Thread: Thailand Imposes Deadline 'Prohibiting Visa Runners' from August 12

Terry, you forget one needs to use the immigration office in your area, unless you give a hotel address in another as a residence. I have a house, a wife and a child living in a particular area, so I go to the local immigration office.

Otherwise, I go up to Laos to the Thai consulate where there are a different set of interpretations. If you have not experienced this, then it just tells me you have not used the proper visa. Take a look at some of the other threads that discuss member's frustrations dealing with immigration regulations and their interpretations.

Glass is not half empty, it is just a little murky.

Originally Posted by rickschoppers

Try the PI, Malaysia and even Australia on a UK or American passport. Not that bad. Tying up any of your money, just to satisfy immigration is not smart.

By the way, you do not need 400000 baht in a Thai bank to obtain a married visa. You just need to show at least that much in annual income.

But, who wishes to stay in PI, Malaysia or Aus (with UK or US passport)? You? Aus - try the cost of living! For the players, a packet of cigs - B600/pkt - I am a non-smoker.
Thanks for the valuable info re income alternative - I have been here 12+ years - I know nothing!
Tying up your $$$ (B400k-800k) - one year? I suggest that it IS smart given the alternatives. There must be quite a few "incompetents" living in LOS following a similar route as me.
My vague recollection is that in order to retire to many countries, one needs USD1m! I maybe right - I maybe wrong (but I am not going to research it). Although I am married, I apply under the "single" system - B800k v B400k - less hassles. B800k & it is a dream. My wife does the 90 days visits on my behalf. "LG" - Life is good!
Rickschopper, why stay in LOS with these draconian visa conditions? Get out quick?

Cnx, interesting perspective. You and I have been around the block, so don't be so condescending. Why you choose to live in Thailand is your business. Why I chose Thailand in mine. It might have something to do with the fact that I have a Thai wife and have been coming here for over 28 years.

The reason I brought up other countries was because a comment was made about how easy Thailand's immigration regulations are compared to other countries. You read way too much into everything.

What people decide to do about their visas or where they live is up to them. The thread was about individuals living in Thailand on Tourist Visas and I do not personally agree with that approach. I feel the government is doing the right thing to look into the visa runners who abuse the system.

For those of you staying in Thailand on a Tourist Visa, I just hope you are truly as tourist.

Originally Posted by rickschoppers

Cnx, interesting perspective. You and I have been around the block, so don't be so condescending. Why you choose to live in Thailand is your business. Why I chose Thailand in mine. It might have something to do with the fact that I have a Thai wife and have been coming here for over 28 years.

The reason I brought up other countries was because a comment was made about how easy Thailand's immigration regulations are compared to other countries. You read way too much into everything.

What people decide to do about their visas or where they live is up to them. The thread was about individuals living in Thailand on Tourist Visas and I do not personally agree with that approach. I feel the government is doing the right thing to look into the visa runners who abuse the system.

For those of you staying in Thailand on a Tourist Visa, I just hope you are truly as tourist.

"Condescending" - "read too much into everything". Whatever you think.
Tourist visas, visa runs etc - those who comply with the requirements "pay" for others abuse of the system.
You mention that you & your Thai wife have been coming over here for >28 years. It seems that you do not reside here permanently. So, we have different circumstances - different solutions - not unusual(I live here permanently (by choice)).
Once per year, I "endure" the pain of a visa extension. It is not the requirements - it is the wait - standing room only (although it has improved vastly (queuing system)). I have researched the PR option - too many hoops to jump & not really an option for a retiree.
My understanding of "our debate" was that a deposit of B400-800k in a Thai bank (or whatever) was an unsound investment.
What is more important - you are happy/contented - same for me.

Agreed. By the way, my wife is a national and has been living in Thailand her entire life.

Yes, to be happy is the important thing.

Originally Posted by nigelandjan

I can imagine with so much uncertainty here at the moment and the foreseeable future many potential retirees will be taking stock and reviewing they're retirement plans here .

I believe the last time the retirement money requirement doubled from 400 to 800k and (IF ) it were to follow pattern again to 1600k I guess it would leave a whole lot of punters struggling especially after sinking bht3 or 4 million into a house

You can move the pieces around on the board however you want , just be careful not to end up in checkmate

From recollection, those of us who are here prior to an amendment eg B1600k, there is no retrospective action. Anyway, the law of demand & supply applies ie what restrictions other countries implement.
I am so confident re Thailand that we are currently (finally) building a house - bye condo.
My wish - the Thai government be more realistic re PR eligibility for retirees - impossible under the current legislation.

Yes, I am off-topic!
Could not resist researching the internet re retirement visas of LOS. There is a huge number of service providers for retirement visa applicants. What is more interesting! There are providers who offer financial packages/assistance to those who "cannot meet the financial requirements".
Personal experience - if you have B800k in a Thai bank a/c & meet the age requirements, you are almost there. Application procedure - too easy.
My crystal ball - no likely changes in $$$ requirements - world financial situation & Thailand's own problems.

Originally Posted by nidhogg

I have had a visa that allows me to work here continually for 15 years with no problems.

One year at a time.

Originally Posted by nigelandjan

I can imagine with so much uncertainty here at the moment and the foreseeable future many potential retirees will be taking stock and reviewing they're retirement plans here .

I believe the last time the retirement money requirement doubled from 400 to 800k and (IF ) it were to follow pattern again to 1600k I guess it would leave a whole lot of punters struggling especially after sinking bht3 or 4 million into a house

You can move the pieces around on the board however you want , just be careful not to end up in checkmate

It's just too easy isn't it?

Raise the income threshold to some unrealistic figure and plenty of lovely property comes onto the market at firesale prices.

For those who were not paying attention, one of Suthep's stated aims was the "fairer" distribution of land.

Always remember! It is NOT your property - never was. You are a great guy - gifting $$$ to spouse.