A friend saw an article in a Singapore magazine stating that after a foreigner has been approved a one year visa for three continuos years that he or she would be eligible to apply for a life-time visa.

Can anyone confirm or deny this rumour??

Thank You

Peter FREER

other countries in asia do things to bring in expats.......... thailand is sending expats away

Probably referring to one of the steps to obtain permanent residence. If I recall correctly, that is one of the easier step. I think there was an earlier (much earlier) post concerning this.

Edit: If you look in the Thai visas, residency forum instead of other countries you'll find a pinned topic at the top of the page.

Edited July 19, 200916 yr by mmcsusnret

Moved to Thai Visas.

They are correct.

Here's the other requirements.

Camerata's guide to permanent residence.

A friend saw an article in a Singapore magazine stating that after a foreigner has been approved a one year visa for three continuos years that he or she would be eligible to apply for a life-time visa.

Can anyone confirm or deny this rumour??

Thank You

Peter FREER

Your friend is right - it's called Permanent Residence. Available to anyone who has three consecutive years stay, with tax returns, work permit and a few other requirements. Immigration will give you the latest application checklist.

other countries in asia do things to bring in expats.......... thailand is sending expats away

Nonsense. Just like anywhere else, it is easy to stay in Thailand if you have something to offer.

Actually it is a lot more complex than that and there is a pinned item at top of forum that anyone thinking of this should read. Basic is high wage employment prior to application, three years (minimum) without break on extensions of stay, not here for retirement, some language ability, police checks and interviews and about two or more years waiting (more if political climate is wrong). And this provides a PR book that can be renewed every 5 years I believe (it is not a visa and you will have to pay to leave). Better than the one year extensions of stay with every 3 month reporting - but it also costs a lot more. Read the pinned thread.

A friend saw an article in a Singapore magazine stating that after a foreigner has been approved a one year visa for three continuos years that he or she would be eligible to apply for a life-time visa.

Can anyone confirm or deny this rumour??

Thank You

Peter FREER

Not a life time, but if you have/or work for a Thai registred company with at least one year of paid taxes, the latest tax audit submitted

and all the requested company papers (registation, shareholder list, personal tax remittance for the last 3 month, etc) plus your WP in order, you can get a 3 year non-B without any problems, mind you...you still have to do your 3-month over the border trip, but it still beats the hassle and (unwanted?) expenses of a yearly 2-4 day trip to the consulate in any of the neighboring countries.

Mike

other countries in asia do things to bring in expats.......... thailand is sending expats away

Nonsense. Just like anywhere else, it is easy to stay in Thailand if you have something to offer.

Again, very defensive post backing your adopted country. Very noble but totally misguided.

Thailand is doing just about everything it can to drive people away and do not kid yourself that people who have not already invested here are flocking either, as they are staying away in even greater numbers.

The greatest benefit to Thailand is not another English language teacher or even an expat but rather business people. These people tend to employ Thais and contribute far more to the economy and yes, Thailand is driving them away. Not only that, it is making people who have already invested here for years review their position and leave.

Sorry, thread hijack over.