9 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Anyone with a Thai parent can claim Thai citizenship regardless of where they were born

Ah, yes, I forgot he has a Thai parent.

15 hours ago, Rockyroad said:

Cornetto for breakfast

Cornetto for breakfast, diabetes for dinner

On 7/30/2026 at 11:04 AM, KhunHeineken said:

The only thing I am sure of, and it would be difficult to argue against, is the 800k can not stay 800k forever. At some stage it will rise. The amount, and why that amount, and any grandfathering, remain unknown, and open to discussion.

As best I can tell, you have not mentioned anything of the 400K annual for marriage extension.

Is that because Immigration has not as yet asked for your opinion on that?

On 8/1/2026 at 2:38 PM, KhunHeineken said:

I have also stated there may be changes to the age requirement. Example, retirement visa from 50 to 75 years of age, after that, no more long stay visa.

Maybe they should also liberalize the Thailand euthanasia laws so guys who have been on retirement extensions and now are no more eligible for a long stay visa have other options.

13 minutes ago, JerryM said:

Maybe they should also liberalize the Thailand euthanasia laws so guys who have been on retirement extensions and now are no more eligible for a long stay visa have other options.

And folks who can't pay their medical bills.

Just pull the plug.

Are they making it hard? Yes. Are they making it hard deliberately? I don't believe so. The immediate thing that sticks out to me is the inconsistency in government policy. Visa rules that literally change within 30 days of implication. Even the first step of getting most visas , opening a bank account, can be complicated depending on what policy the bank is currently following. And when you get into land "ownership"...we'll that's another hurdle.

The truth is there are neighboring countries with less restrictions that are more viable options.

Baiting troll post and reply removed

2 hours ago, JerryM said:

As best I can tell, you have not mentioned anything of the 400K annual for marriage extension.

Is that because Immigration has not as yet asked for your opinion on that?

Of course the 400k must rise at some stage as well.

1 hour ago, JerryM said:

Maybe they should also liberalize the Thailand euthanasia laws so guys who have been on retirement extensions and now are no more eligible for a long stay visa have other options.

Thailand is a Buddhist country, so I can't see that happening.

I know it's difficult for guys like yourself who have invested financially and emotionally in Thailand to even consider the possibility that you may not be able to reside in Thailand forever, but it is their country, and you do not have PR / Citizenship.

Thailand would not want to become a dumping ground for expat retirees living on meager western aged pensions, who are basically economic refugees from the west, and should their number grow significantly in the next few years, due to higher cost of living in the west, I can only see them increasing the 800k / 400k / 65k. I have already showed the Australian pension does not even meet the 65k.

Thailand would also not want to become one big aged care home, having thousands of foreign nationals die here every year, which is why I mentioned an age cap MAY be possible on the retirement visa in the future.

7 minutes ago, KhunHeineken said:

Of course the 400k must rise at some stage as well.

Do you figure if you say it enough it might happen? Literally dozens of times you have posted your theory. Sort of reminds me of a US president. If he repeats it enough it just might become real. 😮

5 minutes ago, KhunHeineken said:

I know it's difficult for guys like yourself who have invested financially and emotionally in Thailand to even consider the possibility that you may not be able to reside in Thailand forever, but it is their country, and you do not have PR / Citizenship.

I don't often consider the possibility -- I let guys like you do it for me. Illegitimi non carborundum

They are also trying to set up Thailand as the hub of long term care services. And I haven't complained about the possible rise in 65K to 100K as you suggest because many months I do that anyway and, if you see that, then maybe you will raise it to 125K.

Edited August 4Aug 4 by JerryM

9 minutes ago, marin said:

Do you figure if you say it enough it might happen? Literally dozens of times you have posted your theory. Sort of reminds me of a US president. If he repeats it enough it just might become real. 😮

As usual, you are wrong.

i have never mentioned an increase to the 400k, which was picked up by another member.

My reply was to that member.

If you want to troll me, try harder. 🙂

3 minutes ago, JerryM said:

I don't often consider the possibility

No one suggested you have to consider it often, but in my opinion, it's something everyone should consider, thus, have a strategy for it. You do not have any right to live here. All you have is a visa / extension.

5 minutes ago, JerryM said:

They are also trying to set up Thailand as the hub of long term care services.

Sure, but at what price point?

Once again, I am talking about a certain demographic, and there are many of them, that are living in Thailand on meager western aged pensions.

Just now, KhunHeineken said:

Once again, I am talking about a certain demographic, and there are many of them, that are living in Thailand on meager western aged pensions.

Yes. You are talking about persons who at some point will not be able to meet the conditions of stay even if they are paying a bribe.

But that isn't every body. So your opinion on what Thailand SHOULD do is just that.

Edited August 4Aug 4 by JerryM

I've not watched the video. My life isn't exciting, but not boring enough that I watch YouTube videos to kill time.

This is a ridiculous topic that has been done to death

Banking has become increasingly more difficult and you can pretty much blame both the Thai and Asian foreigners for all of their mischief, money laundering and mule accounts.

In my opinion there are some small things that have been done in immigration in Bangkok that make things a bit more tedious. The flip side is they have also streamlined the process and need some things faster. For instance, your extension stamp can be picked up in three weeks not on the day of expiration and no more bank book photocopies are needed. Everything else has remained the same and I use the exact same checklist to make the extensions as I have for the past 15 years.

Maybe it's YOU? Maybe it's the way you look? Maybe it's where you live?

IMO for all intents and purposes nothing has changed.

22 minutes ago, JerryM said:

Yes. You are talking about persons who at some point will not be able to meet the conditions of stay even if they are paying a bribe.

But that isn't every body. So your opinion on what Thailand SHOULD do is just that.

Can you show me where I have ever said Thailand SHOULD do it?

I have said the 800k / 65k / 400k can not stay at these amounts forever. It's as simple as that.

At some stage, these amounts will rise. They have been at these amounts for decades, with living costs rising significantly over that time.

They may rise a little, to reflect this higher cost of living, or rise significantly, as part of a broader policy to raise the financial standards of expat retirees here, and to ensure Thailand does not become a dumping ground for retired economic refugees from the west.

I have also said the retirement visa age MAY be capped. Maybe 50 to 75. After 75, no more retirement visa. Go home. This way, Thailand gets retirees, and their money. into Thailand, while they have still have it, and while they are still capable of spending it. Then, when they have no money left, or incapable of spending much of it, bye bye. Also, you don't have thousands of foreigners dying in Thailand every year.

Money Number One here.

Don't misquote me.

2 minutes ago, KhunHeineken said:

Can you show me where I have ever said Thailand SHOULD do it?

I have said the 800k / 65k / 400k can not stay at these amounts forever. It's as simple as that.

At some stage, these amounts will rise. They have been at these amounts for decades, with living costs rising significantly over that time.

They may rise a little, to reflect this higher cost of living, or rise significantly, as part of a broader policy to raise the financial standards of expat retirees here, and to ensure Thailand does not become a dumping ground for retired economic refugees from the west.

I have also said the retirement visa age MAY be capped. Maybe 50 to 75. After 75, no more retirement visa. Go home. This way, Thailand gets retirees, and their money. into Thailand, while they have still have it, and while they are still capable of spending it. Then, when they have no money left, or incapable of spending much of it, bye bye. Also, you don't have thousands of foreigners dying in Thailand every year.

Money Number One here.

Don't misquote me.

No country in the world is ever going to expel expats on retirement visas only based on old age.

That is insane

For new applicants possibly.

27 minutes ago, KornPop said:

I've not watched the video. My life isn't exciting, but not boring enough that I watch YouTube videos to kill time.

This is a ridiculous topic that has been done to death

Banking has become increasingly more difficult and you can pretty much blame both the Thai and Asian foreigners for all of their mischief, money laundering and mule accounts.

In my opinion there are some small things that have been done in immigration in Bangkok that make things a bit more tedious. The flip side is they have also streamlined the process and need some things faster. For instance, your extension stamp can be picked up in three weeks not on the day of expiration and no more bank book photocopies are needed. Everything else has remained the same and I use the exact same checklist to make the extensions as I have for the past 15 years.

Maybe it's YOU? Maybe it's the way you look? Maybe it's where you live?

IMO for all intents and purposes nothing has changed.

You have no agency to reply to this topic.

Watch the video.

The banking situation is getting ridiculous.

3 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

No country in the world is ever going to expel expats on retirement visas only based on old age.

That is insane

For new applicants possibly.

Think about it for a moment.

You have to reach 50 to qualify for it. 50 being the lower cap. What's stopping them from adding an upper cap? Nothing. It's one option open to them. It's their country.

The upper age is not discriminatory because they already have a lower age cap.

People will be well informed of the age criteria attached to the retirement visa. For those already here, they will be given their final extension at 74 and have 12 months to vacate. They will not be black listed, just no more long stay visa.

Just to clarify, I am not saying Thailand WILL do this, or Thailand SHOULD do this. I am suggesting it's an option for them and I am sure they have considered it.

Once again, many believe the retirement visa gives them a right to live here. It does not. The visa has restrictions and criteria to meet. The Thai government MAY simply add an upper age cap in the future. They may simply not see the economic value in retirees over 75, or possibly 80 years of age.

You are the OP. You wanted to discuss how / if / when they MAY make it harder. Why start the thread if you do not want to discuss the options available to the Thai government to actually make it harder?

Remember, it only takes one hard right Thai politician at election time to stand on a "harder" policy for foreigners. Historically, it's common to have some anti farang policy at election time.

Edited August 4Aug 4 by KhunHeineken

13 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

The banking situation is getting ridiculous.

In fairness it only seems to be 1 bank, BUT it's the bank that I think most of us bank with (I know I do and as well as my day-2-day account I have my 800K in a fixed term deposit there).

I got messed around by them at the start of the year when I wanted to move 200K from my FIxed Deposit account (Still left >1Million in there so not breaking any Immigration restrictions) & was told my account was frozen (though my normal savings account was fine!) unless I could provide an alternative form of ID or I could close the account (It's my Immigration money so I didn't want to go down that rabbit hole).

After much messing around I ended up having to get a new lease from my landlord (existing lease was with his wife but the Condo/Chanote is in his name) along with copy of his Passport & the Chanote.

Since then I've seeded 800K into a new account with a different Bank so am hoping my next extension (which I'll be doing tomorrow) will be the last time I need anything for them for Immigration purposes. Oh I also finally got around to getting a Thai Driving License as well.

Got to go in to get a 3 month statement from them tomorrow so let's see if there are any more "Fun & Games"

27 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

The banking situation is getting ridiculous.

Would have been interesting if the owner of the account said:

Owner: Fine. Close my account right now. I'll be back in 1 hour to collect my 800k baht.

Staff: Sir, you will need 4 forms of ID to make a withdrawal.

Just another reason why I do not even move the 800k baht here.

16 minutes ago, KhunHeineken said:

Think about it for a moment.

You have to reach 50 to qualify for it. 50 being the lower cap. What's stopping them from adding an upper cap? Nothing. It's one option open to them. It's their country.

The upper age is not discriminatory because they already have a lower age cap.

People will be well informed of the age criteria attached to the retirement visa. For those already here, they will be given their final extension at 74 and have 12 months to vacate. They will not be black listed, just no more long stay visa.

Just to clarify, I am not saying Thailand WILL do this, or Thailand SHOULD do this. I am suggesting it's an option for them and I am sure they have considered it.

Once again, many believe the retirement visa gives them a right to live here. It does not. The visa has restrictions and criteria to meet. The Thai government MAY simply add an upper age cap in the future. They may simply not see the economic value in retirees over 75, or possibly 80 years of age.

You are the OP. You wanted to discuss how / if / when they MAY make it harder. Why start the thread if you do not want to discuss the options available to the Thai government to actually make it harder?

Remember, it only takes one hard right Thai politician at election time to stand on a "harder" policy for foreigners. Historically, it's common to have some anti farang policy at election time.

No country will ever kick out only based on age. If you don't understand why I can't help you.

Just now, Jingthing said:

No country will ever kick out only based on age. If you don't understand why I can't help you.

You still don't get it, do you?

If you can't get in before 50, they may say you can no longer remain after 75, or 80.

It's not about kicking out. It's about visa criteria. The retirement visa is not PR / Citizenship. You've said this yourself. It gives no right to reside in Thailand forever. They can change the criteria at any time.

This is why I have said it's basically nothing more than a 1 year tourist visa. They can tweak it anyway they like, at any time.

I know you understand this, but the thought of it is too much for you to bear, so you outright reject, which is your right, akin to The Ostrich Method.

2 minutes ago, KhunHeineken said:

You still don't get it, do you?

If you can't get in before 50, they may say you can no longer remain after 75, or 80.

It's not about kicking out. It's about visa criteria. The retirement visa is not PR / Citizenship. You've said this yourself. It gives no right to reside in Thailand forever. They can change the criteria at any time.

This is why I have said it's basically nothing more than a 1 year tourist visa. They can tweak it anyway they like, at any time.

I know you understand this, but the thought of it is too much for you to bear, so you outright reject, which is your right, akin to The Ostrich Method.

It will never happen.

Period.

Most countries have a minimum age for retirement visas.

Irrelevant to your bizarre speculation.

1 hour ago, KhunHeineken said:

Money Number One here.

Don't misquote me.

OK I'll quote you here:

As I said, when the change is made, and the change will eventually be made, it could be insignificant, or be part of a broad policy to clear out Thailand of those living on meager pensions / savings, and there will be no grandfathering.

How the expletive do you know?

18 minutes ago, KhunHeineken said:

If you can't get in before 50, they may say you can no longer remain after 75, or 80.

That's the dumbest remark I've ever heard on this forum.

14 minutes ago, JimGant said:

That's the dumbest remark I've ever heard on this forum.

Agree its very dumb but come on man think of the competition for dumbest!

1 minute ago, Jingthing said:

Agree its very dumb but come on man think of the competition for dumbest!

He's been very rational -- he hasn't as yet recommended a neutron bomb for Pattaya.

44 minutes ago, KhunHeineken said:

This is why I have said it's basically nothing more than a 1 year tourist visa.

So you're a long-term tourist.

So what?

Send your family back home a postcard and tell them you've been taking a 20 year holiday in Thailand because the girls are hot and the drinks are cold.