Sorry if I annoy anyone …

Due to fly Sun 15 with Emirates - Phuket-Dubai-London Stanstead.

It’s likely it will be cancelled and we would prefer to continue spending our money in Thailand.

We have Non O Visas (Retirement). What are the chances of:

1. An extension to one year ( late I know). We have proof of income statements (UK Bank) and other forms all ready. Is there a tactic we can use apart from being old and a bit teary ha ha!

2. 30 day extension - are they likely to renew?

3. 7 day extension worst case?

We don’t want to spend 5-6 thousand pounds getting back to UK when we don’t need to. Any positive advice please.

First, I wanted to thank all the contributors over the last few months to my various questions. They’ve made my entry on the non-immigrant OA very smooth, and I’ve think it was largely due to you. So many thanks! Now onto the next challenge😅.

So, as stated, I’m on the non-immigrant OA, but after learning what I have on these boards, I’d like to switch to the Non O (retirement) rather then doing extension of stay at my one year. I’m aware I can get that free second year but this post isn’t about that.

When I was at immigration last week, they told me not to use an agent to switch from OA to O without leaving the country. I don’t know if they are cracking down on this, but she told me it isn’t legitimate from their point of view. She said that I could pop over to a neighboring country and then re-enter on either a non-immigrant O (90 day), or a tourist visa and then convert it when I’m back in the country. So my questions are related to these two methods. Based on what she told me, I should leave the country just before my visa expires, and then I’m able to start the process of one of these other two methods. 

Is the process easier one way or another? I’m inclined to come in on a tourist visa and just do the non O application once I’m in country since I’ll already have my money seasoned in the bank due to the OA that I’m on now. So I’m wondering what the requirements are for that method?

Or, is there any benefit to coming in on the Non O (90 day) if I’m applying from Vietnam through evisa? If memory serves, one of the questions is asking for proof of the residence of the country you are in, and I don’t know what I would be able to provide if I was just visiting Vietnam for this purpose?. The agent told me I did not have to return to the US, so would it even be possible from a neighboring country to apply for the non O, given that they require some sort of residential proof from when I’m there?

Any input on either of these two methods would be helpful? And yes, I’m looking to do this on my own since I’m learning a ton by doing all of these various things without an agent. Thanks

Asking for a friend . If you are on a Non -OA visa and do the extension by moving the 800,000 into a Thai bank , does the visa status change to a Non -O ? This based on retirement. Thank you

Hello everyone,

I’m an Afghan citizen and have been living and working in Bangkok for nearly 10 years through my own company.

I’d like to bring my father (60) and brother (30) to live with me. My brother has a mental disability and cannot work, and my father is retired. They simply want to stay here peacefully and travel back to Afghanistan occasionally.

As many of you know, it’s very difficult for Afghan citizens to obtain tourist visas—including for Thailand.

So I have one main question and would really appreciate your advice:

What is the best way for them to enter Thailand and stay long-term, similar to how I renew my visa annually?

Thank you in advance for your advice!

*P.S. Afghan citizens apply for Thai visas in Islamabad, Pakistan.*

Hi

Bringing 79 yo mum.

Hi we all have Dtv ‘s and land in Chiang Mai next week.

In November I’m returning to Australia to pick up mum to live with us.

Any recommendations on Soft Power Course for 79yo. Mum uses electric wheelchair most of the time so Muay Thai might be out…😊

Hello everyone. We (retired 59 & 63), have started an Non O A application from home in Canada. We aren't arriving in Thailand until April 25, so what to do about the health insurance. AXA only do it for 12 mth increments. Not planning on arriving before April, and then, only to actively look for properties. We wanted to start the process to see if we had all the paperwork in place. Should we wait and complete the application at a later date?

I am currently on an extension of stay (initially a non-B visa) based on my work permit (BOI). My job will end in late June, and my employer will cancel my work permit at that time. Then I change to a non-O retirement visa (CW, Bangkok).

I seems that some people managed to change their extension from work to retirement. So, I contacted immigration via email and received confirmation that this change is possible. They even sent me the application forms.

Knowing that time is critical once my work permit is canceled, I completed the forms and visited the immigration office today to ensure my documents were in order. However, the officer at the non-O retirement counter informed me that the extension cannot be converted. I have to leave the country, return as a tourist, and then apply for a new non-O retirement visa.

Well, that's not the news I was hoping for, but probably no choice. I wanted to check with the group: has anyone else experienced this? Did you have to leave the country, or were you able to convert a work extension to a retirement extension in the country?

I am coming upon the time to do my first non-O extension based upon retirement. I’m in Bangkok. I would like to check something.

I seem to recall reading that the bank book update and letter from the bank needs to be either from the day before or the day one goes to immigration. I’m hoping it’s the day before, so I can go first thing in the morning. I’m not finding documentation about this online. Can anyone with experience share?

New tax rules for expats living in Thailand.

I'd like some correct advice regarding the new tax rules implemented from Jan 1st 2024.

I believe if you spend more than 180 days in any one year in Thailand, any money you have transferred or deposit into your Thai bank account is classed as taxable income.? Also, if you have a Thai bank account and transfer, or deposit monies into it, in any one year, but do NOT spend more than 179 days in Thailand, that money is not taxable. Also if you deposit monies into your account in a year that you don't spend more than 180 days in Thailand, but the next year you stay the full year, does the money that you deposited the previous year, then become taxable? I have read that if you have income of 150,000 baht a year, this is not taxable, but if you have say 400,000baht a year income, do you pay tax on all of it, or is 150,000 baht tax threshold and anything above that you pay tax on, for example 400,000 - 150,000 = 250,000, is that the amount you would be liable to pay tax on.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

A question under the 'everything else' category.

Is it possible to buy a second hand pick up and register ownership in my name when I do not have a driving license.

I will be on a one year retirement visa extension and I have a yellow house book and pink ID card.

Thank you in advance for any replies.