What do I need to know about investment visas for Thailand?

@Joyce ***

No. LTR is a new scheme. The “investment visa” is a different method that goes back some time.

@Joyce ***

For the LTR "Investment" visa you need all three. The $1 million is assets, so can include bank account, shares, property etc. This can be in your home country. I imagine this is proof that you are of substantive means. The $500k is the actual "investment" component of the criteria and must be in Thailand. The income component can be anywhere, and is proof that your investment is sustainable (not just a one-off loan from a wealthy aunt!).

@Todd ********

Everything is more expensive in Australia.

@Steve *******

looked that up for Canadians, the financial requirement for O-X is 3M baht in the bank in thailand or 1.8M in the bank and 1.2M or more in annual income. So really, O-X is great for Aussies as no requirement to bring funds here. But not much use for anyone else. As an aside Visa cost is only $450 which is $503 AUD. Interesting

@Joyce ***

Canadians yes for sure. But under 50 - no. Have to be over 50 for O-X

@Steve *******

thx. will check that out for Canadians!! Not sure at all. But that’s definitely a difference maker in the attraction level

@Todd ********

I think you'll find all the other eligible countries require 3 million baht in a Thai bank account. The cost of the OX is a third of the LTR so financially it's a winner.

Steve Smythe thx for the details! it’s essentially the same visa for Canadians and I think 15 other countries? It totally makes sense if one doesn’t have the income to qualify for LTR retiree. No money needs to come to Thailand either and no insurance required as it is with O-X. Just need $100k in the bank somewhere. If medical insurance costs become prohibitive for older applicants, that could be a issue. Both visas seem solid. And income qualification for O-X far lower than LTR. If you don’t meet threshold for LTR, O-X seems a good plan B. Income requirement looks like only $5k AUD which is less than half the LTR requirement.

@Todd ********

OX has always been 10 years (5+5). Cost is AUS $600 for five years, extendable for another five years 1900 baht. From the Sydney consulate no money need to be transferred into Thai bank account. Unlimited entries. Aussies are snapping up this visa with gusto. Very popular amongst FIFO workers. It's the smart man's LTR.

@Steve *******

I had to look again after your comment here for LTR vs OX… which is better? It seems that O-X can now be issued for 10 years also now? And total cost is only 10k baht? If that is true, that’s fantastic but there are some caveats. Is O-X unlimited entry?

You need both a police check and medical insurance for the duration of stay. The medical insurance costs ‘could’ end up being expensive. And can’t apply from within Thailand I think?

LTR cost for 10 years is 50k. But Fast Track at airport, no 90 day reporting, unlimited entries and no insurance requirement or police check requirement.

O-X has far lower income requirement and less up front cost (maybe). Suggesting it’s basically the poor man’s LTR. But it has some compelling factors.