Thailand Retirement Visa New Policy

Yes, if they see the money, what difference does it make where it came from? Pension, savings, rich parents, whatever.If they demand to see the money, I don't understand why they require a pension letter.

It's like carbon dating your DNA to find out precisely how old you are, but also requiring a birth certificate issued by a long-dead doctor from a razed hospital in a renamed county.

The answer is simply to provide everything that is requested, appear with numerous copies of everything, and even provide documentation that isn't even requested.

To date, I have never had any problem in presenting any documentation involving any Thai government requirement or request.

Texpat wrote:Yes, if they see the money, what difference does it make where it came from? Pension, savings, rich parents, whatever.If they demand to see the money, I don't understand why they require a pension letter.

It's like carbon dating your DNA to find out precisely how old you are, but also requiring a birth certificate issued by a long-dead doctor from a razed hospital in a renamed county.

Difficult to find a sensible answer to that! If the money comes into your account on a monthly basis from abroad it then does really not make any sense to still insist on an income letter that does prove everything and nothing. I could imagine that the answer could be that in case of extension on basis of being married they want as many evidences in advance as they can possibly get to satisfy the headquarters in Bangkok as they are the authority who decides about the case. It`s just to avoid any possible "trouble" or extra questioning from the boss in BKK. Maybe!

Flo wrote:

Texpat wrote:Yes, if they see the money, what difference does it make where it came from? Pension, savings, rich parents, whatever.If they demand to see the money, I don't understand why they require a pension letter.

It's like carbon dating your DNA to find out precisely how old you are, but also requiring a birth certificate issued by a long-dead doctor from a razed hospital in a renamed county.

Difficult to find a sensible answer to that! If the money comes into your account on a monthly basis from abroad it then does really not make any sense to still insist on an income letter that does prove everything and nothing. I could imagine that the answer could be that in case of extension on basis of being married they want as many evidences in advance as they can possibly get to satisfy the headquarters in Bangkok as they are the authority who decides about the case. It`s just to avoid any possible "trouble" or extra questioning from the boss in BKK. Maybe!

At the end of the day, I believe it boils down who/how policy is being interpreted. For instance in my case, my previous 3 extensions based on marriage the Bank Confirmation letter has been ignored, with the exception to verify it was included in my package. On top of that, on the last two occasions the amount in the confirmation letter never reflected the 40k deposit and my last letter only 345bt was in my account. On the other hand, more attention was given to the Letter of Income from the Embassy.

The above experience was at Nong Khai immigration and after reading about Udon imm it seems they are more anal as to what is required compared to NK. I much rather deal NK, but sadly it's not up2me

My last 90-day report at NK was piece of (uhh) cake as well.

Asked Mr. Happy about income letter. Can I use for third year? "Should be OK." Typical non-commital affirmative.

Made the mistake of reaching for my wallet before I remembered it was free. Ms. Amway spotted my move, however, and said I didn't need to pay, but I could buy 5 sandwiches for THB50 (instead). I stalled her til she finished my update then said no, thanks.

Any comment would be superfluous.

I may make a istake here by saying again what I have said before, however it seems that as per usual some feel that Thailand gets it wrong on many counts when one is renewing ones visa or even 90 day.
This govt has the right whether we agree or not to interpret their laws as they see fit, however one can try to outhink them, ask if one is not sure, check their website and if neccessary print the relevant page for their perusal, if there seems to be a conflict.

NK might very well interpret letter of income valid for 3 yrs however Udon does not, but on their website is doesn't say either way.

The majority of foreigners who seem to have problems , always seem to have a smart answer or even a brazen attitude to the authorities that they MUST and should renew the Viosa.

That is the completely wrong thought process and I know of one such person who for no reason is in fact being denied a visa due to them thinking he is working which he is not, so a short trip to another country and renewal of passport will allieviate that problem, but IT IS THEIR CONTRY AND THEY CAN BE AS DAMM AWKWARD OR NOT AS THEY FEEL LIKE.
basically if you don't like it , you know the option I am sure.

Is it too much to expect consistency?

I would respect their laws if I knew what they are. They are different every time and for every applicant. I don't think anyone is so brazen or starts out with smartazz answers and attitude. It's only after repeated (dozens) visits where the goalposts move (sometimes repeatedly within the same visit) that applicants begin to become frustrated. It took four visits over two months to get my extension. I followed their directions to a T. Applicants are told one thing by one officer and something completely different by another officer the next day.

It's as if their intent is to keep you off-balance and hopefully you'll give up and go away. Many do.

A little perspective is important, too. It's essentially an extended tourist visa. We're not after citizenship or running for office.

It's many times more difficult than it should be. They could achieve the same amount of checks and assurances with a fraction of the ass ripping.