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What are the best options for staying in Thailand after my work permit expires?

Work PermitRetirement VisaNon-Immigrant VisaBorder RunsVisa ExtensionThai Elite VisaImmigration Advice
September 21, 2018
6 years ago
Jim *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello and thank you for admitting me into this helpful group. And just in time:

I live in Bangkok and hold a Work Permit (two years now) which expires next week. At this point, it doesn’t look as if the company will get it renewed.

I’m a US citizen, over age 50. My goal is to stay and eventually retire here.

Question: What do you suggest if the WP is not renewed?

- Transfer funds into my Thai account and apply for retirement visa in 2 months (not my first choice)

- Should I fly back to the US and apply for a basic tourist visa? And then keep renewing that?

- Or is there some other approach to staying here longer? (I just don’t want to do visa runs every month)

Many thanks in advance for your advice.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A US citizen living in Bangkok seeks advice on options if their work permit is not renewed. They consider applying for a retirement visa, flying back to the US for a tourist visa, or exploring alternatives to avoid frequent visa runs. Responses suggest options like applying for a Non-Immigrant OA visa for nearly two years of stay, seeking an extension based on being over 50, or considering the Thai Elite visa for longer-term residency without frequent renewals.
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.
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Robert ********
Try
******************
6 years ago
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Robert ********
@Mi**
, not sure I understand your comment, but if you do fly out of BKK, you will get VIP Fast Track service on departure and again on your arrival..even if flying economy.
6 years ago
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Mish *******
Defeats the purpose of living in Thailand?
6 years ago
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Robert ********
As long as you are a member, you are never required to leave the country again.
6 years ago
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Robert ********
Depending on which option you choose, it costs less than Bt. 270 / day
6 years ago
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Robert ********
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Steve **********
Get an extension of stay based on age over 50. Then form an Amity Treaty company sole proprietorship and consult on a contract basis no work permit needed. Profit.
6 years ago
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Jim *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Now that sounds interesting
6 years ago
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Jim *********
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Kira *******
Elite visa? A bit expensive but at least 5 years do not need to bother about visa
6 years ago
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Steve *******
Fly back and get the Non Imm OA, gives you nearly 2 years with just 1 border bounce
6 years ago
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Robert *******
There is a bit more needed than an ATM slip, John Saw just posted his application in Bangkok and al the requirements.
6 years ago
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Jim *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Steve Greir oh I see. I need to read the qualifications more closely
6 years ago
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Steve *******
@Jim ********
 the money doesnt have to be in a Thai bank for the OA visa
6 years ago
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Jim *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Steve Greir I just had a delayed reaction question sorry: do I wait to apply for OA until the 800k is in the Thai bank for two months? (And just leave after 30 days for the next 2 months)?
6 years ago
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Steve *******
@Jim ********
 Yes
6 years ago
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Jim *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve ******
 just to confirm, would I need to apply for the OA from my home country (only)? And again, thanks so much
6 years ago
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Jim *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve ******
 ok thanks
6 years ago
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Steve *******
@Jim ********
 It is often called a 'retirement visa'
6 years ago
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Jim *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks. Is it quite similar to retirement visa? I notice the requirement for 800k THB
6 years ago
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Jim *********
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Robert *******
Big question is are you now on a actual Visa and doing border runs every 3 months or are you on an Extension of Stay based on working from Immigration Office and report there every 90 days?
6 years ago
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Jim *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Robert Lagas thank you kindly! Much appreciated
6 years ago
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Robert *******
If you got the Extension of Stay that is in your passport in Bangkok yes, otherwise you have to do this at the office mentioned in the first line of the stamp.
6 years ago
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Jim *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
 thank you. Can I apply for extension of stay here in BKK?
6 years ago
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Robert *******
Than this Extension of Stay will become invalid on your last day of working and has to be cancelled at the Immigration Ofice. You than have to leave the country or apply for a NEW Extension of Stay, you can apply for the Extension of Stay based on being over 50 years of age if you meet all the requirements.
6 years ago
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Jim *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
 sorry it’s extension of stay
6 years ago
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Robert *******
You can not have both, take a look at your passport:
6 years ago
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Jim *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi. I’m on actual visa with extension of stay
6 years ago
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Jim *********
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