I live in the US and am planning on retiring to Thailand in May. After looking at various visa options, I decided to apply for the Long term resident-wealthy pensioner visa (ltr-p). I am a retired US Army officer who has Tricare for Life health insurance coverage; I mentioned that as part of what I have found out will be important to US military retirees (I will cover that later). So I would like to describe my timeline and actions irt to applying for a ltr-p while still in the US, and hopefully it may be of benefit to others in that situation.
11 Feb 23: I created my account on the BOI website. I gathered my financial docs which consisted of my monthly statements from social security, VA disability and my Army retirement. I also included my tax form 1099s from 2022, but not my 1040 tax return. I also found a cool website that lets you upload a picture of you in front of any surface, and it turns it into the exact size and background needed for a Thai visa.
12 Feb: filled out the application form online and uploaded the documents; checked box that I would provide insurance letter later;
13 Feb: contacted LUMA insurance broker on their website to look for insurance coverage; at the time I had found nothing that indicated the military tricare healthcare coverage met the requirements of the BOI, so I thought I needed a Thai ins company.
16 Feb: BOI requested my insurance letter. I was surprised how quickly this happened. I implied it meant my financial stuff was found to be in order. Submitted actual application for AXA insurance visa package through LUMA.
21 Feb: LUMA rep (extremely helpful) informs me underwriting declined to cover me due to preexisting conditions (prob diabetes and being overweight). Bummer. LUMA offers to try other companies. I'm thinking I may be screwed irt getting a ltr.
21 Feb: I send an email to BOI through their contact us form on website; explaining that I was disapproved for Thai insurance and ask them if Tricare is an acceptable alternative.
22 Feb: much to my surprise, they respond the next day and say Tricare is OK!
23 Feb: I download a tricare coverage letter from the DOD Manpower Center website; I am concerned as it doesn't list a dollar amount (the $50k required by BOI) or an expiration date as Tricare doesn't have a limit or annual expiration. But I upload it anyway to see what happens.
24 Feb: it appears they accepted that tricare letter as my status moves to consideration by government offices.
26 Feb: get email telling me my consideration was endorsed, and to go to website to update any info and submit any additional docs. I don't have any docs to submit. The big choice is just whether you will apply for a visa through an Embassy in the States or in Thailand. I pick in the States. You must pick the Embassy or consulate designated for your state. They have a map.
28 Feb. I get an email that says my status is now being considered for final approval.
1 March 23. I get email telling me I am approved for the ltr-p. The BOI website has the approval letter, both in Thai and English, and tells you it is good for 2 months. So I must actually apply for the visa by 1 May.
So it was a total of 18 calendar days from when I first signed up on the BOI website and started my application until I had the approval letter for the LTR=P in my hand. Remarkable, I think, compared to what I have read.
And just a note to US veterans with Tricare: There isn't a lot that I could find on the web about being able to use Tricare, but I did. You just need to get a coverage letter from DOD Manpower Center; you can download it without having any conversation with anyone once you log in.
