My 10th retirement visa renewal

[lkv]

You heard partly wrong. 

 

There is no retirement visa for the US but one can invest in businesses, USD 500,000 or 1M, which leads to PR way quicker and easier than Thailand.

 

Thailand also has some smart visa options in the range of tens of millions of baht, that give investors the extraordinary priviledge of a temporary stay.

 

So even though the monetary levels are comparable to the US, the benefits are not.

 

Furthermore, it seems Thailand wants to have the monetary levels of other countries, but is still is an emerging economy, unlike Spain or the US.

 

Also, it should be noted that the EB-5 US investment visa is an immigrant visa, whereas the Thai Visas we are talking about (including the so called "retirement"), are non-immigrant.

Edited April 5, 2019 by lkv

[rosk]

I see some of you do online 90 days reporting, and succeeded? I tried last week, after filling out everything, I got the message: please contact your local immigration office ( udon thank in my case) for further assistance....

[jacko45k]

12 hours ago, nongsung said:

Today was my 10th retirement renewal and boy oh boy every time I get annoyed more and more

What, 10 times and you are still calling it a Visa,! ????

Yes living here is an exercise in frustration with the bureaucracy, I am trying to get my with-holding tax back after over a decade of letting them keep it, you would find this even more fun. I could have chewed rocks yesterday, on the way home after failing, a process I started in January. 

[WalkingOrders]

My 90 day report coming next month. I have been here 3 years, and got 3rd O visa 2 months ago with income method. In Bankok I just fill out the form, and they stamp it and send me on my way. Curious as to if something strange going to happen. No one ever asks me for anything other then the receipt from last 90 day report and my passport , not inc the wait in line the process takes 5 minutes in Bangkok.

[thecaveman]

17 hours ago, nongsung said:

Since three years female IO’s are running the show in Mukdahan and they are extremely difficult to deal with.

Irritated faces, no-one smiles; it’s not a nice place to go to.

Must be a different Immigration office in Mukdahan than the one I am using frequently. I never found it difficult to deal with any of the officers including the new ones. I have always been treated in a friendly, respectful and absolutely correct way.

[robertson468]

18 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Hi there. If you were ordered you must go back to show your bank book in 90 days. I do not think you need a bank letter for that. If so yours would be the first report like that. It's not determined yet if any offices will be ordering later reports for the 400k.

I totally agree they're jerking us around.

I'm learning Spanish.

Sent from my Lenovo A7020a48 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app
 

Visited Spain twice in the last three years.  Do you really want to go there?  That is definately a Country "buyer beware" if you are thinking of buying a house/condo there.  There is also loads of half completed developments that have been abandoned by the Owners who went bankrupt a few years ago, leaving eye sores all over the landscape.  You might also want to wait until Brexit is done and dusted.

[anfh]

Just for info, i did retirement renewal this week and got this form, have to return to show bank book after 90 days etc. I told them i would be going to UK before that, they told me i MUST return with bank book as soon as I return to Thailand . 

[Jingthing]

4 minutes ago, robertson468 said:

Visited Spain twice in the last three years.  Do you really want to go there?  That is definately a Country "buyer beware" if you are thinking of buying a house/condo there.  There is also loads of half completed developments that have been abandoned by the Owners who went bankrupt a few years ago, leaving eye sores all over the landscape.  You might also want to wait until Brexit is done and dusted.

I do know Spain as well.

My interest actually is Latin America -- Colombia, Mexico, and Peru.

[from the home of CC]

15 minutes ago, anfh said:

Just for info, i did retirement renewal this week and got this form, have to return to show bank book after 90 days etc. I told them i would be going to UK before that, they told me i MUST return with bank book as soon as I return to Thailand . 

and you can thank previous expats who never really had the funds and were caught out..

[Sheryl]

The 800/400 K is not there for use in emergencies. If ever did use it in an emergency, you'd lose your extension.

 

And when you die it will not be readily available to your spouse or other heirs, they will have to go through the courts to get at it which will take time so it cannot even be used to pay your last hospital bills and funeral/cremation.

 

Under the old rules where we were allowed to spend the 800K it made some sense, as you were  then showing proof of funds to live on.

 

No longer.

 

Don't ask me what this does achieve. I couldn't tell you.

 

 

[lkv]

1 minute ago, from the home of CC said:

and you can thank previous expats who never really had the funds and were caught out..

Yes, it's their fault, sure.

 

I said it before and I will say it again. 

 

The only people responsible are the lawmakers and the authorities who left loopholes that they are now trying to close in a very rudimentary way "a la third world".

 

And this continuous purge, no matter what they tell you, good guys in bad guys out, is the result of how affairs are conducted under a military administration.

[Sheryl]

16 hours ago, lkv said:

 

 

If there is a legal requirement to report money every 90 days, I would like to know about it.

 

I just think the OP is being harassed by unscrupulous IO's looking for bribes.

 

There is no legal requirement. But some IOs are requiring it.

 

I would not assume it is for the reason you suggest, though. The Police Order provided absolutely no guidance as to how compliance with the new rules in terms of spending is to be enforced. In this culture  communication flows in one direction only and if the lower downs do not receive clear instructions from their higher ups they are left to their own devices in trying to figure out what it is they are supposed to do...knowing that if they guess wrong, they'll be blamed for it.

 

Not really surprising therefore that some IOs have decided the safest thing is to make people come back periodically throughout the year in with bank proof.

[rosst]

I read this all the time, and I am pleased I chose to move to the Philippines a few years ago. 

The uncertainty and stress for good people who are following the rules is very poor, I feel for you. 

[from the home of CC]

20 minutes ago, rosst said:

I read this all the time, and I am pleased I chose to move to the Philippines a few years ago. 

The uncertainty and stress for good people who are following the rules is very poor, I feel for you. 

I will be extending for the 10th time (marriage/2 offices) in a few months. I have had neither uncertainty nor stress in following the rules, I actually found bringing my wife into Canada a lot more stressful and I was full of uncertainty through the whole process. There is a bureaucracy to overcome here but as far as immigration is concerned that is hardly limited to Thailand. IMO it is a small price to pay and life is too short to be constantly complaining and wringing my hands over it. Just give them what they require, it's not rocket science, or go elsewhere if you think you'll be happier.

[Thailand Outcast]

43 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

The 800/400 K is not there for use in emergencies. If ever did use it in an emergency, you'd lose your extension.

 

And when you die it will not be readily available to your spouse or other heirs, they will have to go through the courts to get at it which will take time so it cannot even be used to pay your last hospital bills and funeral/cremation.

 

Under the old rules where we were allowed to spend the 800K it made some sense, as you were  then showing proof of funds to live on.

 

No longer.

 

Don't ask me what this does achieve. I couldn't tell you.

 

 

 

This is why it's a lousy deal, and makes for a very expensive visa, when compared to nearby countries, when you factor in the loss from your 800k.

 

Basically, what it does achieve is a cheap farang loan to Thai banks, thus, the Thai economy, at 1.5% interest.  800k of it for a few months, and 400k of it forever. 

 

I'll see what deal and services the agents are / will be offering, before I leave for Vietnam, but no way am I getting pushed into this lousy deal. 

 

 

Edited April 6, 2019 by Thailand Outcast

[Thailand Outcast]

44 minutes ago, lkv said:

Yes, it's their fault, sure.

 

I said it before and I will say it again. 

 

The only people responsible are the lawmakers and the authorities who left loopholes that they are now trying to close in a very rudimentary way "a la third world".

 

And this continuous purge, no matter what they tell you, good guys in bad guys out, is the result of how affairs are conducted under a military administration.

The agents are still operating as normal, moving 800k in, and straight out. 

 

What is not currently known is what the agents are doing about the immigration offices that want to see a bank book balance at 90 days, and the 400k that is supposed to be in the bank, perpetually. 

 

These may be an extra service offered by the agents.  Who knows?

 

In any case, allowing agents to still operate this way, how are authorities now trying to lose loopholes?

[TheFishman1]

I do. My 90 day report by mail just got one back in the

mail no problem 

[Thailand Outcast]

7 hours ago, jacko45k said:

Quote

What, 10 times and you are still calling it a Visa,!

 

 

 

Well, he can't call it "permanent residency" can he?  ????

[bronzedude]

For a simple retirement extension I have never heard of the IO needing to visit your home. It sounds to me like you have a marriage extension, but marriage extensions only need 400000 baht in the bank and you can spend the money right away. Are you having some kind of exercise in delusion? I can understand wanting vent about IO absurdities. But do it with some semblance of accuracy. Either that or Mukdahan IO is doing some kind of rogue applications.

[Thailand Outcast]

1 minute ago, bronzedude said:

For a simple retirement extension I have never heard of the IO needing to visit your home. It sounds to me like you have a marriage extension, but marriage extensions only need 400000 baht in the bank and you can spend the money right away. Are you having some kind of exercise in delusion? I can understand wanting vent about IO absurdities. But do it with some semblance of accuracy. Either that or Mukdahan IO is doing some kind of rogue applications.

And a particular immigration office would never make up their own rules, to seek a corrupt payment, would they?  ????

[Sheryl]

15 minutes ago, Thailand Outcast said:

Basically, what it does achieve is a cheap farang loan to Thai banks, thus, the Thai economy, at 1.5% interest.  800k of it for a few months, and 400k of it forever. 

 

 

 

 

 

That would not be the reason. Immigration Police have no interest in the banking sector and in any case the benefit to banks has been wildly overestimated. Farang 800k accounts are a very tiny drop in a much bigger pool. Neither the banking sector nor the overall economy likely to notice a thing (nor will the overall economy miss it if there is a major outflux of resident expats. ).

 

This is not about the economy.

 

More likely just a really hare-brained scheme concocted by burraucrats without properly thinking it through or any rational analysis of likely effects. 

 

[Peterw42]

19 hours ago, nongsung said:

Well, the IO was clear that the next 90 reporting should include an updated bank book AND the confirmation letter from the bank.

With at least 800K. After that (2nd 90 days) I don’t know.

Would not be surprised if it’s not needed elsewhere. Since three years female IO’s are running the show in Mukdahan and they are extremely difficult to deal with.

Irritated faces, no-one smiles; it’s not a nice place to go to.

What if your 90 day report and 90 days after extension (to show bank book) are not at the same time ? you would have to be very lucky to have them fall at the same time.

[topt]

1 minute ago, Peterw42 said:

What if your 90 day report and 90 days after extension (to show bank book) are not at the same time ? you would have to be very lucky to have them fall at the same time.

Mine at Jomtien are not. Requires unfortunately an extra visit - at least for the first "funds deposit proof" and then I will find out if it has to be repeated............

[nickmondo]

19 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Hi there. If you were ordered you must go back to show your bank book in 90 days. I do not think you need a bank letter for that. If so yours would be the first report like that. It's not determined yet if any offices will be ordering later reports for the 400k.

I totally agree they're jerking us around.

I'm learning Spanish.

Sent from my Lenovo A7020a48 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app
 

good idea to learn Spanish.

i learnt with Rosetta Stone, fantastic course, and in my opinion by far the best course.

I have a place near Marbella, currently rented out, but I too am getting fed up with being treated like a criminal and a piece of dirt at times.

my renewal is due in June, waiting to see how that goes, then decision time.

its not just IO, its the Thais in general.  

No manners, expect the farang to pay for everything.

Makes me laugh, because, why do these Thai girls think they are so special?

Lived in a lot of countries, this has to be the worst so far, but suits me for now.

[Peterw42]

1 minute ago, topt said:

Mine at Jomtien are not. Requires unfortunately an extra visit - at least for the first "funds deposit proof" and then I will find out if it has to be repeated............

Yes thats right but the OP specifically mentions showing bank book at next 90 day. People keep mentioning that two visits will be tied together but other than the OP, it hasn't been the case anywhere.

[malibukid]

35 minutes ago, Thailand Outcast said:

 

This is why it's a lousy deal, and makes for a very expensive visa, when compared to nearby countries, when you factor in the loss from your 800k.

 

Basically, what it does achieve is a cheap farang loan to Thai banks, thus, the Thai economy, at 1.5% interest.  800k of it for a few months, and 400k of it forever. 

 

I'll see what deal and services the agents are / will be offering, before I leave for Vietnam, but no way am I getting pushed into this lousy deal. 

 

 

what interest do the Thai banks charge?

[PerkinsCuthbert]

I'm afraid that these are different times; years ago, long before 9/11 put paid to relaxed air travel and immigration requirements, and when tourism to the Kingdom was less than a fifth what it is today, the farang and his pension were tolerated, even welcomed. Now however, with the Chinese short-stay market seemingly limitless in scope for expansion, and other markets such as India still nascent, the Thai government and its absurd arm, the TAT, have an eye for bang-bang, quick in-and-out tourism, while extracting as much cash as possible as quickly as possible. This, coupled with tightening of visa regulations both here and worldwide, means that the real aspect of the famous Thai smile is being increasingly laid bare. Together with a resurgent nationalism, the feeling is often, as noted here and elsewhere, that we as a group are at the very least dispensable, if not downright unwelcome any more.

Sad, but I think true.

Edited April 6, 2019 by PerkinsCuthbert

[Lacessit]

18 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Jomtien has been ordering every income method retirement extension applicant since March to come in after 90 days AFTER their extension to show their bank book has not gone one baht under 800K baht. They are simply ENFORCEMENT the police order about post seasoning. That's the legal justification. Sorry to say as onerous as this is, it is completely legally justified.

 

Legal consequences of showing and being under? We don't know but the general assumption is that the current annual extension would be then CANCELLED.

Consequences of not showing for an ordered money showing if not abroad? Again, we don't know but I also think it's fair to assume that they wouldn't be above making house calls. 

 

The new immigration rules -- no joke. (Groan.)

AFAIK this new rule only applies to extensions after March 1. Before that, just the 90 day report. I suppose it is too much to ask of the intelligence of Immigration to simply submit a passbook showing the 800/400 balances along with the passport every 90 days. A bank letter should be completely unnecessary.

I sometimes wonder, with the addiction of Thai officialdom to paper, how there are any forests left in Thailand. Or warehouses left unfilled with documents.

[ThaiWai]

Its always the same song and dance.  I converted my METV to a Non O last month and the grumps behind the counter told me the day to come pick it up and added "COME EARLY, BE EARLY".  I did as instructed and fought the morning traffic to be the first guy through the door. Their response..."COME BACK FIVE HOURS". Great just great.  Five hours to pick up a stamp put some ink on it and stamp my passport and initial it.

[Cranky]

One of the many reasons I Foxtrot Oscared.  Processes, laws and all the other stuff I could live with, didn't really care that much as long as the 'to-do' list was reasonable and understandable.  TIT, deal with it, which I did.

 

However, Being made to feel as welcome as the proverbial fart in a spacesuit and the unknown every time is the bit I could not live with any longer, especially as one ages with no sign of it ever getting easier or as suggested some form of loyalty miles; after 20 odd years, house, cars, business, wife, kids blah blah blah with as many rights, and the same treatment, as Mr. Tattoo that just turned up with a few quid meant enough is enough.  Bye Bye......