria needs to be continuously maintained (if I understand that correctly).

I emailed BOI, and they replied that it can be done anytime.

Just to clarify, one can change their health insurance requirement type that was used to obtain their LTR visa, but the change needs to be approved by BOI. One cannot just make the change on their own. Below is the first sentence in BOI's reply to my inquiry about changing types.

 

Thank you for the inquiry.

It is possible to change the evidence from health insurance to another, but you must provide the additional documents for us to review and approve first.

2 hours ago, JohnnyBD said:

Just to clarify, one can change their health insurance requirement type that was used to obtain their LTR visa, but the change needs to be approved by BOI. One cannot just make the change on their own. Below is the first sentence in BOI's reply to my inquiry about changing types.

 

Thank you for the inquiry.

It is possible to change the evidence from health insurance to another, but you must provide the additional documents for us to review and approve first.

But that BOI response seems to be talking when a person changes insurance policies; not if the person is switching from health insurance to self-insuring/$100K in the bank.   

 

But at the same time it could mean even if switching from a health insurance policy to a bank acct then they would want to see bank statements to confirm the required amount over the required period and its the type of bank acct they accept. 

 

 

22 minutes ago, Pib said:

But that BOI response seems to be talking when a person changes insurance policies; not if the person is switching from health insurance to self-insuring/$100K in the bank.

That is not correct. I requested a change to the $100k in bank method, so they sent me the docs required to do that. I just didn't post the entire reply. Below is the entire reply.

 

Thank you for the inquiry. It is possible to change the evidence from health insurance to another, but you must provide the additional documents for us to review and approve first as follows: 1. A copy of your passport with your signature   2. A letter of consent or request specifying the details of what you would like to change in your application or document   3. Power of Attorney if someone were to contact and send the documents to us on their behalf.   4. Documents of health insurance, social security or bank statement of 100,000 USD or above from the last 12 months that has been retained in the same bank and meet the requirements.   Please note that the officer may request further documents if necessary.   Kindly provide the above-mentioned documents, and we will review and respond to you after completion.

Kind regards, LTR Visa Unit

30 minutes ago, JohnnyBD said:

That is not correct. My inquiry was about changing to the $100k in bank method, so they sent me the requirements to do that. I just didn't post the entire letter. Below is the entire reply.

 

Thank you for the inquiry. It is possible to change the evidence from health insurance to another, but you must provide the additional documents for us to review and approve first  as follows: 1. A copy of your passport with your signature   2. A letter of consent or request specifying the details of what you would like to change in your application or document   3. Power of Attorney if someone were to contact and send the documents to us on their behalf.   4. Documents of health insurance, social security or bank statement of 100,000 USD or above from the last 12 months that has been retained in the same bank and meet the requirements.   Please note that the officer may request further documents if necessary.   Kindly provide the above-mentioned documents, and we will review and respond to you after completion.

Kind regards, LTR Visa Unit

 

OK...thanks....seeing BOI's complete response makes it clear a person should get BOI's blessing first to ensure the switch meets their requirements.   

 

However, I expect if a person did switch from a health insurance policy to self-insuring mid stream (or vice versa) without asking for BOI's blessing that come the 5 year renewal review a person would need to provide docs to ensure the switch met BOI requirements like the policy meeting requirement....like an acceptable type of bank account being used....etc.

 

Better to ask for their blessing/review first for peace of mind and avoidance of any surprises.

31 minutes ago, Pib said:

 

OK...thanks....seeing BOI's complete response makes it clear a person should get BOI's blessing first to ensure the switch meets their requirements.   

 

However, i expect if a person did switch from a health insurance policy to self-insuring mid stream (or vice versa) without asking for BOI's blessing that come the 5 year renewal review a person would need to provide docs to ensure the switch met BOI requirements like the policy meeting requirement....like an acceptable type of bank account being used....etc.

 

Better to ask for their blessing/review first for peace of mind and avoidance of any surprises.

I agree. After reading their response, it appears that one is required to get their approval to change from one method to another method. I'm glad I checked with them. I wouldn't want to lose the second 5 years, and have to start all over again.

 

Yes, it appears they want to verify the $100k has been in the bank for the previous 12 months, and that it's the right type of account.

4 minutes ago, JohnnyBD said:

I agree. After reading their response, it appears that one is required to get their approval to change from one method to another method. I'm glad I checked with them.

 

I'm unaware of anything on the BOI LTR website that is "as specific" as the BOI response you got.   The only thing I'm aware of is the "generic" statement they have in red text on the BOI LTR website (snapshot below). 

 

I've always taken the statement to mean you must continue to meet LTR visa requirements "after" the visa gets issued....it's not like after you get the visa issued you can drop your insurance coverage/fall below self-insure $100K balance in a bank acct, fall below the minimum income requirement, etc. 

 

Like were they say maintain "insurance coverage" in red text below, I always took that to mean a person must continue to meet the insurance requirement either via a health insurance policy "OR" self insuring with $100K in a bank acct...and if they do switch a person needs insure the switch meets LTR requirements.  I did not take it to mean if you want to switch say from health insurance to self-insuring (or vice versa) you just need to insure it meets the LTR requirements "and you must ask for BOI review and blessing first/below switching."  

 

But as I mentioned earlier a person should play it safe and ask BOI if say I want to switch from health insurance to self-insuring that they provide the related docs (i.e, bank statement) for BOI to review and give their blessing of, "Yeap....the type of bank acct you have your $100K in meets LTR requirements."  And of going from self-insuring to a health insurance policy provide the policy for BOI review/blessing.  In each case what the individual things (hopes) is good enough may not actually be good enough in BOI's eyes.....like it or not.    

 

 

10 hours ago, Misty said:

 

For the first LTR visa I received in the very early days of the program, I used the NY consulate.  They didn't answer their phone, so at first I ended up calling the LA consulate to get answers. Then I discovered the NY consulate's FB page and DMed them.  After that, the NY consulate was great, answering all questions in detail, via FB DM.

 

No idea if FB DM communication still works now, but it's worth a shot for anyone trying to talk to NY consulate.  It worked a charm in Sep 2022.

Thanks... they seem to be active on FB.    I sent a message last night and got a auto-reply with link to website..... and hope they respond soon.   So odd my app has been pending since Sep 2 (and I paid).. i assume everything is ok since BOI provided the letter to upload.

 

Maybe just busy there... I may try to call also later.

 

BTW - PJ is a great writer.. 🙂

41 minutes ago, Pib said:

I've always taken the statement to mean you must continue to meet LTR visa requirements "after" the visa gets issued....it's not like after you get the visa issued you can drop your insurance coverage/fall below self-insure $100K balance in a bank acct, fall below the minimum income requirement, etc. 

 

Right now nobody knows what the precise requirements at the 5 year point are going to be.  And this probably even includes the Thai government / BOI.  In line with the above quoted communications it would appear highly likely that they will check that the health insurance / self-insurance deposit has been maintained. 

To what extent they will also check if income requirements have been maintained through the entire 5 year period, is however much less clear to me.  For the WP visa they might again just go back 12 months from the 5 year point, i.e. only one year. 

 

And to the extent somebody used a significant amount of realised capital gains to reach the 80k USD threshold in the initial application, it would for example seem unlikely that this person realises these capital gains consistently every year in this amount or at least this amount. 

It is also worth noting that in the sentence quoted by @Pib from the LTR website - "NOTE FOR ALL VISA TYPES: Every condition and requirement must be maintained during the length of the visa, including investment amounts, employment status, bank account balances, and insurance coverage." -, the maintaining of the income amount, contrary to all the other points listed, is NOT specifically mentioned.

Or does anybody have any clearer insights into this already?

 

 

1 hour ago, K2938 said:

 

Right now nobody knows what the precise requirements at the 5 year point are going to be.  And this probably even includes the Thai government / BOI.  In line with the above quoted communications it would appear highly likely that they will check that the health insurance / self-insurance deposit has been maintained. 

To what extent they will also check if income requirements have been maintained through the entire 5 year period, is however much less clear to me.  For the WP visa they might again just go back 12 months from the 5 year point, i.e. only one year. 

 

And to the extent somebody used a significant amount of realised capital gains to reach the 80k USD threshold in the initial application, it would for example seem unlikely that this person realises these capital gains consistently every year in this amount or at least this amount. 

It is also worth noting that in the sentence quoted by @Pib from the LTR website - "NOTE FOR ALL VISA TYPES: Every condition and requirement must be maintained during the length of the visa, including investment amounts, employment status, bank account balances, and insurance coverage." -, the maintaining of the income amount, contrary to all the other points listed, is NOT specifically mentioned.

Or does anybody have any clearer insights into this already?

 

 

 

I guess you could miss the $80k USD threshold in a few prior years (after receiving the LTR)  but in the "check" year (and maybe year before?) have hit it, then if they remove the LTR you could just apply again.    So it seems unclear about any verification each year 🙂

3 hours ago, JohnnyBD said:

Documents of health insurance, social security or bank statement of 100,000 USD or above from the last 12 months that has been retained in the same bank and meet the requirements.

So to be able to change from approved insurance policy to approved bank account, you must have had the money in that account for 12 months minimum and then you apply and if approved you can use it going forward. So to change from insurance, you have to make the $100K USD deposit and wait 12 months and hope the bank and account type is accepted or you have wasted a lot of potential interest earnings. 

1 hour ago, Dezmo said:

 

I guess you could miss the $80k USD threshold in a few prior years (after receiving the LTR)  but in the "check" year (and maybe year before?) have hit it, then if they remove the LTR you could just apply again.    So it seems unclear about any verification each year 🙂

I actually asked that question, amongst many others. Does the income amount have to be maintained every single year, or can it be averaged over the first 5 years (some up and some down) therefore is $400+K income over the 5 years acceptable whenever it was received. They never answered that question.

1 hour ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

So to change from insurance, you have to make the $100K USD deposit and wait 12 months and hope the bank and account type is accepted or you have wasted a lot of potential interest earnings. 

You haven't wasted any potential interest earnings if you normally keep $100k or more in a high-yield bank savings account. You just have to provide the 12 month bank statements as proof to satisfy BOI. Several on this forum have already stated they are using the $100k bank method so they already had the $100k in their savings accounts for 12 months prior to their LTR applications. My Capital One Bank savings account is paying 3.5% interest. I keep much more than $100k in cash instruments such as; high-yield savings & bank CDs. To each his own!

13 hours ago, Misty said:

Then I discovered the NY consulate's FB page and DMed them.  After that, the NY consulate was great, answering all questions in detail, via FB DM.

 

No idea if FB DM communication still works now, but it's worth a shot for anyone trying to talk to NY consulate.  It worked a charm in Sep 2022.

This is actually the best way to communicate with most Thai embassies and consulates.  It seems weird, but knowing how obsessed Thais are with social media, it's not too surprising.

7 hours ago, JohnnyBD said:

Just to clarify, one can change their health insurance requirement type that was used to obtain their LTR visa, but the change needs to be approved by BOI. One cannot just make the change on their own. Below is the first sentence in BOI's reply to my inquiry about changing types.

 

Thank you for the inquiry.

It is possible to change the evidence from health insurance to another, but you must provide the additional documents for us to review and approve first.

 

I think i will change from the $100k US$ equivalent in the bank to self health insurance (as I have had my health insurance for over a decade with Cigna).

 

But I will wait a couple of months before doing so, as i am about to head off for ~5 to 6 weeks of global travel.  When I get back, I will likely ask my health insurance company (Cigna) to write me a letter (and tell them precisely what I want in the letter) and see what they say.  One forum user (with Cigna, albeit from different branch) succeeded doing such, so I may give that approach whirl.  Then I will send the letter to BoI.

 

Based on reading your reply, likely i will send to BOI :

 

1. A copy of my relevant passport pages with my signature

 

2. A letter specifying the details of what I want to change in my approved LTR-visa

 

3. Documents of health insurance (ie the letter from Cigna IF I obtain such), and 

 

4.  bank statement of 100,000 USD  equivalent proving I have maintained such since getting my LTR-WP visa.

 

I don't need to switch (from cash in the bank to Health Insurance), but it does give me more flexibility not having to keep the $100k US equivalent in a bank (gaining ~3.5% interest). 

 

The market is still going strong, but if the market were to correct, having a "free" $100k US extra  to jump in case of some market low, is a nice thing to have in one's back pocket.

21 minutes ago, oldcpu said:

 

I think i will change from the $100k US$ equivalent in the bank to self health insurance (as I have had my health insurance for over a decade with Cigna).

 

But I will wait a couple of months before doing so, as i am about to head off for ~5 to 6 weeks of global travel.  When I get back, I will likely ask my health insurance company (Cigna) to write me a letter (and tell them precisely what I want in the letter) and see what they say.  One forum user (with Cigna, albeit from different branch) succeeded doing such, so I may give that approach whirl.  Then I will send the letter to BoI.

 

Based on reading your reply, likely i will send to BOI :

 

1. A copy of my relevant passport pages with my signature

 

2. A letter specifying the details of what I want to change in my approved LTR-visa

 

3. Documents of health insurance (ie the letter from Cigna IF I obtain such), and 

 

4.  bank statement of 100,000 USD  equivalent proving I have maintained such since getting my LTR-WP visa.

 

I don't need to switch (from cash in the bank to Health Insurance), but it does give me more flexibility not having to keep the $100k US equivalent in a bank (gaining ~3.5% interest). 

 

The market is still going strong, but if the market were to correct, having a "free" $100k US extra  to jump in case of some market low, is a nice thing to have in one's back pocket.

Sounds like a good plan. I'm thinking about asking my company retiree insurance provider if they can provide me with a letter that will satisfy BOI also. Have fun in your travels.

4 hours ago, BrandonJT said:

This is actually the best way to communicate with most Thai embassies and consulates.  It seems weird, but knowing how obsessed Thais are with social media, it's not too surprising.

They did respond to email and Messenger.... guess they must be busy....

Your applications is on the list and will get approved as soon as possible

19 hours ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

Thai women (good ones) make excellent Wives/Partners - and I do mean Partners. Some blokes here treat them 'not so good' - but the majority have a good one and they treat each other well. So much better than the western ex-wife that many of us have experienced.  If there is any advice I could give (and do) to any young man willing to listen, it is to avoid the western women 'trap' and stay single (including getting a 'reversible' vasectomy) and spend your 20s-40s building up your wealth. If you have done well and can retire early and want kids, then move yourself (not your wealth) to a country where the marriage laws do not enable a woman to divorce you after 5-10 years and take half your money plus get child support and alimony - Thailand fits that bill perfectly.  Alternatively, if you decide in your mid-late 30s to change the situation and marry a western 'good one', then vasectomies are very reversible these days. Most blokes that get caught in the western women 'trap' do so early in life, and they 'lock you in' by having babies - and you have to pay for 20-30 years (the first 10 being normal, and the next 20-30 being for the kids). 

 

I will be 69 later this year - we will both be hitting the big 7 0 in 2026 😁.  And yes, we dont bounce at our ages - a fall from 3 feet now is like from 15-20+ feet when 18.   Yes it is hilarious was some Thais do with 'vehicles' - I agree that I will fit right in with all that.  

 

I don't agree with the generalised comment on Western Women.

 

My mother and father were together for decades until the father died, they were very happy together.

 

My ex-wife was Thai, a very educated girl I met in England while she was at university, glad to get out of that one.

 

My second son had two Thai girlfriends in England, both turned out bad.

 

He is now with an English girl and they are great together.

 

My other son is married to a New Zealand girl and they have a child, they are very happy in NZ.

 

My brother and sister are married to English partners, happy together for many decades.

 

It is a very tricky in Thailand meeting the right woman as so many are out for the cash.

 

But I think what happens is a lot of farangs meet their women in bars, they do not move in the right circles to meet decent ones, if the woman can sell her body for  money then they will not think twice about cheating on their husbands.

 

I met my Thai partner as I hired a car through her own tourist business, a week later it was her birthday and her friends invited me along to the party, we never looked back. 

 

As far as falling off bikes go I have done it twice this year in England, on one occasion I took the skin off of an arm, it took months to heal, the second was in a park where I had to avoid pedestrians as people walk on cycle tracks in the UK.

 

I sold the bike. 😃

7 hours ago, oldcpu said:

 

I think i will change from the $100k US$ equivalent in the bank to self health insurance (as I have had my health insurance for over a decade with Cigna).

 

But I will wait a couple of months before doing so, as i am about to head off for ~5 to 6 weeks of global travel.  When I get back, I will likely ask my health insurance company (Cigna) to write me a letter (and tell them precisely what I want in the letter) and see what they say.  One forum user (with Cigna, albeit from different branch) succeeded doing such, so I may give that approach whirl.  Then I will send the letter to BoI.

 

Based on reading your reply, likely i will send to BOI :

 

1. A copy of my relevant passport pages with my signature

 

2. A letter specifying the details of what I want to change in my approved LTR-visa

 

3. Documents of health insurance (ie the letter from Cigna IF I obtain such), and 

 

4.  bank statement of 100,000 USD  equivalent proving I have maintained such since getting my LTR-WP visa.

 

I don't need to switch (from cash in the bank to Health Insurance), but it does give me more flexibility not having to keep the $100k US equivalent in a bank (gaining ~3.5% interest). 

 

The market is still going strong, but if the market were to correct, having a "free" $100k US extra  to jump in case of some market low, is a nice thing to have in one's back pocket.

 

Does the 100k USD have to be deposited in Thailand?

 

I have more than £100k pounds sterling in the UK, can that be used, they are in cash ISA's and can be cashed at any time?

38 minutes ago, JamesPhuket10 said:

Does the 100k USD have to be deposited in Thailand?

 

I have more than £100k pounds sterling in the UK, can that be used, they are in cash ISA's and can be cashed at any time?

Does not have to be in Thailand

13 hours ago, JohnnyBD said:

That is not correct. I requested a change to the $100k in bank method, so they sent me the docs required to do that. I just didn't post the entire reply. Below is the entire reply.

 

Thank you for the inquiry. It is possible to change the evidence from health insurance to another, but you must provide the additional documents for us to review and approve first as follows: 1. A copy of your passport with your signature   2. A letter of consent or request specifying the details of what you would like to change in your application or document   3. Power of Attorney if someone were to contact and send the documents to us on their behalf.   4. Documents of health insurance, social security or bank statement of 100,000 USD or above from the last 12 months that has been retained in the same bank and meet the requirements.   Please note that the officer may request further documents if necessary.   Kindly provide the above-mentioned documents, and we will review and respond to you after completion.

Kind regards, LTR Visa Unit

 

4. Documents of health insurance, social security or bank statement of 100,000 USD or above from the last 12 months that has been retained in the same bank and meet the requirements.

 

Does this have to be in one bank or can it be split over a number of different bank accounts?

1 hour ago, JamesPhuket10 said:

 

4. Documents of health insurance, social security or bank statement of 100,000 USD or above from the last 12 months that has been retained in the same bank and meet the requirements.

 

Does this have to be in one bank or can it be split over a number of different bank accounts?

I emailed BOI several times with questions, and they have always replied back within the same day. They replied to me the $100k can be kept in a foreign bank or Thai bank, but it must be kept in one savings acct, not two accts, and not in a fixed deposit acct. If you have any other questions, you can email the BOI LTR Visa Unit. I asked them about my Capital One Bank savings acct, and they confirmed that it is acceptable, so I'm good to go should I decide to make the change from insurance to the bank method. If I can get my company retiree insurance provider to give me a letter with the correct wording, I will use that method instead. Best of luck to you.

11 hours ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

So to change from insurance, you have to make the $100K USD deposit and wait 12 months and hope the bank and account type is accepted

If you want to find out if your bank account is acceptable, you don't have to wait. You can email BOI in advance and ask them. That's what I did. Best of luck to you!

13 minutes ago, JohnnyBD said:

I emailed BOI several times with questions, and they have always replied back within the same day. They replied to me the $100k can be kept in a foreign bank or Thai bank, but it must be kept in one savings acct, not two accts, and not in a fixed deposit acct. If you have any other questions, you can email the BOI LTR Visa Unit. I asked them about my Capital One Bank savings acct, and they confirmed that it is acceptable, so I'm good to go should I decide to make the change from insurance to the bank method. If I can get my company retiree insurance provider to give me a letter with the correct wording, I will use that method instead. Best of luck to you.

 

Thanks for the info.

 

I am still thinking about it as I am using the non-O retirement visa extension path which can be done at the immigration once a year in Phuket, it only takes one hour.

 

The online 90 day report can be done online in five minutes. 

 

Plus my money is in a number of cash ISA's in the UK. (Instant access)

 

Plus it is not clear as I have seen on this blog how long the cash has to stay in a bank, some say five years, some say one year, that part is confusing.

 

As my current visa extension is easy to get I am wondering if I should just stick with that. 

51 minutes ago, JamesPhuket10 said:

 

Thanks for the info.

 

I am still thinking about it as I am using the non-O retirement visa extension path which can be done at the immigration once a year in Phuket, it only takes one hour.

 

The online 90 day report can be done online in five minutes. 

 

Plus my money is in a number of cash ISA's in the UK. (Instant access)

 

Plus it is not clear as I have seen on this blog how long the cash has to stay in a bank, some say five years, some say one year, that part is confusing.

 

As my current visa extension is easy to get I am wondering if I should just stick with that. 

It sounds like staying on your annual extensions may be better for you, especially since your cash is not already in a savings acct, and you don't seem to mind doing the annual extensions. Good luck to you!

3 hours ago, JamesPhuket10 said:

 

Does the 100k USD have to be deposited in Thailand?

 

I have more than £100k pounds sterling in the UK, can that be used, they are in cash ISA's and can be cashed at any time?

 

As noted to you already, the $100k US$ equivalent, need not be in Thailand.

 

However, it must be in a bank account (savings, or chequing).  I don't know if term deposit accepted, I suspect not.  It can not be in an account capable of trading equities.   I went through a couple different accounts (where i can trade equities) and BoI rejected them both. 

 

Also, if the account is in a foreign country, with statements not in English language, I suspect the statements will need to be officially translated to English language.  That was important to me, as I did not want to use my bank accounts in Germany to show the $100k US$ equivalent, as I believed official certified translation to English language would be needed, which I considered a PIA, given I could point to funds elsewhere.

13 minutes ago, JohnnyBD said:

It sounds like staying on your annual extensions may be better for you, especially since your cash is not already in a savings acct, and you don't seem to mind doing the annual extensions. Good luck to you!

 

Thanks for your input.

 

I think I will stick with the current visa extensions.

 

Plus as the cash in England is in tax free savings accounts, I am getting 4.3% interest on them plus saving 20% in tax thus producing a profit of 5.375%.

1 hour ago, JamesPhuket10 said:

Plus it is not clear as I have seen on this blog how long the cash has to stay in a bank, some say five years, some say one year, that part is confusing.

 

BoI asked me for statements proving the money in cash had been in the account for at least 2 years. 

 

Because I went through a few iterations of different accounts, having to show the 2 years, that number is sort of stuck in my mind.  ... Of course that was when I applied (and obtained) the LTR-WP.  This being Thailand, things can change.