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Which passport is better for applying for a long-term or retirement visa for Thailand, a US or a UK passport?

Long-term visaRetirement visaNON-O visaO-X visaLTR visaVisa requirementsExpat adviceThailand immigrationDual citizenship
Jul 11, 2023
a year ago
Martin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
For those that are in the same situation. I carry a US and a UK passport. Is one or the other better to use when applying for long term or retirement visa for Thailand.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion centers around whether to use a US or UK passport for applying for a long-term or retirement visa in Thailand. Participants note that neither passport offers significant advantages, though some suggest that using a passport with a longer expiration date can be beneficial. It's also mentioned that the choice of immigration office could impact the application process, specifically concerning financial requirements. The conversation also highlights various visa options, including the LTR visa, which may not require as much financial proof compared to others. Additionally, the benefits of the US Treaty of Amity for Americans in purchasing property are briefly touched upon.
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Somsak ************
Nothing change.
a year ago
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Todd *********
Check if eligible for LTR first. By far the best visa. And if no - see if they offer O-X visa. I think UK does, not sure about USA. Gets rid of the 800k silliness
a year ago
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Marty *********
@Todd ********
 The LTR doesn’t require money in the bank but you have to have a pension of $80,000 USD/year.
a year ago
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Todd *********
@Marty ********
 yes indeed. Although it’s income…. Not necessarily a pension. And 10 year multi entry visa for only 50k total
a year ago
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Marty *********
@Todd ********
 It has to be passive income. I got the pensioner LTR in January.
a year ago
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Todd *********
@Marty ********
 yes. Pension. Rentals. Dividends. Capital gains. Interest. Lotsa options. I got mine in Oct. very easy process
a year ago
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Todd *********
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Simon *********
@Todd ********
 what is a O-X visa
a year ago
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Todd *********
@Simon ********
 10 year available to 14 countries. Not as good as LTR, but excellent long term visa.
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a year ago
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Simon *********
@Todd ********
 yeah I have actually just looked it up your correct about not needing the 800k baht. You need 3 million and have to keep it in account for a year.
a year ago
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Todd *********
@Simon ********
 that… depends entirely on your passport. Aussies don’t need to bring any $. Zero. Just need to show it in their bank at home. Their deal seems the best. I’m Canadian and it requires the $3M OR $1.8M in Thailand initially. And seems dubious as to what is required after year 1. And show $45k CAD income.

So LTR is clearly optimal as retirees don’t need to being in any $.
a year ago
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Simon *********
@Todd ********
 yeah I agree you can show it your home country so definitely would suit some people . I am personally going to do the multi entry retirement visa next month when I'm in Thailand
a year ago
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Todd *********
@Simon ********
 if you can do the 65k monthly deposit method it makes a lot of sense. Cost is 5700 annually for multi entry retirement ext, so it’s reasonable. But if having 800k tied up at 0.25 percent costs people over 40k baht annually in missed opportunity. On top of the 5700. That doesn’t make much financial sense. So paying and agent 18k or so for multi entry retirement extensions makes better financial sense
a year ago
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Simon *********
@Todd ********
 my situation is a little different as I am not planning on retirement in Thailand just extended break for over a year. So 800k I will just spend because will not be renewing visa . As I say my situation is different from most peole
a year ago
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Andy ********
@Simon ********
 meeting the financial requirements is a condition of the retirementirement extension. This is before and after your application. If you no longer meet the financial requirements , then you will technically be on overstay.

I personally have never heard of this happeneing before but that doesn't mean that it hasn't.

Might be worth keeping in mind.
a year ago
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Todd *********
@Andy *******
 you likely haven't heard of it ever happening because it likely never has. Nobody comes to check your 800k balance and if you are not renewing, it won't be relevant. The only way he would be on overstay if is his visa were revoked... which is not gonna happen. Follow here for more fun travel hacks.
a year ago
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Todd *********
@Simon ********
 agreed. That makes sense for a year for sure
a year ago
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Todd *********
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Av **********
I'd use American, I believe doing things like purchasing a condo is easier if you are an American....that's what I heard I could be wrong...
a year ago
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John ********
@Av *********
 rubbish
a year ago
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Andi ***********
@Av *********
 ok, I see what you mean. That treaty is of real greater benefit for Americans establishing a business in Thailand.
a year ago
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Av **********
@Andrew ********
 I was referring to the treaty of amity America has with Thailand which is only for USA citizens in Thailand it was signed in 1966.... Mark commented below about it as I couldnt rememebr the treaty info. :)
a year ago
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Av **********
@Mark *******
 yes that is what I was referring too... :) see I knew someone would know what I was talking about
a year ago
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Mark ********
@Av *********
 you're probably thinking about Treaty of Amity transactions which are different (and a bit complicated), but definitely for Americans only
a year ago
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Andi ***********
@Av *********
 That is wrong considering the range of foreigners with their own Condos I know. Very easy to buy, cash really is king in this case.
a year ago
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Andi ***********
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Brandon ************
No benefit to either but you'll need to use the passport you entered with.

I'd just go with whichever has a longer expiration date so one less thing to worry about for longer.
a year ago
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Chris ***********
Non O over 50...Jomtiem 2 months, CW same day
a year ago
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Andy ********
@Chris **********
 I think you will find Jomtien is the only office in the country that require seasoned funds (2 months) to apply for a Non Immigrant O in country.
a year ago
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Andy ********
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Chris ***********
Neither embassy provides income letters so no. It's more about which immigration office you use, some allow 800k for retirement non o same day, some require 800k 2 months in the bank.
a year ago
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Chris ***********
So no not free to use...
a year ago
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Chris ***********
For non o over 50 2 months before and 3 months after 800K...the other months over 400k
a year ago
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John-Paul ******
@Chris **********
 a rediculas requirement.
a year ago
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Martin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chris **********
 currently live in CR. Been here two years doing the 90 day visa runs. So get that part. Rules is rules. Follow them or suffer the consequences. Thank again
a year ago
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Martin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chris **********
 brilliant. You for hire to make this happen. Thank you all the info.
a year ago
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Chris ***********
@Martin *******
 sure thing, it's annoying but we all deal with the rules...
a year ago
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Chris ***********
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Martin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chris **********
 once money is seasoned it is free to use or so you have to maintain that balance?
a year ago
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Martin ********
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