Frequently asked questions about Thailand Retirement Visa, Thai Visa

Can I "Do It Yourself" get a Thai retirement visa myself ? Or why would I use your service if I can do it myself ?

Yes..... I did it by myself in 2007.

The Thai government likes foreigners to live here in retirement. They bring money into Thailand. People living here with "O-A" retirement visa are not allowed any kind of employment or to engage in business. So.....They bring money in and take none away.

When I decided to move to Thailand I searched many hours on the internet for information about which visa to get and how to get it.

The Thai government websites have vague, ambiguous and sometimes wrong information. Sometimes rules change and the websites are not updated. Application forms for applying in Thailand or applying in your home country are different.

The Thai Consulate General in your country will grant you the visa:

IF ALL THE PAPERWORK IS IN ORDER !!!!

If the paperwork is not correct they will deny your application and you will forfeit the $175.00 application fee. The medical certificate and criminal background check are only valid for your application for 30 days after you get them. You may have to go through the hassle and expense of repeating them to make a second application. ( there goes another $175.00 )

You can't be creative. The employees at the Thai immigration department get in trouble if they approve an application with incorrect paperwork.

If you have the correct application forms, some of the items are unclear as to what information is required. That leaves you with guessing the answer.

What are the advantages of a Non-immigrant "O-A" visa ?

You can get a Thai drivers license and you can purchase an automobile or motorcycle and have them registered in your name. (not your wife or girlfriend) You are allowed multiple reentry's (you have get a re-entry permit before you leave or your "O-A" visa will be cancelled when you return.

You can come and go as you please as long as you get the re-entry permit. The last time I got one, the fee was 1,900 Baht ($55.00)

Is the Thai visa a document or what ?

It is not a document. It is made with a rubber stamp on the next available page in your passport. This is what it looks like.

Can my visa be revoked in Thailand ?

Yes. Trouble with the police can get you deported or worse. Not reporting for your 90 day check-in at the immigration for long enough is considered overstaying you visa. Normally you pay a fine for overstay, but enough times can get you kicked out of Thailand. Not reporting for your annual renewal can get your visa canceled. Follow the rules and you will not have problems.

How long can I stay in Thailand with the "O-A" visa ?

Forever ! (they can always change the rules) For now there is no limit

Have you had any customers denied a visa ?

Yes. One man decided to made up a fake criminal background check. When his application was being reviewed, something didn't look right with the document. They checked him in the computer and it showed multiple felony convictions. He is now on the blacklist of persons never to be allowed entry into Thailand.

Do you know of any other "VISA" disasters ?

Yes. I heard that one lady arrived at the Bangkok airport with everything in order. The immigration officer at passport control asked "What is the purpose of your visit in Thailand ?" She answered "tourist" He canceled her "O-A" visa and she was on the 30 day stay situation. I was not there. Just a story I heard. If you are asked this question, The correct answer is "RETIREMENT" Maybe she had other issues. Just a story I heard

How long does it take to get a criminal background check ?

Mine came back in one week. Maybe yours will take longer.

If I have the Non-Immigrant "O-A" visa can I buy land or a house in Thailand ?

No ! Foreigners cannot buy land in Thailand. You can buy a house for your Thai wife (in her name), but if things go bad she can sell it and you have no rights at all. There many schemes to own a house here. Some of them work some of the time. A thirty year leasehold is one option. You need an attorney for that. My advice is RENT !

Other Questions ?

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