@Andy ***********

Thanks for that. So this is a Thai requirement, not Laos. Would be interesting to know if it is actually something in writing or possibly a bad day for an officer. Also do you know what visa your friend was on. Was it visa exempt or did they have some type of multiple entry visa in their passport. Thanks!

@Daniel ***********

Thanks

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

I thought I saw something a couple weeks back. However when I search the posts now, I can't find them. Perhaps fake news.

No recent experience, but many years ago while I worked offshore and before reaching the age of 50, I used the KL embassy for Non-o marriage visa. At that time it was a one year multi-entry visa which was good for my work requirements. The only special requirement was that my Thai wife gave me an invitation letter explaining my need for this visa. I believe I did this for about 5 years. Now I believe they only issue 90 day Non – O visas and I think you must show financial resources. This embassy was very good.

Generally on a retirement visa you cannot do anything. If you are interested in volunteering to help people, 9 times out of 10 you will have not problem. But if the wrong person sees this and takes the issue to Immigration, you would be in hot water. Best to follow the requirements of your visa to the letter. It is not worth taking the chance. I was once told by an immigration officer in Isaan, the only thing I can do on a retirement visa is help my wife with property she owns. For instance, I could help her work on her farm. That is the only exception.

@Bob *********

Compare Thai income tax rates with your home country tax rates. The current Thai tax rates are actually quite high in comparison to my home country tax rates, US. If there is a big difference, there may still be some tax liability payable to Thai Revenue Department, even after paying tax in the US. This is assuming I am a tax resident in Thailand and they actually enforce the law. I think it will be quite confusing if this actually happens. I think it may be easier to prevent becoming a tax resident, if a person has a choice to live elsewhere. I honestly think many foreigners residing in Thailand may look at this the same way. This residency law may hurt Thailand more than help.

@Chris ******

Thanks, I'm currently on Non - O dependant one year multiple entry. I applied for this at Suvannakhet about 10 months ago. I will make one more border run to get a new 90 day stamp in a few weeks time. I am hopeful to do the one year extension during this new 90 day period. I want to go with the retirement visa if I can. My wife is currently being treated for cancer so she is in no condition to help me with the spouse requirements. Never a dull moment.

Prior to using Wise, I simply would draw money with debit card at a Kasikorn ATM from my bank in American. Not very economical but it was the only option I had. In these instances, my Kasikorn statement showed cash deposit only. Immigration did not question this. I did this for about 4 years. In the early days the US Embassy would issue guarantees for Immigration, much easier .

Is there any instance whereby the funds for bank account balance for Non-O retirement or spouse visa do not need to originate outside of Thailand? Due to family health issues, I had lost my retirement visa status for 2023. Hopefully this year my account will have sufficient funding for retirement visa requirements. However the funds will come from my spouse who will receive a return on investments inside of Thailand. I’m thinking a spouse visa may be ok with money originating inside Thailand, but possibly not the retirement visa. Previously I had been on a Non-O retirement visa for 10 years. The yearly extension renewal, they only checked bank balance. Not once did they check where the money came from. This may vary based on location. Any info is appreciated.

I asked the firm that does my US taxes in BKK. They recommended this company. I know nothing about them.