@Darren *****

“if married it’s 400,000b a couple” does not equal “Thai falang is 400k”. The OP clearly stated that he and his wife needed retirement visas. By definition, that meant the wife was not Thai. Thais don’t need visas. You didn’t need to know where she was from. If she needs a retirement visa, she’s not Thai.

Meanwhile, if you’re going to stalk old posts to criticize me for something completely unrelated, you should at least get your facts right. I don’t have a multiple-entry visa. Details matter. They’re how you put your foot in your mouth in the first place.

@Darren *****

which is why your comment was ridiculous and why you’re getting so many responses. A Thai woman doesn’t need a retirement visa at all.

@Vincent ********

correct. Otherwise, you can use the monthly income method after the first year. Starting immediately, you each need to transfer 65K/mo, so you have 12 months of consistent transfers. That is an alternative way to qualify.

@Bob *********

yes. I tried over a dozen banks. With the non-O, I opened two accounts with no problems at all.

And, yes, it does seem like a long time. That’s why I suggested making sure they didn’t ask for anything additional (check email and the website). I applied December 27th and received mine January 4th. However, my flight was January 7th. I only arrived back in the States on December 26th. My visa was through the embassy though. The date of your flight may have put you at the back of the pile, but I’d still check that they don’t need anything.

@Bob *********

it’s much easier to get the account once they have the non-O stamp, so I assume you mean they will have the time when they enter with that.

I’m sure you’ll be fine. Just keep an eye on it to make sure they don’t need anything else. The worst that could happen (& I really don’t think it will) is you take your flight, enter on a visa exempt stamp, then leave and return on the visa when it comes through. You don’t need to go back to the States. You only need to apply there (if not in-country). A quick, cheap trip to a nearby nation will do.

@Roberto ********

I never said that the 180 day rule was new. However, the tax laws have changed regarding transfer of savings and they only relate to people who are tax residents, which would be anybody who stays over 180 days. I’m not going to fight with you about MY choices. You do you

@John *********

I don’t see how. If one lives in Thailand for 6 months or more a return is now necessary. Taxes may not need to be paid, but a return must be filed. How does one show whether or not taxes have already been paid on all income? A tax return. What does a tax return contain? One’s SS#.

Also, “any competent accountant” in my home country is ensuring a minimal amount of taxes are being paid. Deductions for X, Y and Z ensure that. Some of those taxes DO need to be paid at a later date though (lookup 1031 exchange for one example if you’re scratching your head). Again, the system is complicated and it’s not easy to just say, “You didn’t pay taxes, so now you need to pay them to Thailand.” I don’t intend to give lessons on the tax system that took me years to understand in a Facebook post, especially since the situation is not relevant to so many folks here. However, the most simple item, and relevant to most Americans, is that our SS would need to be shared. That’s a very bad idea for anyone with something to lose. Just sayin’.

@Ken *****

I have not yet decided if I “love” Thailand. I like it a lot. I’m disappointed in how it’s changed since I left. I certainly don’t “love” it enough to pay an extra 35% towards everything when so many other options are available.