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What should I consider for returning to Thailand with a retirement visa after being stuck in Malaysia?

ThailandRetirement VisaTravel AdviceVisa RulesCOVID-19 RegulationsImmigrationNon-Immigrant O VisaRe-Entry Permits
May 31, 2020
5 years ago
Mark ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I've lived in Thailand since 2001, have a retirement visa. Currently stuck offshore Malaysia. When it opens up here, any advice on how to get home?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user, a long-term expatriate with a Non-Immigrant O retirement visa, seeks advice on returning to Thailand after being stranded in Malaysia due to COVID-19 restrictions. Responses emphasize the necessity of having current travel documents, including potential re-entry permits and insurance coverage for COVID-19. Many commenters suggest that when the borders reopen, a valid multi-entry visa or permit should allow return, while others recommend monitoring updates from official sources like embassies for the latest requirements. The conversation includes humorous and light-hearted remarks about the situation.
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.
Steve **********
Depends on date but if zcovid related its automatically forgiven i'm told Drivers license as well
5 years ago
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Drac ******
motobike
5 years ago
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Curry *****
Tuktuk
5 years ago
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Anthony *******
Worth a read for anyone traveling in July
5 years ago
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John **********
1st principles mate, Thailand aint home to an Aussie or any other farrang for that matter, so however your heartstrings may wish to believe you belong there, you don't you are an expendable "ALIEN" as the government would describe you, baskets and eggs....don't!!!!
5 years ago
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Eugene **********
@John *********
 the guy asked for advice not your opinion ... jeez!

I find that getting your info from the embassy is the best way. It may not be a fast point of contact but it will be much more reliable than anything else.

They all have Facebook pages and if you are persistent enough you will get the right answers. Good luck!
5 years ago
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Eugene **********
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Alwyne ********
Yes swim don't get a plain if you do you will be swimming if alive
5 years ago
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Stanislav **********
Take a plane, what else? Unless during this time you get used to Malaysia offshores. Not so bad eh?
5 years ago
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Alwyne ********
How long can plane not fly for can thy sit on tamaracks and the seals in engines hot get used and the Tyre's get flats get flat spots good luck
5 years ago
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Alwyne ********
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Steve *******
You should be ok when the borders open if you've got a valid multi entry non imm O/OA visa or a re-entry permit for an extention of stay.
5 years ago
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Germz **********
same here...got stranded in Malaysia
5 years ago
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Joe ********
Build a tunnel
5 years ago
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Oreilly **************
5 years ago
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Tod *********
@Mark **********
 at this time there's nothing anyone can do but watch for the updates as far as the re-opening of the country and see what if any new requirements come into play "post covid-19" as far as getting back in. it's a waiting game.
5 years ago
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Robert **********
Hi puggy. Start swimming mate. Ha. See you in the aussie August sometime. If i make it out if africa!!!!!!
5 years ago
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John ***********
I like to leave but it sure if will be let back in also does anybody have a updated list of documents needed now to renew retirement visa?
5 years ago
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Andy ***********
I renewed my Retirement Visa last week. Same paperwork as every other year. Nice and easy now as amnesty means few people.
5 years ago
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Andy ***********
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Mark ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Helpful thanks. I have the non immigrant O retirement and usually fly in and out. I have no problem driving in and hold a Thai license but don'y know if I would be allowed back in even with the insurance
5 years ago
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Li ****
I think you need a fit to fly test and insurance worth $100k, and so far it's for people with a work permit.
5 years ago
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James **************
@Mark **********
 i suggest waiting until the end of july, and then see what is required for entry or if entry is permitted.
5 years ago
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James **************
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Richard *****
I'm sure there will be flights.. but be prepared for a long wait.

make sure you have insurance that covers covid-19 as a good prep to get here, because it will probably be needed.
5 years ago
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Tom *******
I’m not 100% sure that you need it attached to your regular health insurance. For example, I took advantage of the bank insurance for COVID-19 from SCB bank. Perhaps having this in addition to your regular health insurance would be OK? Mine only cost me 1000 baht for one year from SCB. I think all the local banks are offering it at one point. Good luck.
5 years ago
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Steve *******
@Richard ****
 Do you know any insurance companys/brokers that cover you against covid19?
5 years ago
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Steve *******
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Steve *********
Are you talking transport? Then same as you would've done before (flight, boat, bus, train).

It's also helpful to mention which "retirement" visa you're on.
5 years ago
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Steve *********
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