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Have the retirement visa rules in Thailand changed recently?
Thailand retirement visavisa rulesimmigrationexpat advicefinancial requirementsvisa rumorsBangkok PostBig Joke
Aug 10, 2023
3 years ago
Steve ******
ORIGINAL POSTERPlease i keep reading that the retirement visa has changed, is this fact?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion centers around potential changes to the Thai retirement visa requirements, sparked by a statement from a senior police official suggesting the current requirements are outdated. However, many commenters warn that much of the information circulating is based on rumors and speculation, urging caution. Some recent requests from certain immigration offices for additional documentation, such as rental contracts and landlord ID, have been noted, but widespread official changes have not been confirmed. Overall, the sentiment in the comments is skeptical towards the rumors and advocates for remaining calm amidst the discussions.
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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Antanas *************
No this is requirement for old person who wants to have 18 years girlfriend:)
Steve ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Antanas ************
Boyfriend.Reply to
Steve ******
Reply
Ken ******
google serach for integrity legal. lots of update
Scott ***************
There's an LTR visa started in 2022.
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Erin ***************
Look at a Thai embassy or consulate website
Mark *********
Crap
Robin ***********
Nothing wrong with retirement visa they need background check before giving visa. This a law issue not a visa issue.
Juffair *******
It’s comments big joke made, primarily because of bikers gangs, that’s all. Now it’s being blown out of all proportion mainly by YouTubers who want more money.
Peter *******
There was talk of increasing the financials as that would reduce the criminals, stupid thinking as criminals probably have more money than hard working retirees
Mika ********
@Peter ******
exactlyReply to
Mika ********
Reply
Oliver **********
I believe the only source for this speculation is this article, in which Big Joke says the requirements are too low
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73/driving-out-the-gangsColin *********
@Oliver *********
Big Joke was right about a couple of things which they should focus on; 'the lack of strict law enforcement and corrupt officials'. The problem is that Police and Immigration Officers are paid such low wages, some, who knows how many, resort to accepting bribes so that they can live reasonably. Pay them a decent wage and warn them any that caught accepting bribes will be dismissed. They should also clamp down hard on Agents who don't do things legally. Another thing they can do is look deeper into the background of foreigners wanting to enter the country and refuse anyone with any criminal background, or connections to those with criminal backgrounds. Demanding higher financial requirements will only hurt the innocent foreignersOliver **********
@Colin ********
they should just make Thailand uncorrupted. That would solve everythingColin *********
@Oliver *********
a lot less corruption would be great. It probably wouldn't ever be completely eliminated. Every country has some level of corrupting, even if very low.Oliver **********
@Colin ********
i was kind of joking. Corruption is a tough nut to crack hereReply to
Oliver **********
Reply
Dianne *****
@Oliver *********
strange rationale there.We all know that gang members have access to more money than the average pensionerOliver **********
@Dianne ****
yes, they oddly assume that rich people don't commit crimes. And yet probably all the people involved in the crimes lately (the Chinese torture gang, the murdering motorcycle clubs) have access to plenty of funds.Reply to
Oliver **********
Reply
Peterjames **********
No just a recommendation by a police officer .
Frank **********
@Peterjames *********
not just a police officer, he is much higher in the chain.Bob **********
@Frank *********
it’s all in the name Big JokeReply to
Bob **********
Reply
Joe **********
Google… BIG JOKE !
Joe **********
Not yet but Financial Requirement talks are in the Works.. Nothing yet in stone but get here now ASAP if you have plans to avoid possible Changes…
Brian ********
@Joe *********
nothing is in the works. Not even the government at this point.Joe **********
@Brian *******
Yup they just talking now just words !Ken ********
@Joe *********
I've heard this tooBrian ********
@Joe *********
just one guy.Joe **********
@Brian *******
That’s where your wrong.. Yes on the Front BIG JOKE is just one man correct.. But how many people where in the room when he made or agreed with his sentiments…Brian ********
@Joe *********
who knows? Maybe thousands, maybe none. It's all just rumor. We'll see what happens.Joe **********
@Brian *******
Yes they just talking now words only nothing has been written yet…Reply to
Joe **********
Reply
Alistair ********
Go get ripped on Chang and have a snooze. Relax a while.
Tom ********
You must have 10 million Baht in the bank, have 3 wives, drive a Mercedes and speak Russian
Steve ********
@Tom *******
That's only for Phuket which seems to have been taken over by RussiansTom ********
@Steve *******
Pattaya/Jomtien is not far behindDavid *********
@Tom *******
Hua Hin too , all sorts , dodging the draft of the devine leader .David ********
I don't see what ability to speak Russian has to do with it 🤔😎
Reply to
David ********
Reply
Nigel *********
@Tom *******
I don't speak Russian.Reply to
John *********
Reply
Marco ***********
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Dianne *****
@Marco **********
more than a few inaccuracies in the information being orovided thereMarco ***********
@Dianne ****
you should contact that agency and tell them 😉Reply to
Marco ***********
Reply
Steve *******
According to the Bangkok post changes are under review. Very little in specifics. Probably a mix of good and bad.
Peter *********
Were are you reading this ????
Peter *********
NO
Roy *********
Johan ********
Where did you read this? Share URL please...
Nigel *********
Thailand doesn't even have a government yet.
One senior ( and quite influential) police officer has expressed an opinion on how he believes that the requirements of the retirement visa are outdated and need to be amended. Now every blogger and YouTubers and some agents are stirring the pot in search of clicks.
Be calm everyone. Agents love a good panic.
One senior ( and quite influential) police officer has expressed an opinion on how he believes that the requirements of the retirement visa are outdated and need to be amended. Now every blogger and YouTubers and some agents are stirring the pot in search of clicks.
Be calm everyone. Agents love a good panic.
David *********
@Carlos *******
or both , which would probably be a good idea .John *********
@Nigel ********
correct nigelReply to
John *********
Reply
Michael *******
Ive not heard anything! Rumours ?!
Possibly change if the politics change!
Possibly change if the politics change!
Steve ********
The only thing which seems to have changed (and it seems very localised at this point) is that some immigration offices are now asking for rental contract (lease) and copy of owner/landlord's ID for the 12-month extension.
Stéfan ********
@Steve *******
not newSteve ********
@Stéfan *******
In Bangkok it is. That's why I emphasised it's localised. Not all offices are asking for itStéfan ********
@Steve *******
ok... Sorry to hear that. This has been a requirement in CM for all visas for at least 7 years. Even the tourist visa.Graham ******
@Stéfan *******
You cannot get a Tourist Visa in CM or anywhere else in ThailandStéfan ********
@Graham *****
indeed, but you can get a 30 day extension on a tourist visa in CM... And if you rent a house or condo for your stay, you are legally required to make the updates with immigration, hence me talking about the tourist visa.Reply to
Stéfan ********
Reply
Martin **********
@Steve *******
They asked me this for 2 years now, in Jomtien. But I have parts in companyAlex *******
@Martin *********
Does it really have to be at least 12 months? Difficult to do since most contracts are 1 year, so if you signed the contract any day before your extension it will not be 12 monthsSteve ********
@Alex ******
It has to be a rental contract. There's no specific time on this. I did my last extension about a month ago and my current lease expires in December. It was fine. I think many people are over-thinking this (although with Thai immigration I can understand why 😆)Martin **********
@Alex ******
You need contract for 12 months, a year extension. Your contract must not been made so long.Reply to
Martin **********
Reply
Brandon ************
Have you read that it's a fact? You're just reading rumors.
Steve ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
thanks so ATM its only rumors?Kool *******
@Steve *****
there was actually an added retirement visa alternative added just before covid hit, under the LTR visa options. Other than that nothing has changed, except the health insurance requirement for the OA/OX retirement visa. The amount of coverage required increased.Brandon ************
@Steve *****
yesReply to
Brandon ************
Reply
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