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Is there a long-term reward for continuously renewing a retirement visa in Thailand?

Retirement VisaVisa RenewalPermanent ResidencyLong-term StayThai ImmigrationExpat Life in Thailand
Jun 30, 2023
a year ago
Sam *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Serious question here. With the retirement visa’s that you get and keep extending, then reapplying. Is there any long term prize/reward?

Say after 5 years, do you get one year free, or do they go well done,now you are Thai, don’t worry about the visa’s anymore. You can just stay as long as you want now. Looking long term here.

Thank everyone.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The consensus among the community is that there are no long-term rewards for continuously renewing a retirement visa in Thailand. While immigrants can extend their visa indefinitely as long as they meet the requirements, there is no automatic progression to permanent residency or any financial bonuses after a specified duration. For permanent residency, individuals generally need to work and pay taxes in Thailand for several years, with paths also available through marriage. Some users humorously noted that staying longer may even lead to stricter scrutiny from immigration authorities.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
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  • 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.
David *****
Thai retirement Visa
a year ago
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Somsak ************
Yes, You can apply permanent residence.
a year ago
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Dave **********
I think they give Green Stamps, you're probably not old enough to even know what those are :-)
a year ago
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Colin ********
@Dave *********
 are they even still a thing? I collected them for years, but I was so busy collecting them I forgot to cash them in 😄😄
a year ago
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Sam *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dave *********
 judging from your profile pic next to your comment I am a lot older than you. Other than a green stamp referring to cash though, still have no idea what you mean.
a year ago
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Sam *****
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Ken ******
you are rewarded by thai hospitality
a year ago
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Somsak ************
@Ken *****
 if you donate blood, yes, hospital free.
a year ago
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Sam *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ken *****
 this is true.
a year ago
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Sam *****
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Phillip ********
🤣😂🤣
a year ago
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David **********
Thailand should just give you a visa if you purchase property in the country. I'm not going to splash-out for a condo but if they sweeten the deal by giving me a visa I'd do it. As some may know, it's quite a hassle to stay legal here, especially if one is not the youngest anymore.
a year ago
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Jim ********
@David *********
 It's actually easier for older people to stay than younger ones. Over 50 it's a doddle
a year ago
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David **********
@Jim *******
 But they mandate things like health insurance for older folks - that can cost over $1,500 a year - steep for something most will never ever use.
a year ago
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Jim ********
@David *********
 Health insurance is not compulsory for the "over 50" visa in Thailand, although it's strongly advised
a year ago
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David **********
@Jim *******
 Will check. Have also heard from one source that 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account is also not compulsory. It came from the mouth of someone who is married to a Thai woman - they probably gave him the retirement visa because of that.
a year ago
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Jim ********
@David *********
 Instead of the 800k in the bank you can use the 65k per month transfer method. Money is yours to use as soon as you get it. The Married to a Thai visa is different, it's not a retirement visa and requires only 40k per month transfer (although how anyone can live on that beats me but many seem to do it)
a year ago
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Jim ********
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Sel *****
Even for the $17k 5 years Elite Visa you only get a USB stick as a thank you 😂
a year ago
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Bryn ********
Don’t kid yourself. Yer here strictly on probation. Checking in with the parole officer every three months is mandatory.
a year ago
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Sam *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bryn *******
 yeah yeah I am hearing ya. Just thought I would ask how things proceed. Get some good tips here sometimes. Cheers🍻
a year ago
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Bryn ********
@Sam ****
 Wishin’ ya luck. I’ve just got to the point I’ll only stay during the winter tourist season. Can’t take the heat and humidity. I’d head south but I’m just not a beach guy.
a year ago
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Bryn ********
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Paul *********
a year ago
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Sam *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ********
 did you just find new emoji’s? Keep them coming.😁
a year ago
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Sam *****
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Graeme **********
What are you on
a year ago
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Graeme **********
Must be the ‘High’ ya gettin from life eh buddy
a year ago
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Sam *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graeme *********
 you know it.
a year ago
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Sam *****
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Sam *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graeme *********
 high on life buddy. Don’t take everything so literal and then to heart. Didn’t mean any harm.
a year ago
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Sam *****
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Alessandro **********
a year ago
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Sam *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alessandro *********
 yeah true that. Was just being a little felicitous with the prize / reward comment Thought I might find the golden ticket advice here on how things proceed 10 / 20 years down the track. I am still feeling quite optimistic though. 😁
a year ago
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Sam *****
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Kat ******
a year ago
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Colin ********
It's not a lottery, there is no prize or gamification 😆😆
a year ago
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Sam *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Colin *******
 please refer to Charles comment above.😜
a year ago
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Sam *****
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Kevin *********
Buy One.

Get One Free.

Sale Now On.
a year ago
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Danger ******
Hopefully, that's not a serious question. Duh.
a year ago
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Sam *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Danger *****
 nup totally, wasn’t sure if this is what people did til they Karked it or what. 30 plus years of the same deal seems a bit retarded is all
a year ago
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Danger ******
I've been here 6 years and look forward to spending 1900 baht a year in future to remain in this wonderful country.
a year ago
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Sam *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Danger *****
 nice tip cheers 🍻
a year ago
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Sam *****
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Danger ******
@Sam ****
 Well. Thailand has a permanent resident program. 5 seconds to Google it.
a year ago
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Danger ******
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Addy ***********
a year ago
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Charles ***********
Yes there's a prize. The prize is we get to stay in Thailand and not have to return to our home countries, unless we really want to.
a year ago
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Eric *********
@Charles **********
 or unless you have to. I.e. forced to.
a year ago
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Eric *********
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Cliff *********
No.

But the reward is you get to live in Thailand year after year.

Not bad huh?
a year ago
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Sam *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Cliff ********
 wasn’t complaining just asking a question. And definitely not bad at all.
a year ago
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Sam *****
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Polo *********
Such a nonsense!
a year ago
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John ********
After 20 years abidin all the rules at my last retirement ext i was rewarded with a five hour wait on a very hard chair.
a year ago
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Sam *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *******
 Ah Thailand the land of uncomfortable chairs. They are really lucky they have so much else going for them. Most oldies backs are just holding up 😂😂
a year ago
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Eric *********
@John *******
 some of these will be rewarded with a very hard dick in the ass, so I suggest they get lubed up
a year ago
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Eric *********
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Kevin *******
Learn to read write and speak thai then apply for thai citizenship ! Easy lol
a year ago
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Sam *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kevin ******
 I actually agree with you here. I was just seriously asking as I wasn’t sure if you just kept doing the same thing for like 30 years or what really.
a year ago
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Alistair **********
@Sam ****
 if you want permanent residency you have to work and pay taxes here for at least 3yrs before applying, this can eventually lead to citizenship. Working can also provide you with Thai social security, which allows you free use of government hospitals. So if you plan to live here for a long time and are young enough it's not a bad idea
a year ago
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Eric *********
@Alistair *********
crap advice. Knowing the right people, greasing the right palms and paying tea money is the quickest and simplest way. I also speak fluent Thai and Issan which means they can't fool an old farang too.
a year ago
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Eric *********
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Eric *********
@Kevin ******
did that 10 years ago. I've also got a gun licence
a year ago
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Kevin *******
@Eric ********
 what you shooting ?
a year ago
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Eric *********
@Kevin ******
generally, people. I get paid to do it. I'm a mechanic
a year ago
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Kevin *******
@Eric ********
a year ago
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Kevin *******
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Tulip ********
Yes, it's a points based system and don't forget points mean prizes. And don't forget the cuddly toy
a year ago
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Michael *******
Do not pass go, do not collect $200.
a year ago
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VaiAna **********
San Sam , what a F'ckn Awesome deal ! Do you work for Walmart ? Buy one and get the second one for half price ?
a year ago
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Eric *********
Get your bellend out at immigration and you get an all inclusive stay at the Bang Kwang hotel with room service and wall to wall ladyboys
a year ago
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Chris ******
@Eric ********
🤡
a year ago
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Chris ******
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Jack *********
I've extended twice and now I'm full blooded Thai. They gave me the key to the city and made me an honorary chief.
a year ago
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Frank **********
Are you being serious?
a year ago
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Timothy **********
Nationalisation after 5 years if you meet the requirements
a year ago
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Martyn ***********
I think your on the wind up mate...
a year ago
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Mark ********
That's what I love about this site...nothing. Everyone's a smart a*se know all.
a year ago
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Chris ******
@Mark *******
Thai forum's are notoriously pathetic... beer and broken hearts could be to blame .
a year ago
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Chris ******
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Duncan **********
Oh the buy 5 get 1 free deal
a year ago
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Dave *********
@Duncan *********
 It's good immigration are doing this now. I got a free bottle of water at the petrol station the other day and a key ring at Amazon. Good to see immigration are doing free deals now too.
a year ago
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Dave *********
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Gray ******
After 5 years, they moved my immigration office. I guess they don’t want me to renew.
a year ago
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Shayne **********
USD $60 per year and you're worried about getting a bonus? It's not that hard.
a year ago
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Sam *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Shayne *********
 nah was just checking for some insight to the future, from those who go before me.
a year ago
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Sam *****
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Thomas *******
a year ago
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Jeff *********
You are dreaming, the longer you stay the more they don’t trust you! lol
a year ago
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Steve ********
I've had 14 can I have free icecream
a year ago
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Dave **********
@Steve *******
 been here 23 years and went to a LTR Visa, .
a year ago
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Steve ********
@Dave *********
 I've been here 25 but I only 63 so had a double on one year
a year ago
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Steve ********
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Kathalyn *******
Which country does this?Yours?
a year ago
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Sam *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kathalyn ******
 I didn’t realise every country was keeping up with each other. I thought that’s why everyone loves Thailand in the first place , because it is good different
a year ago
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Lynnette *******
Kathalyn Ayers imagine trying to stay in UK or USA long-term so easily.
a year ago
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Jarek ************
@Lynnette ******
 no one in their right mind would wanna stay in the US/UK or Canada 😂😂
a year ago
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Lynnette *******
@Jarek ***********
 really? Where did you live that made you think that?
a year ago
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Jarek ************
@Lynnette ******
 Canada for 17 years, some trips to the US and Europe... Overrated shit holes with nazi governments, increasing crime rate, shit healthcare and education system, rising taxes and cost of living. But I guess some love the rat race and enslavement...
a year ago
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Jarek ************
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Frank-Steven ***********
You wish, right? Could make sense, right? But: TIT. Anyways, closest thing what you describe would be "Permanent Residency". But no, this is not awarded automatically after a certain period of stay. You would need to have worked and paid taxes in the country for a while to be eligible to apply for the PR. If I remember correctly, another way would be through marriage.
a year ago
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Jo **********
@Frank-Steven **********
 and speak Thai
a year ago
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Brandon ************
@Frank-Steven **********
 I think the marriage only without work is just for females.
a year ago
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Frank-Steven ***********
@Brandon ***********
 Curious: Would your LTR in the remote working category make one eligible for a PR? I would expect not. But I don’t know.
a year ago
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Brandon ************
@Frank-Steven **********
 unfortunately not because you're exempt from taxes for remote work. Can't even get a work permit which I really wanted for getting a credit card and other things.
a year ago
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Jo **********
@Brandon ***********
 actually you may be able. if you have been here for 5 years and speak Thai it’s possible. not saying it’s going to happen but it would be possible
a year ago
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Frank-Steven ***********
@Brandon ***********
 I see. I thought so. And yes: The “digital” work permit thing was amongst the things phrased confusing. It sounded like all LTR holders could get them. Thought one could work for a Thai company on the side, too. Oh well, but I guess there is worse things in life than tax-free income. Might give the LTR another go myself.
a year ago
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Chris ************
@Frank-Steven **********
@Brandon ***********
 the LTR for purpose of remote work get a work permit if also working for a local Thai Company.

Taxed with 17% then. Taxfree only for foreign income.

How that could create an entitlement for a later residence... don't know yet.
a year ago
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Brandon ************
@Chris ***********
 the "highly skilled professional" LTR is specifically for people that work for a Thai company and includes the special tax rate and work permit. It's mutually exclusive with LTR-T.
a year ago
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Chris ************
@Brandon ***********
 i talked about remote, meaning the "working from thailand" category.

Can work remote taxfree, take jobs also from/for thai companies, but need for each company a different work permit.

Was my friend and his lawyer told from BOI just now being in the process...
a year ago
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Brandon ************
@Chris ***********
 you said "the LTR for purposes of remote work". That's the LTR-T remote worker for foreign company. If you have that visa you cannot get a job with a Thai company according to the BOI.
a year ago
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Brandon ************
@Chris ***********
 the BOI told someone in the past that had the LTR-T (the remote worker version) that if they later got a job with a Thai company they would need to cancel their LTR (no refunds) and apply for a non-B as they're not allowed to get a work permit on the LTR-T.
a year ago
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Brandon ************
@Frank-Steven **********
 I'm American so there's no such thing as tax free income 😅
a year ago
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Frank-Steven ***********
@Brandon ***********
 Damn. That’s right. World income principle. I hope it is at least a good bit less taxes than if you were in the US.
a year ago
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Frank-Steven ***********
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Mark ********
Try Thai Elite visa if you have the coin.
a year ago
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Ruth *******
@Mark *******
 that doesn’t solve the problem asked
a year ago
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Ivan ************
@Ruth ******
 it solves it for up to 20 years.
a year ago
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Sam *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ivan ***********
 yeah well if I go out young, that might be the ticket 😂
a year ago
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Sam *****
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Mark ********
@Ruth ******
 Sshhh.
a year ago
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Mark ********
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John ********
Nothing is free in Thailand and the answer to your question is No its a life time commitment
a year ago
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Doug ********
a year ago
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Henrik **************
What planet are you from 👽?
a year ago
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Andrew *********
It's Thailand, if anything they will charge you more the longer you stay
a year ago
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Judy *******
The straight answer is no. You extend your visa forever
a year ago
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Brandon ************
There's not a punchcard. Immigration isn't a cafe.

Your prize is you get to stay in Thailand another year if you meet the requirements.
a year ago
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Brandon ************
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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