@Ken *****

Better late than sorry.

@John *******

As this seems to puzzle you, I can give you a more detailed explanation.

When foreigners settle in Thailand they consider themselves immigrants, but the Thai government sees it a little differently. In their eyes, all permanently resident foreigners are to be regarded as temporary residents on the same level as an ordinary tourist. And on that background they have a Non Immigrant Visa. When I describe myself and other foreigners in Thailand as permanent residents, it is because it is much easier than to say I have a Non Immigrant Visa.

As for the residence permit in Thailand, it is not what we in western countries are used to because it does not give any rights, even if life for us foreigners in Thailand becomes a little easier. And if you leave Thailand without a Re Entry Permit, you lose your residence permit or Residents Visa as the Immigration Bureau calls it.

There are a number of permanent residents in Thailand who have a very strong belief that when you cross the border into Thailand, you lose your 90-day Non Immigrant Visa and get a residence permit instead. And when you extend this so-called residence permit by 1 year, they claim that you get an "Extension of Stay". I do not belong to that group of "beliefs" because I know what a visa and a residence permit are.

@John *******

It shouldn’t be confusing.

@John *******

I know that the Thai goverment doesn’t see it that way, but it’s only an exspression.

@John *******

I think after been living in Thailand for 24 years I think that I know one or two things about Thailand. And I think that even Bangkok Post does.

Theoretically, there is the possibility to convert a Non Immigrant Visa ED into a Non Immigrant O (Retirement) by using form TM86 together with the necessary documents, but the Immigration Bureau usually wants you to leave Thailand and then return with a 90 day Non Immigrant Visa O (Retirement) and then extend this visa by 1 year in the usual way.

@John *******

No this is the law in Thailand now.

Make it simple if you are 50 years or more. Start with a 90 days Non Immigrant Visa O (Retirement) and then a 1 year Non Immigrant Visa O (Retirement) extension. In addition you get a Re Entry Permit Multiple Entry.

@Michael *************

There is only some few ambassies that are alowed to do that.

@Jim **********

I would not use the same word, but if someone doesn’t have the funds you need to live in Thailand then just go home. And when they end up in hospital and can’t pay the bill what can I say.