BOI LTR important to maintain qualifications

[Presnock]

Previously I advised BOI LTR holders to query the BOI with any questions - I did so myself when someone talked about having IO's ask about monies or other things.  I queried the BOI and asked about maintaining the qualifications during the 5/10 year - their response was that "it is important to maintain the qualifications for the LTR in order to keep the visa".   That is a quote.  Take care stay safe - hey what is this strange waters falling from the sky today?

[Ben Zioner]

56 minutes ago, Presnock said:

Previously I advised BOI LTR holders to query the BOI with any questions - I did so myself when someone talked about having IO's ask about monies or other things.  I queried the BOI and asked about maintaining the qualifications during the 5/10 year - their response was that "it is important to maintain the qualifications for the LTR in order to keep the visa".   That is a quote.  Take care stay safe - hey what is this strange waters falling from the sky today?

 

So, at total non event. This is the only sensible answer they could have given. 

[Presnock]

I totally agree as that is the standard for maintaining any visa, just like maintaining 800K  so many months before or after renewall.  I wasn't worried about myself but just so everyone would not make a decision to drop health insurance or not maintain their accounts for which they were given the visa.  I changed to the LTR to drop the 90-day reports, ease of doing the tm.30 has almost always been quick and easy but to insure too about the monies from overseas being remitted into Thailand.  I am aware that the current DTA supecedes the local tax folks, and that my pension is a US govt pension so I feel even more confident that any regulation change by the Thai Revenue Department will not affect me...BUT, TIT.  Maybe none of the ex-pats will be affected at all unless they haven't ever paid any due taxes either here or in their home country.  take care, raining here in BKK, I asked one of the taxi bikes what that strange water was falling.  He couldn't stop laughing and said yessir it has been quite some time since we had a good shower.  

[Ben Zioner]

1 hour ago, Presnock said:

I totally agree as that is the standard for maintaining any visa, just like maintaining 800K  so many months before or after renewall.  I wasn't worried about myself but just so everyone would not make a decision to drop health insurance or not maintain their accounts for which they were given the visa.  I changed to the LTR to drop the 90-day reports, ease of doing the tm.30 has almost always been quick and easy but to insure too about the monies from overseas being remitted into Thailand.  I am aware that the current DTA supecedes the local tax folks, and that my pension is a US govt pension so I feel even more confident that any regulation change by the Thai Revenue Department will not affect me...BUT, TIT.  Maybe none of the ex-pats will be affected at all unless they haven't ever paid any due taxes either here or in their home country.  take care, raining here in BKK, I asked one of the taxi bikes what that strange water was falling.  He couldn't stop laughing and said yessir it has been quite some time since we had a good shower.  

Ok, so lets just hope they won't catch too many LTR holder in breach of their commitments, otherwise we'll end up making monthly financial reports. 

 

 

[Presnock]

Just now, Ben Zioner said:

Ok, so lets just hope they won't catch too many LTR holder in breach of their commitments, otherwise we'll end up making monthly financial reports. 

 

 

No, I am pretty sure it will be about the same as any other visa - when one renews it (i.e. 5 years from now if just received it) they will probably ask the visa holder to confirm that the financial and health insurance (documented) are still valid.  I have no problem doing that just as I did for the yearly retirement O visa as I have the financial and health coverage for lifetime.  Now if people have gone or are goind the way of having agents supply certain favors, then that might change things.  Some day if the immigration does away with agents there might be a lot of unhappy and leaving folks in my opinion based on what I do hear on this forum but no matter, as it will not affect me at all.

[Ben Zioner]

32 minutes ago, Presnock said:

Some day if the immigration does away with agents there might be a lot of unhappy and leaving folks in my opinion based on what I do hear on this forum but no matter, as it will not affect me at all.

Honestly, I a doubt immigration will ever do away with corrupt agents, as they are an essential component of their graft collection process. But in a few decades a truly elected government might look at Singapore and ask for help for a thorough cleansing.

[Middle Aged Grouch]

Most of the LTR process is plainly a the reflect of the bureaucratic nightmare image of Thailand with their absurd requests and maybe the bribes  commissions got from the local health insurance companies in Thailand. It is totally absurd to harass people from Europe for health insurance details or other invented requirements,  as by law all western europeans have full medical coverage that goes well beyond the 50'000 $ required. Maybe confusions arise as european health insurance firms do not mention the amounts in their policies/contracts. Thailand is just chasing away the retirees who just with to come for the winter months and who have potential to spend in Thailand with good pensions. All to their own loss.

[Presnock]

Just now, Middle Aged Grouch said:

Most of the LTR process is plainly a the reflect of the bureaucratic nightmare image of Thailand with their absurd requests and maybe the bribes  commissions got from the local health insurance companies in Thailand. It is totally absurd to harass people from Europe for health insurance details or other invented requirements,  as by law all western europeans have full medical coverage that goes well beyond the 50'000 $ required. Maybe confusions arise as european health insurance firms do not mention the amounts in their policies/contracts. Thailand is just chasing away the retirees who just with to come for the winter months and who have potential to spend in Thailand with good pensions. All to their own loss.

I have a US insurance company and yes, I originally provided the BOI with the 2024 benefits booklet that indicated "UNLIMITED" funding of hospitalization in a foreign hospital and yes, BOI said that I needed to get a letter from the insurance company that specifically said "50,000  USD" for hospitaliation" and my insurance company wrote a nice letter stating that very fact so my health insurance was accepted.  I knew this would be the case because several LTR holders that had gone through he process also got their insurance company to write that very same thing although our insurance coverage would theoretically cover even a higher amount as it is "unlimited" hospitalization coverage spelled out.  Our experiences with this hospitalization have been covered in this forum so I would think that those with European insurance could have done the same thing we did.  The BOI English while seemingly fluent just doesn't accept unlimited coverage to equal at least 50K USD.  This is my opinion on the subject anyway and it was the same about financial since my original documents from the US govt total well over the necessary 80K but they wanted two years of 1040 tax forms.  Once I understood what their problem was, I sent them the copies of my 2 years of 1040's and immediately was approved for the LTR.  That is why whenever I see something on this forum from someone wanting infor on the LTR I pass on my experience to assist them in the prerequisite areas.  However, each of us is different sometimes from different countries with different documentation so I can only do what I know about.  Good luck to all as I am of the opinion that this LTR from the BOI is the best for the money and ease for a long time.  take care stay safe

[Sigmund]

So one goes through all the trouble to give them the documents when submitting for the LTR, wrongfully thinking once it's obtained, all the red tape harassment will stop.

 

Wrong.

 

It has to be "maintained" annually and go through all the fuss each year. No point in paying them extra just to get extra harassment.

 

Other visa types are far better option and cost far less.

 

This LTR visa is of no value to a retiree.

 

Knowing how the agencies will hassle and fuss and ask for this or that document despite the requisites stating alternative documents on each requirement....why even offer such a scheme if they know that either they will not give the LTR based on absurd conclusions, considering such and such not to be "unqualified".  Quite an insulting way to behave with retirees who usually own property and spend good money on each visit.

 

 

Edited May 7 by Sigmund

[SingAPorn]

E visa for Vietnam with same requirements for any nationality in the world as per their website...

 

$ 50 for 90 day multiple entry. Just one passport size photo and scan of front passport page. That's it. No more hassle like for Thailand. Far nicer beaches, lower cost of living and all the same great things we used to have in Thailand, but at half the price.

 

Why go to Thailand and get humiliated by the immigration or other government visa handling agencies ? if they don't want our money, we will spend it elsewhere.

 

 

[oldcpu]

59 minutes ago, Sigmund said:

It has to be "maintained" annually and go through all the fuss each year. No point in paying them extra just to get extra harassment.

 

What do you mean by maintained?   The ONLY active annual requirement is to do an annual report to immigration, IF one has not exited and re-entered Thailand.

 

The re-proof for finances is after 5 years.   Until then one has a 5year !!! permission to stay.  It is NOT a one year permission to stay.  Do NOT be confused here. 

 

Now if you are talking about the 2nd five year permission to stay - no one yet knows for certain about that.

 

Any financial proof (to be maintained for the past 5 years) at the 5 year point is simply not truly known at this point and there is only speculation on this forum.  It stands to reason, if the LTR program is still in place in 5 years, and if say, BoI refused the second 5-year permission to stay because someones finances dipped below their initial 100% requirement to qualify,  ie ...  they failed to meet the requirement 100% during some period in those past 5 years ...  Then if that denial of a second 5 year period of the permission to stay were to happen, then that said individual could simply apply for another 10 year LTR visa, and in that case proof going back 5 years is not required.

 

So this bit about 'maintaining' annual needs to be taken with lots of grains of salt.

 

As for other Visa types costing far less?  NOT SO for the Type-O and Type-OA extension. Assuming one does NOT go for an agent, but one gets  those visas year after year for 10 years, with multiple re-entry, they cost MORE than the LTR ! They cost 57,000 THB for 10 years as opposed to 50,000 THB for the LTR visa.   So some of the other visas which are VERY common, DEFINITELY cost more than the LTR.

 

This LTR visa is VERY much of value to a retiree who has the money.

 

Look no further than (1) access to fast track @ immigration lines at airports, (2) no 90-day reports, (3) cheaper than equivalent duration Type-O/OA, and (4) tax exempt for money brought into Thailand (by Royal Decree) even thou one is in Thailand for >180days, and (5) no annual treks to immigration for extensions on one's permission to stay in Thailand.

 

I can only assume you have not looked at this in any detail.

 

I confess - I too was VERY skeptical at first, until a friend (who knows my finances) went through the details POINT by POINT , comparing to my previous Type-O and Type-OA visas, and I had to concede, the LTR was beneficial to me as a retiree.

 

Also - in my humble opinion (IMHO) this Visa was not, and is not, by BoI,  aimed at retirees who come and go and are not residents in Thailand.  Note the word "resident" in Long Term Resident Visa.  While some of those who come and go (and are in Thailand less than 180-days)  may qualify for this LTR Visa, this LTR Visa was IMHO not intended by BoI for those foreigners.

 

 

Edited May 7 by oldcpu

[sabaiguy]

5 hours ago, Middle Aged Grouch said:

Most of the LTR process is plainly a the reflect of the bureaucratic nightmare image of Thailand with their absurd requests and maybe the bribes  commissions got from the local health insurance companies in Thailand. It is totally absurd to harass people from Europe for health insurance details or other invented requirements,  as by law all western europeans have full medical coverage that goes well beyond the 50'000 $ required. Maybe confusions arise as european health insurance firms do not mention the amounts in their policies/contracts. Thailand is just chasing away the retirees who just with to come for the winter months and who have potential to spend in Thailand with good pensions. All to their own loss.

Now I get it. MAG is pissed cause he couldn't meet the health insurance requirements.  

[Presnock]

Just like any visa for Thailand, whether it be the BOI LTR, the elite visa, the various retirement visas, there are certain requirements - some people have apparently used agent in order to meet certain requirements and everyone who has gotten a visa through the various means still has to maintain the ORIGINAL requirements for the said visa or the visa can be withdrawn by the immigration people.  The BOI LTR as I opinined several times is the BEST and CHEAPEST for me.  The benefits out weigh most other visas or are close to some visas costing ten or more times that of this visa.  ANd like others have mentioned, it is for the Long Term RESIDENT and it exempts one from having to pay taxes on funds remitted into Thailand and yet still allows one to work in Thailand too through the work permit process.  I realize all cannot meet all the requirements, not can all meet all the requirements of every visa offered.  Just like I did, one can check out any visa available and determine which is best for that person.  I don't think that I would have been affected by any new interpretation of the tax laws anyway but this is just another possible benefit some could use to avoid having to pay taxes on that remitted money if any.  Have a great day! be happy!

[bigt3116]

12 hours ago, Middle Aged Grouch said:

It is totally absurd to harass people from Europe for health insurance details or other invented requirements,  as by law all western europeans have full medical coverage that goes well beyond the 50'000 $ required.

 

What are you on about ?

[F Groenen]

10 hours ago, Sigmund said:

It has to be "maintained" annually and go through all the fuss each year. No point in paying them extra just to get extra harassment.

The 'one year reporting' is limited to confirming your local address to immigration at any office in Thailand. And this can be avoided by taking a trip out of Thailand, as the return date resets the one-year report clock. A full review of all qualifications after five years of LTR is expected, but no rules have been set yet.

[Presnock]

1 hour ago, F Groenen said:

The 'one year reporting' is limited to confirming your local address to immigration at any office in Thailand. And this can be avoided by taking a trip out of Thailand, as the return date resets the one-year report clock. A full review of all qualifications after five years of LTR is expected, but no rules have been set yet.

the 1 year report can be done by anyone acting as your agent, i.e. your spouse, or whatever.  You can fill in the necessary documents and send it with them.  If immigration ever asks, I will have kept all my finances and medical coverage so I will not have any problem.    Good luck, enjoy life wherever!

[Ben Zioner]

12 hours ago, Sigmund said:

So one goes through all the trouble to give them the documents when submitting for the LTR, wrongfully thinking once it's obtained, all the red tape harassment will stop.,

 

Wrong.

 

It has to be "maintained" annually and go through all the fuss each year. No point in paying them extra just to get extra harassment.

 

Other visa types are far better option and cost far less.

 

This LTR visa is of no value to a retiree.

 

Knowing how the agencies will hassle and fuss and ask for this or that document despite the requisites stating alternative documents on each requirement....why even offer such a scheme if they know that either they will not give the LTR based on absurd conclusions, considering such and such not to be "unqualified".  Quite an insulting way to behave with retirees who usually own property and spend good money on each visit.

 

 

Dear Sigmund,

 

You, and a few others, remind me of this fable I had to learn in my childhood.

 

 

[khunjeff]

16 hours ago, Presnock said:

BOI said that I needed to get a letter from the insurance company that specifically said "50,000  USD" for hospitaliation" and my insurance company wrote a nice letter stating that very fact so my health insurance was accepted. [...] I would think that those with European insurance could have done the same thing we did. 

 

Maybe, maybe not. I am also a US government retiree, and while my insurer did provide a letter explaining my unlimited benefits, the accompanying email stated "Note: This letter is a standard letter used by our AFSPA members for overseas travel and Covid coverage and cannot be customized."

 

(BoI didn't accept my insurance - no explanation given - so I ended up getting approved based on bank deposits. Several months later they changed their view, though, and began accepting the exact same insurance with the exact same letter.)

[khunjeff]

12 hours ago, SingAPorn said:

E visa for Vietnam with same requirements for any nationality in the world as per their website...

 

$ 50 for 90 day multiple entry. Just one passport size photo and scan of front passport page. That's it. No more hassle like for Thailand. Far nicer beaches, lower cost of living and all the same great things we used to have in Thailand, but at half the price.

 

Why go to Thailand and get humiliated by the immigration or other government visa handling agencies ? if they don't want our money, we will spend it elsewhere.

 

 

 

That Vietnam e-visa is a tourist visa that cannot be extended - it is in no way comparable to a retirement visa or LTR, neither of which has a Vietnamese equivalent.

[Presnock]

29 minutes ago, khunjeff said:

 

Maybe, maybe not. I am also a US government retiree, and while my insurer did provide a letter explaining my unlimited benefits, the accompanying email stated "Note: This letter is a standard letter used by our AFSPA members for overseas travel and Covid coverage and cannot be customized."

 

(BoI didn't accept my insurance - no explanation given - so I ended up getting approved based on bank deposits. Several months later they changed their view, though, and began accepting the exact same insurance with the exact same letter.)

The only problem is an Understanding of the word "unlimited" which my insurance wrote in their benefits package.  I highlighted that very phrase and they still didn't fully understand it is my opinion as it did not have the actual amount necessary.  A former US pensioner with the same health insurer (bluecross/blueshield) told me about contacting the insurer and explaining that the locals needed a monetary amount, as unlimited to them was not clear in that the hospitalization covered was at least $50K USD.  The letter from the insurer fixed that problem.  While the BOI instructions for the next pensioner below the wealthy one (less than 80K) said one could use 1099R but I sent that in and they wouldn't accept that the only reason I think is that OPM includes 4 copies on one page and the identifier was too small for them to fully understand - but they immediately accepted the 1040's.  Fortunately my insurer was more lenient in understanding what and why the letter would suffice.  Anyway enjoy the stay.  Life is easy here unless ones worries too much about the differences.

[Presnock]

2 hours ago, F Groenen said:

The 'one year reporting' is limited to confirming your local address to immigration at any office in Thailand. And this can be avoided by taking a trip out of Thailand, as the return date resets the one-year report clock. A full review of all qualifications after five years of LTR is expected, but no rules have been set yet.

as quoted by the BOI, if one does not maintain the qualifications during the period of the visa  one could lose that visa.  That is the standard requirement for any Thai visa.  Whether they will check in anytime or not depends on someone's thoughts at some other time.

[HerewardtheWake]

Thanks, Oldcpu, for that categorical explanation of the LTR process and advantages. Your message should put all the fears expressed by others to rest. During my  own dealings with BoI I've found them to be responsive and rational. In the context of other types of visas, LTR is an oasis of reason and purpose. Let us all hope that when the 5-year extension time comes up around 2027, BoI will continue to be rational.

[Wake Up1]

16 hours ago, Sigmund said:

So one goes through all the trouble to give them the documents when submitting for the LTR, wrongfully thinking once it's obtained, all the red tape harassment will stop.

 

Wrong.

 

It has to be "maintained" annually and go through all the fuss each year. No point in paying them extra just to get extra harassment.

 

Other visa types are far better option and cost far less.

 

This LTR visa is of no value to a retiree.

 

Knowing how the agencies will hassle and fuss and ask for this or that document despite the requisites stating alternative documents on each requirement....why even offer such a scheme if they know that either they will not give the LTR based on absurd conclusions, considering such and such not to be "unqualified".  Quite an insulting way to behave with retirees who usually own property and spend good money on each visit.

 

 

Sounds like you don’t qualify for a LTR.  Your post is full of misinformation. Nothing to do yearly except an 90 day report if you don’t leave the country.  For the ease and comfort of staying in Thailand with the least amount of hassle long term, the  LTR is the best value. Why post negative nonsense about something that is a great deal and mostly hassle free if you qualify. 

[Presnock]

5 minutes ago, Wake Up1 said:

Sounds like you don’t qualify for a LTR.  Your post is full of misinformation. Nothing to do yearly except an 90 day report if you don’t leave the country.  For the ease and comfort of staying in Thailand with the least amount of hassle long term, the  LTR is the best value. Why post negative nonsense about something that is a great deal and mostly hassle free if you qualify. 

Previosly on 3 May, forum member Srikcir included a note from the BOI office re the yearly report which indicates that one must fill in and sign the tm.95, copy of passport, TM 6 if available and the notification from the BOI fof the yearly report (if available).  just saying, I guess if one gets the notification then it will advise what needs to be done as an agent/rep can do the visit.  the same date restrictions reportedly apply 15/7 days.  Just saying, most of us are newbies with this LTR so see different stories/questions regularly.  I feel this  visa was designed for me - long term resident! within my means.  Be happy be safe

[bigt3116]

18 hours ago, Presnock said:

tm.95

 

What form is this?

 

 

[Presnock]

On 5/7/2024 at 9:10 PM, Sigmund said:

So one goes through all the trouble to give them the documents when submitting for the LTR, wrongfully thinking once it's obtained, all the red tape harassment will stop.

 

Wrong.

 

It has to be "maintained" annually and go through all the fuss each year. No point in paying them extra just to get extra harassment.

 

Other visa types are far better option and cost far less.

 

This LTR visa is of no value to a retiree.

 

Knowing how the agencies will hassle and fuss and ask for this or that document despite the requisites stating alternative documents on each requirement....why even offer such a scheme if they know that either they will not give the LTR based on absurd conclusions, considering such and such not to be "unqualified".  Quite an insulting way to behave with retirees who usually own property and spend good money on each visit.

 

 

Thai immigration law says that qualifications for any visa must be maintained during the period of the visa in order for the visa to be retained.  The LTR is no different.  As far as I know, there are not going to be any yearly checks when one advises the BOI or immigration of their current address.  As for the 5th year renewal/extension of the LTR I have yet to see any documentation on what will be the requirements provided by the LTR holder.  For this retiree, I find the LTR to be the best for the money/ease of qualifying, and best benefits for me.

[Presnock]

On 5/8/2024 at 7:49 AM, F Groenen said:

The 'one year reporting' is limited to confirming your local address to immigration at any office in Thailand. And this can be avoided by taking a trip out of Thailand, as the return date resets the one-year report clock. A full review of all qualifications after five years of LTR is expected, but no rules have been set yet.

in addition to this....every visa in Thailand requires the holder to maintain the qualifications for that particular visa for the period of that visa in order for the visa to be kept by the holder.  From what I as an LTR holder have seen, during the yearly notification of address there is nothing that indicates and check of the original qualifications, and as mentioned nothing has been seen by me yet of any qualifications check for the 5 year renewal.  I assume it will be the same figures but who knows?, not me!

[Presnock]

On 5/8/2024 at 5:48 AM, bigt3116 said:

 

What are you on about ?

 

On 5/9/2024 at 7:53 AM, bigt3116 said:

 

What form is this?

 

 

 

On 5/9/2024 at 7:53 AM, bigt3116 said:

 

What form is this?

 

 

TM.95 is the application for the LTR visa.

[Sigmund]

8 hours ago, Presnock said:

in addition to this....every visa in Thailand requires the holder to maintain the qualifications for that particular visa for the period of that visa in order for the visa to be kept by the holder.  From what I as an LTR holder have seen, during the yearly notification of address there is nothing that indicates and check of the original qualifications, and as mentioned nothing has been seen by me yet of any qualifications check for the 5 year renewal.  I assume it will be the same figures but who knows?, not me!

Guess it all depends on which area you have your immigration reporting done and on which officer one can hit upon...and his/her mood of the day😁

[Presnock]

1 hour ago, Sigmund said:

Guess it all depends on which area you have your immigration reporting done and on which officer one can hit upon...and his/her mood of the day😁

Well I don't plan to fight into any crowd at regular immigration elsewhere when there is an immigration office inside he BOI area - that is where I plan to do my yearly report next March after I receive the card from the BOI that the visit is due.