thailand
Ask question

What changes can expats expect regarding retirement visas from the new Thai Government?

ThailandRetirement VisaVisa RegulationsImmigration PolicyExpatriatesPolitical ChangesHealth Insurance for RetireesEconomic Impact on Visa Policy
May 30, 2023
2 years ago
Larry *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
What changes to people expect the new Thai Government to make with regards to retirement visas? What are the rumors?
2,298
views
5
likes
57
all likes
23
replies
0
images
15
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The community expresses skepticism about immediate changes to retirement visa regulations under the new Thai Government. Many predict no significant adjustments within three years, suggesting that applicants may need to appear in person for extensions and maintain funds in Thai accounts. Concerns about the government's priorities, especially regarding immigration issues, are evident, with some members fearing stricter regulations for expatriates. There is speculation about enhanced health insurance requirements for long-stay visas, alongside rumors of increased prices for long-term visas.
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.
Ken ******
do you think the mandatory health insurance coverage forOA retirees will be raised further from 3 million bahts? i read recently from a youtuber that it has been lowered back again to
*****
0baht.

however the govt about to raise the price of elite visa
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Roberto *********
@Ken *****
 Health insurance will eventually be mandatory for all longstay visas.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Roberto *********
Reply
Falcon *******
Thailand will eventually becoming like Myanmar...they are already Brothers-in-Arms.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Roberto *********
I understand that once they've finished routing the illegal ED and Volunteer Visas, they're going to be going after the "agency" retirees. The banks are missing out on a lot of money, and the banks run the country
2 years ago
Like
Reply
J ******************
Don't know what the government will be .There is much more to consider than the election result and visa regulations will not be high on the list of priorities for some time
2 years ago
Like
Reply
John *******
Only change maybe is you can't buy weed anymore 🤣
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Donna ******
Perfect ! I’m sick of smelling it everywhere!
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Darren ******
@John ******
 let's hope so
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Darren ******
Reply
Michael ********
None
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Peter *********
None
2 years ago
Like
Reply
John ********
Nothing will be done to help us as we are just a pain in the neck to them
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Frank **********
No way to know as I predict the military will still retain power.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Paul *******
@Frank *********
 Nothing to do with that. Regardless of who holds power, the Thai immigration apparatus is likely to become more stringent over time, while offering more visa options to those who have the financial means but crack down on those who abuse the system.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Jo **********
@Paul ******
 yes right
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Roberto *********
@Paul ******
 I agree. I think the "cleansing" of the agency ED and Volunteer Visas is only the tip of the iceberg.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Roberto *********
Reply
Will ************
Nothing within 3 years. Eventually all applicants will have to attend in person for their 1 year extensions and to have to their own money seasoned in their own bank accounts even if they use an agent to help with their application.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Richard *********
@Will ***********
 and break the rice bowl?

NO CHANCE.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Ken ******
@Richard ********
 hopefully the new govt will abolish the govt lunch time closed office practice to boost efficiency.

is the lunch time closed office practice practised in other developed countries?

also the occasional practicce requiring applicants to draw a map to prove? their residential address is simply too imaginative
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Paul *******
@Richard ********
 Exactly. I don't foresee any major changes for some years to come. I am hearing a temporary requirement to attend in person even if using an agent but beyond that, no changes likely.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Ken ******
@Paul ******
 that would make a very very long queue, and expect going to immigration at least twice, one day to get the queue ticket, next day queue for pricessing, now it is already too crowded
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Paul *******
@Ken *****
 It's a rumor I heard, apparently an agent who mentioned it says it's likely to be only a temporary measure. Basically even when using an agent, the applicant would need to present themselves in person at the immigration office where the extension is processed even if they reside on the opposite end of the country.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Ken ******
@Paul ******
 the over crowded problem can be solved by expanding the office, increased staffing or more branch office, unfortunately those seems not given consideration at all. perhaps all these serve to make the elite visa more attractive for the willing to spend applicants
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Ken ******
Reply
John ********
@Will ***********
 is that your opinion, or the thai immigration office

I don't believe that it's going to happen because of the tea money to be made
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
John ********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
Will visa costs change with the new PM in Thailand?
10 comments
4 months ago
What changes are coming to the retirement visa in Thailand in September?
5 comments
5 months ago
What should expats believe regarding the upcoming visa changes in Thailand after July 27, 2024?
11 comments
6 months ago
When will the new visa policies for Thailand be announced?
47 comments
7 months ago
Have the retirement visa rules in Thailand changed recently?
64 comments
a year ago
Will the retirement visa age requirement in Thailand increase after the changes to the Elite visa?
31 comments
a year ago
What are the implications of the recent changes to visa policies in Thailand for expats?
12 comments
a year ago
Have there been any recent changes to Thailand's retirement visa regulations?
5 comments
a year ago
What are the current requirements and potential changes for the O and O-A visas in Thailand for retirement?
26 comments
2 years ago
What are the latest updates regarding insurance requirements for non-immigrant visas in Thailand?
39 comments
4 years ago
What updates can be expected from the Thai Immigration Bureau before the September 26th deadline?
7 comments
4 years ago
What is the current process for renewing a retirement visa in Thailand?
14 comments
4 years ago
What are the current challenges and implications for expats regarding visa renewals in Thailand?
97 comments
4 years ago
What are the latest updates on visa changes for expats in Thailand, especially concerning student visas and insurance requirements?
10 comments
5 years ago
What are the updates on Thailand's visa extensions and the implications for expats during COVID-19?
32 comments
5 years ago
What Are the New Requirements for Extension of Stay Based on Retirement?
8 comments
5 years ago
What changes are being made to Thailand’s visa application process, especially for O-A retirees?
10 comments
5 years ago
What are the suggested changes to Thailand's retirement visa rules according to recent opinions?
0 comments
6 years ago
What are the expected changes to long stay visa procedures in Thailand?
0 comments
6 years ago
What are the new requirements for the retirement visa in Thailand after March 1st?
45 comments
6 years ago
What are the recent changes to immigration rules for visa extensions in Thailand?
0 comments
6 years ago
What are the latest changes to the retirement visa process in Thailand and how can expats best prepare for it?
0 comments
6 years ago
Is it true that the requirement for maintaining 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account for a retirement visa will change to three months?
12 comments
6 years ago
Have the regulations for the retirement visa in Thailand changed regarding pension requirements?
18 comments
7 years ago
What are the implications of the new cash requirement for retirement visa holders in Thailand?
29 comments
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.