[TCjwwhcY]

Howdy,

Now that Lat and I have decided to finally set a date for permanently relocating back to Thailand once again (Oct 5), one of the questions I'd like advise on is which visa to apply for.

Since I am going to be 69 yr's old when my feet once again touch Thai soil, should I go for the "Geezer Visa" (Retirement Visa) or for the multiple entry O/A visa.

What are the monotary qualifications for getting either of those visas renewed in Thailand after my initial 1 yr. visa runs out?

Somehow, having 18,000 Baht in one of the Thai banks and/or showing that my Army Retirement Checks and Social Security retirement entitlements (currently just over $30,000/yr guaranteed for life) should do the trick right? I'd just like to have the correct requirements for both spelled out please.

I'd like also to hear any/all problems the members here have had with getting the renewals, and what paperwork must be submitted with each of the two catagories of visas. And where I would apply and what timeframe B4 the current visa expires should I apply.

Since my wife is an American citizen but still a Thai (will have current Thai ID card etc.) someone told us that once we arrive "in-country", she can appear at the Immigration Office on Soi 8, Pattaya (or wherever they move it too) and she can have her visa stamped for a 1 year stay where she will NOT have to do the 90 day visa runs. Can anyone tell us for sure if that is true or not. If so, do we need to spend the extra dough to get her a multiple entry O/A visa or just apply for a Tourist Visa for her and hope it will be stamped for a year as some of our friends who travelled back to Thailand on an American passport have done.

Thanking you for your responses in advance,

Ken and Rattana Bower
San Antonio Texas
http://homepage.mac.com/mgnewman/KenLat/ Homepage

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You might browse this site, and try your question on their Expat Forum as well, as it is dedicated in large part to this topic.

For example, I got this there...

"Requirements:

1. Application form T.M.7
2. Copy of passport or substitute document.
3. One 4 x 6 cm photo.
4. 500 baht fee.
5. Proof of financial status or pension.
6. Letter from your embassy saying you wish to retire in Thailand For an applicant who is over 50 years old, proof of a sum of 800,000 baht in a Thai bank OR an income of not less than 65,000 baht per month must be presented - OR a combination of balance in the bank and a monthly income. Example: 400,000 Baht in the bank and 32,500 Baht coming in every month.
7. If the alien is ill, or has weak health and is sensitive to colder climates or has resided in Thailand for a long period, and is 50-59 years old, special circumstances may be given. The applicant must also submit medical certificates and proof that he/she lived in Thailand for a long time. For info: Tel: (02) 287-3905 or 287-3101-10 (ext 2259-61) or ask us."

Enjoy!

http://www.thaivisa.com