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Can I work part-time on a Retirement Visa in Thailand?

Retirement VisaWork PermitRemote WorkImmigration RulesExpats in ThailandLegal Work OptionsIncome for Retirees
Jun 19, 2025
25 days ago
Bruce ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am a 67 yo from the USA who has been here for almost five months on my initial 15 month Retirement Visa. Is there any way to get a part-time job other than thru online digital employment? I do not have a work permit and believe I would be unable to get one on a Retirement Visa. I realize that if I try to work for some company or individual, even under the table, I risk severe consequences including deportation, and have zero desire to break or even bend the law. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance… 🙏
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster, a 67-year-old expat on a Retirement Visa in Thailand, seeks advice about obtaining a part-time job outside of digital employment. Several community members clarify that working on a Retirement Visa is illegal and could lead to severe consequences like deportation. They emphasize the importance of adhering to Thai laws regarding work permits and suggest that remote work for foreign companies might be the only feasible option. The discussion also includes various opinions on how retirees can engage in activities without legal issues.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
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Sei *****
even as a married man had to take care of wife and stepdaughter and no work permit. money finished in 4 years and kicked out of wife
22 days ago
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Dianne ********
Do volunteer work - help out the community free of charge
23 days ago
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Jorge ****
@Dianne *******
 illegal in LOS without a work permit, and quite impossible as the visa sticker clearly says "employment prohibited" (even if unpaid). Their rules, not ours.
23 days ago
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Dianne ********
@Jorge ***
 volunteering is not working. Volunteering means helping in a charity for free.
23 days ago
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Jorge ****
@Dianne *******
 the local authorities see it as working. Their country, their rules. Not even my opinion.
23 days ago
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Dianne ********
@Jorge ***
 good to know.
23 days ago
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Dianne ********
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Jorge ****
Work for a few baht while already retired in LOS? Nah, life is short.
24 days ago
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Bruce ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jo***
: work for a western company paying western wages for remote online work?
24 days ago
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Jorge ****
@Bruce *******
 ideal situation, but not likely.
23 days ago
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Jorge ****
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Fletcher *****
Ya 67 mate …. Have a wank and relax !
25 days ago
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Diane ********
These comments are brutal 😎😎
25 days ago
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Nitzan *****
You've answered yourself: you can't get a work permit on retirement visa. While still technically illegal, you could offer online fitness and nutrition coaching. One way to market yourself would be creating free content (reels, YouTube) - you won't make (much) money from doing that, but people who find it helpful may be interested in coaching later. (probably best to avoid Thailand-based clients though)
25 days ago
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Dwayne ********
Digital aside as it means zero in Thailand. Either upper management skills in logistics with connections or fold to that as a teacher provided you have an upper degree with transcripts.
25 days ago
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Clare *******
Too many karens
25 days ago
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Steve ***********
@Clare ******
 too
25 days ago
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Steve ***********
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Clare *******
Work at 67 lol seek a Dr at Bangkok Hospital give you something to do in your spare time tell him your story
25 days ago
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Sammy *****
Didn't you think of your financial ability five months ago?
25 days ago
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Kevin ******
Not even supposed to volunteer
25 days ago
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Jennifer ******
It's says on your Visa that you are not allowed employment. Open your passport and have a look. It's there.
25 days ago
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Michael ********
Unfortunately No. But i believe Thai goverment is missing out on great opportunity there are many people here who have retired and have a particular skill set that could benifit Thai companies by acting as consultants. A part time retirement work permit would be good for this. Unfortunately unlikely to happen as powers to be dont think of country first.
25 days ago
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Tony ***********
I think that guys in Thailand may buy shares in businesses.. like quarter partnerships
25 days ago
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Jason ***********
You're too old to work. Enjoy your retirement
25 days ago
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Kerry *********
If there’s a multinational company that wants to hire you and they have a good HR department in Thailand they could probably get you the correct visa and work permit; if you’re trying to find a job with a Thai company with whom you have no prior relationship, then probably it’s a pipe dream.
25 days ago
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Andy ************
Many people would love to have a retirement visa in Thailand so count yourself lucky and don't fuck it up by doing something illegal 🙄
25 days ago
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Peter ********
@Andy ***********
 that advice is worth gold... I hope he doesn't bugger up.
23 days ago
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Bruce ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I have zero desire to skirt any laws while here so no worries, just looking for options.
23 days ago
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Bruce ********
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Gustavo *********
@Andy ***********
 That's it ✅
25 days ago
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Gustavo *********
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Anna *********
Simple answer is No
25 days ago
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William *********
I believe if you own a business with Thai employees, you can be a manager.
25 days ago
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Us *****
You're 67, it's time to enjoy your retirement. If you're bored, find a leisure activity.
25 days ago
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Bruce ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Im a former fitness professional, I play golf, tennis, workout at the gym, enjoy long walks, meeting people, bars, music and even table tennis. I’ve made many friends including one special one. My hobbies are covered. That’s never been an issue. This was merely to add add’l income.
25 days ago
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Us *****
@Bruce *******
 if you have to worry about income at 67 then you didn't plan out your finances correctly. Message me directly if you need help figuring it out. I'll find a way for you to max out living on SS.
25 days ago
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Bruce ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Not interested in having my life’s financial planning history explained nor judged. I am able to maximize my budget of my current retirement benefits just fine and also have a lot of outside interests & hobbies to keep me busy & content. Just having a hard time convincing many here that all I want is a small income to make my nest egg last longer. Plus, to do it legally within the boundaries of Thai law, which means most likely online remote work.
25 days ago
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Bruce ********
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Andrew *******
@Bruce *******
 find a hobby ...no need to worry about working
25 days ago
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Andrew *******
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Glenn *****
Not unless you are Russian, Chinese or Indian 55
25 days ago
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Bob **********
No you can’t work if your short of funds head back home this in no place to live skint 😎😎😎
25 days ago
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Bruce ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Im not short on funds, I just would like to have a small regular income for many other opportunities as well as the worrisome ones…
25 days ago
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Dwayne ********
@Bruce *******
 i understand keeping busy but haven’t figured it out yet. All foreigner businesses are at best not including a western franchise, a break even business. Those foreigners do it to stay busy or have lots sex with young girls. Best just retire and find a hobby.
25 days ago
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Bob **********
@Bruce *******
 get a job and a work permit
25 days ago
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Bruce ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Pretty sure I cannot get a work permit on my Retirement Visa
25 days ago
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Bruce ********
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Ian ********
Do many people work remotely - if so do they use their Thai bank account or external to receive their salary
25 days ago
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Dwayne ********
@Ian *******
 remote is rather dead unless you a high skillset with lots of clients.
25 days ago
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Ian ********
@Dwayne *******
 🙏
24 days ago
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Ian ********
@Dwayne *******
 thanks for your reply - we’re still a year or so away from making the move and was just wondering if it’s possible
25 days ago
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Dwayne ********
@Ian *******
 depends your industry, i messed up awhile ago getting detached from my entertainment industry. Though my friend, a visual effects artist is still fully employed & 100% remote, another is a system programmer for banks, also full-time & fully remote. Most like if already with a western company and connected via applications & server, remote should be possible.
25 days ago
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Dwayne ********
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Bob **********
@Ian *******
 if you did break the law and work your salary would go to your home countries bank then you would transfer it over to
25 days ago
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Bob **********
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Chris ****
Hi Bruce. It seems you are saying that the cost of Thailand are higher than expected? And now you’re stressed about your budget enough to take any random job? May I suggest you try a province where the costs are much lower than the more popular/populated areas? It’s not as lonely as it sounds - the provinces are rural but unlike the west there are plenty of generations staying together and create a community you can join. You’ll find a tremendous savings.
25 days ago
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Bruce ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks for the advice regardless. My retirement fund is able to provide for me here & while I plan to travel, I really enjoy my current situation. I worked hard most of my life and while I wish I could say I’m wealthy enough to do what I want when I want, I’m just not at this point, although a ln inheritance is in my future. That said, I would like to have a small regular income to create that buffer we all know would be great in case something comes up, both good & bad. That’s merely it, but don’t want to break any laws.
25 days ago
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Tony **********
@Bruce *******
 you could investigate a remote customer service job with a USA company (phone support). But that job certainly isn't going to give you additional peace of mind.
25 days ago
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Bruce ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@To**
: I’m good in the ‘peace of mind’ category, not sure why anyone would question my happiness level, as all I originally asked was if anyone know of some sort of legal way to work part time while living here and yes, I’ve been looking for remote online work with a US preferred company.
25 days ago
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Bruce ********
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Andrew *******
@Bruce *******
 not worth it ...just save until you are sure you can be self sufficient ...then settle in Thailand
25 days ago
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Bruce ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@And***
: Perhaps not to you but it clearly is to me, as I’m here and loving life regardless.
25 days ago
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Bruce ********
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Gregg *******
Thanks for raising this
@Bruce *******
. It appears that I'm 5 years behind you and this is the reason that I've decided to delay my retirement for another year, possibly 2. I've been coming to Thailand as a FIFO worker for over 7 years, usually 4 weeks working in Oz and 12 nights Thailand... I've been here this time almost 4 months and I've had no income for 10 months. It's been a great time, but if I wish to continue this lifestyle then a slightly larger nest egg is required.
25 days ago
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Christopher ******
@Gregg ******
 yes i was a FIFO international worker, spending most of my time in SEA either working or resting It's a lifestyle not easy to reign in. 😆
25 days ago
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Christopher ******
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Richard ********
@Chris ***
 That's not what he's saying, nor is it implied.
25 days ago
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James ********
@Richard *******
 But it's a very sound , practical and helpfull reply.
25 days ago
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Richard ********
@James *******
 It's off topic.

The op was asking about working, this reply shot off on a tangent about how to live more cheaply and promoting the "rural" life.
25 days ago
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Andy ************
Richard Parker Another one Isaan-bound? 😂
25 days ago
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James ********
@Andy ***********
 Way to go !!
24 days ago
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Richard ********
@Andy ***********
 Not me, been there, more than a bit boring after the first 30 minutes.

I'm sure it might suit some guys.
25 days ago
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Andy ************
@Richard *******
 I know what you mean! Isaan doesn't do it for me either.
25 days ago
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James ********
@Richard *******
 And it was refreshing , not like some people.
25 days ago
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James ********
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Andy ************
No such thing as a 15-month retirement visa
25 days ago
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Todd *********
@Andy ***********
 you never used an agent :)
25 days ago
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Andy ************
@Todd ********
 Of course not. But it's still not a 15-month visa. It's a 90-day visa with a 12-month extension of stay
25 days ago
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Todd *********
@Andy ***********
 absolutely correct. But some agents tend to package it simply as a 15 month ‘visa’. Which to a first timer, is exactly what they perceive. And want. All understandable
25 days ago
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Andy ************
@Todd ********
 Yes I'm aware many expats do not understand immigration terminology
25 days ago
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Andy ************
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Steve ***********
@Andy ***********
 exactly
25 days ago
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Robin *******
@Andy ***********
 you know what he means, he’s a yank cut him some slack
25 days ago
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Andy ************
@Robin ******
 Actually I don't. I know 90-day, one year, three year and five year.
25 days ago
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Tony **********
@Andy ***********
 90 day non-o plus 12 month extension. If he used an agent or could have been offered it for a price at immigration.
25 days ago
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Andy ************
@Tony *********
 So it's not a 15-month visa. Ok. I knew there wasn't such a thing
25 days ago
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John **********
You can't legally work on a retirement visa at all. There are only 2 visas that legally allow you to work remotely, the DTV and the LTR for Remote Work. People do it, but you need to keep it quiet
25 days ago
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John **********
@Alex ******
 in total 15 months. 90 day Non-O visa plus 12 months extension of stay. It only happens if you use an agent. Do it yourself and you get 90 days Non-O visa then before that runs out you get the 12 months extension of stay
25 days ago
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John **********
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Steve ***********
Initial 15 month retirement visa?? Please explain
25 days ago
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Jon ********
@Steve **********
 1st 3 months are tourist Visa
25 days ago
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Jesper *******
@Jon *******
 1st 3mths is initial nonO 90days then he get 1yr extension that's why it's 15mths
25 days ago
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Diane ********
@Jesper ******
 I haven’t left yet do I do my airfare for 3 months in the initial stage or wait till I get there? Im coming on a one way ticket then do a run for Vietnam is that wise?
25 days ago
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Jesper *******
@Diane *******
 are u coming in on a nonO visa or visa exempt? If coming in on nonO yes a one way ticket will be enough and once in thailand u can start preparing for the 1yr extensions but if u are coming in on a visa exempt (60days for 93 countries) it's best to have a return or outbound ticket
25 days ago
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Diane ********
@Jesper ******
 no coming Non O and thank you for the info.
23 days ago
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Diane ********
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กะลาสี *****
@Steve **********
 pretty sure he's talking about an initial 3 month O visa and a 12 month extension of stay, which combined = 15 months.
25 days ago
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กะลาสี *****
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Bill *********
Part-time or full-time, above table or below table, no way do I want to jeopardize my retirement in Thailand and I don't think you want to either so early in your journey. Besides, I don't have time for a job: there are massages to take, skybars to visit, nightclubs to check out, restaurants to review, new areas to explore etc.
25 days ago
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Alex *******
A popular way to make money for retired guys in Thailand is to start a YouTube channel and talk about bar girls. Those channels do well cause old overweight men with blue balls enjoy watching that stuff
25 days ago
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Diane ********
@Alex ******
 hush🤣🤣
25 days ago
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Bob **********
@Alex ******
 And the revenue department is looking to tax all the YouTubers
25 days ago
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Jeremy ********
@Alex ******
25 days ago
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Jeremy ********
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Braulio *********
Best to follow the rules
25 days ago
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Jon ********
Enjoy your retirement, you can’t work legally
25 days ago
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Frank **********
Yes. Do not work.
25 days ago
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Jeremy ********
Nope it’s illegal to work on a retirement visa within the borders of the Kingdom of Thailand

With that being said remote work and YouTube are the grey wild Wild West of income streams

Good luck
25 days ago
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Jeremy ********
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