New 5 Years Visas For Long Term Residents

[VanZam]

I think this is all a bit of a show.

If you have 3 non-imm permits already and are going to the 5 years permit. why dont you just get residency?

The current law allows you to get residency if you hold 3 permits.

This is a slim down residency policy that actually changes nothing. For me, ill just go get a residency permit at the end of the year and never worry about visas again.

I imagine the new law requires a massive amount of cash in the bank if they are gona clear you for 5 years (few million baht).

[bubba]

Has anyone actually contacted Suan Phlu to determine whether they are actually accepting applications for this new five year extenstion? It does say that the window is only open in the last half of December 2004, so time is running out if it's true.

Anyone from Sunbelt care to comment on whether they are doing these for anyone yet?

Also, I noticed in the original clipping:

To qualify for the new fast track facility, foreigners must hold a non immigrant visa, any type, and show that they have been “living” in Thailand for the past three years.

This infers that there will be some sort of new "fast track" operation, similar to the one on Rachadapisek that can be used by foreigners employed by a BOI promoted company. I wonder whether they will begin to allow log term residents to use that facility, or if a new one is planned, or perhaps the word "facility" was in error.

[lukamar]

why dont you just get residency?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I was trying to find some posts that gave the successful quantities of PR that Thailand gave last year but, if i remember correctly, it was very low.

Lots of farang that live in the Kingdom do not speak fluent Thai, do not have the funding or do not have the contacts to apply for PR. I think this new option is a good alternative. Once you get PR you can blow your funds at a Casino in Macao and still have residence so i would think the 5 year visa would be similar. Once you have shown over 3 consecutive years that you meet their criteria i think that they will take that as you probably can meet it for the next 5 years without having massive amounts of cash in the bank. They may require you to have "X" amount in the bank at all times. It will all come out in the wash shortly, I'm sure.

[Maejo Man]

First it's five year driving licences (great move) and now it's five year visas. I won't hold my breath on this one as it has been proposed several times already. Let's have some more details George, as they come to hand. Cost being the main one Pro-rata on the one year visa would place it around 37.000 Baht

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Errrrr...... One Year Non-Imm extension is 1,900 Baht x 5 = 9,500

How'd you reach 37,000?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Gaz...I was just going by the cost of a one year non immigrant "B" application fee, currently around 7500 baht (A$250) which in five years comes to 37500 baht, and non extendable in Thailand, except for a short period.

[Felt 35]

New 5 Years Visas For Long Term Residents

7 weeks before the general election

Smart, but in the light of the statement below,

Thailand to focus on top end of tourist market in 2005

would I wait to draw conclusions to after the election.

[PD0NVJ]

The timing is also crucial - 7 weeks before the general election - it may be designed to stop the tens of thousands of farang teachers bitching at their students about how bad TRT is for Thailand internationally. 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

and you can let your counterpart (spouse) vote fore a party you maybe don't like after all.

This is the real power of mass communication.

One forum story ago everybody was against TRT, see how fast things can change.

This is maybey the best one (story) Toxin did in the last four years.

First seeïng than believing .

[Acharn]

...almost sounds too good to be true, doesn't it?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

too bad for me as i travel at least 1-3 times a montrh out of thailand

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

??? All you need is a re-entry permit. I admit the unlimited entry version is a little pricey (Bht3800), but if you travel that much it would seem to be worth it.

[mraloha]

i have gotten to know a officer at my immigration office and she says that she is getting forearm ligament damage because she has to write out so many visa applications. i asked her why they couldnt use a computer and she says that they provide a better siganature record if done by hand. this new visa would be a boon for farang residents and for immigration employees. it also represents to me a realization on the part of the Thai Government that farangs are not that bad for Thailand. That pherhaps a there is a pool a farangs here that offer something to the country, who love the country and the people and are not here only to screw and drink beer!

[Martin_F]

Who wonders if the five year extension will cost THB1m with a free gold card.

[steffi]

Amazing, I need to be a resident for 3 years even if I have a Thai spouse to remain in the Thailand hassle free?

[sriracha john]

Lots of readers this morning: "104 User(s) are reading this topic"

This, if true, is a miracle. It's in step with the rest of the world. A practical and workable solution for hundreds of people affected.

[danone]

I also would wonder what the main differences are between this 5 yearer and the PR.

PR some day grants you the right to apply for citizenship, well, if thats it what you want with changing your name and so on.

most importantly: thailand wouldnt offer a visa that doesnt serve itself. maybe finally they've figured out that it doesnt pay off to always blame the outsider. look at the FDI-numbers, way down, year by year.

but who knows how the laws will be after 5 years, when one re-applies? land of mystic visa rules ...

[phuketrichard]

First it's five year driving licences (great move) and now it's five year visas. I won't hold my breath on this one as it has been proposed several times already. Let's have some more details George, as they come to hand. Cost being the main one Pro-rata on the one year visa would place it around 37.000 Baht

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

OK great, I am on my third year visa. Last one was in July and cost 1,900 so now it will cost 9,500 for 5

If the re-entry stay at 3,800 for 5 years its a bargin!!

For retirement:

BUT will I still only be required to show 800,000 in the bank or 4,000,000!!!!

I had heard a couple of months back form the thai counsel in Australia that they wanted to triple the amount needed for a visa.

?????? I will believe when I see some one get it!!!

[astral]

To qualify for the new fast track facility, foreigners must hold a non immigrant visa, any type, and show that they have been “living” in Thailand for the past three years.

Interesting.  Incidently, how much is the cost for such 5 year visa.  Also does one still have to do the visa runs every 3 months.

Not all answers are explained here.  We all need more detail, so get on the ball George, and find this out.

Daveyo

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

This will be definite improvement, IF it ever goes through, providing an intermediate step between 1 year visa and PR.

I doubt it will help anyone who is doing visa runs, as they will not be deemed to have

"lived" in Thailand for 3 years!!

We will have to wait and see.

[Thailand]

Let us know when somebody actually gets one then there will be cause for celebration- maybe!

[nogutsnoapplepie]

The timing is also crucial - 7 weeks before the general election - it may be designed to stop the tens of thousands of farang teachers bitching at their students about how bad TRT is for Thailand internationally. 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

and you can let your counterpart (spouse) vote fore a party you maybe don't like after all.

This is the real power of mass communication.

One forum story ago everybody was against TRT, see how fast things can change.

This is maybey the best one (story) Toxin did in the last four years.

First seeïng than believing .

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

100% Correct.

[sas_cars]

No official update yet on this story.I m beginning to suspect that it's just a rumour

[Simbo]

My retirement visa is up for renewal in March. It will be my 4th. I have not left the country once, during this period. Reading what I have, when I apply next time, they will require all the normal things. Letter from bank, medical certificate, proof of income etc. The new fee ( 9.500? ) That should be it for 5 years, apart from having to 'check in' every 90 days. Does that sound about right? I think there will be a fly in the ointment somewhere.

[teko]

If the 5 year visa is true it will be good, but will it cost nearly 10,000 baht, and will we have to have 2 million baht (5 * 400,000) or 4 million baht (5 * 800,000 for retirement) to apply for it?  Even a reduction in paperwork would be a help.

I recently applied for my visa extension at Chiang Mai.  There was nobody waiting, I was in and out inside 10 minutes and there were not so many staff as usual inside the office.  When I asked why, I was told that there has been a decline in the number of applications.  Don't know if this is true or not.  This Is Thailand and I have learnt not to believe everything that Immigration tells me.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[Axel]

Wait and see. Checked with Immigration office in Bangkok this morning.

They have no information on this.

If it is true, I hope it is, wonder what this means:

Applications have to lodged in the second half of December 2004. Otherwise you have to wait until late next year.

[martin42f]

Immigration boss explains new visas

Much less paperwork for some farangs

PATTAYA: -- Head of Pattaya’s immigration bureau, police colonel Ittipol Ittisarnronnachai, has announced that the foreign holders of some long visas will no longer have to provide mountains of paperwork every year. Once registered, they will be cleared for entry and exit for up to five years on a case by case basis. However, they will still need to obtain a re-entry permit if they do decide to leave the country.

To qualify for the new fast track facility, foreigners must hold a non immigrant visa, any type, and show that they have been “living” in Thailand for the past three years. The most obvious way of demonstrating this is to have held consecutive one year extensions authorized by the immigration bureau. Police colonel Ittipol said there were six categories of people eligible to transfer. These included farangs with a Thai spouse, those with a Thai dependant, retirees, substantial investors, work permit holders and special categories including diplomatic personnel.

Ittipol added it was not compulsory for eligible people to change to the multiple years’ option. They could continue making annual applications as in the past. Although the detail is still settling down, it is understood that applications for the multiple year visa can be made only in the Bangkok immigration headquarters in Soi Suan Plu (Sathorn). However, Pattaya immigration officers will be able to provide further details of the new system which bears some similarity to “green card” options operating in some parts of the world.

Applications have to lodged in the second half of December 2004. Otherwise you have to wait until late next year. Police colonel Ittipol explained that the fast track notion was designed to simplify visa life for long term farangs who had shown by their immigration record that they were contributing significantly to Thai economic and financial strength or had ongoing family responsibilities. He concluded that it was the aim of the immigration bureau to create a safe environment for all foreigners in the kingdom and that included a privileged status for the long stay residents as defined.

--Pattaya Today 2004-12-16

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[teko]

Very interested about the Visa extension in Chiangmai, was that for a 3 month ext. as I've got to do one soon and not to keen on some of the other options, expense, hassle and all the rest. Fill me in.

On the issue of influencing an election, well not as silly as it sounds, if you do the numbers as previously stated on this link, teachers have a lot of political punch regarding their students and colleagues. We pay our taxes and some times more than the average Thai, but get nought for it, on top of all that, the visa and work permit quagmire, the falang rip off at any chance mentality and the all round rascist attitude towards falangs by a certain percentge of the population. So it's time for blue blooded falangs to say well, enoughs, enough and we can change our lot by using our interlect in the classroom and the staffroom and the workplace for that matter. Eventhough, Thai's being the apathetic bunch they are when it comes to politics and social issues, it could take some time. I know, it's taken me 2 years with my wife to seen the light, but as she says what are the alternatives Ahhhh! NONE OF THE ABOVE. Nothing wrong with a protest vote, isn't that what fair and democratic elections are all about.

[martin42f]

As of 17Dec04, room 301 of headquarters in Soi Suan Plu(Sathorn) has never heard of this policy. Pl. Capt. Panan Sirisamphan, Sub-Inspector (Resident Section) made some phone calls and said the article was in error, and it does NOT APPLY to retirees.

PLEASE CLARIFY as the "open window" for applying is only in the last two weeks of December, and the office never heard of it.......

[george]

As of 17Dec04, room 301 of headquarters in Soi Suan Plu(Sathorn) has never heard of this policy.  Pl. Capt. Panan Sirisamphan, Sub-Inspector (Resident Section) made some phone calls and said the article was in error, and it does NOT APPLY to retirees. 

PLEASE CLARIFY as the "open window" for applying is only in the last two weeks of December, and the office never heard of it.......

I believe you spoked to the people at the wrong division at Suan Pluh (resident section). The question should instead be asked to the people actually working with extensions of Non-Immigrant visas. I have got inside information that more information will be available next week. Fingers crossed!

[dr_Pat_Pong]

First it's five year driving licences (great move) and now it's five year visas. I won't hold my breath on this one as it has been proposed several times already. Let's have some more details George, as they come to hand. Cost being the main one Pro-rata on the one year visa would place it around 37.000 Baht

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

OK great, I am on my third year visa. Last one was in July and cost 1,900 so now it will cost 9,500 for 5

If the re-entry stay at 3,800 for 5 years its a bargin!!

For retirement:

BUT will I still only be required to show 800,000 in the bank or 4,000,000!!!!

I had heard a couple of months back form the thai counsel in Australia that they wanted to triple the amount needed for a visa.

?????? I will believe when I see some one get it!!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The present visa fees are not under review anywhere at all.

[Boxer]

No visa runs needed if you have a one year retirement visa and I dont follow the above cost of 37000 baht? 1900pa x 5 9500 but what a time saver if they do that at same cost. You still will need re-entry visas if you go on trips and what about 90 days sign on fiasco?

The application process is a bit confusing "late Dec 2004 in Bangkok" does that mean anyone who wants can apply then even if your original date for visa is another time? I can see a flood of applicatins and lines at the Office.

[ray23]

First it's five year driving licences (great move) and now it's five year visas. I won't hold my breath on this one as it has been proposed several times already. Let's have some more details George, as they come to hand. Cost being the main one Pro-rata on the one year visa would place it around 37.000 Baht

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

OK great, I am on my third year visa. Last one was in July and cost 1,900 so now it will cost 9,500 for 5

If the re-entry stay at 3,800 for 5 years its a bargin!!

For retirement:

BUT will I still only be required to show 800,000 in the bank or 4,000,000!!!!

I had heard a couple of months back form the thai counsel in Australia that they wanted to triple the amount needed for a visa.

?????? I will believe when I see some one get it!!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The present visa fees are not under review anywhere at all.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well this makes for an interesting end of the year

[ZOVOX]

To only offer this at the bangkok office, and at the end of december is crazy!! We're already into the second half of december, and it is a very busy time for farang with christmas and the new year coming.

[RDN]

To only offer this at the bangkok office, and at the end of december is crazy!! We're already into the second half of december, and it is a very busy time for farang with christmas and the new year coming.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Maybe it's a ploy - like a "filter" - only the really keen people will turn up, others will be more interested in Christmas and New Year.

With regards to the time it takes to process a one-year extensions, my last one was very quick at Phuket, office nearly empty, staff just sitting at desks and waiting for farang to arrive. I was in and out in about 15 minutes.

[Wash]

I asked someone to stop at the Pattaya Immigration office today and here is his report on the subject:

"I went with Joe down to the Immigration office this morning to check out the details of the new 5-year extension. Unfortunately, my best contact there (Mr. Thongchai) wasn't in. We did however get to speak to a fairly high-ranking female officer -- she said that other people had already been in asking questions but no one at the Pattaya Office knows anything about it. I mentioned the name of the colonel quoted in the article and they never heard of him either!!

She did say, though, that the supposed program is entirely possible -- they just hadn't heard anything about it yet. She made a good point, though, when she said that it is unlikely that Bangkok would accept renewals from people whose current extension isn't close to expiring -- the mob would be horrendous. But she thought it possible that Bangkok might be accepting some sort of application between now and the end of the year and then when your normal renewal date comes around you could apply for the 5-year version instead -- that makes sense to me.

Anyway, Joe says he is going to Bangkok early next week and will go to the Immigration Office there and see what he can find out. In the meantime, I'll keep asking other people around here."

So now what is left to do is find out what Pattaya Today has to say about it all.