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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
3 years ago
Larry *****
ORIGINAL POSTERWhat changes to people expect the new Thai Government to make with regards to retirement visas? What are the rumors?
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.
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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
however the govt about to raise the price of elite visa
*****
0baht.however the govt about to raise the price of elite visa
Roberto *********
@Ken *****
Health insurance will eventually be mandatory for all longstay visas.Reply to
Roberto *********
Reply
Falcon *******
Thailand will eventually becoming like Myanmar...they are already Brothers-in-Arms.
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
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
John *******
Only change maybe is you can't buy weed anymore 🤣
Donna ******
Perfect ! I’m sick of smelling it everywhere!
Darren ******
@John ******
let's hope soReply to
Darren ******
Reply
Michael ********
None
Peter *********
None
John ********
Nothing will be done to help us as we are just a pain in the neck to them
Frank **********
No way to know as I predict the military will still retain power.
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.Jo **********
@Paul ******
yes rightRoberto *********
@Paul ******
I agree. I think the "cleansing" of the agency ED and Volunteer Visas is only the tip of the iceberg.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.
Richard *********
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
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.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 crowdedPaul *******
@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.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 applicantsReply 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
Reply to
John ********
Reply
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