Wednesday, December 27, 2017

CONVERT 30 DAY EXTENSION INTO NON O VISA 2

First, you will need financial proof:If in Thailand, this can be a letter from your embassy stating that you have 65,000+ baht average monthly income; or 800,000 baht in a bank account in Thailand, together with the transfer details that prove the money came from abroad; or a combination of income and money in bank coming to 800,000 baht annualized.If applying outside Thailand, I suggest you do it in Savannakhet. They will issue you with a single entry Non O (50+) with the income letter and/or money in the bank (and I believe the money in the bank can be in an overseas account)). If you want to apply in Vientiane, it is best to use the income method, which I think obviates the need for proof of retirement. If applying there based on money in the bank, you need to also be able to show some income from something like a pension (they worry about illegal working in Thailand).If applying via a process of conversion without leaving Thailand, the details will vary a bit depending on your local immigration office. Some may make it difficult. At a minimum, you must have 15 days left on your current permission to stay, but some offices may insist on at least 21 days left. If you indicate where you are living in Thailand, someone can probably give you guidance on how the conversion works at your local immigration office.One way or another (whether through conversion or visa from a consulate outside Thailand) you will have a 90-day entry. Towards the end of those 90 days, you apply for a one-year extension of your permission to stay (If applying for the extension with money in the bank, this money must be in an account in Thailand, and must have been there for 60 days.). If you want to leave Thailand (either during the initial 90 days, or during the one-year extension, you must get a re-entry permit to keep your permission to stay intact when you return to Thailand. htps://www.immigration.go.th/content/service_80

Monday, December 18, 2017

CONVERT A 30 DAY VISA EXEMPT TO NON O VISA

CONVERT A 30 DAY TO NON O VISA. You will need at least 15 days left because that’s how long they want to process the application. About two weeks after applying for the visa you return to immigration to have the visa stamped in your passport and receive a new 90 day permit to stay. Towards the end of that 90 day stay you return to immigration to apply for a 1 year extension of stay based on retirement. At no time do you need to leave the country.IF APPLYING VIA A PROCESS OF CONVERSION WITHOUT LEAVING THAILAND, You will need to use one of three methods to prove finances. 1.a letter from your embassy stating that you have 65,000+ baht average monthly income; or 2. 800,000 baht in a bank account in Thailand, together with the transfer details that prove the money came from abroad; or 3. a combination of income and money in bank coming to 800,000 baht annualized.IF APPLYING OUTSIDE THAILAND.I suggest you do it in Savannakhet in Laos.They will issue you with a single entry Non O (50+) with the income letter and/or money in the bank (and I believe the money in the bank can be in an overseas account). If you want to apply in Vientiane, it is best to use the income method, which I think obviates the need for proof of retirement. If applying there based on money in the bank, you need to also be able to show some income from something like a pension (they worry about illegal working in Thailand).If applying via a process of conversion without leaving Thailand, the details will vary a bit depending on your local immigration office. Some may make it difficult. At a minimum, you must have 15 days left on your current permission to stay, but some offices may insist on at least 21 days left. One way or another (whether through conversion or visa from a consulate outside Thailand) you will have a 90-day entry. Towards the end of those 90 days, you apply for a one-year extension of your permission to stay (If applying for the extension with money in the bank, this money must be in an account in Thailand, and must have been there for 60 days.). If you want to leave Thailand (either during the initial 90 days, or during the one-year extension, you must get a re-entry permit to keep your permission to stay intact when you return to Thailand.

Sunday, December 10, 2017

NON O MULTIPLE ENTRY FROM SAVANNAKHET BASED ON MARRIAGE

Non O multiple entry based on marriage went effortlessly, come prepared and you have nothing to fear* Application form filled in with 2 passport photos* signed copy of the house book* Signed copy of the wife's ID card* Copy of wedding certificate* Copy of registration of marriage* Visa fee 5,000 baht * show originals of the above and that's all you need.Time spend at the counter less the a minute as when I arrived at 10am  I was the only one, next day 2pm pick up and ready within 5 minutes. Back in Thailand at 3pm

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

30 DAY ON ENTRY VISA?

30 day on entry visa? Except it isn't a visa.The need for a visa is waived for many nationalities   (https://www.speedy-visa.com/visa-exempt-countries) upon arrival if you didn't get a visa before traveling and immigration gives you a 30 day permission to stay in Thailand without the need for a visa.During the last week of your 30 day stay, you can go to an immigration office and get a 30 day extension of your permission to stay. You're not extending a visa. You never got a visa. You're extending  your permission to remain in Thailand.Even if you go into immigration several days before your first permission to stay expires, the new 30 days is added to the first 30 days, so you don't lose any days by going in early.

Saturday, December 2, 2017

LIST OF DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FROM PHUKET IMMIGRATION OFFICE FOR RETIREMENT EXTENSION

LIST OF DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FROM PHUKET IMMIGRATION OFFICE FOR RETIREMENT EXTENSION
Persons who are 50 years old or above and which fulfill the required criteria
are eligible for a 1 year extension based on retirement.
Prerequisite are:
Valid Non-O visa without overstay or valid extension.
Up to date address registration.
Required papers:
Completely filled in TM 7 form.
Copies from following passport pages:
Detail page
Current visa/extension
All extensions from last Non-O visa or transfer stamp to new passport. (If applicable)
Last entry stamp
TM6 departure card
Passport size picture.
Proof of financial status either:
Letter from Embassy/Consul Certifying over THB 65000 month. (valid 6 months),
Supporting documents of the income may be requested by the immigration officer.
Copy bank book name page. OR
Copy updated Thai bank book name page and last 2/3 months transactions showing at least THB 800.000.
Signed and stamped bank letter AND Signed and stamped bank statement showing the money for the required period.
( 2 months first time, 3 months for consecutive extensions and both letters and updated bankbook maximum 7 days old )
Please make sure that all papers have the same balance mentioned OR
Combination of both which combined is at least THB 800.000 a year.
Picture of applicant in front of the house with house number clearly visible.
Hand draw map of the location of the house.
Extension application can be submitted within the last 45 days of the current visa/extension.
If joined account is used (with marriage certificate) only 50% of balance is used.
Only saving or fixed accounts where the money is at any time available are accepted.

Saturday, November 11, 2017

Monday, November 6, 2017

WORRIED ABOUT USING A VISA AGENT? WE TAKE CREDIT CARDS

WORRIED ABOUT USING A VISA AGENT? WE TAKE CREDIT CARDS! ISN'T THAT SECURITY ENOUGH FOR YOU? https://www.speedy-visa.com/our-fees

Sunday, November 5, 2017

HOW MUCH DO YOU CHARGE TO OBTAIN A RETIREMENT VISA?

I am often asked this question on my contact pages. Its something I cannot answer without more information from the person who is asking. I need to know this information before i can answer the question: ''WHAT VISA/PERMISSION TO STAY IN THAILAND, DO YOU HAVE NOW?'' This provides a starting point for the retirement process. The answer you give me will tell me how much work i will have to do to get you to where you want to be. In turn, your answer will tell me how much to charge you for that work. So let me advise you that the first thing I will ask you if you call or email Speedy Visa is this: ‘’ WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT VISA/PERMISSION TO STAY ? ’’ Answer that question for me and I can then give you an accurate and fixed cost for our services.

Monday, October 30, 2017

CHANGING A VISA EXEMPT OR TOURIST VISA TO A NON IMMIGRANT O TYPE VISA

CHANGING A VISA EXEMPT OR TOURIST VISA TO A NON IMMIGRANT O TYPE VISA

https://www.immigration.go.th/content/service_80

Saturday, October 28, 2017

VISITING PENANG FOR A VISA

VISITING PENANG FOR A VISA?
Have a look here:
https://www.travel-penang-malaysia.com
https://www.facebook.com/StardustGuestHouse/
http://bananapenang.com/main/
http://jimsplacepenang.tripod.com

IMPORTING USED / SECONDHAND HOUSEHOLD EFFECTS

IMPORTING USED / SECONDHAND HOUSEHOLD EFFECTS
http://en.customs.go.th/content.php?ini_content=individuals_151007_02&lang=en&left_menu=menu_individuals_151007_02

Friday, October 27, 2017

THAI PROPERTY AND REAL ESTATE LAW

Thai property and real estate law
Buying, selling, renting or renting out property in Thailand is subject to Thai law relating to foreign ownership or renting of real estate whether as an individual or as a registered foreign company. It’s essential to work with an experienced, bilingual property lawyer as the rules can be subject to change without notice and regional interpretation.
Land sizes
Land in Thailand is measured in rai, with one rai divided into 100 talong wah.
One rai is equal to 1600 sq m, an acre holds 2.48 rai and a talong wah equals four square metres. The ngan, a lesser used measurement, holds approximately 400 sq m. Most land offered for sale or lease is one rai or less, although rural plots can be larger. Plot sizes in gated moo baans(housing developments) in large cities are normally smaller than one ngan.
Title deeds explained
Of the six land title deeds in use in Thailand, only three apply to foreign leasing or purchasing land for the purpose of building a home. The most secure is the Chanote deed, also known as the Nor Sor Gor 4 Jor, with the Nor Sor 3 Gor and the Nor Sor 3 also useful.

Chanote Land Title (Nor Sor Gor 4 Jor)
The Chanoteland title is a certificate of legal leasing of a parcel of land, and is the preferred land title for foreigners as it is the most secure. The exact boundaries of the land are defined by GPS and give legal rights to occupation after confirmation by the local land office. In the case of multi-unit developments, the land may only be divided into nine or less plots, as its area is subject to the Land Allottment Law section 286.
Nor Sor 3 Gor
The Nor Sor 3 Gor land title gives occupation to a parcel of land measured out by hand and marked with wooden or concrete posts at its boundaries. It’s similar in legal structure to the Nor Sor 3, and gives the right to subdivide the land into smaller plots. Public declaration of developments on the land is not compulsory.
Nor Sor 3
This land title gives permission for legal construction of a house in the land to which it refers, but is simply a government-authorised usage certificate rather than a possession title. The person holding the title can use the deed as a legal document and benefit from the use of the land. Nor Sor Gor 3 is issued solely for independent, stand-alone plots and is seen as a ‘floating map’ containing no defined boundaries. A downside to this title deed is the lack of definition of the area itself, and any developments must be announced in the public domain for a minimum of 30 days.
Condo ownership
For foreigners wishing to own a home in Thailand, the purchase of a condo unit is the most popular option. Non-Thai nationals are allowed to fully own a unit as long as they satisfy the requirements of the Condominium Act by having permission to stay longer-term via a recognised visa. Although a number of Bangkok condo developments legally allow 100 per cent foreign ownership of the units available, most blocks outside the capital are restricted to 49 per cent foreign ownership.
The purchase of a freehold condo is straightforward, with full title transferred at point of purchase into the buyer’s name. Foreigners are required to transfer the funds for the purchase from an overseas bank to their Thai bank account, and the Foreign Exchange Transaction certificate provided by the Thai banks is a necessary part of the purchase regulations.
Land/house ownership
Individual foreigners living in Thailand are prohibited from owning land, although legal ownership of a property on leased land is allowed. If a foreigner has a Thai spouse, the land on which the marital home is built can now be legally owned by the Thai spouse. Previous to a recent change in the law, Thai women with foreign husbands were not allowed to own land.
Ways to own land
For foreigners without Thai spouses wishing to build a home on Thai land, there are several options:
Land can be legally leased to non-Thai nationals for an initial 30-year period, with the possibility of two further 30-year extensions contractually promised but dependent on local land offices, which at present will only register 30-year leases. Including a right of superficies in the land lease will further secure ownership of the house built on the land
If the foreigner has formed a Thai company with the legal 51 per cent of the shares held by Thai nationals, the company is permitted to own land in the company name. The company, however, must be a genuine operation
If your plans include a substantial business investment in Thailand, the Board of Investment (BOI) programme waives the restrictions on land ownership by foreigners. Minimum investment is 40 million baht, with one rai of land able to be owned outright.
Visa types
Thailand offers five visa options for foreigners wishing to take up residence. All are described as ‘non-immigrant’ and allow renewals or extensions, usually annually, subject to certain conditions. In most cases, a 90-day report must be made at the local immigration office to confirm the place of residence of the foreigner.
The one-year multi-entry non-immigrant visa (Non-Imm O) is valid for one year and can be extended for a period of three months. This visa can only be obtained outside Thailand, with those wishing to stay for an unlimited time required to exit the country to apply for another year’s visa. The 90-day report must be undertaken at a Thai border crossing or other overseas location, although several local immigration offices now provide this service
The marriage visa, officially called the One Year Extension of Stay based in Marriage, gives foreigners married to Thai spouses a one-year stay without needing to exit the country. Annual renewals take place via the couples’ local immigration office, and usually include a visit to the marital home by immigration officers. The local 90 report must still be made
The popular One-year Extension of Stay based on Retirement, known as the ‘retirement visa’, is available to those over 50 years of age provided they meet the financial criterion of 800,000 baht in a Thai bank for two months before the visa application. A combination of income plus capital in a Thai bank is, at present, also acceptable.  For annual renewals, obtainable at the local immigration office, the 800,000 baht deposit needs to be in a Thai bank for three months prior to the renewal. 90-day local reports must be made.
The Non-Immigrant B business visa is obtainable either before entry into Thailand from a Thai embassy in your home country or from a nearby country’s Thai embassy when a job has been offered and accepted. To work in Thailand, a work permit must be obtained from the local Labour Office, with the entire process taking around three months. 90-day local reports are also compulsory with this visa. If you are applying in your home country, you will be granted a 90-day visa, extendable to a one-year renewable visa on expiry.
The 90-day Non-Immigrant visitor visa is issued at a Thai Embassy or consulate in your home country, and is extendable to a one-year work, marriage or retirement visa subject to proof of adequate finance. Extensions may be possible an immigration offices within Thailand.
Usufructs explained
The usufruct route to accessing foreigners’ legal right to land is less used but equally as efficient as obtaining a 30-year lease. A Usufruct Agreement is made on immovable property such as a plot of land between the owner of the land and the usufructury as to utilization of the land. The agreement must be registered at the local land office, thus notifying the general public of the usufruct burden on the plot. After registration the usufruct is entered into the land title deed. At the expiry of the usufruct, the land reverts back to the owner.

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THOSE APPLYING FOR THAI VISA IN PENANG


IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THOSE APPLYING FOR THAI VISA IN PENANG

Address in Penang, Malaysia
ROYAL THAI CONSULATE-GENERAL,
No. 1 Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman
10350 Penang Malaysia
Tel : 604-2269484
"3D/2N Thai Visa Run Package" BOOK HERE

Consular Hours:
09:30 - 11:30 hrs -> Submission of visa application
14:00 - 16:00 hrs -> Collection of visa (submitted the day before)
Office Hours (Legalization):
09:00 - 12:00 hrs
14:00 - 16:00 hrs
Close on Saturday, Sunday and Malaysia/Thai Public Holidays

Royal Thai Consulate-General, Penang - 2017 Official Holidays
Date Week Day Name
January - 02,03 Monday,Tuesday New Year
January - 30 Monday Substitution for Chinese new year
February - 1 Monday Labour Day
February - 11 Monday Chinese New Year
April - 13,14 Thursday,Friday Songkran Festival
May - 01 Monday Labor Day
May - 10 Wednesday Wesak Day
June - 12 Monday Asalaha Bucha Day
June - 26,27 Monday,Tuesday Hari Raya Puasa Day *
July - 7 Friday Penang World Heritage City Day
August - 14 Monday Sub. for H.M The Queen's Birthday
August - 31 Thursday National Day of Malaysia
September - 1 Friday Hari Raya Haji
September - 21 Thursday Islamic New Year
October - 18 Wednesday Deepavali Festival
December - 1 Friday Phopher Muhammad's Birthday
December - 5 Tuesday H.M. The King's Bhumibol Adulyadej's Birthday
December - 25 Monday Christmass Day
* Subject to Change

VISA IN PENANG- DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR VISA APPLICATION

VISA IN PENANG

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR VISA APPLICATION :
Tourist Visa (60 days stay) – 2 recent photos , applicant must possess funds of 10,000
baht per person and 20,000 baht per family
Transit Visa (30 days stay) - 2 recent photos, applicant must possess funds and means of transport out of Thailand (fully paid air ticket)
Non-Immigrant Visa ‘B’ ( Single 90 days Stay valid for 90 days)

For Employment purposes
1. Copy of passport and 2 recent photos
2. Copy of academic degree(s) or curriculum vitae
3. Original letter of employment/contract stating position and salary
4. Copy of company’s registration certified by authorized director(s), if teaching school must registration must be duly certified.
5. Copy of list of company’s shareholders (if any)
6. Copy of Memorandum of Association/company ‘s Regulation (if any)
7. Copy of company’s latest income tax statement
8. Copy of company’s latest regulation of value added tax.
9. Copy of company’s latest Balance Sheet
10. List of expatriates and foreign workers employed by the company.
11. For exporting companies , Bill of landing or Bank Statement (s) indicating
exporting transactions is required.
12. The WP.3 form issued by the Department of Employment is a MUST for those applying for Non Immigrant "B" visa

For Business proposes
1. Copy of passport and 2 recent photos
2. Letter of invitation/recommendation of applicant’s company indicating the reason of visit.
3. If self-employed , please present financial standing of applicant
4. Documents required from the company inviting in Thailand (same as for employment purposes item 4 , 5 ,8 & 9)
5. The WP.3 form issued by the Department of Employment is a MUST for those applying for Non Immigrant "B" visa

Non-Immigrant "O" Visa (Single 90 days Stay valid for 90 days)

For Retirement
Copy of passport and 2 recent photos
1. Should be 55 years old and above
2. Proof of pension fund at least 30,000 baht per month and Bank Account. Pension fund document(s) should if certified by respective Embassies/Consulate of applicant.
3. Spouse or children of applicant can also apply

For Staying with Thai wife /husband/children
- Copy of passport and 2 recent photos
- Original Thai Marriage Certificate and Birth Certificate
- Original Thal Bank Saving Account Book and any other financial receivable documents
Spouse and children of Foreigners with work permit and retirement visa can also apply for this visa.

Remarks: All applicants with Non-Immigrant “B” visa (employment) is advised to apply for work-permit after entering Thailand which should be presented to the authorities upon next visa application.

All documents submitted must be translated to Thai or English and certified by an Embassies or appropriate authorities.
Note : While we strive to present the information as accurately as possible, Hotel Mingood is not responsible for the accuracy of this information and will not be held responsible if applicants failed to get the visa applied for based on these information.

* Subject to Change

Friday, September 22, 2017

OCCUPATIONS AND PROFESSIONS PROHIBITED FOR FOREIGN WORKERS



OCCUPATIONS AND PROFESSIONS PROHIBITED FOR FOREIGN WORKERS

1.  Labour work;
2.  Agriculture, animal husbandry, forestry, or fishery, except work requiring expertise, specialized work, or farm supervision work;
3. Bricklaying, carpentry or other construction work;
4. Wood carving;
5.  Driving motor vehicles, driving a non-mechanically propelled carrier or driving a mechanically propelled carrier, except for piloting international aircraft;
6.  Shop/Outlet attendance;
7.  Auction;
8.  Supervising, auditing or providing services in accounting, except internal auditing on occasions;
9.  Cutting or polishing diamond or precious stones;
10. Haircutting, hairdressing or beauty treatment;
11. Cloth weaving by hand;
12. Mat weaving or utensil making from reeds, rattan, hemp, straw or bamboo pellicle;
13. Mulberry paper making by hand;
14. Lacquerware making;
15. Making Thai musical instruments;
16. Nielloware making;
17. Gold ornaments, silverware or pink gold making;
18. Bronze ware making;
19. Thai doll making;
20. Mattress and quilt blanket making;
21. Alms bowl making;
22. Hand making of silk products;
23. Buddha image making;
24. Knife making;
25. Paper or cloth umbrella making;
26. Shoemaking;
27. Hat making;
28. Brokerage or agency work, except broker or agency work in international trade;
29. Civil engineering works concerning design and calculation, organization, research, project planning, testing, construction supervision or advising, excluding work requiring special expertise;
30. Architectural work concerning designing, drawing of plans, cost estimating, construction directing or advising;
31. Dressmaking;
32. Pottery or ceramic ware making;
33. Cigarette rolling by hand;
34. Tour guide or sightseeing tour operation;
35. Street vending;
36. Typesetting of Thai characters;
37.  Silk reeling and twisting by hand;
38.  Clerical and secretarial work;
39.  Legal service or lawsuit work;

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

TEN YEAR VISA-IS IT FOR YOU?

TEN YEAR VISA-IS IT FOR YOU?

November 22 2016
A government spokesman in Thailand announced that there will soon be a 10 year visa for Thailand.
An exact date from when this visa should be available was not announced
August 17 2017
From now you can apply for the new 10 year visa at your local immigration in Thailand.
Target group for the 10 year visa are obviously well-heeled foreigners, over 50 years. This can also be clearly read from the previously published regulations and requirements.
Firstly, this "visa" is obviously an extension of a normal non-immigrant O visa to 10 years, but this is divided into two sections, of five years each.
According to the government's statement, the visa is intended to stimulate medical tourism in Thailand.
With this 10 Year Visa you still have to "report" every 90 days at the Immigration.
You are not allowed to work with this visa in Thailand.
The prerequisites include a monthly income of at least 100,000 Baht, according to the current exchange rate, this would be about $3000 or 2550 Euros
A bank balance in Thailand of at least 3 million Baht is also acceptable
The 3 million baht cannot be withdrawn (even parts of it) in the first year of the visa.
Whether there is an exception with lower amounts for people who are married to a Thai citizen, is not yet known.
In addition, it still needs proof of health insurance, which covers hospital stays in Thailand up to an annual amount of US $ 10,000.
The fees for the new visa is 10,000 Baht.
The old annual visa extension of the Non Immigrant Visa is still available.

Friday, July 28, 2017

WHAT WE DO NOT DO

What We Do Not Do
We Do Not Process Fiance Visas
We Do Not process holiday visas, visitor visas, and fiance visas for Thai citizens to visit other countries.
We Do Not process marriage visas, education visas, tourist visas, business visas, company formations, work permits or permanent residency applications.
We cannot help you get a standalone O Visa or a B visa or an ED visa without you leaving the country.
We Do Not offer ‘hand holding’ services for applicants who want us to accompany them to immigration and help them process their application for a fee.
We Do Not process applications for people who are perfectly capable and have the finances to be able deal with their own application but are too lazy to do it themselves and want us to stand in line for them for a fee.

WE NOW OFFER OUR CLIENTS A VISA POSTAL PROCESSING SERVICE

We now offer our clients a Visa Postal Processing Service
We can process your retirement visa without you being there, the benefits:
No Queuing for Hours
No Travelling
No Overnight Stays
Those who have used our postal service like it! View their Testimonials
We can then discuss the requirements and check that you can send by post.
Once confirmed, we will send you a PDF file by email which will have all the information you need to send a postal application.
When sending we advise using Thailand EMS Post.The whole postal process takes 7-10 working days for those wishing to renew their existing Thai Retirement Visa.
We will then return your passport to you by Thailand Post EMS.If you have any questions about our Visa Postal Service, please don't hesitate to contact us directly on +66 (0)87 941 0081

Thursday, June 22, 2017

1 YEAR EXTENSION AT KOH SAMUI IMMIGRATION OFFICE



saw this on Thaivisa forum, credit to contributor tidybeard

1 YEAR EXTENSION AT KOH SAMUI IMMIGRATION OFFICE:

I know that each Immigration office have different requirements, but if you wish to apply for a 1 year AO or O extension in Samui, as of 21st June, this is what you will need.

1) A new TM7 form obtainable only from the office - the one downloaded from the internet is not accepted and has to be replaced.
2) A passport photo
3) A new form with no number  -  only obtainable from the office, which states your Western name, and which they then translate for you to create a new Thai name.
4) Once the new forms are complete - you now need to go downstairs to an additional office and "register on the Internet" This is done for you, but costs an additional 40 Baht per applicant and takes around 20 mins. To complete this procedure you will need your passport and your residential documents - either rental agreement or blue book.
5) Proof of income as always.... 65,000 Baht per month or 800,000 Baht in a Thai bank account for at least 3 months.
6) A letter from your bank showing the current balance. ( valid for 1 week )
7) A statement of your account showing 3 months of transactions. ( Valid for 1 week )
8) Photocopies of your bank book showing every page for the 3 months of transactions
9) Photocopy of Passport front page
10) Photocopy of last year's Visa page
11) Photocopy of last entry stamp with departure card stapled in the passport
12) A medical certificate from a hospital - we used Bandon Hospital, very quick, about 20 mins and 250 Baht ( Valid for 1 week )
13) A Google Map print showing your residence and it's Latitude and Longitude ( note a Google Earth view is not accepted - must be Google MAP )
14) A hand drawn map of your residence
15) A copy of your rental agreement or your residential owners book ( Blue book )
16) As we are a married couple applying together, they also asked us for a print of a photo of us on holiday together....

All photocopies need to be signed by the applicant.

I was careful to make all copies in Portrait format as requested last year, but they still insisted on re-copying several of my copies as they were in the wrong direction, so be prepared for a few hundred Baht of copy fees.

We have to return in 3 working days time to have the official photo taken and completion of the stamps ... so allow plenty of time before you travel.

Good luck.

Tuesday, June 6, 2017

OPENING BANK ACCOUNTS

OPENING BANK ACCOUNTS

If you want us to help you with the financing of a retirement extension or a renewal you will need a bank account in Thailand

We like to deal with Kasikorn Bank and Bangkok Bank, so let’s deal with those

If you do not have a bank account already you may find it difficult to open one
Many banks put all sorts of obstacles in your way and the cashiers will try to fob you off with responses like ‘you need a work permit’, ‘you need a retirement visa’, ‘you need an O visa’, ‘you need to be married to a Thai’ or ‘you need a Thai sponsor who has an account here’

Frankly that’s pretty much BS

Most banks are willing to open a bank account for you, given the right set of circumstances and how you present yourself.

Let me give you some tips on how to help yourself

Do not attempt to open an account in a shopping mall bank
The cashiers that work there have the worst job in the industry
They work longer, more unsocial hours and are busier than most
They are often newcomers to the banking sector
They do not want to spend a lot of time with one customer filling out forms
The managers do not like it either when a branch is busy with waiting Thai clients
They will fob you off with any excuse as to why you cannot open an account

Do attempt to open an account in a High Street type Bank
This bank is distinguishable by the fact it opens earlier and closes earlier than shopping mall branches, usually 8-30 am until 4-30 pm
This is a type of branch where Thai business owners conduct their banking affairs
You will be taken more seriously here

Nevertheless you will need to make yourself look like an interesting prospect for the bank and for the cashier
I would take along with you 10,000 baht and when you sit down at the cashier put it on the desk in front of you with your passport
Tell the cashier you want to open a bank savings account
Tell them you want it so you can transfer in 800,000 baht for your retirement fund
Tell them your friend has an account here
Tell them he is happy with their services
Tell them you want an insurance backed ATM card
(Charges for this may vary up to 800 baht in some cases)
This ATM card carries and accident insurance with it
Importantly the cashier will get a commission on the issue of this card
They also have to fulfil the banks sales quota of this type of card per month
So she will be happy to hear that request
Tell he that you also want to enrol in the banks insurance policy
(Charges for this may vary up to 6000 baht in some cases)
Once again the cashier will get a commission on the issue of this insurance
Again they have to help fulfil the bank manager’s sales quota of this type of insurance per month
So she will be very happy to hear that request
Now some will squirm at this approach and if asked to do this would scream SCAM but I prefer to view it as one hand washing the other
You want something that’s essential in Thailand and the cashier wants a reward for granting it
This type of behaviour is commonplace in Thailand especially in tourist areas
If it offends you then keep walking until you find someone who will do it for you without buying insurance
Someone will do it eventually, I guess it depends on how much you value your own time to search for that person

Any money left from these insurance purchases can be deposited in the new savings account as an opening balance
You will be issued an ATM card immediately as well as a bank passbook

You should have a 3-4000 baht left in the account which you can take out at the ATM outside if you wish as you use it to change or register your pin number
The cashier will usually help you with this process

So there you are all done, hopefully…..

Do not be disheartened, upset or angry with the cashier if she refuses you
She may be operating under the branch managers instructions
So ask to see the manager and explain it to him
Tell him you spoke to head office in Bangkok
Tell him they said it was ok for you to open an account
If he still refuses, politely ask him for his name and indicate you will speak to head office in Bangkok again
If he is still unmoved then you move along to another branch

I have known clients who have tried three to four branches and been declined and then tried a fifth and was given an account
On the other hand I have known one client who arrived on a Sunday, got a 30 day visa exempt at the airport and opened an account first thing on Monday morning.

It’s a little bit pot luck, good presentation and a lot of tenacity
If you are quick to temper or easily discouraged, it may not be for you

If so we can help you open a bank account for you during the application process

If you have a bank account already, let us know, and with which bank and we may still be able to use it and help you with the 800,000 baht support


Let’s start with Bangkok Bank requirements

On the Bangkok Bank Website it says in English:

‘’Even if you are only visiting Thailand for a relatively short period of time, you can open a savings account and get a debit card to use for shopping and ATM withdrawals.
All you will need to provide is your passport and one other official identification document – for example, a reference letter from your embassy, your home bank or a person acceptable to the bank.
You will also need to provide evidence of your address in Thailand as well as your regular address in your home country.’’

NO VISA - NO FEE! THAT'S OUR VISA SERVICE GUARANTEE!

NO VISA - NO FEE!
THAT'S OUR VISA SERVICE GUARANTEE

We know that choosing a visa agent is a big decision – and it's one you only want to make once because the last thing you need is being let down.
There are several things to consider when choosing an agency to engage.  Many people tell us that factors such as our level of experience and having set fees are important, but most of all, they want to feel ‘safe and secure’ throughout their Thai visa application service.
You need to be confident that your visa agent is doing everything in their power to achieve a successful outcome for you.
That's why we believe in offering our 'No Visa - No Fee' guarantee - it helps you feel confident that your Speedy Visa agent will do everything they can for you.
Additionally, it helps you to know that we will not process your visa application unless we are very confident of your application being approved.
Also, given that Thai Immigration policies do change regularly, you may only have one chance to get your visa and so it makes sense to team-up with an agent who puts their reputation on the line for you.
That's why Speedy Visa proudly has a 'No Visa - No Fee' guarantee.  If we fail to secure your visa for any reason, we will refund your fees in full.
That’s why we've included this promise right here on our website!
Call us now for a no obligation consultation - 087 941 0081