What are the options for expats in Thailand considering borders reopening and visa renewals?

Thailand visa options NON-B visa social security expat life travel alternatives Nepal Turkey Eastern Europe Philippines Portugal

August 25, 2020

4 years ago

Anthony *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Having looked at what countries might be opening up close by, I think Nepal will be opening it's borders on the 1st September, now if your like me and have a non b visa and a life here then It couke be an option to head there for me as I also work online, which I had to start due to closing me hostel on Koh phangan for the foreseeable future, 8t doesn't give Amy info on possible quarantines though or anything like that so I don't know if anyone else knows more about it? Or any other country I could fly too close by and wait it out till the government reopens the borders here as I'm not prepared to pay some crazy amount of money to stay in Thailand renewing a non b visa and paying social security for 4 Thai people when I haven't got any business coming in other than enough to get by from working online for now

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TLDR : Answer Summary

An expat discusses their options for traveling to neighboring countries as Thailand's border situation remains uncertain due to ongoing conditions. They express concerns about the costs associated with renewing a NON-B visa and social security payments for employees. Comments from other users suggest possible destinations like Nepal, Turkey, and countries in Eastern Europe that may offer easier visa access. Discussions also touch on the reduced social security rates and the pragmatic challenges of financing potential travel against living expenses.

Kool *******

You are willing to spend the money to fly to, and buy a visa, paying hotel costs, yet aren't willing to spend the bt100 a month for each of your four Thai employees, that the Social Security office lowered the monthly rate to, so you can get your extension, and still live here. The airfare alone would cover at least a year of the social security expense. I'd seriously reaccess your priorities, and their actual cost.

4 years ago

Reiner *********

Well as a Brit you are free to leave every day...

4 years ago

Anthony *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Reiner ********

true but having lived here for 5 years and having a family and my life here it's not as straight forward as that, I have money tired up in investments in the UK to provide for my retirement in 2 years that I can't touch till then and have had to close my business here on Koh phangan for now due to the current situation, I have work I do online to get me by which is ok but i only stated that a month ago and haven't got anything saved now as I've gone through the money I had put away here for unexpected circumstances and don't just have the odd 50,000thb lying around to fly back home to the uk or to pay some crazy price for one of these bullshit Visas that are being hawked around. I will open up my hostel if and when toursits are allowed back and I have good contracts with tour tour groups that give me a good income when they do but right now I have no customers. Its quite the pickle really. Some would say go home but my home is here, this is my home. My fil and son are here, we are not married although that is the plan next year most likely but we haven't the time now to do it to be able to get a non O and obviously I was leaving it for when I get to cash my shares in my company back at home in which by that point I can show the funds etc. If I can't renew my non b or get another visa then I plan to go to the nearest country to wait it out till I can come back to my home, it's not like I'm stuck here on holiday

4 years ago

Reply to

Anthony *********

Li ****

Portugal is open to tourists.

4 years ago

Michel *************

Philippines soon to open

4 years ago

Reiner *********

@Michel **********

well please read the article again... Because this is what Thailand already is doing.. Normal tourist will. Not have a chance to fly into

4 years ago

Michel *************

***************************************************************

4 years ago

Maxim ***********

Link?

4 years ago

Reply to

Maxim ***********

Michel *************

Turkey is open and its currency is dirt cheap! Great opportunity!

4 years ago

Bobby ********

I think Eastern Europe is the best option for "sitting out". Most nationalities can get a 3-month tourist visa for many countries.

4 years ago

Christina *********

Just been quoted 45k

Was told that social security had been reduced to 100tb per person and 400 for farang.

So not too crazy, think will still have to pay for end of year accounting which will hurt, but that’s not till next year.

4 years ago

Jay *******

Nepal has already delayed resumption of international flights once and has not issued details of which countries' flights will be permitted or what the quarantine requirements or conditions of entry will be. However, the trekking season runs from Sep to Nov which is worth a lot of money so they will want to make the most of this income.

4 years ago

Anthony *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jay ******

that's what I thought

4 years ago

Reply to

Anthony *********

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