@Brandon ***********

They wanted house book and an updated TM30 AND checked 90 report when I applied.

@Jerry *******

Apply at your local district office and ask them for a list of documents needed for the yellow house book. I received my pink card together with the house book.

Different offices have different requirements. Some are straightforward, some are so difficult to deal with.

I applied first time in 2008 and was told they were too busy. I was rejected 4 times. The last time I told them that it was an absolute must, so they called me in for four meetings and 10K baht under the table.

My friends in another district had no problems and got their cards without problems.

Mind you, our office is notorious for being difficult.

Now I use it in so many places that require ID. Everything seems to run so smoothly using the card.

If you retire here and continue using the Thai Social Security hospital that you are assigned to, the the pink card is a requirement. You can't remain in the SS system without.

@Janelle ****

They probably did check your visa when you handed over the passport for them to copy. Haven't you noticed how much time Thais spend looking at your passport?

@Craig *******

why isn't it? Google should find information from the immigration website. If that isn't up to date, then what is?

The problem with Thai immigration is that the officer dealing with the application can make their own demands as many people here know.

I suggest reading the immigration site and others for tips. It's always good to take extra documents.

@Todd ********

I honestly didn't read the results. My point was that, Googling is better than asking here, as typically you would also get lots of different answers. I obviously didn't print out all the results but by reading through them he could certainly find the right answer.

It took me 10 seconds to search my trusted friend "Google "

To apply for a retirement visa in Thailand, you must first obtain a Non-Immigrant "O" visa at a Thai embassy in your home country, which allows you to enter Thailand, then once inside the country, apply for the actual retirement visa extension at an immigration office within the last month of your initial visa validity; this requires meeting age and financial requirements, providing a medical certificate, and proof of funds like bank statements.

How fast can you fill in the documents?

@David *********

I didn't realize that. I haven't checked, but they certainly stamp when you return.

@Stephen *********

interesting. I have been in Thailand all year and received a tax rebate too, but, but, but I had to prove that I had been living in Thailand over 180 days by showing a copy of EVERY page in my passport. No big deal other than a short trip to the tax office.

My friend owns a business in Thailand. All legal (49% and 51% Thai owned). He doesn't live here, but comes maybe 2 or 3 times a year on a business visa. He has about 10 Thai staff (1 is his business partner) working in the company All perfectly legal.

So try a business via if you don't intend to live here.