Mr. Chang @ VISA SERVICE IN PATTAYA
E-MAIL: changvisa@gmail.com
183/27 M.10 Soi 13/2 Nongpure, Banglamung Chonburi 20150
Mobile: 66 81 7549342, Tel: 66 38 711 145
Fax: 66 38 710 163
British embassy letter
Q: Now that the British consulate in Pattaya is closed, I have heard as a Pattaya resident that you don’t have to visit personally the embassy in Bangkok to get an income letter to renew your Thai retirement visa. What is all this about?
A: You can still post the application to the embassy if you wish. But many people are using the services of a visa agent in Pattaya to go to the embassy on their behalf, which is perfectly legal. You need to give the agent a copy of your passport, an indication of your address and clear evidence of your overseas income, e.g. bank statements, P60 or whatever. The agent will add a small fee to the embassy charge, but the service offered by several visa companies is cost-effective and reliable.
Retirement cash query
Q: My income in euros is not sufficient to reach 800,000 baht requirement for retirement here. I am short by about 200,000 baht but I don’t really want to open a bank account here as I prefer to bring over traveller’s cheques once a year when I go back to Europe. I currently have more than 200,000 baht equivalent in TQs and I’m wondering if they will satisfy the immigration authorities.
A: Afraid not. The cash has to be in a Thai bank, although it is OK to open a foreign currency account if you prefer that option. You may have to try several banks in Thailand as they do vary in their rules about how much the initial deposit must be.
Retiree too young
Q: I am an American who retired after I inherited a fortune from my parents. I’d love to live in Thailand but, at 44, I’m too young to qualify for a retirement visa. I am not married to a Thai and I don’t want to work here. So how can I live in Thailand without continually leaving the country?
A: Inquire at your local Immigration Office or consult a visa agent about the one- year education visa which enables you to study Thai if you wish (around 200 hours a year). You need a non-immigrant visa to start the application. As you told me you are currently in the USA, I suggest you try to obtain a single entry “O” before you visit Thailand. Explain to the Thai embassy or consulate what your plan is.
Rules about working
Q: I want to be absolutely clear what I can do in Thailand as regards working. For what things do I need a work permit and for what things don’t I? I have heard for example that if I marry a Thai I can do what I like.
A: Your information about marriage is wrong by the way; you still need a work permit. There is no master book to answer your general question. The alien labour act is very strict and makes unlawful any work-related activity whether paid or voluntary. The Immigration Bureau or visa agents can discuss with you what is work and what isn’t in the light of your particular plans.
No stamp in passport
Q: I recently came into Thailand through a land border post which did not seem to be manned at the time. So I just walked through and there is no entry stamp in my passport. Someone says I will have a problem next time I want to leave Thailand.
A: Yes, it needs sorting out as soon as possible. Check with your local Immigration Office to see whether you need to return to the same border post for the stamp. They might, or might not, be able to settle the matter by phone with the border post in question.
Overseas bail
Q: I have heard that a foreigner on bail in Thailand can apply at the court for permission to go abroad to see his or her family. There is nothing about this on the internet so I’m not sure if it is true.
A: Yes there is a facility for doing what you ask. Much depends on whether the sitting judge believes you will return for the trial. Also a larger bail bond may be sought. You need legal advice on this one. You will need clear documents explaining the reason(s) for your overseas trip.