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Are retirees in Thailand considered tourists?
Thai VisasRetirement Visa (Non-O)Tourist VisaTax ResidencyImmigration StatusRepatriationLong Stay Visa
Sep 9, 2020
6 years ago
Garrett ***********
ORIGINAL POSTERTaken from another group. Someone sent an email to the Thai embassy in London. I don't know what his email said, but the Thai embassy says tourists and retirees are the same thing đ.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The thread discusses a statement from the Thai embassy that treats tourists and retirees similarly, sparking a debate among users. While some argue that retirees, despite their long stay, are classified as tourists unless they meet certain residency criteria, others contend that tax residency and immigration status are distinct concepts. The discussion emphasizes the differences between tax obligations and visa types and highlights the complexities of obtaining residency versus being labeled a tourist in Thailand.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Christopher *******
Why wouldnât a retiree be considered a tourist? Did you invest in a business?
Garrett ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Chris******
So if you don't invest in a business, you're a tourist?Christopher *******
@Garrett **********
uhm, yeah. Thatâs how it works. You can have a work visa, an investor visa or be naturalized through marriage or ancestry. Some countries might count a sizable investment in a home under investor visa, but retiree visas are not a global standard Garrett ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Chris******
So in Thailand you can be a naturalized citizen through marriage? Wow! I didn't know that....Paul *******
@Garrett **********
Yes you can be. But you also need to hold a job and have a monthly income totally at least *****
Baht for 3 years before applying. Garrett ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Pa**
So then that's a no...Paul *******
@Garrett **********
So I gather you don't hold a job in Thailand? If no, then you're not eligible. Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Yann *******
That is unless you have tons of money...
***************************************************************************************************
Michael ********
@Yann ******
That was strange one because they finished quarantine and flew straight to csmbodiaPaul *******
@Michael *******
What are they doing in Cambodia?Michael ********
@Paul ******
no idea someone said maybe Cambodian rules prevented coming frim france to cambodia so msybe thailand was a stepping stonePaul *******
@Michael *******
And do you know who is running this private plane charter?Michael ********
@Paul ******
no idea but any company can do but you stikl need the certificate of entry issuex by the embassy. There was a group of Phillipino teachers chartered a plane for about 150 to 200 of themPaul *******
@Michael *******
Oh i see.Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Steve **********
Been here 17 years
Still regarded as tourist.
Will never change. dont try.
Still regarded as tourist.
Will never change. dont try.
Rampagedayneo ********
They are up there own ass in there should have english working there
Daniel *******
I don't think it's real. It's poorly written.
Michael *********
Let Thailand stay shut you know for the health of the people. Thailand is starting to implode
Mitchell *******
In the world order, You are either a Tourist, a refugee, a resident, or a citizen. I don't actually think Thailand considers the Retiree as a "Resident". Just a tourist with a longer visa duration.
In most countries, resident status can be attained when you get married, work, have a child, or attend school. Once any of that is done, you will be re-evaluated.
In most countries, resident status can be attained when you get married, work, have a child, or attend school. Once any of that is done, you will be re-evaluated.
Olav **********
In addition we get the R.O 21, Taxation Payment Document.
Olav **********
Re-evaluate the stay situastion is the right word! We get the R.O 22 based upon the stay last year. It will never be given in advance.
Reply to
Olav **********
Reply
Olav **********
Since we only go to pay tax after every year, we will always be a tourist until we have paid tax and got "R.O 22 Certificate of Residence" from the taxoffice. It is not the same as you get from Immigration, that's just a letter. All farang will be consider as tourist until we have this document or have income inside Thailand and pay tax as a local!
Steve **********
@Olav *********
true.Had the old head of CM Immig. Explain this to me 12 or 13 years ago . When they were farang friendly .Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Olav **********
You are a tourist until you have 180 days within a tax year, it doesn't matter what kind of visa you have! If we stay more than 180 days in Thailand every year, we are resident and "A TAXABLE PERSON" and have to pay tax, the law say so (..), but we are mostly free, I pay tax every year because I save a lot of tax in Norway if I do! We are not tourists and have a visa for long stay! Tourists can only stay max 179 days, that's why we cannot have too many visa runs. THE TAXABLE PERSON LAW: "Taxpayers are classified into âresidentâ and ânon-residentâ. âResidentâ means any person residing in Thailand for a period or periods aggregating more than 180 days in any tax (calendar) year. A resident of Thailand is liable to pay tax on income from sources in Thailand as well as on the portion of income from foreign sources that is brought into Thailand. A non-resident is, however, subject to tax only on income from sources in Thailand."
***************************************
Ivan ************
@Olav *********
no. This is not how it works. Tax residency is utterly irrelevant to immigration status or repatriation to Thailand.Olav **********
@Ivan ***********
Read all one more time, maybe you see what I mean about the answere embassy gave! Ask yourself why the emassy said he was a tourist!Ivan ************
@Ol**
why would the embassy even bring up tax residency? What relevance does that have to the embassy? None.Darren *******
@Ivan ***********
I'm amazed you're still responding to his rubbishIvan ************
@Dar***
you are right. I give up.Reply to
Ivan ************
Reply
Ivan ************
@Olav *********
tax residence is a thing, but it is not the only form of residence and it has nothing to do with immigration status.Olav **********
@Ivan ***********
The only question on this thread is about if we are a tourist or not. It is crucial to know when we change from a tourist to a resident. Only one law has the answere! Olav **********
@Ivan ***********
It is the definition of a resident person. No other law has that definition. It is a definition in general. Basic for all other laws and desitions! This is important to understand, one day there will be a general taxation for all and we need to know why! Reply to
Olav **********
Reply
Ivan ************
What matters in the context of entering Thailand is immigration. Tax residence simply isn't relevant. I don't know why you keep banging on about it, if you were trying to get back in they would not consider this at all.
Olav **********
@Ivan ***********
many of the others on this thread talk about PR visa. Its not interesting, its just s visa category! Olav **********
@Ivan ***********
As I have tried to tell you many times, my comment only gives you the definition about a resident. There are no others! Reply to
Olav **********
Reply
Ivan ************
@Olav *********
for the last time, they are two entirely different concepts. Tax residence is not an immigration concept. Tourist can, technically, be tax resident. Someone with permanent residence immigration status can be non tax resident. Two entirely different things.Olav **********
@Ivan ***********
Right, tourist over 180 days, nothing to do with imm! But they are not tourist any longer. According to the Imm they need long stay visa, STRANGE? Reply to
Olav **********
Reply
Ivan ************
@Olav *********
I linked you the immigration law on residence above. Show me the tax law that even mentions tourists, as "tourist" is not a tax concept, it's an immigration one. Technically a tourist (immigration status) can be tax resident if they stay in Thailand over 180 days, because that's all the tax law talks about, it doesn't consider immigration status at all.Olav **********
@Ivan ***********
Non-resident is the definition of a tourist! It is in all country. Different Visa-acts is not law in this way. Imm has many diff visas, but they are only descriptions.Reply to
Olav **********
Reply
Olav **********
@Ivan ***********
Show me the imm law telling the difference about tourist snd resident! Richard ******
@Olav *********
get a lifeReply to
Richard ******
Reply
Ivan ************
@Olav *********
I linked you the Thai immigration law on residence above, go read that and note that it says nothing about 180 days or taxes. It's a different thing.Tax residency after 180 days is a thing. That's "tax residency" and it has absolutely nothing to do with residency from immigration's perspective. "Tax residency" is NOT the only form of residency.
Olav **********
@Ivan ***********
This is too difficult to understand. Reply to
Olav **********
Reply
Ivan ************
@Olav *********
they are not the same. Tax residency and residence from an immigration point of view are two different things.This isn't just Thailand, either, most other countries I'm aware of they are different things.
Olav **********
@Ivan ***********
So if Imm talk about resident, they only have one law saying that! Ivan ************
@Olav *********
No, they don't only have one law. There is a tax law. And an immigration law. Two different things.I linked you the immigration law on it above. You are talking about tax residency which is simply irrelevant here.
To bring the point home, many retirees DO stay here over 180 days and would actually be tax resident, whether they had a RO22 or not. But they still can't get back. And if YOU were stuck outside, your having a RO22 would not matter to the embassy, they would look only at your immigration status.
Reply to
Ivan ************
Reply
Olav **********
@Ivan ***********
No, it is not. It is based on 180 days, nothing else! Reply to
Olav **********
Reply
Ivan ************
@Olav *********
no, it's just not relevant. Tax status is an entirely different thing to immigration status. Immigration do not look at tax residency AT ALL when considering who is eligible for repatriation.Olav **********
@Ivan ***********
One country cannot have two laws defining the same! Olav **********
@Ivan ***********
This is not about tax, it is about when you are a resident person. I guess you have never worked with laws!Ivan ************
@Olav *********
you are talking about your RO22 Certificate of Residence from the Revenue Department. That is meaningless in terms of immigration or repatriation, it's just not relevant at all.Olav **********
@Ivan ***********
It is why the embassy cannot decide this, it is up to the tax office in january to decide after they see the passport. Only the tax office can define this.Reply to
Olav **********
Reply
Ivan ************
@Olav *********
this isn't how it works. Immigration has both a formal conception of "residency" defined in law (i.e permanent residency) and also visa categories they talk about informally as "resident", some of which are allowed to enter (workers, married, Elite).None of this has anything whatsoever to do with tax residency. That's entirely irrelevant, it's an immigration issue.
No one is claiming your tax residency isn't a thing. It's just not relevant to your immigration status.
Olav **********
@Ivan ***********
Yes, but the basic is the difinition in the tax law. All about laws are about definitions, nothing else. If it was not fot this definistion, the immigration would have an impossible job! Reply to
Olav **********
Reply
Ivan ************
@Olav *********
I think it's you that doesn't understand, bringing up tax residence on a thread about repatriation, which is an immigration issue. How is tax residence relevant to that?Olav **********
@Ivan ***********
I have been a tax man sll my life and I know what I am talking about! Olav **********
@Ivan ***********
The Embassy gave him the right answere. Residency can only be defined the year after. Until then we are all tourist! Reply to
Olav **********
Reply
Ivan ************
@Olav *********
they are two different things. This thread is about people returning to Thailand. That's an immigration issue, tax law has nothing to do with it.Olav **********
@Ivan ***********
You will never understand this issue and the connection in the tax when you are a resident! Thailand has many laws, but only one define resident, it has nothing to do with kind of visa.Reply to
Olav **********
Reply
Ivan ************
@Olav *********
there is not only one law. I linked the immigration law above. No one is saying you are not tax resident. But it's not the same thing and it has no relevance to immigration issues.Olav **********
@Ivan ***********
The tax law is superior to any other law. PR visas just another visa category, the PRvisa act only tell you how to obtain and knep this visa. It does not define anything else in the country. The tax law tell even the PR visa holders when they are a taxable person! Not the other way!Reply to
Olav **********
Reply
John *******
@Olav *********
pretty sure you can stay 6 months , then be granted a 90 day extension on a multiple entry tourist visa ...you have to do a border run after 3 months, then a few days before the 60 days you apply for a 90 day extension ...so 9 months Olav **********
@John ******
No problem with that, 9 months from 1. October til end of June max. Not exceeding 180 days that...John *******
@Olav *********
that's 270 days in total ....Olav **********
@John ******
Yes, but over 2 years...John *******
@Olav *********
ok , I didnt realise that ...a good mate uses that visa every year , and I thought he did the 90 extension ...maybe not Olav **********
@John ******
It has been stated very well! John *******
@Olav *********
maybe but I'm on a retirement extension , so doesnt affect me Olav **********
@John ******
Same as me!Reply to
Olav **********
Reply
Ron ******************
@Olav *********
your confused about tax and immigration laws. According to the tax law you are correct but according to immigration laws not. The visa that most called a retirememt visa, non imm O or OA is a longstay visa that can be issued for periods from 3 months to 1 year and in case of the non imm O can be issued to people not on retirement. Olav **********
@Ron *****************
Immigration has its visa-rules, but no law!Olav **********
@Ron *****************
There is no other law in Thailand saying who is a tourist and who is a resident. Please show me that law!Ron ******************
@Olav *********
immigration law, read it.Olav **********
@Ron *****************
In all countries there is only one law defining when you go from being a tourist to a resident. It is always the tax law!Ron ******************
@Olav *********
next time when you at immigration tell them you do not need their visa because you pay tax here and see how hard they laugh at you. My friend to become a Thai permanent resident you need to comply with the immigration law which stipulates how and when you can become a permanent residence. Part of this process is to pay tax here but that is only a small part of the process to obtain a PR. if you have tax residency status you still need to apply for visas or extensions to sray in the country. When you obtain a PR you do not need visas or extensions anymore. Olav **********
@Ron *****************
Immigration is not interested in tax documents for ordinary extensions. They have their own rules, but there is only one law defining the difference between tourists and residents. Its has nothing to do with this special PR.Ron ******************
@Olav *********
you are confused between tax residency and permanent residence. We are talking about tourists vs permanent residence. You can have tax residency here but could not have permanent residency. **************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Olav **********
@Ron *****************
I have the Certificate of Residence every year since 2014. And I will have it in January for 2020. Then I am not a tourist, but a resident and a taxpayer.Olav **********
@Ron *****************
I know about the PR, but that has nothing to do about general taxation.Ron ******************
@Olav *********
the post is not about tax it is about the immigration status of foreigners in this country. The question was is foreigners on retirement visas tourists or permanent residence ? Nothing about tax or tax residency. Olav **********
@Ron *****************
Right, but I only try to tell you about the only law in thailand which define this.Ivan ************
@Ol**
this whole thread is about residency from an immigration perspective. Tax residency is irrelevant to immigration or people's ability to re-enter Thailand at this time.Olav **********
@Ivan ***********
Sorry, but Thailand has only one law defining this matter. And that was the start of this thread.Ivan ************
@Ol**
this is not true. Like most countries, immigration residency status is independent of tax residency status, and Thailand does have an immigration status of permanent resident.*******************************************************
Olav **********
@Ivan ***********
So you mean the tax law is not true?Ivan ************
@Ol**
No, this is not true. This is the immigration law concerning residency. It is a different thing to tax residency.**********************************************************************************************************
Olav **********
@Ivan ***********
This do not disagree with the tax law, tax is a part of it. You have to visit the tax office if you have PR. We who have ordinary extension only go if we like. I do because I earn money, nobody told me to go. Still, the only law defining....Ivan ************
@Ol**
honestly, these are two different things. It has nothing whatsoever to do with residence from an immigration standpoint. (There are tax requirements for obtaining PR in the first place, but that's another matter.)You can have tax residence without permanent residence from immigration. You can also have permanent residence from immigration but NOT have tax residence, if you spend most of your time outside Thailand. They are two different things.
If you were stuck outside Thailand at the moment, you would not be allowed repatriate as a resident, your tax resident status would mean nothing.
Olav **********
I will only end this and say if we exceed 180 days we are residents and not a tourist, which is called a non-resident! And we are also a tax resident. There is only one law difining this in Thailand. You should all knew your own DTA, double tax agreement with your homecountry.
Ivan ************
@Ol**
no, it's entirely true. You are just confusing tax residency with residency from an immigration point of view. They are two different things. Both exist, both are "true".Olav **********
@Ivan ***********
Immigration has no other law than the tax law to follow and solve this matter.Olav **********
@Ron *****************
There is no such connection yet. Ron ******************
@Olav *********
what connection ?Olav **********
@Ron *****************
Read the tax law, "more than 180 days"... And read your DTA! It can be very important to know this in the future Thailand.Garrett ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ol**
You're mistaken. Olav **********
@Garrett **********
But you can have a problem if you do not understand the tax law and your DTA. According to the main tax office in Bangkok, they hope for a new law to get info from Immigration. They say it will take 5-10 years. It was before the Coronasituation. Maybe they need income before that.... Olav **********
@Garrett **********
If I am, I am happy with it, because it saves me a lots of money every year ;)Olav **********
@Ron *****************
Not a law, only police orders!Reply to
Olav **********
Reply
Ron ******************
Repatriation means that a person returns to their own country. Tourist can not be repatriated to Thailand. The heading of the email was for a start wrong. Secondly any foreigner entering another country is a tourist even if you stay there for 20 years. Only if you work in the country or if you obtain a PR does your status change.
Mario **********
David Broadfoot I'm glad you are not easily triggered.
Stuff to read on the internet is not reliable, so that's a possible yes.
I'll ask them anyway. Not to prove who's right or wrong on the topic for 2020, but to know with less uncertainty.
Lmao@"prick" đ
I understand about O and OA. I never had an OA as the first visa was done here when I entered on an exemption stamp. The sublety of this part of your argument was not lost on me and I will mention it precisely when I go to immigration.
While I completely agree that IO are not always truthful or correct (I know first had from bad experiences), talking to one or two there is probably a better bet than old "case reports" quoted by you and an unknown "expert". I don't disbelieve what you said about Tod really, but I'd go with the IO information before his.
OK, I won't bother getting back to you one way or the other then because Tod's opinion and internet X files are more valid than (I agree they are not 100% reliable) immigration officers.
Stuff to read on the internet is not reliable, so that's a possible yes.
I'll ask them anyway. Not to prove who's right or wrong on the topic for 2020, but to know with less uncertainty.
Lmao@"prick" đ
I understand about O and OA. I never had an OA as the first visa was done here when I entered on an exemption stamp. The sublety of this part of your argument was not lost on me and I will mention it precisely when I go to immigration.
While I completely agree that IO are not always truthful or correct (I know first had from bad experiences), talking to one or two there is probably a better bet than old "case reports" quoted by you and an unknown "expert". I don't disbelieve what you said about Tod really, but I'd go with the IO information before his.
OK, I won't bother getting back to you one way or the other then because Tod's opinion and internet X files are more valid than (I agree they are not 100% reliable) immigration officers.
Mario **********
David Broadfoot your link to Thai visa is opinion. Recounts of "cases" by people on thai visa are no better than conflicting opinions.
I did not shout. I marked one word only in upper case to emphasize it. Please stop being arrogant and obtuse, regardless of these all important faRcebook debates.
I do not know who Tod is. Never met him. Never heard of him. I only have your description to go by, but I'll take your word for it.
Any "case reports" Tod quoted are not visible to me, as I said earlier. You said "we quoted".
I will take the word of an immigration officer (yes, unnamed, and despite the fact they they are not always truthful) over a facebook debate, and your "expert" whom I have never heard of and whose comments I cannot see (one of us has blocked the other).
I have no desire to post scans of my passport pages to satisfy you or make you feel validated.
I will however, double check with this question stated as accurately as possible on my next visit to immigration.
I am no longer on a retirement visa, but I do have a WP, so I am not in a rush.
I did not shout. I marked one word only in upper case to emphasize it. Please stop being arrogant and obtuse, regardless of these all important faRcebook debates.
I do not know who Tod is. Never met him. Never heard of him. I only have your description to go by, but I'll take your word for it.
Any "case reports" Tod quoted are not visible to me, as I said earlier. You said "we quoted".
I will take the word of an immigration officer (yes, unnamed, and despite the fact they they are not always truthful) over a facebook debate, and your "expert" whom I have never heard of and whose comments I cannot see (one of us has blocked the other).
I have no desire to post scans of my passport pages to satisfy you or make you feel validated.
I will however, double check with this question stated as accurately as possible on my next visit to immigration.
I am no longer on a retirement visa, but I do have a WP, so I am not in a rush.
Mario **********
And who the Hell is Tod and why should I care what this unknown to me individual says? Perhaps he has me blocked or I have him blocked because I do not see his comments here.
Mario **********
I am not insisting that I am right. I am insisting that you are wrong đ
Mario **********
I don't consider conflicting reports on Thaivisa or you accusing me of calling some unknown person a liar as reliable information.
I often find the opinions on Google or Facebook wrong. Google is not infallible.
I was told by immigration that the retirement visas are not valid for work. I know of no pne on a retirement visa that was able to work. Mine was an O and stamped as not eligible for work.
I often find the opinions on Google or Facebook wrong. Google is not infallible.
I was told by immigration that the retirement visas are not valid for work. I know of no pne on a retirement visa that was able to work. Mine was an O and stamped as not eligible for work.
Mario **********
If the extension was granted for retirement purposes you cannot work. I had such an extension. I had a retirement visa in 2018-2019. You cannot get a wp with that David Broadfoot.
Ron ******************
@Tod ********
verify please as in all my years here I have never heard about people on a non imm O getting a work permit ? Tod *********
that you have never heard of it
You can hold a work permit on a non-O visa based on marriage to a thai, raising half thai children, raising 100% foreign children, and volunteering without any issues at all.
You previously could also hold a work permit on a non-O visa based on being over 50 (retirement) but the Ministry of Labor made a concerted effort the last two years to get people off those extensions and onto another one or lose their work permits
@R**
doesn't mean it doesn't happen ;) Only that you don't know anything about it :P You can hold a work permit on a non-O visa based on marriage to a thai, raising half thai children, raising 100% foreign children, and volunteering without any issues at all.
You previously could also hold a work permit on a non-O visa based on being over 50 (retirement) but the Ministry of Labor made a concerted effort the last two years to get people off those extensions and onto another one or lose their work permits
Ron ******************
@Tod ********
if you read what I wrote you would see that I said you can get one based on being married. The argument was about people on "retirement visas" not marriage. I said that you cannot obtain a wp today if you get a non imm O visa based on being over 50 years of age, true or not? All the info you have given in the past on here said a person must apply for a non imm B to qualify for a wp (excluding voluntering and marriage etc). This is the first time here or on any other site I have heard about people obtaining a wp based on being retired. No official website of immigration or Labor department or any embassy mention this possibility. Tod *********
@Ron *****************
, and whether you heard of it before or not does not discount the fact that many MANY people on extensions based on retirement DID in fact hold valid work permits and work legally here for many many years.I know people form Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Phuket, who ALL held valid work permits and were on extensions based on being over 50 (retirement).
Believe me or not, I don't care in the least, I'm telling you the truth..
Ron ******************
@Tod ********
I am so glad. I am in town next week and will go to immigration to find out how to go about getting a wp on my "retirement visa". I will post the video clip of how much and how hard they are laughing. What you are talking about is people that applied for wp's about 15 to 20 years ago with retirement visas (it was still allowed then). The law changed and you then needed an non imm B (not talking married and volunteer etc). The people that had wp's with retirement visas was allowed to continue to do so, but no new applicants were allowed. About 5 years ago they said that all those still with retirement visas holding wp's must convert to non imm B visas. Is this not more accurate. To say people with retirement visas are allowed to apply for WP's is a bit of a stretch isn't. Tod *********
@Ron *****************
probably wanna actually talk to the people at the government office that ISSUE work permits which is NOT the Thai Immigration Office (they issue VISAS and EXTENSIONS), the people that issue work permits are at the Ministry of Labor. BUT as I said they'll tell you it's not possible, and at this time it is not.. AND
You might wanna brush up on your reading comprehension, I said the MOL has made a concerted effort country wide (that means at all their offices) to get people to change the reasons for their next extension at the immigration office in order to continue holding a work permit.
You seem to have a axe to grind with me or you sure carry a big chip around on your shoulder when people disagree with you.
Reply to
Tod *********
Reply
Tod *********
David Broadfoot Correction, I KNEW of people on retirement extensions who held work permits BUT this last couple years the ministry of labor was telling them either switch the reason for your extension (to marriage to a thai if they're married or based on employment) because they couldn't get a work permit anymore on a "retirement visa"..
Ron ******************
David Broadfoot a non imm O is a visa granted to different people and they granted for different reasons. 1. They can be granted to people older than 50 years of age the so called retirement visa 2. They can be granted to a foreigner mareied o a Thai national 3. Hey can be granted to a foreigner that has Thai children. A foreigner with a non imm O visa based on marriage can apply for a wp. Not now, never in the past and not for the near future can or could a foreigner apply for a work permit with a non imm O based on being over 50 years . Whoever told you that talks BS. You are confusing people with wrong information.
Ron ******************
David Broadfoot you cannot work on a retirement visa. You are wrong.
Ron ******************
David Broadfoot I was setting out the different types of visas and trying to define a tourists vs a permanent resident. The student in Oz that work does not become a pr because he/she work. They stay a foreign student that under the countrys laws are allowed to work.
Ron ******************
David Broadfoot wrong wrong wrong. You cannot work in Thailand with a retirement visa. You can work with a longstay visa based on being married to a Thai national.
Mario **********
David Broadfoot people on retirement visas CANNOT get a work permit in Thailand.
Jane ***********
David Broadfoot Interesting, didnât know that.
Jane ***********
David Broadfoot I see
Jane ***********
David Broadfoot fair enough re the possibility to convert in Thailand. However I donât see the relevance of the Australian eg.
Garrett ***********
ORIGINAL POSTERDavid What clue? "Migrant workers" are issues "non immigrant" visas also.
Garrett ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@R**
So working in another country doesn't make you a foreigner anymore? Jane ***********
@Garrett **********
Seems pretty logical to me, their status in law is the same as a tourist. People who have lived in Thailand for a long period on yearly granted visas (which effectively is what the retirement visa is) and have no status to work canât be anything else.Ron ******************
@Garrett **********
you become a migrant worker not a tourist. Garrett ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@R**
And a retiree, who retirees consist with the country laws and is granted a long term non immigrant visa, is a tourist? Ron ******************
@Garrett **********
yes according to Thai law. What do you want such a person to be? You have choice tourist, migrant worker, foreign investor, foreign student, parental visa holder, permanent residence or citizen ? That is the normal choice through out the world not only in Thailand. Reply to
Ron ******************
Reply
Michael ********
I have been here a long time so have connections i have grown with. But when my Mum was retiring in Singapore we took a serious look at the Malaysia my second home retirement visas. It is far superior to anything Thailand has to offer and at moment they are allowing people with these visa back into the country. Normal quarantine rules apply but they certainly do not treat you as a tourist and you can own your own home. Even import a car (1 time) from your country of origin without stupid taxes.
Jan *********
Not even for free I would enter a muslim state....
Michael ********
@Jan ********
well i dont think they want islamaphobes either so your okReply to
Michael ********
Reply
Ivan ************
Malaysia My Second Home has MUCH higher financial requirements compared to a Thai retirement visa. 350,000 MYR in the bank which is 2.6m THB at current exchange rates, it was closer to 3.5m a few years ago.
As such it has far lower takeup. They have only 40,000 people on it and reject 90% of applicants. It's very niche compared to Thai retirement, it's more akin to Elite.
And if that money isn't a problem, Elite would be an option for you.
As such it has far lower takeup. They have only 40,000 people on it and reject 90% of applicants. It's very niche compared to Thai retirement, it's more akin to Elite.
And if that money isn't a problem, Elite would be an option for you.
****************************************************************************************************************************************
*******
/02/more-than-90-of-mm2h-applications-from-sep-nov-2019-rejected-claims-agents-associationMitchell *******
Once you leave downtown KL, it quickly becomes very un western.
Paul *******
@Mitchell ******
That's right. Outside of downtown KL the city in some areas looks even more run down than parts of Bangkok do. That's the irony.Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Darren *******
@Michael *******
check Malaysia as they recently banned a lot of nationalities from entering the country for the rest of the year, irrespective of what visa they have.Paul *******
@Darren ******
They did indeed. It's a blanket ban on these nationalities even if they have PR. The strictest ban worldwide that is currently in effect. Thailand by contrast has no country specific bans and I don't see them ever implementing one. Instead, they are allowing people back based on what type of visa/extension they are on. Pretty much all expats except retirees have been allowed to return since July.Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Garrett ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mic****
I've been to KL a couple Times. Much more western than Bangkok, but clean and orderly. It's tough, for me I like the under developed, strong cultural, non westernized aspects of Thailand without lacking safety. However, at the same time being a long term expat in Thailand is the most difficult I've seen in any other country. The governments anti foreigner policies make it difficult to live long term, but at the same time preserve the culture (there's no Wendy's in Thailand). It's a double edge sword. Paul *******
@Garrett **********
Don't make too much of things. Thailand's government isn't really "anti-foreigner" at least outside of the current covid context, which is only being done to deflect blame away from their own incompetence. Or to create a boogeyman they can blame so Thais don't ask uncomfortable questions about what's actually happening. Immigration is usually the most difficult aspect of living in Thailand. Most everything else is pretty good.
Paul *******
@Garrett **********
There IS Wendy's in Thailand. I remember having it several times I think it was at MBK.Garrett ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Pa**
Nahhhh, no Wendy's in Bangkok. Paul *******
@Garrett **********
Unless perhaps they've since closed down (can't say, since it's been several years).Paul *******
@Garrett **********
Oh but there IS. I've been there. Garrett ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Pa**
There was one in the 90s, in the basement of MBK. Hasn't been in Thailand in over 20 years though. Mcdonalds, burgerking, (1) tacobell, KFC, are the only US fast food chains in Thailand. Paul *******
@Garrett **********
It's just Wendy's! No need to make a big deal out of it. But yeah maybe that's when I had it, though I thought i have also had it more recently (but still more than 10 years ago).
There's also Texas Chicken in Thailand, and A&W. And you have iHop now too (technically not fast food, but it's a US based chain) and even Tim Hortons (which is Canadian). More and more US fast food chains are opening in Thailand all the time and there's plenty more that you haven't mentioned.
Also, Pizza Hut.
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Terry ********
@Garrett **********
I agree but am laughing at your âno Wendyâsâ statement. Plenty of McDonalds, KFC, Pizza Hut, etc..Paul *******
@Terry *******
And yet I've had Wendy's several times in Thailand. Mostly at MBK.Terry ********
@Paul ******
interesting. I didnât know they had any. I wouldnât go anyway. I got food poisoning at one many years ago. Paul *******
@Terry *******
Which one? Anyway, I'm definitely not into fast food anymore. Very occasionally when I'm on a road trip or just driving through town and there's an A&W I might stop off for a root beer or an ice cream but that's about it. I've pretty much stopped going to McDonalds and Burger King. Terry ********
@Paul ******
it was in San Diego years ago. I stopped eating at McDonalds after I worked there when I was 18. You donât even want to know what goes on behind the scenes. Reply to
Terry ********
Reply
Michael ********
@Garrett **********
Malaysia has that as well its a big place. We were looking at Penang for my mum which is nice place and has everything needed. But get over to Borneo and northern malaysia very little westernisationGarrett ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mic****
I haven't explored outside of KL, but Penang is on my list of places to go. Have a friend up there. This thing can't be over soon enough. Michael ********
@Garrett **********
Yes must be a struggle stuck in States. I just saw first farang since i came out of quarantine yesterday. But been in Ratchaburi busy wife bought so land for me to clear and keep me busyGarrett ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mic****
Struggle is an understatement.Michael ********
@Garrett **********
least your there for the election *****
55Michael ********
In your plans have a look at Kinabalu well worth a trek to top and up river kalimantan
Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
Michael ********
@Garrett **********
yes did see that this morning ironically after i posted a friend posted it.But still remains the fact they dont treat the retirees like tourists
Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
Briton *********
Until the economic pain becomes great enough to overcome blind fear, everyone will have to wait. It's happening all over Asia
Reply to
Briton *********
Reply
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What are my options for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand while exploring different locations?
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