realistically how long can I stay in Thailand long-term doing visa runs

[hawker9000]

On ‎8‎/‎20‎/‎2016 at 7:29 PM, thaitero said:

OP, You are asking something nobody can give definite answer. Things are getting tougher to live on touristvisas, exempt entries and extensions to these but it is still doable. When it is going to stop, nobody knows..

 

I have 3 years to go when i hit 50 and living about this way. I am not worried but that is because i have a temporary exitplan. I suggest you have one too and it is also good to check discussionforums just before your borderjumps..

'Not the best answer, although doing this with an actual, viable "exit plan" is darn good advice.  Not necessarily "doable", because it stops whenever the odd IO decides to stop it because he "suspects" something.  Staying long-term on tourist visas is a matter of rolling the dice.  Guys who've succeeded at doing it year-on-year have been lucky but I'm sure there are still lots of 'em.  Do NOT however let anyone here tell you that successfully obtaining a visa somewhere (anywhere) guarantees your being stamped in at the border or the airport.  Consulates & embassies handing out the visa are the left hand, Immigration Officers the right. 

[Tony125]

 

20 hours ago, elviajero said:

You should be aware that remote IT work from within Thailand is technically illegal without a work permit. It is currently tolerated by the authorities, and it's highly unlikely that you'd be prosecuted, but most people doing remote work keep it to themselves.

 

Guess you haven't seen latest International news about Digital Nomads in Thailand  

 

Why Thailand is the Ultimate Digital Nomad Destination

 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/courtney-lambert/why-thailand-is-the-ultimate_b_11387164.html

[elviajero]

57 minutes ago, Tony125 said:

Guess you haven't seen latest International news about Digital Nomads in Thailand  

 

Why Thailand is the Ultimate Digital Nomad Destination

 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/courtney-lambert/why-thailand-is-the-ultimate_b_11387164.html

For a second I thought you were going to provide a link to Immigration confirming that Digital Nomads living in Thailand were exempt from the law, but instead you link a completely irrelevant journalistic article that helps no one.

[Mook23]

15 hours ago, oldlakey said:

Good for you, not every body is in such a healthy financial position as yourself

It seems the OP needs gainful employment which can get in the way at times when it comes to enjoying life

Just one other point I can see 1-4 no problem, as for 5 have you got that in writing

 

true. but then i don't bother to own a car (never had a car). a big house (never had a house). i have no kids. no addictions. little to zero expectations/illusions. so my "savings" are far from astronomical but more than sufficient to live a 24.000THB/month in LOS for the next 25 years ;-)

[tribalfusion001]

15 hours ago, Tony125 said:

 

 

Guess you haven't seen latest International news about Digital Nomads in Thailand  

 

Why Thailand is the Ultimate Digital Nomad Destination

 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/courtney-lambert/why-thailand-is-the-ultimate_b_11387164.html

I should be digital nomading next month in BKK, nice to know that I won't be alone! Technically I won't be working as my websites collect commisions from Amazon and I don't think matched betting is work either..

[55Jay]

On 8/21/2016 at 2:49 PM, IMA_FARANG said:

Not everone can aqulify for a volunteer visa.....which although I may be wrong I believe is an Australian thing only.

i am a U.S.  retiree with a government pension paid monthly.

I have a rented apartment in Bangkok with a 3 month contract (not a yearly contract) but i pay my rent each month.

My pension from the U.S. is enough for mr to pay my rent and other momthly living expenses leaving  approximately 60K baht left over each month....the exact amount depends on thr dollar/Baht exchange rateschange rate each month.

Whatever that amount is each month goes into my bank account in Thailand.

At present there is a reasonable chance that i should be able to meet the 500K needed for the Thai elite card by October of 2016...which as I said depends on the exchange rate....which i can not control can I.

Oviously, I am over 50 or i wouldn't be getting a U.S. retirement pension which you need to be 65 years old to apply for.

 

It is posssible.....and I do hope to reach the goal of at least the 500K for the Thai elite card by the end of 2016, (or with some luck in October).

In the meantime, I am not hurting and doing reasonably well where I am right now, and in my present circumstances.

What more can a simple  man ask for, anyhow these crazy days in this crazy world.

Why are you considering the Elite program if you are already on/qualify for retirement extensions?

[Ronuk]

1 hour ago, 55Jay said:

Why are you considering the Elite program if you are already on/qualify for retirement extensions?

Because even though we qualify, we much prefer no messing around with immigration. 5, 10 or 20 years of freedom of movement and a 12 month stamp in our passport each and every time we enter the country. Arrive today 12 month stamp, leave next week come back next day, 12 month stamp etc etc.No questions at the airport or land crossings. Just stamped straight back into the country with a smile. No need for re-entry permits, come and go as we please. Just the 90 day reports to do and the Elite people even do them for us if we are in Pattaya, Changmai, Phuket or Bangkok. I would never go back to any other visa to be here all the time it is possible to get a PE Visa.

[BBreinlig]

It might sounds obvious to some of you, but I have one last question, cause I don't want to say something stupid or anything that would sound suspicious doing my visa runs; what should I say when asked why do I come and go to Thailand so often with my passport full of stamps?

 

I heard that one pif the guys said that he's looking for a business opportunity. Is that legit?

Edited August 23, 2016 by BBreinlig

[55Jay]

3 hours ago, Ronuk said:

Because even though we qualify, we much prefer no messing around with immigration. 5, 10 or 20 years of freedom of movement and a 12 month stamp in our passport each and every time we enter the country. Arrive today 12 month stamp, leave next week come back next day, 12 month stamp etc etc.No questions at the airport or land crossings. Just stamped straight back into the country with a smile. No need for re-entry permits, come and go as we please. Just the 90 day reports to do and the Elite people even do them for us if we are in Pattaya, Changmai, Phuket or Bangkok. I would never go back to any other visa to be here all the time it is possible to get a PE Visa.

Yes, I know all that already and I'm not one of the PE Bashers.   But, because of how IMAFARANG referred to his finances, was interested in why he would save up 500k then blow it all on a 5 year visa when he's on an economical program now.  I appreciate the ease of PE but quite frankly, retirement extensions aren't THAT big a burden.

[elviajero]

2 hours ago, BBreinlig said:

It might sounds obvious to some of you, but I have one last question, cause I don't want to say something stupid or anything that would sound suspicious doing my visa runs; what should I say when asked why do I come and go to Thailand so often with my passport full of stamps?

 

I heard that one pif the guys said that he's looking for a business opportunity. Is that legit?

There is nothing to stop someone coming to Thailand to look for business opportunities with a tourist visa, but IMO it wouldn't be a good reason to use if you have many entries as it might trigger suspision that you work illegally.

 

If you are entering with a tourist visa, or visa exempt entry, then your reason for entry is simply tourism.

Edited August 23, 2016 by elviajero

[elviajero]

9 hours ago, Ronuk said:

Because even though we qualify, we much prefer no messing around with immigration. 5, 10 or 20 years of freedom of movement and a 12 month stamp in our passport each and every time we enter the country. Arrive today 12 month stamp, leave next week come back next day, 12 month stamp etc etc.No questions at the airport or land crossings. Just stamped straight back into the country with a smile. No need for re-entry permits, come and go as we please. Just the 90 day reports to do and the Elite people even do them for us if we are in Pattaya, Changmai, Phuket or Bangkok. I would never go back to any other visa to be here all the time it is possible to get a PE Visa.

I know you get excited about the PE visa, but anyone with a retirement extension has the same "freedom of movement", don't usually questioned at the airport or land borders, get stamped straight back in often with a smile. A re-entry permit just replaces the need for a visa and for 3,800 per year they can come and go as often as they want. Anyone can, in most cases, get anyone to do the 90 day report for them. Anyone can pay as they go for VIP airport services, fast track immigration and limo services.

 

The PE visa is an expensive convenience not required by many people that don't have a problem dealing, once a year, with a very easy immigration system, and especially for those that rarely leave the country.

[JackThompson]

On 8/22/2016 at 1:09 PM, hawker9000 said:

'Not the best answer, although doing this with an actual, viable "exit plan" is darn good advice.  Not necessarily "doable", because it stops whenever the odd IO decides to stop it because he "suspects" something.  Staying long-term on tourist visas is a matter of rolling the dice.  Guys who've succeeded at doing it year-on-year have been lucky but I'm sure there are still lots of 'em.  Do NOT however let anyone here tell you that successfully obtaining a visa somewhere (anywhere) guarantees your being stamped in at the border or the airport.  Consulates & embassies handing out the visa are the left hand, Immigration Officers the right. 

 

The "exit plan" is only if things change.  As it is, few have been turned away (less than 5 reported that I recall) who had a valid Tourist Visa when entering.  Some of those didn't have the required cash, others were during a week when some sort of national turmoil was amok, and, even then, the airport cases were the only real heartbreaking stories (one guy coming back from Hong Kong sent all the way to France). 

 

The more concerned about the potential for the policy to change (some would say we are 'paranoid') simply avoid Airports (entirely) and unfriendly entry-points like Poipet.  If we are turned away some day, with a Valid Tourist Visa, we can turn around and travel to the next border-post and/or stay out a week and try again, etc.

 

OTOH, entering on Visa Exempts after being here awhile is definitely rolling the dice.  More sad stories than I can count. We can say "This shouldn't be," - there should be simple rules for exactly how many are 'OK', their frequency of use, etc, so we can 'follow the rules' - but there aren't rules - so best not to roll the dice on that plan.

[hawker9000]

1 hour ago, JackThompson said:

 

The "exit plan" is only if things change.  As it is, few have been turned away (less than 5 reported that I recall) who had a valid Tourist Visa when entering.  Some of those didn't have the required cash, others were during a week when some sort of national turmoil was amok, and, even then, the airport cases were the only real heartbreaking stories (one guy coming back from Hong Kong sent all the way to France). 

 

The more concerned about the potential for the policy to change (some would say we are 'paranoid') simply avoid Airports (entirely) and unfriendly entry-points like Poipet.  If we are turned away some day, with a Valid Tourist Visa, we can turn around and travel to the next border-post and/or stay out a week and try again, etc.

 

OTOH, entering on Visa Exempts after being here awhile is definitely rolling the dice.  More sad stories than I can count. We can say "This shouldn't be," - there should be simple rules for exactly how many are 'OK', their frequency of use, etc, so we can 'follow the rules' - but there aren't rules - so best not to roll the dice on that plan.

 

Why in the world would anyone assume that everyone who's turned away reports it here on TV?  Or do you work for Thai Immigration?

 

Again, possession of a valid visa most certainly does NOT guarantee permission to enter.  However, possessing the visa DOES offer more assurance than counting on the Visa Exempt entry; no question. 

[alexlm]

I have been living in Thailand since April 2014 on Tourist visas and Visa Exemptions without any trouble.

[Ronuk]

5 hours ago, elviajero said:

I know you get excited about the PE visa, but anyone with a retirement extension has the same "freedom of movement", don't usually questioned at the airport or land borders, get stamped straight back in often with a smile. A re-entry permit just replaces the need for a visa and for 3,800 per year they can come and go as often as they want. Anyone can, in most cases, get anyone to do the 90 day report for them. Anyone can pay as they go for VIP airport services, fast track immigration and limo services.

 

The PE visa is an expensive convenience not required by many people that don't have a problem dealing, once a year, with a very easy immigration system, and especially for those that rarely leave the country.

That's good then. I am glad you all enjoy what you. The PE visa is only expensive for those that cannot afford it. Yes, we all know by now your not a fan!

[elviajero]

14 minutes ago, Ronuk said:

That's good then. I am glad you all enjoy what you. The PE visa is only expensive for those that cannot afford it. Yes, we all know by now your not a fan!

Something can be expensive even if easily affordable! There are many expats that could easily afford it, but choose not to pay for something that doesn't give value. I am fortunate enough to qualify for several long term extensions and deal with an excellent office that makes the whole process very easy.

 

Criticising certain aspects of the scheme doesn't mean I wouldn't join or am against it, but I don't look at it through rose tinted glasses like some do and try to point out the good with the bad.

[Ronuk]

8 minutes ago, elviajero said:

Something can be expensive even if easily affordable! There are many expats that could easily afford it, but choose not to pay for something that doesn't give value. I am fortunate enough to qualify for several long term extensions and deal with an excellent office that makes the whole process very easy.

 

Criticising certain aspects of the scheme doesn't mean I wouldn't join or am against it, but I don't look at it through rose tinted glasses like some do and try to point out the good with the bad.

I fail to see anything bad about it? You pay up and get the service that you paid for. There is no need for any Rose tinted glasses. You pay your money and that's the end of it for however long you choose to pay for. I think the real worry for people is the TE program could very well end up being the 'Preferred program' by Immigration in the not too distant future. And why shouldn't they? It's big money to them and in one go rather than dribs and drabs over the years. People like to talk about how much it costs to run. I would say the costs are minimal. It's the same office as immigration at the airports with a couple of staff. I would say it's quite cheap to run. There really don't appear to be much on cost at all.
The way to really sell more packages would be to cap the extension on Tourist visas to one. No more leaving the country to come straight back in and doing it again. You would then see the packages flying out the door with those buying that really wanted to stay long term here.

[Ronuk]

6 hours ago, JackThompson said:

 

The "exit plan" is only if things change.  As it is, few have been turned away (less than 5 reported that I recall) who had a valid Tourist Visa when entering.  Some of those didn't have the required cash, others were during a week when some sort of national turmoil was amok, and, even then, the airport cases were the only real heartbreaking stories (one guy coming back from Hong Kong sent all the way to France). 

 

The more concerned about the potential for the policy to change (some would say we are 'paranoid') simply avoid Airports (entirely) and unfriendly entry-points like Poipet.  If we are turned away some day, with a Valid Tourist Visa, we can turn around and travel to the next border-post and/or stay out a week and try again, etc.

 

OTOH, entering on Visa Exempts after being here awhile is definitely rolling the dice.  More sad stories than I can count. We can say "This shouldn't be," - there should be simple rules for exactly how many are 'OK', their frequency of use, etc, so we can 'follow the rules' - but there aren't rules - so best not to roll the dice on that plan.

You haven't a clue what is happening at the airports? I have said countless times how many are being taken aside and in to the immigration area. From the amount of people I am seeing being taken aside 2 and 3 times a week, the odds are stacked high that there are far more being denied entry than what is being reported on here. Make no mistake, immigration are hard on the case of those that are living here on Tourist visas.

Edited August 24, 2016 by Ronuk

[JackThompson]

4 hours ago, Ronuk said:

I fail to see anything bad about it? You pay up and get the service that you paid for. There is no need for any Rose tinted glasses. You pay your money and that's the end of it for however long you choose to pay for. I think the real worry for people is the TE program could very well end up being the 'Preferred program' by Immigration in the not too distant future. And why shouldn't they? It's big money to them and in one go rather than dribs and drabs over the years. People like to talk about how much it costs to run. I would say the costs are minimal. It's the same office as immigration at the airports with a couple of staff. I would say it's quite cheap to run. There really don't appear to be much on cost at all.
The way to really sell more packages would be to cap the extension on Tourist visas to one. No more leaving the country to come straight back in and doing it again. You would then see the packages flying out the door with those buying that really wanted to stay long term here.

 

If it became the "preferred program," also replacing the 1900 Baht retirement-extensions, you would see hundreds of new condos in Cambodia and the Philippines and major economic problems in Thailand everywhere long-term expats are currently plentiful.

Most expats living here stay because Thailand is relatively affordable; they cannot afford large lump-sum expenses like the Elite visa or they would be living somewhere else.

 

Feel free to let us know what harm is done to Thailand by allowing people to live here who have demonstrable foreign-income streams or personal savings (enough to qualify for a retirement extension) - hence why such a change would be a good idea.

Edited August 24, 2016 by JackThompson

[JackThompson]

1 hour ago, Ronuk said:

You haven't a clue what is happening at the airports? I have said countless times how many are being taken aside and in to the immigration area. From the amount of people I am seeing being taken aside 2 and 3 times a week, the odds are stacked high that there are far more being denied entry than what is being reported on here. Make no mistake, immigration are hard on the case of those that are living here on Tourist visas.

 

Many/most of those you saw may have been exempts - but as I said, I am avoiding the airports.  After reading the story of the guy who was delayed by immigration, so he would miss an outgoing connecting flight, I won't even exit via airports any more.  On my last exit at Poipet, I was delayed, and they suggested I return via air.  I considered this a way to pass the ball (me) to a guy who could hurl it (my life) to the other side of the planet.  Your information about recent activity at airports reinforces my perception.

 

7 hours ago, hawker9000 said:

Why in the world would anyone assume that everyone who's turned away reports it here on TV?  Or do you work for Thai Immigration?

 

Again, possession of a valid visa most certainly does NOT guarantee permission to enter.  However, possessing the visa DOES offer more assurance than counting on the Visa Exempt entry; no question. 

 

I don't (either question); ThaiVisa is the best sort of "poll" system of which I am aware.  For now, my suggestion is to definitely get a visa every time, use land-borders, and be prepared to spend some time outside the country and/or travel to other border-points, if a problem arises.

Edited August 24, 2016 by JackThompson

[Evilbaz]

Each to his own choice.

But if you can afford an Elite visa and are over 50 you can afford an OA visa from your home country which, with one exit/return means you don't have to interact with Thai Immi for two years, using online reporting.

Rinse and repeat.

[Ronuk]

1 hour ago, JackThompson said:

 

If it became the "preferred program," also replacing the 1900 Baht retirement-extensions, you would see hundreds of new condos in Cambodia and the Philippines and major economic problems in Thailand everywhere long-term expats are currently plentiful.

Most expats living here stay because Thailand is relatively affordable; they cannot afford large lump-sum expenses like the Elite visa or they would be living somewhere else.

 

Feel free to let us know what harm is done to Thailand by allowing people to live here who have demonstrable foreign-income streams or personal savings (enough to qualify for a retirement extension) - hence why such a change would be a good idea.

Why would Thai Immigration want to effect retirement extensions? They are, after all, a perfectly legitimate way to stay in Thailand. I specifically was talking about Tourist visas being used for long term stay. Why on earth do you think people would want to pile money in to Cambodia or the Philippines? In reality, after all the continual complaining from some in Thailand regarding the current system for years and years, they could of already made the move but are still here complaining about how much better Cambodia is  

[JackThompson]

3 hours ago, Ronuk said:

Why would Thai Immigration want to effect retirement extensions? They are, after all, a perfectly legitimate way to stay in Thailand. I specifically was talking about Tourist visas being used for long term stay. Why on earth do you think people would want to pile money in to Cambodia or the Philippines? In reality, after all the continual complaining from some in Thailand regarding the current system for years and years, they could of already made the move but are still here complaining about how much better Cambodia is  

 

Ok - glad to hear you do not oppose the existing 1900 Baht/yr retirement-option.  I'm not sure why the age-50 matters - or why it would be a good thing to push out any foreign-sourced incomes.  OTOH, some sort of vetting - as is currently applied to over 50s - would be better for all than the current Tourist Visa method of stay.  I'm not holding my breath for that arbitrary age-restriction to change any time soon, but as the segment of the global population who derive their income from offshore sources grows, we will likely see a visa-offer similar to that which is now in place in the Philippines and elsewhere.

 

The under-50s concerned about the Tourist Visa situation in Thailand are still here, because the Tourist Visa system currently allows us to stay.  If things change such that a Tourist Visa is only viable for 3 or 6 mo / year in Thailand, those who cannot afford to purchase the Elite would invest in condos in the PI or Cambodia.  We would have no issue staying there long term, given existing visa programs in those locales.  I'd rather invest here, but will have to wait and see.

[Evilbaz]

6 minutes ago, JackThompson said:

 

Ok - glad to hear you do not oppose the existing 1900 Baht/yr retirement-option.  I'm not sure why the age-50 matters - or why it would be a good thing to push out any foreign-sourced incomes.  OTOH, some sort of vetting - as is currently applied to over 50s - would be better for all than the current Tourist Visa method of stay.  I'm not holding my breath for that arbitrary age-restriction to change any time soon, but as the segment of the global population who derive their income from offshore sources grows, we will likely see a visa-offer similar to that which is now in place in the Philippines and elsewhere.

 

The under-50s concerned about the Tourist Visa situation in Thailand are still here, because the Tourist Visa system currently allows us to stay.  If things change such that a Tourist Visa is only viable for 3 or 6 mo / year in Thailand, those who cannot afford to purchase the Elite would invest in condos in the PI or Cambodia.  We would have no issue staying there long term, given existing visa programs in those locales.  I'd rather invest here, but will have to wait and see.

 

The key words in your post are highlighted.

And if you have a Thai partner - 30 days at a time?

[JackThompson]

43 minutes ago, Evilbaz said:

The key words in your post are highlighted.

And if you have a Thai partner - 30 days at a time?

 

I do not want to drag this into all the details of foreign-visa options in multiple countries for Thai-partners, but they can generally attain visas with the same rules.  

 

In any case, am not sure many Thai partners would ever leave Thailand long term, because they love their country and culture (as do I).  Ironically, in this context, this attitude is one reason I prefer Thais to Filipinas; all I dated wanted to move to the USA (yuk). 

 

Bottom line: It would be a very sad loss for many Farangs, Thais, and Thai-families if we were forced-out by a change in the Tourist Visa rules.

[Plutojames88]

I also believe getting accreditation for researching Thai culture for publication might solve a one year stint problem.

 

( incidentally the new 3 year Cambodia visa next month allows unlimited entries- this would at least allow you to have somewhere to run on any rejection) 

 

Having a Cambodian address proofs your also only on a regular vacation .( To Thai authorities) 

 

Given   The situation in Thailand .....being based elsewhere may in future become a more enlightened choice

[Ronuk]

1 hour ago, Plutojames88 said:

I also believe getting accreditation for researching Thai culture for publication might solve a one year stint problem.

 

( incidentally the new 3 year Cambodia visa next month allows unlimited entries- this would at least allow you to have somewhere to run on any rejection) 

 

Having a Cambodian address proofs your also only on a regular vacation .( To Thai authorities) 

 

Given   The situation in Thailand .....being based elsewhere may in future become a more enlightened choice

It's now getting laughable attempting to play the system! Why would an address in Cambodia fool the Thai immigration in to thinking your just a 'Regular visitor' instead of a serial visa runner? Why not just bite the bullet and move to Cambodia completely? After all, you keep telling us how easy and great it is now you can go stay for 3 years?
I really do wonder sometimes 

[elviajero]

15 hours ago, Ronuk said:

I fail to see anything bad about it? You pay up and get the service that you paid for. There is no need for any Rose tinted glasses. You pay your money and that's the end of it for however long you choose to pay for. I think the real worry for people is the TE program could very well end up being the 'Preferred program' by Immigration in the not too distant future. And why shouldn't they? It's big money to them and in one go rather than dribs and drabs over the years. People like to talk about how much it costs to run. I would say the costs are minimal. It's the same office as immigration at the airports with a couple of staff. I would say it's quite cheap to run. There really don't appear to be much on cost at all.
The way to really sell more packages would be to cap the extension on Tourist visas to one. No more leaving the country to come straight back in and doing it again. You would then see the packages flying out the door with those buying that really wanted to stay long term here.

"I fail to see anything bad about it? You pay up and get the service that you paid for."

One example. You pay for a 20 year visa and only get a 5 year visa with no guarantee it will be renewed or that money would get refunded if the scheme is cancelled. Why not issue a 20 year visa so you get the service you pay for?

 

There is no way it will become the "preferred program" by immigration. I doubt immigration earn very much at all from the scheme. The TAT are the only shareholder and I doubt it was set up as a money making scheme. IMO it was originally introduced to encourage affluent, especially Asians, to come to Thailand and to provide an easy ticket for them to come and go. These visitors, being potential investors and wealth creators, are where the benefit to the country/government comes from. 

 

I think they will simply continue to make it harder to get multiple back to back visas. Nothing else is necessary.

 

Without access to accounts I remain sceptical about the motives behind the new packages. And I would be very pissed off if I had spent 2M baht, when all I wanted was the visa, only to see the price drop to 1M! I nearly did the former and I would only do the latter if I actually got what I paid for.

 

Edited August 24, 2016 by elviajero

[elviajero]

5 hours ago, JackThompson said:

 

Ok - glad to hear you do not oppose the existing 1900 Baht/yr retirement-option.  I'm not sure why the age-50 matters - or why it would be a good thing to push out any foreign-sourced incomes.  OTOH, some sort of vetting - as is currently applied to over 50s - would be better for all than the current Tourist Visa method of stay.  I'm not holding my breath for that arbitrary age-restriction to change any time soon, but as the segment of the global population who derive their income from offshore sources grows, we will likely see a visa-offer similar to that which is now in place in the Philippines and elsewhere.

 

The under-50s concerned about the Tourist Visa situation in Thailand are still here, because the Tourist Visa system currently allows us to stay.  If things change such that a Tourist Visa is only viable for 3 or 6 mo / year in Thailand, those who cannot afford to purchase the Elite would invest in condos in the PI or Cambodia.  We would have no issue staying there long term, given existing visa programs in those locales.  I'd rather invest here, but will have to wait and see.

Few people retire under 60 and even less under 50 so I'm surprised it's already as low as 50. I don't think it's arbitrary and probably set at that level as a way of controlling numbers. 

 

I think the age is the important qualifier rather than retirement, especially as being retired isn't usually a condition. In other words they are providing a way to stay long term for people in their later years.

[JackThompson]

2 hours ago, Ronuk said:

It's now getting laughable attempting to play the system! Why would an address in Cambodia fool the Thai immigration in to thinking your just a 'Regular visitor' instead of a serial visa runner? Why not just bite the bullet and move to Cambodia completely? After all, you keep telling us how easy and great it is now you can go stay for 3 years? I really do wonder sometimes 

 

No need to wonder.  We prefer it here, obviously, but consider Cambodia a viable alternative should things here become impossible.  There is nothing more to it than that.