Your Thai Visa, are you foked?

[dirtydog]

So what are you going to do for your Thai visa?
With Laos and Savanakhet (Savanakhet Thai visa run changes) clamping down on issueing tourist visas, Penang (Penang 3 Thai tourist visas and out) clamping down on tourist visas, the 90 days in 180 for stamp on arrival, how foked are you?

[Sir Burr]

If I lived in Thailand full time, I would fly down to Perth with Tiger Airlines (cheap) and get yourself a 1 year visa. Easy peasy.

[watterinja]

Land of Sluts (LOS) has become fairly effective of weeding out the falangs in their community over the past few years.

This will be good for future investment, future technology transfer, etc... Fukkem... it's just not worth the hassle anymore... this dump is going nowhere

[ChiangMai noon]

I'm lucky enough that I haven't had to cross a border in 6 years.
non immigrant B gets renewed in ChiangMai & 90 day reporting.

still always nervous when I renew every April, never know what's up their sleeves.

[Texpat]

I have to renew early Jan. Same boat -- different rules every time I walk in there.

[sabang]

So far, marriage visa's are mostly left alone. But who knows what they'll come up with next.

Unlike my wife, who has full rights of residency in Australia, I am granted a one year visa for which I re-apply annually. I need to show 400k Bht in the bank.

Last time I renewed, they wanted to see photos of the house and ourselves in it, and repeatedly asked whether we had kids.

Who knows what it will be next year. So I voted accordingly.

[Texpat]

I'm told the 400K in a thai bank is no longer a requirement for marriage visas. Now they require proof of 40K monthly. Anybody know different?

[Sir Burr]

Once I finally do retire, which would be the better, most hassle-free visa to do it on, marriage, or, retirement?

[chinthee]

^Retirement is much better than marriage in the yearly renewal of right to stay process. Immigration greatly encourages that too as it's less work for them. They are checking out marriages for legitimacy now and that's why the maps, house photos, photos of the two of you together, etc..

Also, one thing to consider is if you do get a divorce or your wife passes, you are better off with a retirement visa anyway.

[watterinja]

I've also heard various rumours about marriage rules, incomes etc coming under review.

Apparently there is a total review of visa requirements beginning with retirement, followed by marriage, followed by tourist etc. The kick-off dates were to be December 2007, onwards.

A few falangs I know, on marriage visas are beginning to get edgy about all this malarky. Only problem is that they've now invested so much stuff in Thai wife's name that they can't really afford to uproot & go back home.

[Sir Burr]

Righto, retirement visa it is then. Thanx.

[watterinja]

^ A what will the reserved amount in the bank need to be? Or, will it be a pension income that has to be shown? Does an official Embassy letter need to be provided - updated each year? etc...

[The Gentleman Scamp]

Last time I did a visa run I paid 6,600 for a 60 day, then the other day I got a 30 day extension from immigration and according to Andrew at Sunbelt Asia I can get three more 30 days when that extension runs out.

By then I will have had it with Thailand and will go to China and if I get fed up with China i'll only have to stay 90 days before I can return to this too darn hot and humid CD Warehousless shithole.

[Thetyim]

I'm told the 400K in a thai bank is no longer a requirement for marriage visas.

Not sure if Sabang is talking about a visa or an extension of stay.

Extension of stay was grandfathered at 400k for marriage, I think.

[chinthee]

Retirement rules are actually very easy and efficient (so far). You either to show a monthly "retirement" income or money in the bank. In all cases, you just take the last three months bank statements and copies with you showing the int'l transfers, and your embassy can provide you with a letter when you testify that you have the amount of retirement income. It's no big deal as of now, and it's not like you have to actually show some sort of pension documentation or anything. Any int'l wire transfers into your account work as long as you're 50 yrs. old.

Also, the way it works if you've been on a marriage visa is you don't actually change your visa type, you just renew the right to stay using the retirement method and they put a stamp in your passport.

I also always immediately get the multiple entry permit to leave so I can travel in an out of the country as often as I like during the year.

[Driventowin]

I need to show 400k Bht in the bank.

They want to make sure you have enough to leave behind..

Last time I renewed, they wanted to see photos of the house and ourselves in it, and repeatedly asked whether we had kids.

This is so ridiculous! So just for fun did you go have a look at some houses for rent and take some pics of you and your wife hanging out?

[Troubled]

OK for now yes but who knows what the rules will be the next time.
For a number of years I was able to obtain the 1 year extension on a 1 year B through my business. Now the business is not doing so well I still get the 1 year visa but must leave the country every 90 days for a stamp.

If the business doesn't turn around perhaps they will not renew my visa one year.
Then i will be fcuked

[watterinja]

The main problem is that the Thais have been multi-faced liars for hundreds of years - in their dealings with foreigners.

Their constant changing of the visa rules creates a sense of instability & they know that this uncertainty factor will eventually get the westerners to move off. They are not confrontational by nature (cowards actually) & use this uncertainty tactic to eventually achieve their intended gameplan.

Over the time I've been in Thailand, I've seen the visa rules change so many times - but, each time, it tightens just a little more & increases the hassle factor. Where will it all end up?

Personally, my plans have changed to the point where I'm actively plotting my next re-location for during 2008. I continue life on a day-by-day basis only - I have made this known to anyone close to me. I will not return for any permanent arrangement as this place has become way too corrupt for my liking. Let the Thais have their country - it's theirs - they deserve it.

[Norton]

I will not return for any permanent arrangement as this place has become way too corrupt for my liking. Let the Thais have their country - it's theirs - they deserve it.

Was just as bad before you got here and will remain so after you leave. Your opinion now is based on the fact you now know it where as before, you and others who relocated here were blissfully unaware.

[Norton]

At the moment OK with visa situation. I am on retirement visa and find it to be relatively hassle free if you have the documentation Immigration requires. Rules have changed over the years but nothing to make it too hard to bear. Always do visa work in Bangkok and never encountered some of the antics I hear about in Pattaya or Phuket Immigration offices.

[CharleyFarley]

The rules and/or charges have changed for every year I've been here, and don't expect any different in the future.
Unless you are PR then live year by year.

Don't suppose the extended family will cry too much when we leave.

[hillbilly]

I have to admit that i do not really know that much about visa runs. However, if it was up to me the I would try to get the rabbit a different way.

Here is the link. Ok somewhat dodgy...
Welcome To Thai Language School | www.Thaiwalen.com

[watterinja]

I will not return for any permanent arrangement as this place has become way too corrupt for my liking. Let the Thais have their country - it's theirs - they deserve it.

Was just as bad before you got here and will remain so after you leave. Your opinion now is based on the fact you now know it where as before, you and others who relocated here were blissfully unaware.

I was not blissfully unaware of Thailand's past, but considered it to be an emerging 3rd-world country which would gradually get through the growth-phase & begin to clean up its act (having come from Africa).

The issue with Thailand is that it has reached a plateau where the get-rich-quick schemes & rampant corruption are willingly supported by what is a rather ignorant, uneducated, lazy workforce. Coupled with the continual political instability & future potential succession uncertainties, this place is not a wise place to stay if one is looking for a relatively peaceful retirement, & reasonable security of tenure.

The surrounding nations are beginning to treat foreigners with more dignity & respect than LOS has, or does. This has had the outworking that quality foreigners are voting with their feet & cheque-books & are leaving LOS in droves. This is to Thailand's eventual detriment, but they are simply so mired in their own delusions of grandeur & colonial-free existence, that they are busy closing the doors of friendship.

At some point, in all of this, the 'Made in Thailand' label will not be so eagerly supported around the world. Thailand has reached its zenith & things will be very unlikely to return to an upward climb over the next 20 year time-frame - unfortunately.

These are my personal reasons for moving on - an era is presently closing - & I've known that for some time. I've done & given of my best to Thailand, but that time has now drawn to an end. Best of fortitude to those who decide to remain.

[chinthee]

^I understand your sentiments and know lots of people feel that way now. To me, Thailand has always been and continues to be just a better place to live than any of the alternatives for many reasons. And, I've spent time in every country mentioned.

I'll stick around as long as I can.

[Spin]

I dont really care what happens. I can stay or I can go somehwere else. The world doesnt or never will rotate around Thailand. Its a tatty shit hole if you open your eyes and look closely.

Just a playground for me, sun sand sex and booze (not forgetting motorcycles) I can get all of these in many other countries.