Thailand's New 10-Year Visas Meet Mixed Reactions

[Old Croc]

6 minutes ago, mki8 said:

Last time i checked Cambodia does a 1 year business visa that costs about $250

no 90 day reports and you can do as you wish work wise with the biz visa

you first need to get the 30 day, then the extension and then apply for 1 year

http://www.movetocambodia.com/practicalities/cambodia-retirement-visa/

[mki8]

This new retirement visa is a joke

my father is in the process of selling up back home to come here

but he was planning to buy property here for a bit extra income TO SPEND

and he cannot get any insurance at all due to existing conditions

if this new visa is to replace the current

then its seems he will seriously have to rethink his options

 

if this new one does replace current

i see 90% of expats i have met, will have no choice but to leave

 

i could see this visa being very appealing if they did not have the age requirement and 90 day reporting

but then the elite is probably much easier then

i really dont see why anyone would want this retirement visa

when they must tie up 3million in the bank, which you cannot touch really

when you can just buy thailand elite privelage access for 1 million baht for 10 years

which you get a renewable 5 year visa

 

[SaintLouisBlues]

5 minutes ago, Old Croc said:

http://www.movetocambodia.com/practicalities/cambodia-retirement-visa/

If you look at the retirement visa thread (you can only find by searching!!) on the Cambodian equivalent to TV (khmer440) you'll see that the business visa has been rebranded as an "ordinary" visa as opposed to a tourist visa, and there's now a [R]etirement sub-class - same cost. The Cambodians announced with great fanfare that they were implementing a retirement visa but since then there have been no requirements and no forms to make application from outside Cambodia. So the same process as before applies - take your passport pics with you, line up to apply for a 1-month E visa (aka. the "business" visa) when you arrive at the airport, and then get a 12-month extension once you get into town, based on "Retirement" - you'll then get a "ER" extension

[SaintLouisBlues]

2 minutes ago, mki8 said:

my father is in the process of selling up back home to come here

In that case he will apply under the existing rules and simply extend, year after year. If he applies after the new visa is implemented then the new rules will apply. He should apply now for a 12-months' multiple entry O-A visa, he's then got 12 months to enter Thailand, and thereafter he just keeps extending IMHO

[farcanell]

1 hour ago, 4MyEgo said:

 

Personally I think too many Aussie Xpats are kidding themselves if they think they keep their residency status; if they are out of the country for more than 183 days, the legislation which creates the (law), not the ATO website, clearly states; that an abode could be a park, i.e. a persons usual place of stay, because what one has back in Australia, i.e. a car, a house, family, etc etc is something the ATO will look at and possibly consider, but as far as the legislation is concerned, and from my interpretation is; that some people are going to be in for a rude awakening, suffice to say, unless its in writing from the ATO that clearly states they are an Australian Resident, they are toast ! 

 

Its all kinds of grey out there, and when walking thru the quagmire, falling into holes is inevitable, even when carrying a torch.

 

case law, for example, as ruled by the federal court, will not accept living in a park as a domicile overseas

 

the ATO are the ones to fear, legislation is convoluted, but precedents have been established

 

here are two relevant case law exerts regards residence and domicile, if you intend to try and run home, because of the new visa process under discussion

[Kerryd]

17 minutes ago, SaintLouisBlues said:

If you look at the retirement visa thread (you can only find by searching!!) on the Cambodian equivalent to TV (khmer440) you'll see that the business visa has been rebranded as an "ordinary" visa as opposed to a tourist visa, and there's now a [R]etirement sub-class - same cost. The Cambodians announced with great fanfare that they were implementing a retirement visa but since then there have been no requirements and no forms to make application from outside Cambodia. So the same process as before applies - take your passport pics with you, line up to apply for a 1-month E visa (aka. the "business" visa) when you arrive at the airport, and then get a 12-month extension once you get into town, based on "Retirement" - you'll then get a "ER" extension

 

5555 - I've spent a few hours trying to find a definitive link to that new Cambodian "retirement" visa. I saw the articles about, including one written just 9 days ago, but it doesn't appear on any of the Cambodian Embassy (or the various "e-visa") pages.

Did note though that there is supposed to be a financial requirement, proof that you actually are "retired" and not allowed to own land (but can buy a condo). 

https://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/immigration-department-to-introduce-new-visa-for-retirees-115982/ (The article is from late July 2016).

 

"The new visas will require proof of financial stability and documentation proving retiree status from applicants’ home countries, said Sok Veasna, a department director at the Interior Ministry’s general department of immigration."

" ..the new retirement visas—to be called “Category ER” visas—will be valid for up to a year and will not require a work permit, according to Major General Veasna."

"Retirees, he said, “can live based in Cambodia if they want to and have the money,” explaining that recipients of the new visa would still be barred from owning houses  or land in the country."

 

(No mention of 90 day reports though !!)

Edited November 25, 2016 by Kerryd

[SaintLouisBlues]

3 minutes ago, Kerryd said:

 

5555 - I've spent a few hours trying to find a definitive link to that new Cambodian "retirement" visa. I saw the articles about, including one written just 9 days ago, but it doesn't appear on any of the Cambodian Embassy (or the various "e-visa") pages.

There is no "definitive" thread since there's been a barebones announcement, and anecdotal reports of how people have acquired one - hence my suggestion to do a search on "retirement visa"

[4MyEgo]

11 minutes ago, farcanell said:

 

Its all kinds of grey out there, and when walking thru the quagmire, falling into holes is inevitable, even when carrying a torch.

 

case law, for example, as ruled by the federal court, will not accept living in a park as a domicile overseas

 

the ATO are the ones to fear, legislation is convoluted, but precedents have been established

 

here are two relevant case law exerts regards residence and domicile, if you intend to try and run home, because of the new visa process under discussion

 

I dare say that would be a slam dunk as they say, by the way, you wouldn't have the link to the site would that you would be willing to provide, would my dear Watson ?

 

Just for future reference 555

[SaintLouisBlues]

1 minute ago, 4MyEgo said:

I dare say that would be a slam dunk as they say, by the way, you wouldn't have the link to the site would that you would be willing to provide, would my dear Watson ?

My friendly tax lawyer pal says the sites being quoted all revolve around people who have claimed that they are no longer resident for tax purposes ie. to reduce or avoid tax; someone claiming that they are resident is more likely to be accepted at face value

[alocacoc]

There is another article. It says actually nothing new. It's more a summary of what expats are concerned.

 

http://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/business/2016/11/24/details-10-year-visas-meet-mixed-reactions/

[4MyEgo]

4 minutes ago, SaintLouisBlues said:

My friendly tax lawyer pal says the sites being quoted all revolve around people who have claimed that they are no longer resident for tax purposes ie. to reduce or avoid tax; someone claiming that they are resident is more likely to be accepted at face value

 

That doesn't makes sense, non residents is an easier alternative for the government, i.e. no future pension unless they return 2 years prior and can establish that they intend to remain in the country, loss of Medicare and voting rights, so let's make sure we get rid of them if their not contributing to our society, otherwise it would be cut and dry, not so grey IMO

[SaintLouisBlues]

Just now, 4MyEgo said:

That doesn't makes sense, non residents is an easier alternative for the government, i.e. no future pension unless they return 2 years prior and can establish that they intend to remain in the country, loss of Medicare and voting rights, so let's make sure we get rid of them if their not contributing to our society, otherwise it would be cut and dry, not so grey IMO

Take it or leave it, no skin off my nose

[mki8]

31 minutes ago, SaintLouisBlues said:

In that case he will apply under the existing rules and simply extend, year after year. If he applies after the new visa is implemented then the new rules will apply. He should apply now for a 12-months' multiple entry O-A visa, he's then got 12 months to enter Thailand, and thereafter he just keeps extending IMHO

mate we already know know how things are done TODAY

everyone here are concerned about changes in future, and whether new visa may REPLACE current visa's

 

 

[simon43]

5555 - I've spent a few hours trying to find a definitive link to that new Cambodian "retirement" visa. I saw the articles about, including one written just 9 days ago, but it doesn't appear on any of the Cambodian Embassy

 

My understanding is that you can enter Cambodia on a 1-month 'ordinary visa' (business visa) which costs $35 USD.  Then you can extend the visa in-country each year.  When you go to extend the visa, you can specify that you are retired and they will extend your visa, writing the appropriate visa class (presumably 'R' or something) on your visa.

Edited November 25, 2016 by simon43

[mcfish]

LISTEN UP everybody

 

I just did a 90 day report at Jomtien and when that was done I asked the lovely lady immigration officer about the 10 year visa

 

The ANSWER?

 

Yes its currently being processed so sounds like it will happen

 

I then asked will it replace my retirement extension?

 

the ANSWER?

NO 

 

her exact words..up to you ,can stay on retirement extension or go 10 year(5x5).up to you!

 

[mki8]

21 minutes ago, Kerryd said:

 

5555 - I've spent a few hours trying to find a definitive link to that new Cambodian "retirement" visa. I saw the articles about, including one written just 9 days ago, but it doesn't appear on any of the Cambodian Embassy (or the various "e-visa") pages.

Did note though that there is supposed to be a financial requirement, proof that you actually are "retired" and not allowed to own land (but can buy a condo). 

https://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/immigration-department-to-introduce-new-visa-for-retirees-115982/ (The article is from late July 2016).

 

"The new visas will require proof of financial stability and documentation proving retiree status from applicants’ home countries, said Sok Veasna, a department director at the Interior Ministry’s general department of immigration."

" ..the new retirement visas—to be called “Category ER” visas—will be valid for up to a year and will not require a work permit, according to Major General Veasna."

"Retirees, he said, “can live based in Cambodia if they want to and have the money,” explaining that recipients of the new visa would still be barred from owning houses  or land in the country."

 

(No mention of 90 day reports though !!)

in all honesty who really cares about finding details

all you need to know

is $380 a year will get you a 1 year multi entry business visa and a work permit

a business visa and work permit seems a much easier option

the retirment will be the same just without the work permit

if you have biz visa and work permit, you wont have any problems helping your mate paint his fence etc.

 

retirement or not, $380 a year is a bargain

and no 90 day reporting.

[SaintLouisBlues]

2 minutes ago, mki8 said:

in all honesty who really cares about finding details

all you need to know

is $380 a year will get you a 1 year multi entry business visa and a work permit

a business visa and work permit seems a much easier option

the retirment will be the same just without the work permit

if you have biz visa and work permit, you wont have any problems helping your mate paint his fence etc.

 

retirement or not, $380 a year is a bargain

and no 90 day reporting.

Definitely the thinking man's answer there

[mki8]

3 minutes ago, mcfish said:

LISTEN UP everybody

 

I just did a 90 day report at Jomtien and when that was done I asked the lovely lady immigration officer about the 10 year visa

 

The ANSWER?

 

Yes its currently being processed so sounds like it will happen

 

I then asked will it replace my retirement extension?

 

the ANSWER?

NO 

 

her exact words..up to you ,can stay on retirement extension or go 10 year(5x5).up to you!

 

 

well if this new visa is optional, i really cannot see anyone using it, if you must still report every 90 days too

all you would save is 5 days at immigration over 5 years

and why even bother if you can get elite for 1m/2m per 10/20 years

 

seems they may have just approved this as an extra visa option, just for idiots with too much money

who dont mind giving 3m (say giving as you cannot take it back)

 

[mcfish]

 
well if this new visa is optional, i really cannot see anyone using it, if you must still report every 90 days too
all you would save is 5 days at immigration over 5 years
and why even bother if you can get elite for 1m/2m per 10/20 years
 
seems they may have just approved this as an extra visa option, just for idiots with too much money
who dont mind giving 3m (say giving as you cannot take it back)
 

I think we will find there was something missing in the translation of this new visa if it ends up approved

Sent from my zumo using Tapatalk

[Jingthing]

25 minutes ago, mcfish said:

LISTEN UP everybody

 

I just did a 90 day report at Jomtien and when that was done I asked the lovely lady immigration officer about the 10 year visa

 

The ANSWER?

 

Yes its currently being processed so sounds like it will happen

 

I then asked will it replace my retirement extension?

 

the ANSWER?

NO 

 

her exact words..up to you ,can stay on retirement extension or go 10 year(5x5).up to you!

 

Thanks very much for that.

It's a good clue.

One question though, it sounds like you asked a lady at the 90 day report desk and not an officer at the retirement extension desk.

I've found the retirement extension desk doesn't like people to approach with questions if they aren't actually putting in an application.

So just checking for that detail, because it would have more weight if you heard it from the retirement desk

Cheers.

[mcfish]

I asked the Lady immigration officer

Sent from my zumo using Tapatalk

[Luckysilk]

3 minutes ago, mcfish said:

I asked the Lady immigration officer

Sent from my zumo using Tapatalk
 

Thank you Mcfish for the report, now hopefully all the doom Sayers can get back to their normal life and meds.

[farcanell]

1 hour ago, 4MyEgo said:

 

I dare say that would be a slam dunk as they say, by the way, you wouldn't have the link to the site would that you would be willing to provide, would my dear Watson ?

 

Just for future reference 555

 

Here is a screenshot of the title for you.... but as I said, loopholes abound, and its a minefield... much to the legal practioners glee.... which is why I go overboard, filling out unnessesary paperwork etc, so that they tell me I am non resident (which is how I wish to be seen at the moment)... IT 2650 income tax

 

SLB's mate is right, in that this is about people claiming to be non residents.... that's us ( or me anyway) and residency is really easy to reinstate, in need

 

Obviously you won't tell the doctor that you are a non resident, when you flash your Medicare card at him, so i will be very interested to hear how you go with Medicare when visiting oz ( that was you, right?... and assuming your card is in date.)

[farcanell]

1 hour ago, mcfish said:

LISTEN UP everybody

 

I just did a 90 day report at Jomtien and when that was done I asked the lovely lady immigration officer about the 10 year visa

 

The ANSWER?

 

Yes its currently being processed so sounds like it will happen

 

I then asked will it replace my retirement extension?

 

the ANSWER?

NO 

 

her exact words..up to you ,can stay on retirement extension or go 10 year(5x5).up to you!

 

 

Excellent news.... but sometimes it all comes down to the particular person with the stamp, on the particular day

 

my visa is being renewed for another year, today.... the agent just confirmed I'm good to go.

 

hope everyone else has positive results, and don't just jump overboard because the boats rocking.... as it usually does here

[mcfish]

Thank you Mcfish for the report, now hopefully all the doom Sayers can get back to their normal life and meds.

It was a relief I don't have like most of us a lazy 3 mill under the mattress and my pension falls short and you can't use condo rental money here towards it

Sent from my zumo using Tapatalk

[Moonmoon]

I dont see why anyone would want to come to thailand n retire for health benefits. just last week my wife's uncle died cos the hospital gave him wrong blood transfusion resulting in his death. 

 

Yes he was already sick but he was only 50++ n supposed to live another 10 to 20 yrs if he took care of his health properly. 

 

 

[Andster 68]

I have a question,

 

If you are married or get married then can't you just go with a marriage visa non O?

 

Or does this plan to replace all that?

 

I'm 49 by the way and like many folks of my generation that kind of pension income 100,000 per month from the UK wont be happening.  The government has already arranged that I wont receive my state pension till the age of 67.  Folks younger than me will be getting theirs at 70.  And it's pretty meager and frozen without increments from the day its first paid if you live in Thailand. But that's a different debate.

 

Thanks

[4MyEgo]

51 minutes ago, farcanell said:

 

Here is a screenshot of the title for you.... but as I said, loopholes abound, and its a minefield... much to the legal practioners glee.... which is why I go overboard, filling out unnessesary paperwork etc, so that they tell me I am non resident (which is how I wish to be seen at the moment)... IT 2650 income tax

 

SLB's mate is right, in that this is about people claiming to be non residents.... that's us ( or me anyway) and residency is really easy to reinstate, in need

 

Obviously you won't tell the doctor that you are a non resident, when you flash your Medicare card at him, so i will be very interested to hear how you go with Medicare when visiting oz ( that was you, right?... and assuming your card is in date.)

 

Thanks for that, and yes SLB's statement was taken on board by me, I flicked him a like, i.e. no skin off his nose.

 

That was me regarding the Medicare thing, I will see my GP 1st and see how that goes, then I have two specialists to see, so will be interesting to see how we go, and have made a diary note to send you a PM to let you know how I went on the 9th May a day after I return, i.e. that is flick the jetlag.

 

I just went to write your post name down, and only just got it farcanell...lol

 

 

Edited November 25, 2016 by 4MyEgo

[Pib]

If this 10 year new Visa is actually implemented I'm sure it will be a new option; it will not replace the current 1 year option.

 

Personally, I can meet the monthly income requirement, but if they must have a "Thai" medical plan versus accepting my foreign medical plan (i.e., U.S. military Tricare) which also provides coverage here in Thailand I will not apply for the new 10 year visa/extension of stay.   

 

So, I hope Immigration does take into serious consideration/find acceptable foreign medical plans which provide coverage in Thailand...I can guarantee you my current foreign plan is better than a Thai medical plan...and I don't have to worry about any limits per year, pre-existing conditions, non-renewal at age XYZ, etc.

 

 

 

[Jingthing]

4 minutes ago, Pib said:

If this 10 year new Visa is actually implemented I'm sure it will be a new option; it will not replace the current 1 year option.

 

Personally, I can meet the monthly income requirement, but if they must have a "Thai" medical plan versus accepting my foreign medical plan (i.e., U.S. military Tricare) which also provides coverage here in Thailand I will not apply for the new 10 year visa/extension of stay.   

 

So, I hope Immigration does take into serious consideration/find acceptable foreign medical plans which provide coverage in Thailand...I can guarantee you my current foreign plan is better than a Thai medical plan...and I don't have to worry about any limits per year, pre-existing conditions, non-renewal at age XYZ, etc.

 

 

 

Hi there. The details of this new visa are not yet set. However, it seems to me that the insurance requirement will be defined by minimum value coverage AND able to use in Thailand, so I think your plan will likely be OK.