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.
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.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.