@Eric *****

either way can go to retirement extension. The process longer from an exemption stamp or tourist visa because you need a non o visa to do extension. I think there is extra steps and cost going from stamp/tourist then from non o. I’m not expert. Maybe someone correct me? I was surprised all the worried or surprised posts than the stamp was still 30 days as of Saturday. We are 6 days from announcing of the news if your trip was planned that quickly based on the news I be shocked. But if you need 90 days get the 60 day visa do extension. Until change you only get 30+30. I think the July 1 is a better target for change but don’t plan your trip based on this change it is Thailand and may happen or may not. Get the visa is only $40. I read the most changes were not happening until September or October so maybe the stamp change happens sooner but maybe September too. I think some visas for certain counties expired April 30. Read something and not sure was true that May tourism numbers were down. There goal 80 million tourist by 2027. Crazy goal. Not sure the country has infrastructure to handle those numbers and with more tourists comes higher cost because of higher demand. So, your trip to Thailand could cost. 40% more by 2027. For people living in Thailand for retirement this is bad. The visa system will not make you leave but the cost of living. If they reach there goal watch what’s happens to rent and food cost.

@Peter ********

maybe would be ok. There is still the 60 visa. Get it

@Eric *****

was 6 days ago announced. You think they can make a change in 4 days. Not likely. Can’t affect anyone’s trip this quickly. If need 60 days get visa. Only $40. Not sure why everyone going crazy about the stamp. Was only less than a week ago. Give it until at least July 1. Need 60 + 30 get the visa they are so easy to get.

@William *****

exactly I think the denial rate above 70%. Without solid proof of ties to Thailand will be denied. Being married doesn’t help. Will actually probably make it worse because married to American and maybe stay in USA. The visa is difficult with job, house, bank account, family or kids. I tried in Mexico. But the standard wait time in next is 400 to 500 days for an appointment. We got medical emergency appointment but still was denied. You should be able to check when next available appointment is online. That appointment they tell you yes or no. In Cambodia appointments are only 21 days. Not sure about Thailand I would assume longer. Keep in mind that it’s like $180 or $200 for tourist visa if answer is no you lost the money.

Yeah people asking at midnight to see people’s entry stamp. I think patience is necessary. Maybe next week or next month it will happen. What’s the big deal? Wa only announced Tuesday. Everyone expected June 1 which is a Saturday in a holiday weekend. Seemed unlikely maybe July 1 because it’s a Monday. Not a big deal. I’m sure nobody booked travel for this Saturday based on news from Tuesday. They need to make the visa easier in Thailand not this country gets this exemption or this country gets this visa only.

@Eoin ******

enjoy it the 5% in a year 4%. Where you place your money from 2010 to 2020. No options then. You had market but never guaranteed. I think $90 a month in interest not killing people working. But for some $90 makes big difference. The question is using an agent truly legal? Has anyone had issues or revoked by not doing the proper method. To me an agent is not following the rules. But if the banks and government turn a blind eye and don’t care I guess it works. But rules and enforcement change. Look at weed. Now they are trying to make illegal again. Not 100% sure if there is a risk using an agent to provide fake bank statements and rental agreements. If a cracked down starts who at fault, the agent or the visa holder

@Julane ******

exactly

But you can’t get long term visa without bank

Account. Unless if you have non o and applying for retirement visa they make exceptions

Here we go again with the 5% interest. That is around baht. So, your going to lock in with an agent while interest rates will never be 5% forever. Next year you be lucky getting 3.5%. Still enough to pay agent but if your worried about losing interest on so little money that is crazy argument. I’m sure you were not worry about interest rates pre-Covid. You know half the people don’t have there money in an account getting interest. Many people have $20,000 sitting in a USA checking account getting 0%. In 2026 your 2% interest not getting you much. Use an agent and be locked in. As far as trust. That comment can be made about many banks. Use agent if you don’t have 0 and only SS or convenience. Not interest rates. Because no out 100% of there money in an interest account. If was 2M baht I’d say ok maybe use agent. But for 0. I vote for do it alone. If requires your time yes to fill out forms and go to offices. If plan is one year or two i probably use an agent if 5 years + do alone. But I always see the one person with the interest rate comment.