THAILAND VISA, Worth paying an agent? My SOLO experience
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- Опубліковано 20 жов 2024
- #Thailandretirmentvisa #Thaivisa #Thailandimmigration
Many people told me I would be no problem to go to immigration and get a visa on my own. Why waste money on a service. I can do it on my own, why pay someone? Oh! You will see why!
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M O R E A B O U T U S
My name is Brian but everyone calls me Greeny. I retired in January of 2020 after working 30 years in Law Enforcement. I wanted to retire young enough to be able to do some of the things I always dreamed about! I knew I wanted to travel extensively and retire somewhere warm and exotic I sampled a ton of places in the Caribbean, Panama, Colombia, Turkey but set my sights on Thailand. In 2020 I met Fai on a Tinder date and we hit it off immediately. We have been inseparable ever since!
I started making videos as a hobby but now it is more like a passion.
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C O R P O R A T E A F F I L I A T I O N S
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L E T S C O N N E C T!
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Contact:
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OK, now I finally see why some people buy 5, 10, or 20 year Thailand Elite Visas. Everything that you had to go through was ridiculous and you have to go through that every damn year. Looking forward to your future video concerning utilizing an agent. I agree with you, if you have the money to have someone else go through all of that, pay them. Retirement is not supposed to be about stress.
Trust me. I considered getting that
I was there 6 times on a chicken scramble. Every time I came back it was something different they wanted. I finally broke down last month and went to Maneerat Visa on Soi 13/2 Pattaya. Still in her hands but it was 25,000 baht. I never want to step foot in that hell hole ever again.
Even if its my last dollars ill pay an agency! There's no doubt in my mind they do it on purpose for you to keep paying visa extensions.
Yep. I’m paying for the extension in 2 months
Thanks dude, I think your vlog will help some retirees like me choose to avoid some pain.
Definitely a smart move
Good job man. I have to do this next week. I am surprised at the lines given the lack of tourism now.
I was astounded 😳
That initial 90 day is the actual Visa. It is the foundation for future retirement stamps and you should definitely not let it run out! After that you do 1 year extensions of stay based on retirement (extending that initial 90 day Non-O). I have the same and will do my third yearly extension next month. I totally agree about using an agent though. I always do and it is just totally hassle free and well worth every cent, krona, penny, baht or whatever else you pay for the service 👍👍
That makes sense. I had an OA but upon the recommendation of immigration let it expire since I would be out of the country for 5 weeks. So I could get the. O and not deal with the insurance. Although that change will come eventually I suppose
@@GreenyTravels I hope that change doesn't come as I am someone who has (almost) free healthcare in Europe although I do pay 50% tax for the privilege. Plus, as I have pre-existing conditions, I have been quoted crazy mony for insurance here!
Hey Greeny....I'll be there sometime in Feb and I will be using a Visa agent for my "O" visa and he said he'll first convert my 30 day tourist visa into the 90 day and then to the "O" visa and he'll also look after the 90 day reporting as well, so hopefully I'll never be in a line as you have been. Seeing what you have had to go through I'm glad I made the decision to use an Agent, I think the cost is totally worth it.
Good call
What is the cost they quoted you if you don't mind me asking
Yes I believe the 1st issue is 90Days for an O visa and then renew for 1year.
It’s not a straight forward process and you are far better off hiring an agent to do it if you value your time!!
Definitely going to see the pros next time
Greeny, random sidewalk guy from soi 11 in Bangkok here! Feel your pain! I'm on my first OA visa now and just did my first 90 day check in today. Took about 75 mins but I got through (in Koh Samui). When time comes for my O Visa application, I will use a service after witnessing your ordeal. Thanks! Good luck in 90!
I guess I’ve been spoiled the last year or so with no one here. I can only imagine what it would be like when the masses really come back
@@GreenyTravels I'd be curious to know how many of those people were extending their current tourist visas. Might be a large percentage of the lineup.
@@GreenyTravels my last 90 day was in and out in 10 minutes, hopefully there will be less people than you had to deal with in 2 weeks
Thanks for the video. I was going to use an agent anyway but this certainly makes that an easy choice. I see from the comments below that 90 days for the first visa is standard and explains why the agent I talked to said the first year is actually 15 months (90days + 1 year).
Wise move. Use an agent
@Mark Colcord i plan to get a multiple entry permit after my visa is finished.
based on your experience I agree 100% pay a few thousand baht to skip the line, reduce trips, less hassle and get clarity to visa process. I will do the same once I am there as well do the same for Drivers license.
Definitely
A well-made, informative video. 👍👍👍
Thank you!! Turned into more than I thought going in
I am coming up on the same thing. I have a O-A visa. When I talked with immigration they suggested getting a new one in USA. Not have to have money in bank here or a Thai insurance. I have to go back anyway. I had an experience getting my Thai drivers license. Got all the documents together and they gave me a appointment 2 months away. Talked to an agent, paid 1,500 and was able yo get my license the next day. If I do a visa here I think better to pay.
They will definitely take care of it faster. I went to the south of Rayong for a next day appt to get mine. Pattaya was a two month wait too. I gotta start using agents. Not even about the money. I just usually like doing things myself. The system here really not set up for that
Just went there today, after 1,had the service shop checked my paperwork in 5 minutes and 10 baht ,there was maybe 20 people outside in line, will do my O extension next week and save another 10.000-12,000 baht, If they implement proof of jabs and insurance then I will consider an agent...your timing was bad Greeny just after the holidays. I bet next time it will be different for you.in 10 years I've never really had any issues.
Ok. Thx for the update. I know before I left for America in October there were never lines
Thanks for the update Greeny. I hope it all works out OK.
Gonna use a service next time. Will vlog that. Hopefully it goes smoother
@@GreenyTravels A wise decision Greeny that takes all the worry away from you.
Great video, really shows the way it is in your area......that line, jeez...........................A big learning curve for all, thanks for documenting.personally...............................I have always alweays used an agent for anything legal in the Kingdom, whether it be visa, civil court, driving licence odds and sods, real estate dealings etc etc, just pay a decent reputable agent, it's a no brainer and very affordable IMO...................
This should be an easy process. I meet all the requirements. Definitely paying the service next time
That's correct you go from 30 day visa free entry to a 90/60 day Tourist Non OA then you get your Non 0 visa on Retirement.
Been here continuously since 2007 past 10 years on a Non O Retirement. But thankfully I use a contact on the "inside" have done from day one. Pay them as my agent he does everything including 90 day reporting. Well worth the money as it's hassle free and guaranteed.
I’m paying for the extension. I’m done waiting in line
@@GreenyTravels Yep it's the only way mate. Cheers and good luck. If I hadn't have spent so long here hsve 3 kids and becoming very unmotivated and apathetic, I'd be gone elsewhere. As it's not getting any easier here seems they are pushing either the agent route or Elite visas. I ve heard the Non O marriage is a fkin nightmare!!!
Brian brown : How much do they charge
Please support Fai Fai , so I don't have to👍. Life is too short to wait in line x 5 times totalling about 8 hours in the hot sun plus the drive time. I'd pay the Agent to sort it out. Seems like every agent wants something different. Terrible system
My future plan
At Jomtien Immigration, tents are set up outside with chairs available. You give them your passport,They give you a number and take a load of them inside and in about 30 to 45 minutes they come back and announce your number and you pick up your passport and leave. Easy. The 90 day report tent is now the first one on the right as you enter the grounds.
I totally agree with you I'm going to definitely paying for someone else to do mine once I'm there !
Takes away the hassle
I got a 3 mth Non-O from the UK (online) and then in the last month of that extended the Non-O by 12 mths in Pattaya. Have to say - I found it very straightforward at Pattaya. Trick is to have paperowrk ready and smile! Letter from bank - your stay registered and that slip - 2 copies of all paperwork. A guy checked it all - gave a ticket to return next day and collect. if that's all there is to it, dont see the need for agent. But if anything isn't right (for example funds not seasoned for the exact minimum days) - you need an agent.
Thx. Glad it went smooth!!
"Please support Fai, so I don't have to."
Love that 😂😂😂
Lol. Working on a bunch of stuff with her. Now comes Omicron. Stall stall stall
I'd love to see more Patttaya based videos if you could. What the nightlife is currently like, new areas such as Tree Town also.
@@GreenyTravels Oh please don’t.🙄
My boyfriend and I want to come over there. We’re sick of Michigan winters. We love your channel.
Thank you Amy. Fai and I will show you guys around.
Thank you so much! I truly appreciate you! We can not wait.
Its common knowledge that you get 90 days when you change to "O" visa, after 90 days you will get the 1 yr retirement visa. Me personally I prefer to base myself in Cambodia, less hassle with visas. Come to Thailand with a 60 day tourist visa use an agent to renew for further 30 days, head back to Cambodia
That works. Good idea
Good info. Think it changes daily? Been out of the loop. Do any good deer hunting? Totally cashed out in Florida. Bought a duplex in Erie PA. Remodeling it. Rent out one. Live in other. Start traveling again when it all calms down. Miss Thailand for sure!
I’m doing the same with a duplex in Michigan. Yep I got a big buck. My kids and dad enjoying eating the fruits of my labor
@@GreenyTravels no buck for me. Plenty of lookers. All to small
Wow what a hassle to stay and spend money in Thailand ! I think I will limit my trips to tourist visas , I do not plan to leave my home in US . Thank you for sharing your visa process ... Enjoy .
Lotta hoops to live here but I’m happy 😊
When I came to Thailand 2 years ago I ended up renting a condo and the landlord took care of my retirement 0 visa for me, took all the worry away! The only time I go to immigration is the 90 day report, which is easy! Yes you only get 90 days initially, you get the year’s stamp after 90 days has passed!
Ok Roy. Thx. I’m definitely finding someone to do it next time
I highly suggest the service that does this for you. Not sure what it costs, but my company hires them to take care of my VISA work and it is easy and seamless! Also, I have a 2 year business visa since I work here in Thailand and I still have a "check-in" every 90 days at the immigration office. I just send my driver to wait in line and perform the check-in so its nice, but regardless someone has to wait in line every 90 days... Just FYI Hope your next experience goes better!
Thx. Me too. This was a lot of wasted time. I could have made another dumb video 😂
Definitely find a good agent. Before C-19 I always renewed my O-A visa at the Thai Consulate LA when I was back at Christmas time. Haven’t been back for 2 years now and renewed here with an agent. By the time you payed for criminal check, medical check etc in the US, I looked at it as about the same price using an agent here and last 2 years only one trip to immigration with the agent who walks you in past everyone so they can get a quick photo of you inside and you’re out of there, agent handles the rest. Good luck next one
That’s the plan next time
I'm planning on moving to Thailand next January. Can you tell me the procedure for visa please. Do I arrive on 30 day visa exempt then ??? Or is that visa exempt a thing of the past? I went there 3 years in a row just before c19. Do I apply for visa here in the USA? Thanks
You will need to check what I'm about to say but since you now have visited "in person" to get your 90 day visa, I believe the Thais have recently introduced an online renewal. It may be worth exploring from a time/cost aspect. Good Luck.
I have the 90 day reporting app. That has never worked for me
I live in Sa Keao and had to apply for the O A retirement twice, I had an initial retirement visa but had to return to the US to take care of some business. Unfortunately I did not apply for a re-entry certificate so I had to go through the process of getting a O visa while in the US and a O A retirement visa again. I think it depends where you live, there are not many foreigners in Sa Keao so I took my paperwork (I made 3 copies so I would always have one copy at home), presented it and got my stamp the same day and the whole process to a couple of hours. For me it was a relatively painless process which I plan to repeat later this year. Once you get your retirement visa remember to apply for a re-entry certificate whenever you leave Thailand.
Definitely will remember that. Thank you!
Did you have a single entry O A visa?
I just researched this and supposedly if you have a multiple entry O A visa, you don't need to get a re-entry permit. Only after you renew your O A visa do you need to get a re-entry permit.
@@john3TarZen Yes a single entry O A visa is easier to obtain and less costly. The re-entry permit process is not difficult as was explained to me at immigration and typically never denied.
I have never personally seen lines like that at Jomtien. I guess I have been very lucky during the 4 years I have lived here. I think it is only a matter of time before all expats not on work visas will have to have health insurance no matter what visa they hold.
I think that plan is in the works
Yikes. That did not look fun. I don't yet know that much about the visa system for retirees, but I think you are right to think about using an agent. Your time must be worth more than that. Do they have a line for people with disabilities? That would be an impossible task for some. I need to start dusting off my research on this. I feel later this year could finally be the time to move over. 👍
I like trying to do stuff myself so I can vlog it. Next time will vlog the agent doing it
I know the feeling, Six trips to get my marriage visa, immigration officer asking for more information than suggested on the internet.
If you think your Retirement visa was complicated getting married and obtaining a marriage visa is so much more difficult.
Wow such huge numbers.
I hear that. And they make a home visit don’t they?
@@GreenyTravels yes they do.
Sorry to see your having so much bother, I have never seem immigration that busy in all the years living here, have you got an agent in mind as I can recommend a couple in Pattaya.
We're from Florida. Came here on OA.visa. Hired an attorney whose firm specialises in immigration also. Paid 17, 000 each fee. All we had to do was appear in immigration office for a photo shoot with her. Walked in with her. Didn't stand in line. There was a long one!! She prepared all our documents in her office. Handed the staff our files, they snapped our photo and off we went. I was like...that's it?? She said see you in 2 days at office so you can pick up your passports with visa...eazy peazy. Word to the wise, hire a thai professional. We live in Phuket. We kept OA visa with multi entry stamp. Good luck next time Greeny.
I will report back on the fees etc for the service I use for the extension.
Didn't clarify..entered on one year OA visa. Just renewed for another year...above is what we did during extension. Even with applying originally for one year OA visa we used integrity legal while in USA.
I always use an agent! Costs me $!50 US more than if I did it myself. And they do everything necessary for me. And they drive me there, allow me to skip the line and go to a separate office where I am in and out in less than 5 minutes. And they do my 90 days reports free of charge! It’s my once a year gift to myself, to be able to skip the lines and frustration and have a guaranteed outcome. Well worth the cost!
I’m definitely going that route for my extension
What is the name of your agent, Steven?
@@arnileosson4266 i am in Chiang Mai and use OS Visa.
Name the agent please bud *
Non O Ext of Stay for Retirement. This is not a Visa. Visa is issued by a Thai Embassy or Consulate. You now have 90 days and then you can apply for one year. You are very patient. If it was me I would have given up on the second visit. I have an OV and my annual health insurance cost 61,000 and I am under 60 years old. Good luck on your Visa adventures.
Thank Mike. I had nothing else to do 😂
This is crazy. Hate paying agents fees but I can see why you are keen on the idea now. Thailand used to be farang friendly (to a point) but seems like they want you to jump through multiple hoops these days.
We were due to arrive on 18jan but have gas to postpone our flights to February due to the constant flip flopping by the Thai government over quarantines etc.
Hopefully you can get here. Everyone’s plans up in the air
The visa lengths are correct. When you arrived at the airport, you received a 30-day tourist visa. The first Non-O visa is only for 90-days, then you can apply to extend the visa for one year (with the right paperwork). The 90-days is needed to "season" money for the extension. The immigration office is correct to only grant 90 days.
Ok. My moneys well seasoned but that makes sense
@@GreenyTravels thats awesome because im coming in may and going to apply for the non o visa in the uk
It's right. First is 90 then 365. It's multi entry too right?
In our case we arrived here with 1 year OA visa
Nearly correct. Except you don't get a " tourist visa" on arrival. It's visa exempt entry.
Greeny, I decided long ago I am not going to sacrifice any of the remainder time I have left living waiting on line or in traffic unless its life and death
Not for restaurants, shows, concerts, visas, work, business or other needs, hobbies, tourist attractions or activities so I arranged my life
Accordingly so when everyone is going somewhere I am on the opposite direction.
So, as much as I want to go to Thailand no vaccine, sand bar, visa extension, vaccine or anything else will entice me to go there till all this madness is way way behind us and forgotten, and that includes anywhere else in the world.
I just don't see the reasoning behind the people's desperation
It definitely takes some patience I can see your point
Hello Greeny, thanks for all your informative videos. I was hoping that when I move from Bangkok to Pattaya later this year that immigration would be easier at Jomtien then Chaeng Wattana, I don't think that is the case. At least you don't have to wait outside at Chaeng Wattana. I am from the U.S. as well and converted my Education Visa to a Retirement Visa last year and just renewed in in October for the first time. I needed all the documents as you stated in your video. I too was concerned about the insurance as well and I had watched your previous video about Pacific Cross and that was my back up plan if my Tricare was not accepted. However, insurance was not an issue and they did not even ask about it. The only thing they really seemed to care about was that the letter you get from the bank, even though it was only a few days old, I had to go down stairs and get a current one as of that day. The second big thing was that I had to have the 800,000 Thai Baht in the bank 90 days prior to my application. I asked about showing proof of income instead of keeping that money in the bank but they didn't really seem to give me that option. I have read that I could use proof of income if I show it deposited into my Thai bank account every month for one year prior to my application. I went to my local Bangkok Bank and tried to set up an account for this purpose and they were lost in the sauce. I talked to Bangkok Bank in NY and they told me to have my money wired instead of direct deposit. I talked to a guy from the U.S. at Chaeng Wattana that told me the main branch of Bangkok Bank on Sukhumvit road in Bangkok was able to get him squared away. I still have not completed this task yet so my money has just been sitting in the Thai bank for the last 2 years with minimum interest. But anyways, I did get a one-year visa both when I converted to Type "O" and when I renewed for the first time in October. Of course you still have to do the 90 day reporting. I'm interested to see what they tell you in 90 days and what they accept as your proof of income. Good Luck!!
Thanks Thomas. That’s the biggest hurdle is there is no uniformity on what they will ask for.
I have done my visa in that Immigration couple times and it always has so long lines and a lot of waiting. Did in Samui once and in Bangkok, both of those trips were a lot painless than Jomtien immigration...
Made me wish I was in Samui
@Toni Elo Wow, thanks for letting me know that Bangkok is actually better. That is my top choice for a retirement city.
I believe when you first apply for an O visa they provide you with a 90 day bridging visa first so in fact you end up with a 15 month extention!
Ok. Cool. March will be a good time for me to renew every year so it will work out
It pays to do a little research before starting ones adventure with Thailand Immigration. A simple Google would tell one that the conversion process requires getting a Non-O visa (always only good for 90 days) the in the last 30 days get the one year extension. Also, Pattaya is a poor location for this process and a a trip to Bangkok is worth the small cost.
Good info!
Have used an agent since I got here many years ago.. Never stand in line just walk around it and go to the back room to have your picture taken and out the doo you go.. Good learning experience though for you and others.. Pay the money.. make it easy on yourself..
For sure!!
Sounds like a Chinese fire drill... You will prevail Green Man... YOU WILL PREVAIL...
Lol.
Kudos to you for your patience, I could not do it. I would be at the US Embassy ‘requesting’ help.
They would just laugh
I have an o a... both require a 90 day reporting. Your visa should be one year after the first 90 days. 90 day reporting is fast and easy... different line. I just go when the line isn't long. Late afternoon. The service charges 10k... it's too easy to do it on your own to pay 10k.
I hope the online is working for the 90 day reporting. Hasn’t ever worked for me yet
@@GreenyTravels some friends say they have had success, I don't live far from immigration so my 90 day reporting takes a few minutes. BTW. I wanted to recommend a place for you to try. It's at the SW corner of Chioppyrik 2 and Sukhumvit. Kamen gui and Tom yum gui. Very good. I'm buying. Youngstown expat here.
@@williammit1332 ok. Cool. Anytime
10k is most probably heaps for what is done Internaly by the office.
Invormative vlog, but a terrible process. My yearly O visa renews in May. Dread this process. Be waiting for your next vlog on this topic
I will follow up on how the agency does with my extension
Visa issues for all my friends. I just recieved my acceptance letter for Thai Elite, and the Test and Go has been moved until... No one knows when. Someday Thailand will figure things out, probably not in my lifetime, but we can dream...
Right. Will you still come and go to Phuket?
@@GreenyTravels Definitely, maybe. There is no guarantee that the Sandbox will survive. The Thai government is afraid. I may have to allow them more time. I have no confidence in Thai government decisions, they can change at any minute. I might spend this winter in Ecuador. We will see.
@@garypw2265 Been hearing great things about Ecuador. Interested myself but will my money go further in Ecuador than it does in the states?
@@pksports6350 Cheaper than the US, that's easy. Yes, its much cheaper, that said, you can find a way to go broke anywhere.
@@GreenyTravels In Phuket now. will be in the Jomtiem area around the 25th. Maybe ill see you around.
Once again..., Gr8 Work
Thank you!!
Crazy Brian, 5 times waiting in line just to find out they gave you the wrong visa for 2 months and not 1 year. Wow.. that sucks, i would do the same and pay a company to do it next time. Anyhow good luck in 2 months, keep us updated and tell us what went wrong for this one if you ever find out.
As always, C Ya in the next one, cheers 🙌😋
Thxx. Yea definitely.
It wasn't the wrong visa....your initial non o in country is 90 days then exxtended yearly afterwards
@@MrDobberdude thanks for explaning, didn't know that 👍
I just do 90 days Malaysia then 45 days Thailand back and forth on VOA stamps.
Thanks for the information, Thailand is on my list not to spend my retirement living
Welcome to Thailand 🇹🇭
Thank you
Greeny I understand what they told you about you were leaving the country and could just come back and get the O thus negating the need for Thai ins. However I understand the Thai ins can be obtained cheaply if you choose a company that offers the very minimum required. The cost of using an agent and doing things the way you did them may well have been more than the cost of the cheapest Thai health ins (depending on the agent). There are some excellent FB groups to assist with visa queries too.
Thank You!! It’s all good now. Actual when I did the extension a few moths after this video it was seamless on my own. Agents wanted 10-15k baft just to stand in line for me.
@@GreenyTravels Good to hear Greeny. Once you’ve done it once you learn from mistakes with documents and straightforward next time. And genuinely think you were unlucky to hit those huge queues which were maybe due to office being closed on day before plus it was around Xmas (and the pandemic thing too). There’s no chance I’d pay big fees to agents! Have a good evening 👍
Great video. Will you do a follow up in 3 months to let us know how it went with an agent?
Appreciate it, That’s the plan.
@@GreenyTravels So... how did it go getting your 1 year extension? Did you do it yourself? I've seen some visa agent videos talking about charging $500-1500usd to convert the tourist visa/exemption to the Non-O retirement visa. That sounds like robbery. If you found a service to do it for less, please let us know. I'm thinking about coming in on a tourist visa and converting to non-O later this year. I'm here now on STV, and I'll have to leave and go somewhere else for a bit then come back in. I'm trying to figure things out and get everything all lined up as much as possible.
I had applied a retirement visa through the LA embassy in US before I left, easy, just sent over night mail and got my passport back in a week. This is BS, for all this hassle.
Yep. Not easy here
This is crazy! The whole point of the OA was that you *couldn't* get it in Thailand, it had to be outside, and you could spin it to nearly two years by going out and coming back just before the year end. After that he has to be an O. Then they brought in the inconsistent health insurance stuff, necessary for the OA but not the O. They never seem to ask themselves, "What are we actually trying to achieve with these rules?" They seem to want rules without there being any thought as to the purpose.
I thought the O meant 90 day reporting, but you can do it online.
Right. I would have just extended the OA.
There is no rhyme or reason to the Immigration rules. They are pulled out of their arse.
@@fazbell I know a senior - very, very senior - business person who said that they could not get the local managers to speak their minds. "You're the boss. Tell us". Imagine that attitude in a bureaucracy,, and already you've already got a tendency towards hierarchy and unaccountable authority. Who would say, "What are we *actually* trying to achieve by this rule?"
Where I live in Isaan there is never any waiting just show up any time in and out, the coffee next door takes longer
I bet. A lot of farang down here
My landlady is also my visa agent. I did not need ANY TM garbage. It costs me 500 dollars a year for a renewal, but much idiocy is bypassed. No need for money in any Thai bank. All my money is in a credit union in America.
Hopefully they don’t crack down on that. I’m not gonna take that chance
Always use a reputable agent,saves a lot of problems,they are great 👍
Definitely saves time and aggravation.
Aloha Greeny! I really appreciate you doing this practical video on an important subject. While I'm not in a position to get to Thailand yet, this information is great preparation for what to expect. Bill
Thanks for watching Bill.
When I applied for my non O retirement Visa In 2019 the initially gave me the 90 days you got. This was because I had to apply to change my visa first then apply for the the one year extension after that.
I understand that you can get the 90 day visa in your home country And then apply for the one year extension once you are in Thailand (but this is not listed on the embassy website as an option)
I had an agent help me but still had to chase a lot of documents.
I have been out of Thailand since March 2020 now. So when I get back I start again! Yay!
I could have easily done that but nothing is explained easy about the process
A Visa renewal service? Is that possible!? Nice vid!
Thanks Dana. Yea all the visa services do it.
If you have a Thai wife/GF, she will do everything for you. She is your FREE AGENT! She can help with communication also. You do not need to pay anything to an agency.
Definitely helps
I appreciate you for sharing this with all over the world especially in the united States I am a Thai us citizen . And very nice to learn about how stupid that is nowadays
To get a Visa in Thailand
Within 55 years I lived in the united States I went to Thailand 3 times none of these problems that you are having now . And I never had enough money in my banking account within 3 times.
Thanks but no thanks Thailand I don't need to go to the stupid has so
Of all the foreigners who went thue
All of my extensions of stay have been for one year. Never any 90 day extensions.
Thanks! I’ll be hiring an agent 👍
Makes life easier
It's a hassle...with all the changing rules...till now I cannot understand...my partner in Thailand use to go through it every 90days..
Yep. Tons of people there for 90 day reporting
Retired expat living in Phuket. On an o-a visa. Have done three annual renewals. Very easy, no problems. That place looks horrible.
It was. It’s gotten better the last few times I was there
In my experience leave it to the professionals,you will save money, time and headaches
For now on.
They make it hard on purpose so you will go to an agent and then get their cut....but if you actually have all the documents it is easy...takes me a half hour start to finish but I have a yellow book and go to a country bumpkin office
Yea. It’s the lines here that are the killer
I do my 90 day and my o extension the same day, the key is having all the paperwork in order, a couple hours invested and done....I will be doing mine in a few weeks.
Good luck Paul! Hope it’s smoother for you!
What agent would you recommend? And how long can you stay on a tourist visa?
Tourist visa 90 days. I haven’t used an agent yet. Will make a video about it next time.
From what I was told you can not go directly from a tourist visa to an O visa. That is the purpose for the 90 day visa
Ok. This will work renewing every March will work
@@GreenyTravels (
Aloha Greeny! After years of dreaming, I'm happy to say I'm moving forward with getting a Retirement Visa! Your videos will be a great resource to help navigate the process, so thanks in advance. One question I want to ask you: I'll need to make the required 800,000 Baht deposit into a Thai bank. What method is the best to use... electronic funds transfer from my US bank? It seems this is the fastest and safest. Thank you for your reply. Bill
I did mine using Wise. It’s cheaper a great rate and very efficient. Here’s a code for a free transfer
wise.com/invite/i/briang861
@@GreenyTravels if you have funds in usa bank cant you wire from bank to bank? If at say wells fargo you can you wise to send to thailand from wells fargo?
Agents are the way to go. Most of the requirements are waived when you use an agent.
I will next time
I have to agree with you Fred. I use an agent and it is so easy and so worth the cost. Whenever I go to immigration I see people tearing their hair out trying to do it by themselves and having to provide things that seem to be be just stuff they make up on the spot.
@@ThatForeignBloke how much do they charge for o visa initially and renewal each year?
I have paid 40000 Bahts to an agency for one year new visa, 1 year of insurance and open a bank saving account in 2020.
Not cheap!
Why you don't get health insurance ? Health insurance policies from USA not good there? I am moving to Thailand next january & will be getting medicare this year but not accepted in thailand. Is the 30 day exempt visa still given? after that I would hire a company to get the retirement visa. Is this correct?
My Blue Cross works fine here. I always get reimbursed. I know when I get to Medicare age it will be an issue but I’m only 55 now
use an agent no wait 20 min in the office came back in a few days and done . they even took my pictures 2500 baht 73 USD I saw the line that was father than I could see and it was pouring rain. then went straight to the agent well worth loosing days in line
Yea. Can definitely be worth it.
How did you find a visa agent?
Why the fascination with not having insurance? It's cheap and the risk of not having one is potentially high.
Agree but many don’t
Hey Greeny, I'm bit confused here. Didn't you get "OA" visa when you first moved from the States? how come you're now applying for an "O" visa now?
It is actually the first thing he addresses on the video. Insurance. Did you watch it? LOL
@@DonThompson1964 didn’t realize that if you leave Thailand and come back you can apply for O visa. No wonder they gave him 3 months visa. If he applied OA they would have given him a full year extension.
Yes. You are correct but now I didn’t need to get the Thai insurance. Mine from America works fine.
@@GreenyTravels if you’re using your employers insurance form America, do they consider any treatment overseas as out of network with like $7K deductible etc? When I check with mine they said that they don’t cover overseas treatment if you’re on a long stay somewhere, just as a tourist and have an emergency and that too the out of network deductions will apply. I’m thinking when I move is to ditch the retiree insurance and just get one from Thailand or keep it in case I need for something here in the States.
@@GreenyTravels Hi I have only question since I recently watch your commentary while traveling to the Philippines with your friend Chris . And that question is seeing how discussed you seem leaving this immigration office and cussing out incident people outside ! Have you decided to get the elite visa for 5yrs. ?
its normal a non o is 90 day then you get your retirement for 1 year so first year you get 15 month
non o you only have to do 1 time retirement visa also 1 time next time is a extension of retirement its not a visa that one you already get first year. but yes more easy toi do with agent i did it to but yes i am lazy thats wy i am retired 55555
Yea. Pain to do alone
Ahhh paradise.
😂
Immigration told me on my way out of thailand with the thai wife if i wanted to stay longer i could stay for 6 months or 12 months because i was married to a thai he told me to go to bangkok and do it there
Definitely. I would pay the service to get the marriage visa. Lot of headache with that one too
Strike 3 😂😂😂 I like your optimism
Lol. I kept swinging and missing
Hi Greeny,
Great video.
I am going to Thailand in Jun 23 and wanting to apply for Non-O visa with a help of agency.
I understand that you are NOT in Bangkok but would you know any agency in Bangkok that assist me?
I will be staying in area like Din Daeng near Asok. Thank you.
Email me at gulfsunproperties@gmail.com I’m dealing with an agent in Pattaya. She is supposed to let me know who is reputable in Bangkok. I meet with her in a few weeks
@@GreenyTravelsname of agency please 🙏
That is insane. Be going to Thailand for 27 years, think that will be enough.
A lot of work
My wife and I will be taking up a retirement by this time next year. What are the approximate fees one could expect to pay to have an agent take care of it all?
For 2 people not really sure. If you email me at gulfsunproperties@gmail.com I will be going later this month to renew my license. I can check.
Doesn't having your youtube channel conflict with the O visa as far as not being able to work?
Any money I get from this. Which is very little goes to Fai. Just a hobby for me
👏🏼
🙏🙏
800000 baht in the bank can that be used or does that have to stay there in that exact amount and if you leave Thailand is there any problem withdrawing that money
It can go down to 400000 for about half the year. Gotta be at 8 a few months before and a few months after you renew. I don’t think it will be an issue transferring the funds if I need to
Question, Just asking your best advise. I am getting married in October of 2022 to a Thai National. I think it is best to simply hire a Thai Law Firm to do everything for me. I am hoping at least the first time to make sure I have given the firm everything they need so as to avoid all the hassles in this video as well as everything I've heard. I realize I am getting an entirely different visa as opposed to your retirement visa, but just interested in your thoughts, if this is a better way to go as this will be my first time to apply. Also are you familiar with Siam Legal? Any thoughts? Or can you recommend a different firm? I hope you respond? just looking for some advise. And we will be living in Pattaya come October. P.S. Your video's are totally awesome!!! I love your girlfriend to death! You have as good of taste as I do!! Lol.... Thank you in advance and stay safe!! Robert.
Thanks Robert. I hear the marriage visa is even more complicated. I use a firm called The Social Lawyers. It’s on the dark side. The attorney Michaels English is perfect. The did a will and and a business for me
Avoid IOs Friday, Monday or first day after holiday especially somewhere like J where farangs are like swarm of locusts 😂😂😂
True
Thanks for making this video. I'm looking to retire form the US to Thailand and was wondering if you can recommend an agency to help with my retirement visa? Do you have an idea what an agency would charge for this service? Can I live ok in Thailand on $1500 a month? Thanks for any help!
I’m gonna try the office next to immigration next time. I will make a video about it with the info. Stay tuned
ua-cam.com/video/x8as3ga8c_w/v-deo.html
To apply for a retirement visa, you need to have a fixed deposit bank account of thai baht 800,000. Not supposed to use this money when you are short. On the day of doing your visa 1) open an account with a thai bank
2) on the day of doing your retirement visa, a) go to the bank, ask them to write a lette rto certify that you have 800,000 baht. (cant do it even 1 day before, must be on the day you do your visa)
3) address where you stay (take photos of the house, a) outside with the house number, b) living room, c) bedroom d) kitchen (compulsory)
4) bring your bank book, passport, (make photocopies)
IF you do not produce the above, your retirement visa will not be accepted. No short cut. All paper works must be in order.
Of course there are forms (in thai version) to be filled. Bring a Thai to explain and fill up the form.
Good luck !
Can you tell us about the border runs I never have had to do it but would like a video on iy
I’ve never done that. Not possible now with covid I’m thinking
I never go until at least 1 oclock. Getting there early is a joke.
Greeny…sometimes your name really describes you. Visa shit……..pay an agent!! They can get you a visa with no money in the bank and no need for any insurance. If, in the future, IF they make EVERYONE get insurance they will negotiate away. So. PAY THE AGENT.
Good advice. Next time I will. I just wanted to make a video about it. I didn’t know it would be a 3 week 6 visit ordeal
What a hassle Greenie.I think they do it with intentions that they want the service to do it?.
It’s just the damn lines. I’ll pay next time
Congratulation, Greeny King passed the retirement visa by the skin of his teeth.
Lol. Barely