Retirement, Work and Marriage Extensions. What's to come?

[mommysboy]

Over the past few months some of us in various regions have been subject to a more inquisitional style from Immigration. It is difficult not to infer that we are no longer so welcome.

Surat is particularly bad, only this week a friend of mine encountered difficulties applying for an extension based on retirement. Even though he has a million baht in the bank, and evidence of some funds arriving in to his Dutch bank. It seems they want to see money coming in and going out.

It also has to be said that the rules pertaining to the retirement extension are a bit of a pushover, it means that a 50 year old, in most provinces, with 880,000 baht can just put the cash in a bank and voila! Sure to be tightened.

It leads me to worry about the future. What happens when they start to look more closely at all those pensions and jobs ? and when as inevitable the financial criteria increases say to 1 million baht plus. I'm willing to bet a number of us will be in trouble. Even if I manage to struggle along with the retirement option, when I get to 66 my pension alone will be unlikely to meet their requirement.

Without using too much imagination, you can make a similarly difficult scenario for those on a marriage, or work extension.

Some will say tough luck the visa is for people with means and there are lots of things we can and cannot afford in life, and I guess I can live with that, but the reality of my life now is that I have a wife, and a baby, and when I am 66 (an assumption I know), I will have a wife and child to support. And that can be done as it is now, but perhaps not according to an official criteria.

Just wanted to know what others are foreseeing? Forewarned is forearmed as they say.

Does anyone have any practicable options, eg, is it possible to work from your own company up to 66 and beyond and obtain a yearly visa that way. or perhaps even get residence some way, it seems very unfair that someone married and with a wife, who fulfills the legal criteria can't get anything other than a lousy temporary permission.

[nowretired]

Pure speculation coupled with rumour.

Entirely possible to obtain a visa on the basis of working for a company.

[mommysboy]

Pure speculation coupled with rumour.

Entirely possible to obtain a visa on the basis of working for a company.

Prediction (right or wrong), not rumour at all.

[nowretired]

Pure speculation coupled with rumour.

Entirely possible to obtain a visa on the basis of working for a company.

Prediction (right or wrong), not rumour at all.

A better word might be "Scaremongering"

[mommysboy]

No, many of us are in a fairly precarious position now, if you think about it, we have no rights and are granted only a temporary leave to remain in Thailand on a yearly basis at most, based on a criteria which now appears open to interpretation shall we say. Certainly it is not the rubber stamp we have thus far enjoyed.

As to the future, well you have to consider future possibilities, my guess is that it is very much more likely to get tougher, than easier. But I accept I am painting a more negative scenario, no way am I scaremongering though.

[nowretired]

Best not to worry about the unknown future.

Speculating, predicting, and scaremongering will do nothing to change that which is unknown .

I have been told by the friend of a friend that the sky is soon to fall!

The Americans have some good "survivalist " sites . Why not check them out ?

[mommysboy]

Best not to worry about the unknown future.

Speculating, predicting, and scaremongering will do nothing to change that which is unknown .

I have been told by the friend of a friend that the sky is soon to fall!

The Americans have some good "survivalist " sites . Why not check them out ?

We all have to plan to some extent. No point going to extremes one way or the other. Head in the sand ostrich style might be comforting, but you don't get to see the lion about to jump on your ass!

[roobaa01]

just one proverb , god favours the brave & well prepared.

so mote it be.

cheers roobaa01

[IMA_FARANG]

I can not tell the future..... but just as a guess I believe the amount of funds required may ...I only said may......be increased due to the devaluation of the Thai Baht before to long.

By the way....there was an article in The Bangkok Post today stating that a new program manager is taking over in October as the head of the Thai Elite Card program.

Possible changes there?

As I said I can't tell the future.

But the TAT, which runs the program, mentioned desiring to "increase the sales" of Thai Elite cards.

That could be good news or bad news.

They need more money to keep the program making a profit.....take that whatever way you choose to interpret that statement.

[al007]

just one proverb , god favours the brave & well prepared.

so mote it be.

cheers roobaa01

It is for this reason I have marriage extension, despite retirement extension being easier if one has money

I believe that marriage extensions are less likely to be attacked in the event of change, because it would also be a further human rights violation

[12DrinkMore]

Speculation based on a couple of cases is really a waste of time, and drawing a general conclusion based on them is ridiculous.

Rest assured, in my area the last three months four friends and me all came up for visa extensions. All went through in less than 30 minutes.

Rest assured, in two other areas two friends also obtained visa extensions quickly, smoothly with a smile and no bribing necessary (up to about three years ago, it was clear they expected an envelope, no longer is this the case).

The problem is that the vast majority of such cases are never, or rarely mentioned, only the few that have problems turn up on TV.

Based on this experience I would say that things are improving, corruption is decreasing and foreigners with all the paperwork and requirements in place are very welcome.

Don't worry, be happy.

[alanrchase]

My local Immigration only require 800,000 baht for a retirement extension and check that the funds came from abroad.

[joshstiles]

oooohhhhhh.....what if what if what if....

just what posters are this site are famous for

...ever think of just focusing on the present

oh more wasted advice

[Baerboxer]

just one proverb , god favours the brave & well prepared.

so mote it be.

cheers roobaa01

It is for this reason I have marriage extension, despite retirement extension being easier if one has money

I believe that marriage extensions are less likely to be attacked in the event of change, because it would also be a further human rights violation

Marriage extensions, IME, have been deliberately made as awkward as possible for whatever reasons - more work for the officer, don't like having to send off to head office, 30 day consideration requiring 2 trips and additional stamp, visits to home (although I never had one), ever increasing requests for photos and changing the photos required, increasing suspicion of marriages of convenience etc etc.

Given the issues with immigration and civil servants flogging false marriage certificates last year, it's likely to be tightened even further if anything. The blame and therefore the scrutiny will be on the foreigners, not the Thai officials who acted illegally.

Human Rights - do you really think anyone hear cares about HR violations? In the scheme of things, with all the trafficking issues, Rohingyhas, slaves on trawlers and in processing factories, etc etc do you think not possibly infringing HR on marriage extensions is on anyone's agenda or concern list?

I really wish Thailand would make it easier for spouses of Thais, who are clearly in genuine long term partnerships, to live here. Maybe even treat foreign husbands the same as foreign wives. But somehow, I doubt it will happen. And certainly not for the foreseeable future.

[sendintheclowns]

Altho' this appears to be off-topic, we had a very pleasant experience with Immigration, despite not having a Departure/Arrival card. Renewed with a smile, and a follow up letter, written in decent English, thanking us for visiting the office. An amazing improvement in attitude and service.

[Krataiboy]

Pure speculation coupled with rumour.

Entirely possible to obtain a visa on the basis of working for a company.

Prediction (right or wrong), not rumour at all.

A better word might be "Scaremongering"

Or paranoia. Some people worry themselves sick if they have nothing to worry about.

[NoshowJones]

just one proverb , god favours the brave & well prepared.

so mote it be.

cheers roobaa01

It is for this reason I have marriage extension, despite retirement extension being easier if one has money

I believe that marriage extensions are less likely to be attacked in the event of change, because it would also be a further human rights violation

Marriage extensions, IME, have been deliberately made as awkward as possible for whatever reasons - more work for the officer, don't like having to send off to head office, 30 day consideration requiring 2 trips and additional stamp, visits to home (although I never had one), ever increasing requests for photos and changing the photos required, increasing suspicion of marriages of convenience etc etc.

Given the issues with immigration and civil servants flogging false marriage certificates last year, it's likely to be tightened even further if anything. The blame and therefore the scrutiny will be on the foreigners, not the Thai officials who acted illegally.

Human Rights - do you really think anyone hear cares about HR violations? In the scheme of things, with all the trafficking issues, Rohingyhas, slaves on trawlers and in processing factories, etc etc do you think not possibly infringing HR on marriage extensions is on anyone's agenda or concern list?

I really wish Thailand would make it easier for spouses of Thais, who are clearly in genuine long term partnerships, to live here. Maybe even treat foreign husbands the same as foreign wives. But somehow, I doubt it will happen. And certainly not for the foreseeable future.

Excellent post, especially your last paragraph which I could not agree more with.

[lostoday]

Seems every positive visa thread gets turned into something negative in addition to the scaremongering by projecting the bad experiences of 3 or 4 nutty imm offices to all immigration offices. A guy asks a question about Jomtien office and the replies are in the nature of, "well you may have it easy there but in the KCI office they do ...... and in the Sri office they want this.....

90% of us have easy experiences with immigration. Old single guys never complain here.

The OP writes, "It also has to be said that the rules pertaining to the retirement extension are a bit of a pushover, it means that a 50 year old, in most provinces, with 880,000 baht can just put the cash in a bank and voila! Sure to be tightened."

One, the OP doesn't even know the correct amount required for a retirement extension and two if that is not scaremongering and rumor starting I don't know what is.

[Doc46]

What a load of old wife gossip,,,When there is a change coming you will find out from your local Immigration office,,,,Just ask them every time you go for your 90 day report if there are any changes coming up,,I don't listen to all the crap on Tvf,,The only place I take serious is my local Immigration office, Works for me every time,

[mommysboy]

Speculation based on a couple of cases is really a waste of time, and drawing a general conclusion based on them is ridiculous.

Rest assured, in my area the last three months four friends and me all came up for visa extensions. All went through in less than 30 minutes.

Rest assured, in two other areas two friends also obtained visa extensions quickly, smoothly with a smile and no bribing necessary (up to about three years ago, it was clear they expected an envelope, no longer is this the case).

The problem is that the vast majority of such cases are never, or rarely mentioned, only the few that have problems turn up on TV.

Based on this experience I would say that things are improving, corruption is decreasing and foreigners with all the paperwork and requirements in place are very welcome.

Don't worry, be happy.

I guess how you feel about a situation is going to be based on your own experiences of immigration, and perhaps outlook on life in general. Up until a couple of years ago I would have said the same thing. Two bad experiences have made me wonder, and it seems like I am not the only one.

Though for some to say it is paranoia, speculation, rumour or scaremongering is absurd! Most people are happy to have a positive outlook, providing their are reasonable grounds.

[lostoday]

Speculation based on a couple of cases is really a waste of time, and drawing a general conclusion based on them is ridiculous.

Rest assured, in my area the last three months four friends and me all came up for visa extensions. All went through in less than 30 minutes.

Rest assured, in two other areas two friends also obtained visa extensions quickly, smoothly with a smile and no bribing necessary (up to about three years ago, it was clear they expected an envelope, no longer is this the case).

The problem is that the vast majority of such cases are never, or rarely mentioned, only the few that have problems turn up on TV.

Based on this experience I would say that things are improving, corruption is decreasing and foreigners with all the paperwork and requirements in place are very welcome.

Don't worry, be happy.

I guess how you feel about a situation is going to be based on your own experiences of immigration, and perhaps outlook on life in general. Up until a couple of years ago I would have said the same thing. Two bad experiences have made me wonder, and it seems like I am not the only one.

Though for some to say it is paranoia, speculation, rumour or scaremongering is absurd! Most people are happy to have a positive outlook, providing their are reasonable grounds.

When you write, (about minimum in the bank for retirement extension) "Sure to be tightened." That is scaremongering and trying to start a rumor about higher economic requirements for retirement extensions. As you know nothing factual about the Thai immigration service's plans.

[mommysboy]

Seems every positive visa thread gets turned into something negative in addition to the scaremongering by projecting the bad experiences of 3 or 4 nutty imm offices to all immigration offices. A guy asks a question about Jomtien office and the replies are in the nature of, "well you may have it easy there but in the KCI office they do ...... and in the Sri office they want this.....

90% of us have easy experiences with immigration. Old single guys never complain here.

The OP writes, "It also has to be said that the rules pertaining to the retirement extension are a bit of a pushover, it means that a 50 year old, in most provinces, with 880,000 baht can just put the cash in a bank and voila! Sure to be tightened."

One, the OP doesn't even know the correct amount required for a retirement extension and two if that is not scaremongering and rumor starting I don't know what is.

I am not stating it is as fact but as my opinion only!

That tightening appears to be happening now! for some anyway in some locations, that is beyond argument.

You say 90% have no problems, that leaves 10% who do ! And seemingly for no discernible reason. Well if you are happy with those odds . Gives you a 1 in 10 chance next time.

Yes these problems do seem to occur more often with married guys. Makes you wonder what's up. In theory marital staus has nothing at all to do with retirement extension.

Petty argument about cash requirement over a typo.

[lostoday]

Seems every positive visa thread gets turned into something negative in addition to the scaremongering by projecting the bad experiences of 3 or 4 nutty imm offices to all immigration offices. A guy asks a question about Jomtien office and the replies are in the nature of, "well you may have it easy there but in the KCI office they do ...... and in the Sri office they want this.....

90% of us have easy experiences with immigration. Old single guys never complain here.

The OP writes, "It also has to be said that the rules pertaining to the retirement extension are a bit of a pushover, it means that a 50 year old, in most provinces, with 880,000 baht can just put the cash in a bank and voila! Sure to be tightened."

One, the OP doesn't even know the correct amount required for a retirement extension and two if that is not scaremongering and rumor starting I don't know what is.

I am not stating it is as fact but as my opinion only!

in most provinces, with 880,000 baht can just put the cash in a bank and voila! Sure to be tightened.for some anyway in some locations, that is beyond argument.

You say 90% have no problems, that leaves 10% who do ! And seemingly for no discernible reason. Well if you are happy with those odds . Gives you a 1 in 10 chance next time.

Yes these problems do seem to occur more often with married guys. Makes you wonder what's up. In theory marital staus has nothing at all to do with retirement extension.

Petty argument about cash requirement over a typo.

You wrote, "in most provinces, with 880,000 baht can just put the cash in a bank and voila! Sure to be tightened."

Now you write, " Sure to be tightened.for some anyway in some locations"

OK, I'll bite where are the cash requirements for retirement extensions going up now? See, not everyone is as easy to fool.

No where are cash requirements going up as you have incorrectly stated above. Why not stop trying to spread rumors about requirements that you know nothing about.

[alanrchase]

Seems every positive visa thread gets turned into something negative in addition to the scaremongering by projecting the bad experiences of 3 or 4 nutty imm offices to all immigration offices. A guy asks a question about Jomtien office and the replies are in the nature of, "well you may have it easy there but in the KCI office they do ...... and in the Sri office they want this.....

90% of us have easy experiences with immigration. Old single guys never complain here.

The OP writes, "It also has to be said that the rules pertaining to the retirement extension are a bit of a pushover, it means that a 50 year old, in most provinces, with 880,000 baht can just put the cash in a bank and voila! Sure to be tightened."

One, the OP doesn't even know the correct amount required for a retirement extension and two if that is not scaremongering and rumor starting I don't know what is.

I am not stating it is as fact but as my opinion only!

That tightening appears to be happening now! for some anyway in some locations, that is beyond argument.

You say 90% have no problems, that leaves 10% who do ! And seemingly for no discernible reason. Well if you are happy with those odds . Gives you a 1 in 10 chance next time.

Yes these problems do seem to occur more often with married guys. Makes you wonder what's up. In theory marital staus has nothing at all to do with retirement extension.

Petty argument about cash requirement over a typo.

Please explain what effect you think marital status has to do with a retirement extension. My marital status is never queried when applying for the retirement extension. I do happen to be married to a Thai lady but has nothing to do with the extension.

[mommysboy]

Seems every positive visa thread gets turned into something negative in addition to the scaremongering by projecting the bad experiences of 3 or 4 nutty imm offices to all immigration offices. A guy asks a question about Jomtien office and the replies are in the nature of, "well you may have it easy there but in the KCI office they do ...... and in the Sri office they want this.....

90% of us have easy experiences with immigration. Old single guys never complain here.

The OP writes, "It also has to be said that the rules pertaining to the retirement extension are a bit of a pushover, it means that a 50 year old, in most provinces, with 880,000 baht can just put the cash in a bank and voila! Sure to be tightened."

One, the OP doesn't even know the correct amount required for a retirement extension and two if that is not scaremongering and rumor starting I don't know what is.

I am not stating it is as fact but as my opinion only!

That tightening appears to be happening now! for some anyway in some locations, that is beyond argument.

You say 90% have no problems, that leaves 10% who do ! And seemingly for no discernible reason. Well if you are happy with those odds . Gives you a 1 in 10 chance next time.

Yes these problems do seem to occur more often with married guys. Makes you wonder what's up. In theory marital staus has nothing at all to do with retirement extension.

Petty argument about cash requirement over a typo.

Please explain what effect you think marital status has to do with a retirement extension. My marital status is never queried when applying for the retirement extension. I do happen to be married to a Thai lady but has nothing to do with the extension.

Marital status has absolutely nothing to do with it, nothing at all.

That's the whole point !

But more and more married posters are coming on to the board saying it now appears to be a consideration in retirement extension, eg, my wife had to come along to office and we had a picture posed together on that desktop camera.

[alanrchase]

Seems every positive visa thread gets turned into something negative in addition to the scaremongering by projecting the bad experiences of 3 or 4 nutty imm offices to all immigration offices. A guy asks a question about Jomtien office and the replies are in the nature of, "well you may have it easy there but in the KCI office they do ...... and in the Sri office they want this.....

90% of us have easy experiences with immigration. Old single guys never complain here.

The OP writes, "It also has to be said that the rules pertaining to the retirement extension are a bit of a pushover, it means that a 50 year old, in most provinces, with 880,000 baht can just put the cash in a bank and voila! Sure to be tightened."

One, the OP doesn't even know the correct amount required for a retirement extension and two if that is not scaremongering and rumor starting I don't know what is.

I am not stating it is as fact but as my opinion only!

That tightening appears to be happening now! for some anyway in some locations, that is beyond argument.

You say 90% have no problems, that leaves 10% who do ! And seemingly for no discernible reason. Well if you are happy with those odds . Gives you a 1 in 10 chance next time.

Yes these problems do seem to occur more often with married guys. Makes you wonder what's up. In theory marital staus has nothing at all to do with retirement extension.

Petty argument about cash requirement over a typo.

Please explain what effect you think marital status has to do with a retirement extension. My marital status is never queried when applying for the retirement extension. I do happen to be married to a Thai lady but has nothing to do with the extension.

Marital status has absolutely nothing to do with it, nothing at all.

That's the whole point !

But more and more married posters are coming on to the board saying it now appears to be a consideration in retirement extension, eg, my wife had to come along to office and we had a picture posed together on that desktop camera.

Would have been handy if you had stated that example in the OP.

[TSF]

It has been reported on this forum and a couple others too that some provincial immigration offices no longer accept those income statements issued by embassies...cash in a Thai bank is all they'll accept. Would you be surprised to see more immigration offices adopting this? Would you be surprised if this became the regulation - show the required amount in a Thai bank account or no further extensions. Would you be surprised if the required amount deposited into a Thai bank account for a retirement extension was increased to THB 1mil - 1.5mil? Wouldn't surprise me, in fact I'm expecting it.

[ubonjoe]

It has been reported on this forum and a couple others too that some provincial immigration offices no longer accept those income statements issued by embassies...cash in a Thai bank is all they'll accept. Would you be surprised to see more immigration offices adopting this? Would you be surprised if this became the regulation - show the required amount in a Thai bank account or no further extensions. Would you be surprised if the required amount deposited into a Thai bank account for a retirement extension was increased to THB 1mil - 1.5mil? Wouldn't surprise me, in fact I'm expecting it.

Not exactly correct, They still accept the income letter but are wanting to see a Thai bank book showing the funds coming in as a back up to it.

I don't anticipate any changes to the financial proof needed for extensions.

[elviajero]

"Just wanted to know what others are foreseeing? Forewarned is forearmed as they say."

Why worry. No one knows.

The biggest problem people have is turning up unprepared and then moaning that immigration have asked for additional this and that. I always visit the office I'm applying at before applying to find out exactly what they want from me. Then no surprises and an easy application process. Relying on reports on forums isn't always going to prepare you as offices can apply the rules differently.

[lostoday]

It has been reported on this forum and a couple others too that some provincial immigration offices no longer accept those income statements issued by embassies...cash in a Thai bank is all they'll accept. Would you be surprised to see more immigration offices adopting this? Would you be surprised if this became the regulation - show the required amount in a Thai bank account or no further extensions. Would you be surprised if the required amount deposited into a Thai bank account for a retirement extension was increased to THB 1mil - 1.5mil? Wouldn't surprise me, in fact I'm expecting it.

The only people who will profit from this are the visa agencies who provide funds to deposit in the bank.