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Answered6 years ago

What visa options are available for UK expats looking to return to Thailand after retirement?

Mark *******
asked Jun 5, 2020
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Hello

I'd very much appreciate some advice

I have a home and partner in Thai for four years.

Been using tourist visas for this period and I'm retired 2 years

Had issues this year at the border

Currently in UK and want to get back asap.

What do people think about Thai Embassy Londons ability to process an influx of visa requests when open .?

My requirements will be 90 day pre retirement visa that I will upgrade in Thai .

And any thoughts on immigration policies towards UK when the borders open

I'm hoping August to some extent

Just sitting here mulling

Thanks in advance for your time and consideration
Answer summary
An expat is seeking advice regarding visa options to return to Thailand after being retired for two years and facing border issues. They've been using tourist visas for four years and plan to apply for a 90-day non-O visa upon returning. Concerns regarding the Thai Embassy's capacity to handle visa requests in London and potential immigration policies towards the UK due to Covid-19 were also raised. Various community members provided insights on the visa application process, the importance of registering marriage for easier visa options, and the current uncertainty surrounding international travel.
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Alice ********
Alice ********
Can you afford the elite visa?
Rohan ***
Rohan ***
Please speak with concerned advocates and law firms. Laws aren't core of this form of informal groups.
Rohan ***
Rohan ***
@Ivan ***********
the whole system seems to be extremely complicated. There are new guidelines which are a quagmire of legal requirements, which are better left to professionals. The professionals are aware of internit rules and can reduce frustration and complications. You can do everything yourself, I agree, but when it's related to international law requirements, it's prudent to work within the framework, else saving bucks could land you in many forms of harassment in terms of laws & regulations. You never know which officer will begin to go to great depths of interest on one particular violation. Ending up paying fines in paradise is no one's idea of fun.
Ivan ************
Ivan ************
You really don't need a lawyer to get this sorted out, can do yourself.
Mark *******
Mark *******
OP
Have to say this site is a great honest help

Thanks to everyone for your time and consideration

FYI

My home of four years with my Thai partner of 7 years near Ban Phe

I'm 60 retired for two years

Married but not registered in BKK .

I appreciate my visas should have changed two years ago but I am a genuine individual

At 58 I considered myself on a break but nowadays couldn't go back to work in UK.

Maybe coffee shop in Ban Phe is the most I'd go

Any other thoughts I'd be grateful

I'd be happy to advise anything on the Rayong area

It's great for me
Bobby ********
Bobby ********
@Mark ******
. Jesus man! Register the marriage. Make life easier for yourself. You can get an O based on marriage and you need only 400,000 baht in the bank. I think there's two neighbouring embassies, I'm guessing Savanakhet and HCMC where you can get the O marriage visa WITHOUT money in the bank, but with borders closed it's not an option at this stage. You want to enjoy retirement without worrying about skipping over borders, endless process of TVs, dirty looks from Immigration Officers. Make it easy. Nice part of Thailand you're living in, especially now the superhighway goes all the way to Rayong. I've thought about Ban Phe myself when my missus finishes work. I often have an overnighter there before getting the Nuan Thip fast boat over to Koh Samed. Nice coastline. Sit back, put your feet up, and stop the yo-yo-ing!
Bobby ********
Bobby ********
If you've been using Tourist Visas to stay in the country four years and you say you've now had "border issues" it means your card has been marked. Forget the TV and go straight for the OA. Simple
James **************
James **************
Just read your post again, how old are you?

If you are over 50, you can apply for a retirement visa.
James **************
James **************
Right,

Seeing as you have said pre retirement visa, i take it you arent 50 years old yet?

Your options are a single entry or multiple entry tourist visa.

If married a non-o visa.

London embassy issues visa firstly online by checking your documents are correct and then you send everything including your passport by post.

The other embassies can be done in person.

Check each ones website for steps to be taken in order to get a visa.

Most importantly for the time being, non of the embassies have started issuing any visas as of yet.

So keep checking the websites and keep checking the news for updates.

At the moment there are alot of things up in the air about when foriegners can enter thailand.

Do not book any flights until the thai goverment has given an official date for when people can enter.

In the mean time check what documents are needed to get the correct visa for your travel, and be patient until further news is released.
Stanislav **********
Stanislav **********
There is no such thing as pre retirement visa. But your plan will work. After covid is over. UK or no UK I do not think it makes much difference unless you are coming directly from the Space Station.
Ivan ************
Ivan ************
He means a 90 day O he will get a retirement extension on when here. Advantage over the O-A is no health insurance required for visa or extension.
Bobby ********
Bobby ********
@Stanislav *********
. OA is the most straightforward. Keep money alive in a bank account in your home country. Get almost two years out of it.
Robert ******************
Robert ******************
I use the Thai Consulate in Cardiff very helpful when I rang them I’m actually going to book my flights to Chiang Rai in 2 weeks time for the 1st January 2021 can’t see a problem in 7 months everything will have some sort of normality by then 🙏🇹🇭😊
Roy ***********
Roy ***********
I do not expect immigration policies to be very favourable for the UK. I read many times that if they open up borders, they do not want to open up to high risk countries.

But that is just my thought, just waiting until the next anouncement about international flights is the only thing you can do now.
Tony ********
Tony ********
Good luck with getting any sense out of the Thai Embassy in London! The website is useless. Go up, or contact, the Thai Consulate in Hull who are much more approachable
Rob ******
Rob ******
Government at present is under reporting the Thai Covid numbers and spread so its a total guess .
Graeme **********
Graeme **********
@Rob *****
don’t see why the gov would under report given that restrictions on businesses and social activities are being relaxed. If there is a higher than reported amount of cases the gov would probably delay the relaxation of restrictions. I doubt if the Thai economy could weather a second wave lockdown.
Andy ********
Andy ********
Nobody knows so just keep talking to the Embassy in UK.
Noel *****************
Noel *****************
Staying where if I may ask
Allan ************
Allan ************
I came here the day of lockdown, now going to stay but no one can give a direct answer, because it changes on a daily basis, so waiting until end of July.
Paul ********
Paul ********
Call Embassy their very nice n helpful?? But it will end of July,Stay Happy n Safe
Reiner *********
Reiner *********
Hope is good but you Need to wAit Till 31.7 to see if Tourist Are allowed....As a Brit , a very high risc State.....For Sure 14 days in Quarantäne
Bobby ********
Bobby ********
What's a pre-retirement visa? Haven't heard of that one
Alf ***********
Alf ***********
You can get a non-immigrant O visa inside Thailand. But the normal thing to do is to get it in your home country.

An O-A visa can only be obtained in your home country, and is ALWAYS multiple entry.

METV is irrelevant here
Graeme **********
Graeme **********
@Bobby *******
incorrect. With an OA you just need to report to Immigration every 90 days
Greg ********
Greg ********
@Bobby *******
It is the 90 O visa if applying for retirement extension in Thailand. You can also get the OA for first year retirement in Thailand

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