sam6345

I saw a Thai law firm video on youtube about getting a Thai PR thru marriage and it mentioned that you have to be earning at least 30K Baht per month and filing taxes in Thailand (Don't know for how long) to qualify for PR. If not married you should be earning 80K baht/month with a work permit. This may not be doable for most retired older expats. After getting the PR, getting Thai citizenship is a whole different can of worms. None of these processes are similar for all expats. It all depends in which province (Changwat) you apply. Like I said no stability. Non-O extensions may be ok for most expats now until some thing changes. I am not willing to wait and find out. In my opinion, the probability of change to the rules making them more restrictive in the future is high based on the current situation and recent past. Even if Non-O extensions continue as they are, I just feel it is a bad fiscal policy to treat long term retirees who have spent millions of baht in your country and who will continue to do so without giving them a stable and consistent path to PR. I am not asking for citizenship or changing the rules of land ownership, just address our valid concerns or else be ready to face a disappearing expat population. Which I may add are being welcomed in other countries.

There are two additional options along with the above to get PR for Ecuador: 1. Investment option: $40K USD interest paying Bank deposit in a local bank (Leads to PR for a family of four). This deposit can be withdrawn on acquiring citizenship after 5 years. 2. Surprisingly just a verified 4 year college degree by the education ministry can land you a PR as well. I believe this is targeting the relatively younger digital nomad group. Three important points to note: 1. Ecuador uses the USD as its official currency so no exchange fees for US citizens. 2. Individuals over 65 years are excused from appearing for the naturalization oral and written test to qualify for citizenship. 3. All PR holders are eligible for Health care cover under the National Medical Insurance Plan. Hope this helps.

Honestly, I couldn't have said it better. My sentiments exactly.

Lol! I thought living and loving this wonderful land of smiles might have rubbed off on you a little it. But I guess I am wrong!

Good for you. I hope it stays the same year after year after year ------

Well the insurance requirement has already been added to your Non-O extension thru a back door by making you get it even if you leave Thailand for a day. Like with everything else in life there are always options. I choose Permanent Residency over this unpredictable annual song and dance.

Yes, I visited Merida, Mexico and the surrounding places on my trip to the US in 2018. I have a friend living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

US and English

Just sharing my experience and thoughts. Lived here for 15 years on monthly retirement extensions and had a great time. Thank you for all those beautiful Thai people who made it all worthwhile. But I've had enough with the authorities! With no hope for permanent residency and the constantly changing requirements for retirement extensions. Not to mention the inefficient, repetitive and redundant reporting requirements (90 days, TM 30). It's time to move on! Here are the facts: My expenses for the past 15 years: - Home purchase (2 million baht) - Toyota vios (520,000 baht) - Honda HRV (1.1 million baht) - Annual living expenses (600,000 per year x 15 years = 9 million baht) Total spent in Thailand = 12.62 million baht (I have probably spent more since this is all I can recount) I plan to recoup 2.5 million by selling the house and car. Hope this helps some of you who feel the same way I do. I had a good time in Thailand but what I want most at this point of time in my life is STABILITY with some adventure while I still can. Btw, I am 65 years old. Take care!