Room For Two More (expats)?

[gapage04]

Sawadee,

It's been a while since I have posted on the forum, but my brother (twin) and I finally made it from the U.S.A. to Phuket on New Year's Day. We are staying in Phuket Town until we get our bearings and will be pursuing the Retirement (OA) visa very shortly.

While we believe we have much of the current information and visa requirements sorted out, we would appreciate any assistance that might be given by expats in the forum.

In the three days we have been here (not our first visit), we have explored many of the beach areas to determine which one might be most suitable for a long term rental. We also have been in email contact with a realtor here on Phuket prior to our arrival, but are interested in looking over the areas on our own for right now.

Aside from our bungalow concerns, we do understand that we will need to handle all of the immigration/visa issues prior to making housing arrangements. We currently hold a ticket to Kuala Lumpur that will take us out of the country within the first 30 days (28 to be exact) so we can meet the tourist visa requirements. Although, I understand that we may be able to get an extension on our tourist visa for 30 days...is that correct?

We are both in a position to make bank deposits that meet the requirements for an OA visa at any time. I understand from previous blogs (some months back) that it is now a requirement to open and maintain a Thai bank account for 90 days prior to being issued an OA visa. So, here are a few questions for the group if anyone cares to respond....

- Is there a meeting place or local watering hole in Phuket Town where we might meet and talk to expats on OA visas?

- Are there any changes that we need to be aware of regarding the Retirement Visa?

- Does anyone have a recommendation on whether we should use a lawyer when we deal with the Immigration Office...or try to do it by ourselves?

- Can anyone recommend a lawyer or agency that is reputable and would be available to assist us?

- What is the best way to deposit funds (US) into a Thai bank.

- We have talked to Bank Thai here in Phuket Town, but we believe they thought we were too young to retire...they said we needed a work permit. (We are both 55). Confusing at the banks...they seem as though they have never dealt with opening accounts for farangs. Any ideas?

Sorry for all of the questions. We'd be very appreciative for any assistance that is given. Meeting and actually talking to those that understand the process would be extremely helpful.

Thanks so much for the forum time.

Gary Page

Glenn Page

Phuket Town via Phoenix, AZ USA

[Boo]

Gary & Glenn, you may have better luck with regards to the visa situation in the Visa section of the forum. If you want me to link this post there just say so.

Welcome

Boo

[Filer]

Gary & Glenn

I have just sent you a PM with a mumber of suggestions and views.

On the question of expat "watering holes" (included in my PM) I'll just repeat here for anybody else's information my advice that you get to know two of the top local places in the south of the island:

Don's Cafe and Mall in Rawai - see link removed

Green Man English pub on Chalong-Kata road - see link removed

[JiaJia]

try kasikorn bank, in which normally less documents are requested for a foreigner to open a bank account.

[slackula]

No.

/Hope that helps

//No need to thank me right away

[stuxv]

Slackula

As a 'newbie' myself who is moving to LOS soon, I have had good advise from this forum, I have also seen the nastier side of posters live in LOS. [not many thank god]

I thought the idea of the forum was to help other expats or wannabees.

Your reply wasn't funny, witty or in any way helpful.

A lot of people, me included, come to this site to gain the experience of long stayers, we are grateful of the advise and hope to become friends of the long stayers in the future.

Every expat we met in Phuket have been nothing less than helpfull and good fun.

Bloody glad I never met you

[smartecosse]

but you need to remember that there is sad ba$tards in all walks of life, icluding internet forums

[gapage04]

Forum et al,

Thanks for those of you that have offered helpful advice on our situation. I think we have enough leads to proceed now and look forward to our time here.

To any members that were put off by my posting in a general category, my apologies. I am new to the forum and still learning.

I appreciate the assistance.

G

[donna]

no worries G. ask away at any time. most of us are happy to help.

[smartecosse]

no worries G. ask away at any time. most of us are happy to help.

and for those that aren't happy to help it gives them someone to have a go at