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expat challenges

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This page displays all the results for the expat challenges tag, sorted by the most recent activity. There are a total of 30 questions that have been tagged with expat challenges. Explore the questions to find discussions and information relevant to this topic.
Jul 23, 2025
12 days ago
Dianne **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Update to previous post....

The evisa is a nightmare. They keep asking me for my bank statements proving income over and over....and now on try number 5 they are now saying they want proof of 800 k in particular. They also insist I have the 5 prohibitive diseases health certificate. Ive just gone to the clinic. The one test takes 9 weeks. The tests also cost about 12k baht. Not a train smash but why???? I thought I had done my homework. Clearly not. Goal posts keep shifting. Insane.

My other option is to deposit the 65k into my Bangkok Bank account for 12 months and then apply. Not ideal of course.

Hi. Evisa for non O. What do you do when they now after the fact ask for following up docs...in particular medical certificate in past few months showing no prohibitive diseases. Well I havent had one. Do they mean I must now go for a health check? No mention of a number of things in the online visa system. Now suddenly all these other things. Like ALL the pages of your passport suddenly. Any clarity? I'm in Malaysia
Jul 17, 2025
18 days ago
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Received this from THAI VISA CENTRE - visa agent this morning:

We've received many concerns from first-time retirees about opening bank accounts.

We can assist with this, but space is limited.

Please note we may not be able to offer this service after July.

If you would like our help, please reply to this message so we can reserve a spot for you.
Jul 1, 2025
a month ago
Christopher **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I went to Thai Revenue department (Chalong) earlier with all the correct paperwork and they told me I couldn't get a TIN taxpayer number until after the tax year has ended. Is this normal? (doesn't sound like a smart way of doing things)

Edit: Sounds like it's just another case of ineptitude and I wont be able to sort this out at the office. Does anyone know an agent that will get me a TIN now for a decent price?

Edit 2: Went again armed with a wall of pre translated text from my accountant everything everything, and despite this I had to spend a whole hour repeatedly schooling them on the law, accounting and the revenue code, with them accepting my arguments each time and then changing the subject and perpetually and erroneously inventing new things I'd need to get the TIN, and after an hour of debunking and debating with 4 staff they just went right back to the start as if we hadn't spoken yet, and at that point I had to just throw in the towel because it was obvious that we weren't going to get anywhere. The principal lady that dealt with me was incredibly smug and rude and childish, and it was very obvious that she simply didn't want me to succeed.. the problem wasn't my paperwork, logic or position; it was her/what she represented. Politeness got me nowhere.
May 2, 2025
3 months ago
I finished my dtv and aprroved, but now need to sign the 90 days. I'm in a difficult situation - I recently moved from Chiang Mai to a new apartment in Lat Phrao, Bangkok, but the landlord refuses to provide his ID. Because of that, I can’t submit the TM30 form and update my address. My visa extension appointment is in the next few days - I urgently need a solution. If anyone has advice or has dealt with something similar - I’d really appreciate your help.
Apr 13, 2025
4 months ago
Bryn ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I’ve had ฿800,000 in my Thai bank for a couple years for my Non-O and wondering if it’s possible to switch to ฿65,000 a month without needing to do the monthly deposits for a year to maintain my Non-O? Chance somewhere between slim to none?
Mar 21, 2025
4 months ago
Is there anyone still stuck in “Pending Approval “ stage in HCMC Royal Thai Consulate General? I applied on 12th March and got request documents on 13th March and now still stuck in “ Pending Approval “. Do I need to worry for approval? Can I get any update information for HCMC situation lately? Appreciate for all the discussions. 🙏
Feb 18, 2025
6 months ago
John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am here in Thailand on Visa exempt. I cannot get a bank account as tourist, but I cannot get Non-O Immigrant Visa without a bank account! I meet qualifications for Retirement Visa. I have a lease through early July In Karon Beach Phuket.

Is there any way I can get the Non-O without returning to USA?
Aug 31, 2024
a year ago
Raymond *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anyone get asked for a hired amount than needed for their DTV visa? Washington DC has asked for a bank statement with 550,000 thai baht (16k usd)

I fly to Bali next week and was trying to get this visa approved before leaving. Due to my pay schedule, I can't increase the savings account until after I'm in bali to accurately reflect the amount they want.

Should I just go to Jakarta while in Bali and apply there, or are they asking for the 550,000 thai baht rather than the 500,000 thai baht.
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