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.

We are currently applying online for the O-A visa and have some questions. We are Americans coming from the US.

1. We’re suppose to upload our passport pages showing all travel records within past 12 months. We have not traveled but it doesn’t feel like we can leave it blank. It only allows for adding a file, not words, so we can’t explain. Advice?

2. Is drivers license enough for proof of residency in current country?

3. For insurance verification, are our insurance cards enough?

Thank you.

I have a question on timing. I received a multiple-entry, non-imm. O-A Visa from the Thai embassy in Los Angeles which states that it is valid from November 5, 2020 to November 4, 2021. I entered Thailand on December 6, 2020 and was stamped to stay until December 2, 2021. I then left Thailand on June 3, 2021 to return home to get vaccinated.

I understand that I can return and be given another year from the date I return as long as I have insurance for that period. My question is when do I need to return by to take advantage of another year? I'm guessing I just need to return by December 2, 2021 but I wanted to make sure. Thanks in advance.

I am an American living in USA, 59 years old, looking to get a retirement visa (O-A). I have an existing SCB bank account from working in Thailand last year. I can demonstrate the required 800,000 bht and a monthly income of 60,000bht. Has anyone successfully been issued a O-A visa in covid era? Any advice on how to proceed?

Ok my next question for you all to help e with what med insurance is being excepted im UK based