An American colleague of mine, who has a Thai wife and property in Thailand, has been told by a cousin of his, who has lived in BKK for many years, that once you have obtained and renewed a retirement visa 3 times, it then becomes "permanent". This is the first I've heard of this, can anyone advise and clarify what "permanent" means in this context should this be correct.

False information.

A person who has 3 consecutive extensions can apply for Permanent Residence if they meet the requirements, read the pinned topic.

What he may be referring to is that after a minimum of three years with an extension of a Non-O visa, the holder may be eligible to apply for a Thai Permanent Resident Permit. Which, I can attest to, is difficult to get, and if it's like it was 10 years ago, not available to persons on "retirement" extensions of their Non-O visas. Thank you, former MoI head, Khun Purachai.

Mac

Probably confusing the fact that if you have extended a non-immigrant visa 3 consecutive times then you meet ONE of the criteria to apply for permanent residence.

The other essential criteria include a relatively good Thai income from work andn3 year history of paying taxes on that income....

People on retirement extensions are generally not qualified to apply to residence status because residence status applications involve proving Thai tax payments and it is ILLEGAL to work in Thailand on retirement extensions.

As said, FALSE information that there is such a thing as a permanent retirement visa. But it's even worse than that. Its year to year approvals ... for life, or leave Thailand, or die.

There ARE countries in the world where living longer term on retirement status can lead to residence status and even citizenship, but Thailand is not one of them and in my view, will NEVER be one of them.

Next ...

Edited April 30, 201214 yr by Jingthing

People on retirement extensions are generally not qualified to apply to residence status because residence status applications involve proving Thai tax payments and it is ILLEGAL to work in Thailand on retirement extensions.

As said, FALSE information that there is such a thing as a permanent retirement visa. But it's even worse than that. Its year to year approvals ... for life, or leave Thailand, or die.

There ARE countries in the world where living longer term on retirement status can lead to residence status and even citizenship, but Thailand is not one of them and in my view, will NEVER be one of them.

Next ...

So much for the theory that there is some value of just turning up...

In all my travels I have only met one guy with PR and that was stamped into his German pp. Anyone else have or know anyone with this status? Hens teeth.

In all my travels I have only met one guy with PR and that was stamped into his German pp. Anyone else have or know anyone with this status? Hens teeth.

strangely, I know more foreigners who have gotten citizenship...but they are basically hidden in plain view, which is why you don't notice them.

Edited May 1, 201214 yr by samran

i also heard of foreigners who got Thai citizenship. rumour has it that they are protected by the World Wildlife Fund because they are as rare as sabre-toothed chicken. of course i don't believe in rumours

i also heard of foreigners who got Thai citizenship. rumour has it that they are protected by the World Wildlife Fund because they are as rare as sabre-toothed chicken. of course i don't believe in rumours

naam, you cynic you...

A friend asked me once what is requirement for marriage visa I said 40,000 a month income or 400,000 in bank his wife (thai) broke no, no you have to have both I said really where did you get info she says from friend. Ok there is the problem friends usually donot know anything. I reapeated again finicial requirement shes are you sure I think both. I says please only need one please read the police rules donot listen to friend.

Pretty much as I suspected really, thanks to all for their input

i also heard of foreigners who got Thai citizenship. rumour has it that they are protected by the World Wildlife Fund because they are as rare as sabre-toothed chicken. of course i don't believe in rumours

naam, you cynic you...

i also heard of foreigners who got Thai citizenship. rumour has it that they are protected by the World Wildlife Fund because they are as rare as sabre-toothed chicken. of course i don't believe in rumours

naam, you cynic you...

I know of at least half a dozen farangs who have achieved permanent residence in Thailand over the past few years.

Their ashes spreading as much goodwill in the Land of Smiles as as their organs once did...