What was the process of obtaining a Long Term Resident visa (LTR) for wealthy pensioners in Thailand like?

Today I got my 10 year Long Term Resident visa, (LTR) for wealthy pensioners (I hate the “wealthy” label for obvious reasons). Here is what the process was like for me:

First I renewed my insurance and received the certificate. I applied on 4, Oct 2022. I applied online in Thailand. The website is very informative and the application process for me was very simple. I have had an OA visa and had qualifying insurance already. I uploaded my passport bio page, insurance certificate, and my latest US tax return. I entered the amount of my work pension and US Social Security. They did not ask for documents from my sources of income but the did have my tax return.

They initially advertised that your application would be processed in 20 working days. In my case my application was pending for 59 days. On 2 December the application status was changed to processing. They asked for additional photos of my passport. Eventually I gave them photos of the page with my last entry into Thailand, Sep 2019, and every page after that, my TM6 (front & back), and my most recent 90-day report, all in one PDF file. My application was approved on 22, Dec 2022 (now 79 days). They did not ask for additional financial documents. I made an appointment at Chamchuri Square Bldg, Bangkok. (93 days).

Note: Do not block pop-ups on your computer. You need to unblock pop-ups to use the site after you are approved.

They did not ask me for additional financial documents. My income is very simple, a pension check deposit and a Social Security deposit verified by my tax return. I can’t say what they will ask for if your income is more complicated than this.

The office for the LTR visas is very nice and quiet. The staff spoke English and were very helpful and efficient. I had an appointment for 10am. I arrived at 9am and they started processing my documents right away. I was finished just before 11am. They did ask for a photo and then later another photo was taken. They have computer terminals in the office. They asked me to log into my LTR account and additional documents were downloaded and printed.

You pay the 50,000 using a QR code. No cash.

Some questions answered:

* No money required in the bank anymore. No 800,000 baht deposit.

* I renew my insurance in November but I don’t have to inform them

* I do not have to do 90 day reports but if I remain in Thailand one full year then I have to check in with the LTR office at 1 year.

* I do not need a re-entry permit if I travel abroad.

* When I return from abroad I use the fast-track immigration lane.

* I must reapply in 5 years but there is no 50,000 baht fee.

* They only stamped me in until 2024 because that is when my passport expires. When I get a new passport I come back to the LTR office.

Please don’t complain that the visa is for rich people. It is what it is.

I am not try to convince anyone to apply for the visa. I am just describing my experience for this new visa. I have not seen much information posted in this group.

I’ve had an OA visa for 6 years and I have been extending it myself in Bangkok. I am fully aware of the differences between the OA and the LTR and I chose to get an LTR. My choice. Let it go.