Are agents offering services for showing 500,000 baht for a DTV visa like they do for the 800,000 baht requirement?

@David **********

It's totally different, the application is different. Agents cannot get near the decision process.

@Dave *********

like all your profile blank lol 😆

@Pertti ************

you can't work here

@Christopher ************

working here almost year now🙏 two years and few months left to citizenship application.. I even own land here. Don't listen ney sayers

@Pertti ************

49 percent land yes

@Pertti ************

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

@Pertti ************

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

@Brian *******

1. Many prefer to invest their funds for a higher rate of return elsewhere.

2. Many have a large guaranteed monthly stipend, pension, etc.

3. In the unfortunate case where someone DOES have no savings and has minimal income, where are they better off - in a highest cost-of-living western country where their available resources can't even cover the rental of a small room, or in a place like Thailand where the cost of living is orders of magnitude lower?

I suppose your answer would be that such people should just kill themselves now to avoid at some unknown point in the future, any possibility to being an inconvenience to luckier self-righteous judgemental compassionless people.

Remember, pride cometh before a fall. And but for the grace of god or the kindness of the universe, a split second event separates the richest, most secure of us from utter poverty and deprivation.

@Paul *******

In all that you seem to have overlooked the illegality of using agents money 'to get a higher return'

@Jeff ******

Ah, the highest of all high horses from an utterly anonymous voice.

Where did I discuss or endorse using agent's money? I am responding to this specific statement from the OP:

"Honestly if you don't have at least 500,000 baht in savings you shouldn't be considering living in a foreign country to begin with."

There are plenty of countries where savings accounts aren't required for Visas. Cambodia, for example offers a 1-year retirement visa with multiple re-entries for $300/yr.

Aren't you anonymous? If I put a picture up of Mickey Mouse and named myself Mike Tyson do I then have credibility because theres a name and a picture? A quick search just told me 16% of everyone you talk to on here aren't using their real name. Why would that trigger you? Weird. However if you don't understand that having to use agents money is very clearly tied into not having the required funds to not be an economic non entity to the host country, your point correct? then I'm going to have to admit I've lost you already!

@Paul *******

its doesnt hurt to have a few bucks in the bank in case the private health insurance refuses to pay. 500k is not a big amount either.

@Paul *******

5/growing-numbers-of-westerners-homeless-by-choice

@Brian *******

Nice change of subject, Mr. Trumpie.

Maga would be proud of you.

@Paul *******

wow, you don't know me at all! I can't even stand looking at that orange face.

@Brian *******

And yet you are responding to this moral dilemma precisely as he would.

@Paul *******

what moral dilemma? It is unwise to move to Thailand from a western country if you don't have the funds to cover an emergency. That's just good decision making, not a moral judgement. Too many people wind up homeless here or begging either on the street or with a go fund me page. It is not a smart move to set yourself up for that possibility.

@Brian *******

Because I disagree with the fundamental basis of your argument. And you're simply repeating yourself as though that will reinforce your argument (another Trumpie habit by the way).

You believe that no matter the circumstances, an individual from the west will always be able to sustain themselves better in their "home" country than they can in any foreign country.

I disagree. There are many circumstances where SOME people can live more successfully in a country far cheaper than their own on a given amount of funding.

Of course it's not a smart move to risk homelessness and begging on the street in Thailand. But it's even dumber to GUARANTEE the same in say, Los Angeles, if you have already have insufficient resources for the far higher monthly cost of living there. You look just as stupid and irresponsible begging on Santa Monica Blvd as you do here.

It's nice that they MIGHT have some access to basic medical care in the USA if they ever should need it. But there is no guarantee of those resources. And there is no guarantee they will ever be needed.

But without shelter and food and basic safety, that discussion is irrelevant. They've already crossed the threshold into unsustainability months, years, perhaps decades sooner than they would living in Thailand.

A huge percentage of Americans lack the funds to cover an emergency.

A smaller but still significant percentage lack even the funds for basic shelter and food. It is illogical for them to remain somewhere homeless, with a high likelihood of dying from exposure, starvation, or criminal activity "just in case" they have a heart attack some day. Especially if there is somewhere where they can at comfortably meet their basic needs with the resources at hand.

You see the world in a very black and white way. (Another Trumpie trait).

I see nuance. The definition of a good decision is not as cut and dried as you portray it.

We disagree.

@Paul *******

if they cannot afford basic food and shelter at home they cannot afford the plane ticket. I understand what you are saying, but none of it makes any sense as far as moving to a foreign country. Sure, you can live here cheaply, but without sufficient savings, one little emergency and you're on the street with no hope of help. And believe it or not, some things kind of are black and white. In an emergency in most European countries medical is free. In the US they will treat an emergency even if you cannot pay. In Thailand, you're stuck. And you know as well as I do that good Thai insurance is unaffordable on a low budget and poor Thai insurance is basically as good as no insurance. Do I wish everyone had what they needed to survive at home? Absolutely. Do I think someone on a limited budget should move to Thailand without an emergency fund? Absolutely not. Better off at home.

@Brian *******

You have $10,000 in the bank and a $1500/month social security payment.

The average rent in America is $1500-1700 per month. Nevermind all the other expenses. Never mind all the hoops to jump through to get an apartment.

You can get an air ticket to Thailand for $1000.

You'll be homeless in the USA in six months or less. GUARANTEED.

So your answer to the guy is, buy a tent and join the homeless because you never know when you'll need your medicare.

But in Thailand, you can rent a nice condo with AC, pool and gym for $300/month and you have $9k in the bank. You may never, ever need a hospital.

And you're going to tell that guy to stay put and join the homeless campout TODAY just in case he ever needs a hospital?

Absurd. The flaw in your reasoning is that you think it is better to have health care at any cost up to and beyond homelessness "just in case" than it is to have a house, good food, and personal safety.

And if you think most hospitals in the US will give you appropriate care without resources, you're even more naive than you look.

@Paul *******

so move to Mexico. Thailand wants anyone staying here long term to do it on their economic terms, not that poor people need the same option to live here, and still be poor. Thailand doesn't work that way. Thailand is a neutral country.

@Kool ******

Who are you talking to, big white daddy/Captain Thailand?

I don't have any visa, banking or insurance problems. And for sure I don't need you farangsplaining Thailand from atop such a high horse.

Move to Mexico yourself. There's already plenty of hot air in Thailand.

@Paul *******

1. It doesn't matter what institution you have the 500,000 baht in, so long as you can show them you have it. 2. If you have a "large guarenteed monthly stipend, pension, etc.", put enough away each payday until you have 500,000 saved for emergencies then come over. 3. Yes, they are better off. There is help for them at home, including medical help for emergencies. It is really not bright to be in a foreign country broke. The stories about it are endless. It isn't about pride or anything else, it's about smart decision making

@Brian *******

If your logic is correct, than why is there a record number of refugees in the world today?

The simple fallacy in your logic is that one's "home" country will always be the safest best place for anyone to live.

There most certainly is NOT any guarantee of health care, basic shelter, or even food and water in the home countries of 100s of millions of our world's citizens.

You are right - it is not "bright to be in a foreign country broke." But it is even less bright to remain in your country of citizenship or birth if that significantly reduces your chances of survival.

Much as those of us with plenty, luck, or even wisdom would prefer the less fortunate or even less wise to stay out of sight, out of mind and for sure, out of our hair, those people have a right and a natural instinct to fight for their own survival. To make the best of a difficult unpalatable set of choices.

When someone lacks enough for basic survival in a place, the need for daily shelter, food and physical safety will alwas trump the need to purchase insurance and have savings in a bank.

Which sometimes is an inconvenience to the rest of us.

@Paul *******

disagree. The mass amount of invaders sorry refugees in UK means their home country definitely is not the safest

@Paul *******

no one coming to Thailand from the west is a refugee. If you are from a country with a poverty problem like you mention, it is most likely as cheap or cheaper to live there. None of your arguments hold water.

@Brian *******

Yes. Let them eat cake. How did that answer work out for the fable's speaker?

You are either blind, deaf, or indifferent. "No-one" is a very bold claim in a world where income inequality grows at a historically frightening rate. Unfortunately for many, smart decision making increasingly involves choosing between two very bad options.

@Paul *******

Think very carefully about how I partially agree with you, but not on a macro level, but a micro level dealing just with Thailand, and not generalizing the rest of the world. Thailand protects what is Thailand. They do not want foreigners here that can not pay their bills, and at the level of financing that research show is what is generally needed with most medical emergencies, that a person's medical insurance doesn't cover because that person was breaking the rules of their insurance, like drinking alcohol when something happened to require medical care. In the news and social media you just see the serious cases and some GoFundMe campaign because insurance doesn't cover what happened, and more so in how it happened. A high enough number of those medium injuries, like broken limbs, and such, leave without paying. This became obvious when Thailand initiated approving an aditional bt300 entry fee, with basic insurance covering under bt40,000 out patient, and bt400,000 inpatient coverage, not because of all the 3rd world imagery of just trying to fleece more from tourists. That isn't the case at all. Those are the average size of the hospital bills tourists run out on, and never pay. Thailand offers very high level medical at some of the best prices in the world, so they are doing what they see fit so people staying here long term can pay if, and when something medical happens, because hospitals don't take monthly payments. Thailand basically says if you want to leave your country, and live here, then you do it their way, and at the economic levels they want. They have learned the hard way, as they always trusted people when they made rules, as that is what Thais do, but then they learned very fast how foreigners would break the trust, so from experience they set an economic level they feel is correct, in a manner that the money is available immediately. That's all Thailand cares about.

@Kool ******

You misunderstand me.

I have zero issues with Thailand making, and vigorously enforcing, rules about foreigners entering or staying in the kingdom. It's their country.

I DO have issues with foreigners telling other foreigners to stay home. Especially when their reasoning is hopelessly flawed.

@Paul *******

lol a bit like refugees arriving in Europe and the knuckledraggers go ballistic that they can't support themselves blah blah blah (because its illegal to work but they sidestep that bit) but when someone suggests if you aren't going to make much of a contribution coming to Thailand with next to fuck all in funds all the toys get thrown around. Anyone travelling to any country down to their last 10k and no plan WILL be a burden on that country and prevented from making that journey.

@David ******

In retrospect, you are right. Instead of arguing with members who are telling other members they "should stay home" or making similar judgemental statements, I will simply block them.

Cheers.

@David ******

I'm not the one literally telling other members that they don't belong overseas, and that they should stay home because their actions are irresponsible and immoral.

Sorry, that crosses a line for me. Rebuking that sort of direct judgementalism is neither nasty nor hostile.

You're directing your fire at the wrong target. You don't consider it nasty, intimidating, or rampantly hostile for these guys to literally be telling other members that they should stay home and have no right to visit a foreign country?

Remarkable. Since we're both occupying the same pulpit at the moment, perhaps we can agree that anyone should be free to voice an opinion, provided they don't cross the line into questioning the morality, responsibility, or legality of another member's personal choices regarding travel and retirement?

@Paul *******

try to relax. Don't get so agitated. It's not really that important. Calm down

@Andreas ********

yeah, and you win 1st prize for being an arrogant prick.

@David ******

Provide one example where a bank manager has kept someones 800k please...

@David ******

Thailand's banking system is extremely stable. And my 800,000 is included in my Thai will.

@Andreas ********

not everyone has a thai Will. I know stories of British next of kin being refused the money when no will existed. So clearly a 25k retirement visa with 775k in a UK account is much lower risk away from CORRUPT decision making.

@David ******

Exactly that - stories!

@Dave *********

exactly. I looked at his other comments in here, they are all the same. Sad really.

@Tim **********

Has nothing to do with trolling. I just strictly follow the rules and don't try to circumvent legal requirements by any means possible

@Andreas ********

good for you. Thousands avail of services provided by authorized and approved thai visa agents and don't place 775k baht at risk as you seem to prefer. At least accept it's a matter of personal choice and don't be so sanctimonious.

@Andreas ********

The OP never said he wasn't following the rules. He never said he is trying to circumvent legal requirements. You took a question and turned it into a comment that was misplaced and not helpful to make yourself appear arrogant.

@Andreas ********

Has it not occurred to you that the whole 800k requirement was specifically set up to allow the agent/bank/immigration to make additional profits from retirees?

The government could stop it all literally tomorrow if they chose. Yet they don't. I wonder why? Because this is Thailand, and things work differently here.

For perspective, just across the border in Cambodia, a one year multiple entry retirement visa is $290, no bank account required, no 800k baht deposit required, no 90 day reporting.

Hmmmm. . .

@Paul *******

Has it not occured to you, it could be to deter people turning up here without a pot to piss in? Hmmm...

@Jeff ******

maybe but then the people who create the rules are complicit in allowing agents to work to undermine the same rules for mutual financial gain. So maybe not?

@Jeff ******

And who precisely has granted you the legal or moral authority to judge the actions of your fellow expats, Mr. Anonymous Captain Thailand? Hmmm. . .

Methinks you go to a lot of trouble to hide whatever it is you're hiding. Perhaps a long-term over-stay? Running from the law?

Better to speak for yourself - something everyone is entitled to. But your priggish pronouncements are offensive and boring, particularly coming from an anonymous whiner.

@Paul *******

Me a whiner ? hahaha fuck me go back and read the 15 million words you've spewed out protesting against someone else having an opinion!! Judging or opinions? Your clear intolerance of others helps you tick every box of the little list at the end of your latest sermon

@James ****

wow you two are just dicks who like to pathetically brag "I've got some money"

@Mark *****

its about following the rules and not trying to take the piss.

@John ******

totally irrelevant to what I am saying mate. Just responding to this nark banging on about something also irrelevant to the question asked 👍

@Luke ******

You mean the original question being asked by this post, or your irrelevant response to someone else’s comment?

@John ******

lukcy there is a mute/delete option.. thanks to people like

@Luke ******

🙄🤣

@Damo **********

sorry what??

@John ******

the original question … also note in my response I said it was ironic.. all clear now?

@Andy ***********

So everybody wants to trouser some money! The department of prisons will be issuing them next!

@Graham ******

MFA is spread over the whole world. Unlikely a visa agent in Bangkok would have representatives all over the globe to carry out these "functions". The cost to the applicant would outweigh the cost of registering a business name and doing it legally.