Security of Residence

[BritManToo 44,441]

1 minute ago, onebir said:

But for many visa types, the Thai government isn't ok with that...

I'm already here, been here 11 years, just put in an application for a 1 year family extension.

Under consideration, no insurance required, I've never had any.

Not my fault people are too stupid to enter at the right time, with the right VISA.

Edited October 30, 2020 by BritManToo

[Sheryl 27,240]

The once in a century pandemic does nOT concern me so much as the recent immigration rule changes that were made retroactive (e.g. the limits on spending the 800k lump sum, and the OA insurance requirements). Prior to this the precedent had been that when requirements for retirement extensions changed there was usual a "grandfather clause" to avoid it being retroactive and I assumed (obviously wrongly) that this would remain the practice.

 

While I can readily meet the new requirements it has been a jolt and with it has come a new realization that the extensions really are a temporary year by year thing with no commitment on the Thai government's part.

 

If I were newly looking at building or buying a home here this would give me pause and it has caused me to temper my advice to others thinking of doing so. 

 

As it is, I obtained land (land lease) and built a large house here 20 years ago with the intention of remaining in it for the rest of my life (I love it but there is no resale value) , and so am deeply invested in staying if at all possible. But I would not be so quick to do the same today.

 

And if the opportunity to get PR status ever arises I will jump at it. At present the requirement to have worked and paid taxes in Thailand makes it impossible. If they ever waive that and perhaps lower the investment threshold I'll do it in a flash.

[ubonjoe 47,510]

44 minutes ago, ketherin said:

Ubonjoe, are you saying that currently only people applying and getting a new O-A visa or people who still have time left on their O-A visa's are allowed back into thailand. 

And not people who have a O-A visa and have a extension of stay granted for another year based on the O-A visa? 

Yes to both of your questions.

[ChrisKC 848]

1 hour ago, natway09 said:

I  see no threats to me living here at present.

I should travel to 3 countries for business deals but at present I will not,

Long term (after 30 years) I do not have a home anywhere else.

Right now I could not be in a better country

I agree. Covid is proving to be unpredictable in many ways worldwide.  I don't want to live anywhere else but I would like to travel abroad some time. But recognise that matters outside of my local control I can do nothing about so I accept that I am fortunate enough with my situation here that covid is little more than a distraction from my normal routine! I am going next week to Krabi for a week to enjoy being a foreigner but without hoards of tourists around.

[Elkski 1,503]

1 hour ago, BritManToo said:

I'm already here, been here 11 years, just put in an application for a 1 year family extension.

Under consideration, no insurance required, I've never had any.

Not my fault people are too stupid to enter at the right time, with the right VISA.

This is rather a harsh statement and you have lost some cred with me.  You were near the top of my sexpats.

Don't be complacent! Insurance can become required for all visa types after 1 cabinet meeting.  This can  mean the boot for many older  expats.  Dont doubt this for 1 minute.   We see how HISO have now entered this new insurance business..  soon they will be looking to expand revenue.  They have the ear or reins  of the rule makers. They have already shown their power or greed by making  insurance requirements via thai company mandatory.   Is this enough of a red flag  

Worldwide I can envision  travel insurance being a requirement for international flights. Or proof of assets.    Just look at the  new  6 month 500,000 baht  bank account requirement for O-A Visas.   Who keeps this much not working in a checking account?  Just shows the stupidity of Thai people regarding finance.   

Joe, what type of accounts  are acceptable  for the 500,000?  iRA? 401k?   

Edited October 30, 2020 by Elkski

[Captain Monday 1,741]

I used to think PR meant something but nothing short of Thai passport constitutes legal residence in Thailand.

How many months were PR holders blocked entry due to Sars covid-19?

 

O-A, Thailand Elite , Thai Wife , working or student you are nothing but a temporary visitor. Have a plan B. 

[Lacessit 22,486]

47 minutes ago, Captain Monday said:

I used to think PR meant something but nothing short of Thai passport constitutes legal residence in Thailand.

How many months were PR holders blocked entry due to Sars covid-19?

 

O-A, Thailand Elite , Thai Wife , working or student you are nothing but a temporary visitor. Have a plan B. 

My Plan B was the Philippines, shot to bits now. Plan C is back to Australia, and buy a mobile home.

[Captain Monday 1,741]

Lets just agree with the idea that people with permanent residence to a country should be allowed entry.

The virus does not discriminate. Japan also blocked foreign residents. I was hanging out  there three months. Thai people were walking around in circles, some no money. I doubt any westerners were boarded on NRT-BKK flights in April and May it was bleak.

[George Aylesham 429]

3 hours ago, natway09 said:

I  see no threats to me living here at present.

I should travel to 3 countries for business deals but at present I will not,

Long term (after 30 years) I do not have a home anywhere else.

Right now I could not be in a better country

Me too - and on the specific issue of security I left Madagascar 5 years ago where my house was surrounded by razor wire, two guards, had a state of the art burglar alarm  and innumerable security lights - so yes I do feel secure here. And compared to most European countries or the USA, the risks from COVID are infinitely less - 'though I appreciate the gov'ts strict border control.

[BritManToo 44,441]

1 hour ago, Elkski said:

Insurance can become required for all visa types after 1 cabinet meeting.

I'm OK with Cambodia, assuming any Asian countries ever open up again.

Doubt I'll have any worries at all over anything in the near future.

Edited October 30, 2020 by BritManToo

[Captain Monday 1,741]

4 minutes ago, ThaiTraveller2000 said:

Thailand didn't prohibit people with PR from returning.  PR already know that they follow the same path as Thai citizens, and presumably contacted the local embassy if they desired to return.  The formalization announcement normalized what was already the case.

 

The problem with embassies and PR, is they typically may have no experience with PR since they no longer have to contact them, so additional discussion may be required.

 

Cheers

I think one of the problems in Tokyo is local where the Thai Embassy will not entertains applications

unless Thai, or legal residents of Japan. Foreigners cant even get Thai tourist visas there.

[Captain Monday 1,741]

30 minutes ago, George Aylesham said:

Me too - and on the specific issue of security I left Madagascar 5 years ago where my house was surrounded by razor wire, two guards, had a state of the art burglar alarm  and innumerable security lights - so yes I do feel secure here. And compared to most European countries or the USA, the risks from COVID are infinitely less - 'though I appreciate the gov'ts strict border control.

I don't think their is a good comparison to Thailand.

If you take a Malagasy wife can you enter the country freely?

Is there path to permanent residence through marriage or work?

[Gandtee 2,344]

On 10/29/2020 at 5:11 PM, steven100 said:

That's the choice that these really old members should look at seriously. 

That's the reason I'm here.Thirty Five years here and getting used to it.

[DogNo1 1,351]

Given the unpredictability of future requirements for retirees to be able to extend their stays, I am reconsidering my decision to leave Japan.  I have permanent residence and health insurance there.  I don't have health insurance here and I anticipate that it may be required for my future extensions.  If I were able to buy it at the age of 78, it would be practically useless with all of my preconditions.  It would just add to my cost of staying here.  Maybe I will decide to spend the summer months in Japan each year so that I have a place to go if my residence here.becomes untenable.  I realize that I was depending on the generosity and liberality of the Thai government but that seems to be waning.

[wwest5829 3,758]

On 10/29/2020 at 4:55 PM, ubonjoe said:

Those with existing or new OA visas can get a certificate of entry now and I not don't think it will much longer before they can get one with a one year extension of stay based upon retirement.

IMO at the this time it would be best to stay in the country unless the trip needs to be done urgently.

As to the Covid continuing period, not a problem after the initial finding the way was worked out. Inconvenient with the lockdown, the alcohol ban but ... well, happy to be in Thailand rather than the USA without question. Thailand has been my only residence for nine years now. Do I wish to travel? Yes but Covid has affected all countries ... I’ll wait.