Seeking information and advice on a move to Thailand in Jan 2014

ChrisTinaBruce wrote:

Hi,

I am seeking information and advice on a move to Thailand (Bangkok or Pattaya) in Jan 2014.

I visited Bangkok in June of 2012 for 30 days and would like to return as a longer stay 9 months to a year.  I am 44 years old, self employeed as a day trader with a upper middle class (USA standards) retirement account and yearly income from a corporation I own as a trader.  I understand Thailand does not want wiring expats, therefore I am flexible as listing retired, self employees, corporation moving to Thailand, etc.

I have come to understand that there are a lot of expat pit falls especially when it comes to visa.  I understand since I am not 50 years old I am not able to do the retirement visa yet.  I believe my choices are: tourist visa (allows me 60 days, plus have to extend every 30 days) or a non-O visa for 90 days?  Is the non-O extendable?  Am I correct the tourist visa is 1000 baht each time and non-O cost is 2,000 baht?
Thank you in advance for the help.

Chris Tina Bruce

You have cleary been doing your homework, which is great, especially when thinking about staying here for a while.

Work wise, you clearly know the rules here so its up to you.

Visa wise a couple of options spring to mind:

1. Double or triple entry tourist visa(if you can find Thai embassy in US that will issue the latter). Each entry for 60 days can be extended for 30 days at Immigration in Thailand(1900 Baht) but last entry must be made during validity of Visa.

You could also exit Thailand and apply for another tourist visa in Cambodia or Laos for example assuming they will give back to back visas.

2. Multi Entry Non-Immigrant O visa but this might be difficult to obtain given your age. This visa can in effect give you up to 15 months here.  Border run every 90 days.

Hope that helps.

PS. I am not sure you would even qualify for single entry non-imm O visa

Thank you for the information.  You are saying: if I get a triple entry visa I can stay for 60 days, then have to leave the country and re-enter?  How long do I have to leave?  Cross boarder and turn around? 1900 baht each 60 days?


1. Double or triple entry tourist visa(if you can find Thai embassy in US that will issue the latter). Each entry for 60 days can be extended for 30 days at Immigration in Thailand(1900 Baht) but last entry must be made during validity of Visa.

You could also exit Thailand and apply for another tourist visa in Cambodia or Laos for example assuming they will give back to back visas.


Also if my trading is done online, my accounts are online in the USA I see no reason I still could not trade in Bangkok.  My funds would be transferred electronically in the USA between broker and bank account in the USA.   Therefore I would only be taking funds out of my bank to pay for rent, food, etc.

Thanks again,
Chris

Thank you for the information.  You are saying: if I get a triple entry visa I can stay for 60 days, then have to leave the country and re-enter?  How long do I have to leave?  Cross boarder and turn around? 1900 baht each 60 days?


Hi Chris

No.  I am saying that on a double or triple entry tourist visa is valid for 60 days(permission to stay) on first entry into Thailand. On day 59 you head to your local Thai Immigration post and extend that ENTRY for 30 days at cost 1900 Baht. 30/31 days later you exit Thailand we call it a border run.

You then re-enter Thailand(when is up to you) 5 mins or 5 days it makes no difference as long as the original visa is still valid(it may have an expiry date stamped on it by the issuing embassy/consulate).

You repeat the same procedure for each valid entry your visa allows.

If you have time to spare you might consider education visa for something like learning Thai language.  You would need to check with school for number of hours each week.  Its good for a year and upon entering Thailand you will be given 90 days permission to stay and prior to the end of that 90 days go to your local immigration office for an extension which will cost 1900 baht and you will receive another 90 days. Near the end of that 90 day extension you repeat the process. No need to leave country every 3 months.

Thank you, that sounds perfect.  I was not aware that was a option.  I do plan to start Rosetta Stone Thai this week and would love to take classes in the country.

Wow, I love this site.  Actually useful and caring people.  Thank you again.
Chris Tina

Straydog wrote:

If you have time to spare you might consider education visa for something like learning Thai language.  You would need to check with school for number of hours each week.  Its good for a year and upon entering Thailand you will be given 90 days permission to stay and prior to the end of that 90 days go to your local immigration office for an extension which will cost 1900 baht and you will receive another 90 days. Near the end of that 90 day extension you repeat the process. No need to leave country every 3 months.

ChrisTinaBruce wrote:

Hi,

I am seeking information and advice on a move to Thailand (Bangkok or Pattaya) in Jan 2014.

I visited Bangkok in June of 2012 for 30 days and would like to return as a longer stay 9 months to a year.  I am 44 years old, self employeed as a day trader with a upper middle class (USA standards) retirement account and yearly income from a corporation I own as a trader.  I understand Thailand does not want wiring expats, therefore I am flexible as listing retired, self employees, corporation moving to Thailand, etc.

I have come to understand that there are a lot of expat pit falls especially when it comes to visa.  I understand since I am not 50 years old I am not able to do the retirement visa yet.  I believe my choices are: tourist visa (allows me 60 days, plus have to extend every 30 days) or a non-O visa for 90 days?  Is the non-O extendable?  Am I correct the tourist visa is 1000 baht each time and non-O cost is 2,000 baht?

Thank you in advance for the help.

Chris Tina Bruce

Non-immigrant O visa is for those married to a Thai.

Non-immigrant O-A is a retirement visa.

You may be thinking of a non-immigrant B visa which is for those who intend to do business in Thailand and is also used by those who are working in Thailand. In order to get a B visa you need a sponsor or employer.

There is also the ED visa which is for students of language, Muay Thai, cooking, etc. You'll get a year on this but have to pay immigration every 3 months.

A multiple-entry tourist visa — for the most part not available in SEA — or an ED visa look to be your best bets at this point.

What is SEA?

South East Asia.