Thailand Expat Forum

thailand visas

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JerryinBA

1/16/2016 18:40 EST

I am an over 50 year old U.S. citizen who has lived in Argentina, as a tourist, for 12 years.
I would like to move to Chiang Mai. The Thailand Embassy, here, told me that they can't issue a retirement or long term visa, because I am not a permanent resident of Argentina. I was told that I would have to go to the U.S.. to get this type of visa. Going to the U.S. or getting an Elite Visa don't seem like good ideas.
Do I have any other options? I am financially secure and would probably meet all requirements. .

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hawkesk

1/16/2016 20:41 EST

If you have a valid U.S. passport with over six months left, you can do everything in Thailand. You enter with a tourist visa then go to immigration and apply for a non-immigrant O-A. You will need to go to the U.S. embassy in Bangkok and declare income of at least 66k baht/monthly. TO DATE (emphasis that this can change at a moment's notice!!!) the embassy has not asked for proof of income, though I WAS questioned in an off-hand manner about my income one time. You will also have to establish a home with proof very quickly. If you rent a house or an apartment, get a written agreement/lease contract and be prepared for the POSSIBLE necessity to have your landlord come in to immigration. This is for the 90-day check-in you will be required to do. Each immigration office is different and rules are applied loosely or vehemently depending on the mood of the officials that day. As well, go to ThaiVisa.com, become a member, and check my information there. I've been out of Thailand for three months and things can change A LOT in that much time. WHATEVER you do, do NOT engage any "professional businesses" or attorneys. They often get things wrong and are expensive, particularly when they are just doing what you can easily do yourself. Good luck (chok dee in Thai).

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caughtintheact

From: Thailand

1/16/2016 20:53 EST

From what I have been able to determine, you can come to Thailand on a tourist visa, and apply for a Non-Immigrant-O visa and then request an extension of stay for the purposes of retirement.

For more information, see http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/840454-convert-tourist-visa-to-non-o-and-apply-retirement-extension-a-working-example/ and you register on the site and post questions...no fees.

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bcartmill

1/18/2016 10:40 EST

Try contacting
chiangmaibuddy.com

They can help you with everything you need for the visa.

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