one year retirement visa

Post by **38nholding** » May 22, 2007, 12:59 pm

well after travelling back and forth to thailand for 15 years on a tourist visa ,have finally decided to take the plung and get my retirement visa!Now because I can barely organise my wallet, I am going to hire a lawyer ! Now lots of ads in the Bkk post 6 to 10 k bhat for "one year visa". Also have been checking with thai embassy out of country(mine) ,before i came last time and they said that just proof of 800000 bhat a year was enough and they did NOT require me to transfer funds to thailand . because at 10% interest (approx) on 800000 is 80000 a year which is about 6500 bhat a month which is a lot more than all the tourist visa hassle . So does anyone know of a lawyer in Udon . Please do not reccomed the lawyers office near night market , i walked in and out ,not a proffessional feel to it at all. sicerely me

laphanphon · Post by **laphanphon** » May 22, 2007, 2:08 pm

lawyer not necessary, do a search of this forum, topic covered before in thai visa section, it is actually a very easy process.

Post by **Doc** » May 22, 2007, 3:56 pm

There is a good lawyer in Nong Khai - which would be ideal for you since the Immigration Office is there as well.

Her name is Rayria Pokapan. Her phone number is 042-420875 or 01-2604338

Post by **38nholding** » May 23, 2007, 1:54 pm

thanks for the replies will contact the lawyer in Nong kai . I have seen what people go through to get the visa ,just the thought turns my stomach . I am on holidays . Suffering from grave emotional and mental disorders , all that paper work would probably get me to throw myself off the first floor of my apt. ( tuning up a car is pretty simple to if you know how to do it ) thanks again

Post by **wokkawombat** » May 23, 2007, 2:25 pm

I still get confused with the term 'Retirement Visa" . Is this the normal one year extension of a Non Immigrant Visa or something else?.

John

Post by **BKKSTAN** » May 23, 2007, 3:05 pm

wokkawombat wrote:I still get confused with the term 'Retirement Visa" . Is this the normal one year extension of a Non Immigrant Visa or something else?.

John

It is a one year ''o'' visa for retirement purposes.800,000 baht in the bank or 65,000 baht a month income or a combination of the two.You do not have to extend until one year.90 day reporting with a simple form is still the law!You may or not pay for a single or multiple entry stamp when you extend depending on your needs.I always wait until I am leaving the country to go get the reentry permit!

Post by **wokkawombat** » May 23, 2007, 3:10 pm

Stan, that is what I have. A one year extension to my Non Imm O. I am into my second extension now. I thought the term retirement visa may have applied to something else I did not know about.
John

Post by **sunbeltnortheast** » May 23, 2007, 5:28 pm

At Sunbelt, we also help clients with obtaining retirement visas. Our office is located in Udon Thani (near the Napolai Hotel.) We charge a flat fee for our services. Our phone numbers are (042) 348-173 and (085) 852-2702, respectively.

Thanks and let me know if we can help.

Post by **Bump** » May 24, 2007, 9:55 pm

No such animal as a retirment visa, only the non immigrant O annual that is referred to as a retirement visa. the facts of that visa are nicely laid out by a previous poster.

I five year residency pemit that does exist, but not for the faint of heart.

Googgle the residency permit and you will understand why I say not for the faint of heart.

But there is nothing that is a true retirement visa, we are guests here at best and doesn't look like that is going to change.

Post by **jetdoc** » May 25, 2007, 10:48 am

Actually the visa issued to me was a non immigrant O-A which I was told is a 1 year visa, retirement authorized;o)

Post by **arjay** » May 25, 2007, 11:32 am

Ray23 wrote:No such animal as a retirment visa, only the non immigrant O annual that is referred to as a retirement visa. the facts of that visa are nicely laid out by a previous poster.

My visa has the word "Retirement" written on it, though I too understand it to be an O/A type visa.

Post by **BKKSTAN** » May 25, 2007, 1:19 pm

Mine also has retirement stamped on it!

Post by **Bump** » May 25, 2007, 1:33 pm

I understand but a retirement visa to me means I don't have to go renew it every year. such as the one offered the Philippines a true retirement visa. A lifetime visa. Basically meaning I'm accepted here, not having requalify each year. To me there is a huge difference.

In the end Thailand offers a one year visa renewable if you still qaulify.

Post by **BKKSTAN** » May 25, 2007, 1:59 pm

Thailand just offers us retirement for one year,that way they can adjust as necessary

They would probably would have called it a ''scapecoat available''one year visa,but didn't want us to lose face

Post by **arjay** » May 25, 2007, 4:43 pm

Yes, I see what you mean now Ray.

The underlaying thinking seems to be we only want your money, not you. If you bring enough money in, you can stay for just as long as it takes to relieve you of it, then you can go.

Post by **jetdoc** » May 25, 2007, 7:51 pm

My understanding is an O/A can be renewed/extended in country whereas the O expires after one year and cannot be renewed possible to extend, not sure, but have to leave country and get another one.

Post by **Paul** » May 25, 2007, 9:37 pm

The maximum you can stay is one year on an extension. After the year is up you have to re-apply for another extension which you may or may not get depending on how many hoops they want you to jump through and the process is a nerve wrecking experience anyhow.
Who would feel comfortable bringing all their worldly goods here and finally settling down in one place when the maximum period each time you apply is one year each - and as has been proven in the past - can change on a whim as and when they like.

Post by **jetdoc** » May 26, 2007, 11:42 am

"Who would feel comfortable bringing all their worldly goods here and finally settling down in one place when the maximum period each time you apply is one year each - and as has been proven in the past - can change on a whim as and when they like."

Me;o)

I was just pointing out that an 'O" and "O/A" are distinctly different. I came into the country with an "O/A" and haven't left in over two years, up2me.

Post by **Prenders88** » May 26, 2007, 1:04 pm

BKKSTAN wrote: Thailand just offers us retirement for one year,that way they can adjust as necessary They would probably would have called it a ''scapecoat available''one year visa,but didn't want us to lose face

I'd call it the Movable Goalpost Visa.
How kind they don't want us to lose face

Anyone know of anyone who has thrown in the towel and buggered off to Malaysia, Cambodia, or Philippines where you are made more welcome?

Post by **rickfarang** » May 26, 2007, 2:41 pm

By gosh, I think Arjay has nailed it. If you are not rich, you can't retire here.

There is a permanent residence visa, which might be what Ray referred to. I met a fellow last week who lives here on the basis of a permanent residence visa. Its pretty neat-it is for life, unless you leave the country for an extended period. He said he also has his telephone service in his own name. That's pretty cool, but I don't know if its worth the THB200k (about) application fee.

My main complaint about the A/O for retirement is that once a year, I come up against the possibility of being kicked out of my home. The permanent residence visa could greatly reduce the annual bout of anxiety.