Immigration

1 Year Ed Visa: Hand to Hand Combat

1 Year Ed Visa: Hand to Hand Combat 150 150 cmbadmin

How To Get a 12 Month Education Visa Without Studying Thai

Digital Nomads, Expats and Visitors that want to stay and live in Chiang Mai for 12 Months without having to learn Thai!

It happens all the time. People come to visit Chiang Mai, fall in love with the place, then want to stay much longer than first anticipated.

Not long ago you could get a 12-month Education Visa to “study” the Thai language which included an exemption from the 90-day reporting to immigration. How quickly things change. Not only has length of stay for this visa been slashed to 6 months, Thai Immigration now wants to see you every 90 days for that legendary reporting process that takes 3-5 hours and can add years to your life. If that wasn’t bad enough, Immigration is actually now spot testing Thai language proficiency and rejecting visa extensions for those who fail. To top it all off, class times have also increased.

So where does this leave you if you want to stay as a Digital Nomad serving your clients from afar or as a semi-retired individual not old (or rich) enough to qualify for a Retirement Visa.

What if I were to Tell You There is a Way?

What if you could obtain a 1 year ED Visa without learning Thai or having to attend as much school time? You can get the one year visa for a total cost of 35,000 baht. No more hassle waiting 5 hours at Immigration every 90 days for your Education Visa. No need to spend hours a week studying to ensure you pass the Immigration spot tests. And a whole year not just the new 6 months on the typical Thai Language ED Visa

The school will arrange to take you to Immigration (they queue in the morning and call you in) and make sure everything goes well.

AND

Your trainers are Military Police!  It’s not Immigration you have to worry about—it is the Army. Imagine having connections with the people who can really help you?

Additional Information

Retirement Visa
All Types of Visa’s

 

 

Here is the short and sweet of the 1 year ED Visa

bullet-greenED Visa for 12 Months
bullet-greenHand to Hand and Body Guard Training
bullet-greenNo More Immigration Problems

bullet-greenNo More Study of Thai Language
bullet-greenOnly 35,000 Baht

bullet-greenThai Military Police
Instructor
bullet-greenTrainer is a VIP Bodyguard in Chiang Mai
bullet-greenSchool arranges all Immigration Visits and 90-Day Reporting
bullet-greenLow Commitment of Time Compared to ED Visa
(Learning Thai)
bullet-greenAmazing Contacts in the Military Police
bullet-greenLearn a Skill that will Benefit you the Rest of your Life

 

You get to Stay 12 Months in Thailand!

PLUS – You get to make a friend of a high-ranking official of the Military Police

How to get a Self Defense Hand-to-Hand Combat Visa and Live in Chiang Mai for One Year

This is a self defense training school that is suitable for all ages and all fitness levels.  You are learning self defense and combat which does not require a high level of personal fitness.  Not only that, this is cool stuff. You learn to take care of yourself and how to defend yourself.

Thai Ed Visa Combat School

If you are traveling the world you should
be able to take care of your personal safety.

 

Click Here to Learn More!


[blog_posts count=”5″ post_category=”Visa Services” title=”Further Details: Our Articles on Visa Topics” link_text=”Read More” character_count=”115″ layout=”default” excluded_cat=””]

Thai 1 Year Non O Volunteer Visa

Thai 1 Year Non O Volunteer Visa 150 150 cmbadmin

How to get a 1 year Non O Volunteer Visa/Work Permit.

Digital Nomads, Expats and Visitors that want to stay and live in Chiang Mai for 12 Months!

If you have decided that Chiang Mai is the place for you and you would like to stay longer, you want to know what are the best Visa options to accomplish this.  Until recently you could get an ED Visa and learn Thai Language, and stay for a year – but now Immigration want to see you every 90 days and the reporting process takes 3-5 hours.  Worse, they now are actually testing your Thai language skills and rejecting your Visa if you fail.

But what if you want to stay here, either as a Digital Nomad to work on your own business, or as a longer term semi retirement and you are not old enough (or have sufficient savings) to qualify for a Retirement Visa?

What if I was to tell you there is a way? 

What if you could obtain (for around the same price as a 6 month education Visa), 1 year Non O Volunteer Visa and a Thai Work Permit?  You can get the one year visa and work permit for a year for a total cost of 35,000 baht.  No more hassle waiting 5 hours at immigration every 90 days for your Education Visa. No need to spend hours a week studying to ensure you pass the Immigration spot tests. And a whole year not just the new 6 months on the Ed Visa

Get 12-18 Months Non O Visa and make these Kids Happy!

Get 12 Months Non O Visa and make these Kids Happy!

Additional Information
Retirement Visa
All Types of Visa’s

 

Here is the short and sweet of the 1 year Non O Volunteer Visa and a Thai Work Permit

bullet-greenNon O Volunteer Visa for 12-18 Months
bullet-greenWork Permit for Volunteer
bullet-greenNo More Immigration Problems

bullet-greenNo More Study of Thai Language
bullet-greenOnly 35,000 Baht

bullet-greenNon Profit Organization

bullet-greenCan renew following year without leaving Thailand
bullet-greenCan exit the country multiple times (With Entry Visa)
bullet-greenLow Commitment Time as a Volunteer compared to Language ED Visa


 

You get to Stay 12 Months in Thailand!

PLUS – You get to give back to those who are not as fortunate

How to get a Volunteer Visa and Thai Work Permit and Live in Chiang Mai for One Year

This is a Visa and Work permit for Non Profit Organization. You will be required to engage in volunteer activities with the charity (primarily assisting disadvantaged children).  This will be in the form of

Volunteer work for the charity: 

* Cooking and preparing food
* Delivery and serving food packages in local schools and Hill-Tribe communities
* Planting Trees in Villages
* Teaching English to Children
* Many other types of work

Procedure to Apply

1) Ask Questions with Email or make a 15 Min Appointment to Discuss in our Office.

2) Send in or Bring in this Completed Form.

cmbuddycustomerinformation

We will forward your details to the Non Profit Organization who will conduct the necessary security checks with both local police and from your home State or Country.

If Accepted  to Continue ….

3) Bring your passport into Chiang Mai Buddy (we need copies), the 35,000 Baht Processing Fee and 12 photos size 6 x 4 cm and 12 photos 3.5 x 4.5 cm and 3 Work Permit Photos 3 x 4 cm.  Please be sure that the photos have a white background and that the work permit photos are obtained from a proper photography store using real photographic paper. The other photos can be obtained from any shop printing photos on a printer.

4) We will send your application out for processing.  (We can schedule an Appointment with the Head of the NPO, and Visa services if you require to satisfy your questions)

5) In 2-3 Days your documentation to apply for a Non O Visa will be ready (Pick up from Chiang Mai Buddy)

6) Do Visa trip to Laos (or Embassy of your choice – so long as we know), handing in your Visa Application at Thai Embassy (takes 2-3 days)

7) You will now have a 90 day Non O Visa

Come Back to Thailand

8) Obtain Medical Cert for Work Permit (Includes test for syphilis) 250-360 Baht from a Hospital (Not Medical Clinic)

9) Details of your Address, copies of Degrees (and address of the School) and/or Resume (CV) will then need to be provided

10) After a few days you will be taken to the Ministry of Employment and issued a letter granting permission to extend your visa one year and a work permit

11) Extend your Visa for 12-18 months (This depends on the Immigration Officer on any one day)

You can renew visa and work permit for the following year (no need to leave Thailand again) and leave the country multiple times with a Multi Entry Visa (additional cost)

N.B.

1) Having all of the required documentation before you leave to obtain your Visa is preferred.
2) Please be sure that the photos have a white background and that the work permit photos are obtained from a proper photography store using real photographic paper. Photos printed with blue background and work permit photos printed on on standard consumer paper will be rejected.

[hr]

What is Included

The processing fee includes

1) The Non Profit preparing the documentation inviting you to Apply (required for the Non O Visa)
2) Processing of documentation every 3 months to extend your Visa
3) Processing of the Work Permit Documents
4) Taking you out to collect your Work Permit
5) All fee associated for the year for processing

What you will have to do

1) Go to a Thai Embassy of your Choice
2) Go to Immigration to process the Visa Extension (documents provided)
3) 90 Day Reporting
4) Provide your own resources for living in Thailand
5) Remain or return to Chiang Mai for Immigration Visits and Volunteer requirements

[hr]

Benefits of a Non O Visa and Work Permit

For the average Digital Nomad, or short time visitor to Chiang Mai, a tourist Visa is all that is required.  But for those who desire to stay longer, there are so many more benefits to having a legal backing and permission to live (and work) in Thailand. While some of the following are possible on a Tourist Visa, most are not.  Once you have a Non O Visa and Work Permit, you can

bullet-greenOpen a Bank Account
bullet-greenPurchase and Sell Vehicles
bullet-greenNo More waiting at Immigration

bullet-greenNo More Visa Runs or Boarder Crossings
bullet-greenNo More Residency Certificates Required

bullet-greenDiscounts to Government Parks and Attractions
bullet-greenCan WORK Legally (as a Volunteer)
bullet-greenOpen a trading account with a broker
bullet-greenCan get a Thai Credit Card
bullet-greenSpouse can obtain a Non – O visa

bullet-green
Easier to send money out of the country

bullet-greenThai Social Security system – Full health care coverage
bullet-greenGet a Thai driving license
bullet-greenSend your kids to a Thai public school at low cost

bullet-greenImproved status of stay in the Kingdom (can stay forever)
bullet-green
Get a mobile phone contract easier
bullet-greenHire Purchase and Monthly Installments on Purchases
bullet-greenGet Thai rather than Farang Prices
bullet-greenAirport Thai passport holders desk Check In
bullet-greenPeace of Mind with Thai Authorities 

[hr]

Obligations to the Non Profit Organization

volunteer visa

You are applying to be a Volunteer, and as such you will be obligated to do charity work.  Every 90 days the Charity is obligated to send evidence of you being a volunteer.  If you do not volunteer your time then your Visa will be cancelled.  While we offer assistance to a few non profits, the most popular is the a foundation who works with disadvantaged children.  You will be contacted during your stay here about the various activities you have been selected to participate in, and you will be obligated to find your way to this activity.  Usually within 10-15 kilometers of the city of Chiang Mai.

1. Feed School Children  Free lunch is provided to school children. You will go to the school with the NPO and help hand out pre-made lunches.

2. Second hand for Children You can made donations of used property which will be collected and donated to Children in the Mountain and rural areas.  You will help transport and distribute these items

3. Book/Pen/Pencil anything for study!  The NPO provides educational materials to students.  You can donate and hand out some stationary.
4. Teaching English.  Every now and again you will be obligated for half a day (or longer if you wish) to play games that help Thai Children learn English skills

[hr]

Want to Find out More? Book a 15 Minute Appointment or Ask us Questions

[one_half]

download_pdf

Volunteer Visa and Work Permit Guide

Book an appointment with Chiang Mai Buddy

Office Hours:
Monday to Friday 10 am – 5 pm
Saturday 10am – 4pm

Phone

Thai 091-068-8112

Office Location
39 Siri Mangkalajarn, Suthep, Chiang Mai
39 ศิริมังคลาจารย์ ต.สุเทพ อ.เมือง จ.เชียงใหม่
(copy this for the Tuk Tuk or Taxi Driver)

Six Month Tourist Visa for Thailand

Six Month Tourist Visa for Thailand cmbadmin

The Six Month Tourist Visa for Thailand might soon become a reality. The Visa will cost 5000 baht and allow multiply entries and may soon be followed by a 12 month Tourist Visa.

The Minister for Tourism, Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul said that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has given the go ahead for the proposal early August 2015. It is expected to come into effect within 60 days of cabinet approval and publication.  BUT! This Visa has been talked about and speculated upon for many years and in particular in the last 6 months.

Current Status of 6 Month Tourist Visa:  Not yet Available

Citizens from over 30 countries can currently enter the kingdom without a visa for up to 30 days, but some nationalities are required to pay around 1,000 Baht for a single entry 30 day visa.  The new 6 month Tourist Visa is expected to be available for all countries at a cost of 5,000 baht (but as of yet this is speculation)

[hr]

What does the 6 Month Tourist Visa mean for Digital Nomads?

Talk among Digital Nomads about a special Nomad Visa has been rife for the last year or so. Nomad communities will insist that they contribute to the Thai economy and how the country should make things easier for them – being able to live and work here.  The reality is this Visa has been created for the growing number of Chinese tourists, in an attempt to have them come multiply times to Thailand and increase their spending.  Compared to the Chinese Tourist, the contribution of a few Digital Nomads is insignificant.  While this Visa will allow people to come and set up a base in Thailand with the ability to spend a few weeks to a month or so out of the country – you will still be classified as a Tourist.

This means, limited access to opening a Thai Bank Account, an inability to get a Thai Drivers license and all the usual lack of advantages of being in the Tourist Status. It will still be illegal for you to openly work here in Thailand

The Good News

It will make using Thailand (especially Chiang Mai) a base for your South Asia travels.  You will be able to secure a 6 month lease on a condo (making for cheaper living with a kitchen), obtain a Bank Account and really have time to commit to your projects with the ability to exit the country and return.

[hr]

What does the 6 Month Tourist Visa mean for Retirees?

This is great news for people wanting to retire in Thailand.  Six months will give you the ability to travel around the country and spend a month or so in each of the locations you are considering.  You will be able to obtain a Bank Account, and have it ready for the required Funds (800,000 Baht) for the last two months required to obtain a Non O Retirement Visa.

This gives you the ability now to come and visit and make sure you really want to live here in Thailand and the time to make it happen from within the country.

Final Thoughts

At the moment all that has happened is the Prime Minister has approved the idea of this Tourist Visa.  It still needs to be passed through the system and made into Law.  Then it is expected within 60 days of this happening, the Visa will be available. No amount of publicity or blog posts or newspaper articles telling what we ‘hope’ will happen makes it a reality.  Check back to this article every now and again to see the status of progress at the top.  This will be updated as events unfold towards the reality of the Six Month Tourist Visa.

[hr]

end

 

 

 

 

How to Get a 90 day extentsion

How to do 90 Day Visa Reporting in Thailand

How to do 90 Day Visa Reporting in Thailand 538 218 cmbadmin

Blog photo by Chiang Mai Locator

How to do 90 Day Visa Reporting in Thailand

Anyone who lives in Thailand for an extended period of time is all to familiar with the major inconvenience of having to visit the Immigration Office. Let’s not beat around the bush it is a major and royal “Pain in the Arse”

While the 90 day check in (properly called Notification of staying in the Kingdom over 90 days) is one of the less time consuming processes compared to an 3 month Ed Visa check in; it never-the-less is not an enjoyable experience.  It is worth noting however that compared to other countries, the Immigration office in Thailand is fast, cheap and convenient.  All to often we forget that a Thai National trying to get a Visa to visit our countries involves much higher fees, much longer waits and non assurance the Visa will be issued once payment is accepted.

[hr]

Caution

New Rules as of May 1st 2015

Immigration have changed the 90 day reporting for Non O Visa’s and Retirement Visa’s.  You now have to check in at your province Immigration center nearest to your registered address.  Immigration just tell you “We can not do here go to abc city”.  But if you take your lease or house papers in they will change your registered address.  Or we at Chiang Mai Buddy can arrange this for you

[hr]

Notification of staying in the Kingdom over 90 days

Procedure and notification

There are 4 ways you can apply for and obtain your 90 day check in documentation.

1) In Person: 

This is when you head down to the immigration office yourself. The first time you go it is usually a confusing and frustrating experience as you have no idea what is going on. Depending on the day and time you go (many head there before 6am to stand in line for the numbers.

2) Authorizes an Agent:

Usually after a persons first experience they decide this is not something that they enjoy and it is worth paying a Visa company money to do it on their behalf.  Fee’s vary around the country and seemingly at how much each business decide to charge.  Usually in the 1000-2000 Baht range.

3) By Registered Mail:

This is a little known secret, that is favored by those who have lived here long enough to know better than the average tourist.

4) Online:

Currently while this service is available, it is so unreliable and inconsistent (maybe 1 in 10 people can achieve online reporting). You need to have a web browser from several years back to bypass the security flaws in it.  Staff at Immigration will tell you it works, despite being told by many people a day it does not.

N.B.
1) The notification must be made within 15 days before or after 7 days the period of 90 days expires.
2) The first application for extension of stay by the foreigner is equivalent to the notification of staying in the Kingdom over 90 days.

Chiang Mai Buddy

90 Day Reporting Service: 650 Baht

Let Chiang Mai Buddy do your 90 Day Report for you!
N.B.
We will not do these for ‘brought’ Retirement Visa’s. At this present time Chiang Mai Immigration are checking anything they consider suspicious and better you go there to clear anything up.

[hr]

90 Day Visa Notification Procedure: (In Person)

Many people will tell you to turn up early (6am) at the Immigration Office and wait for a number ticket.  The ticket will be issued around 7am and then office will open at 8.  Your ticket is the order at which you go to the counter and tell the Immigration department why you are there.  You will be given another ticket for that particular service.

A 90 day check in is a very simply and fast procedure.  Depending on when you go in and your luck it can take anywhere from 10 minutes to a few hours.  You can head to the Immigration office when you are ready.  Obviously the later in the morning and afternoon you go, the longer time you will wait. After any holidays where Immigration is closed you will wait longer.

(edit: Aug 2015)  The current situation in Chiang Mai (with the new office) is terrible.  While you used to be able to wait until the office opens, now it is highly recommended you go early and queue.  The office is handing out limited appointments each day (because they are slow) and you need to be there early to get an appointment.

Many people who turn up even an hour after the opening time are turned away and told to come back the next day.

 

Steps in The 90 Day Reporting Procedure:

You will need:

Passport
Filled out Notification of Staying Over 90 Days form (TM47) – see example below
Photocopy of your departure card (TM6) – see example below
Photocopy of previous 90 day reporting slip – see example below
Photocopy of the photograph page in your passport
Photocopy of your latest visa stamp

Step One:
Go to the Immigration Counter customer service window and tell them 90 Day Reporting.  They will issue you with a Ticket number and tell you an approximate wait time.

Step Two:
Sit and wait, if you have not already (silly you) fill in the TM47 form and sign each page of the photocopies.

Step Three:
When your number is called (10 minutes to a few hours), present the documents to the staff at the counter window. They will tell you to sit and wait again

Step Four:
After a period of time (about 10-15 minutes) your processed Passport will be available for pick up.  Your name will be called, and you are all done.

 

90 Day Visa Notification Procedure: (Registered Mail)

You will need to include the following items in a registered envelope including an addressed return envelope with a 10 baht stamp for your finished documents to be returned to you.

Photocopy of Passport pages with following pages

– front page showing Name / Surname / Passport No
– current visa
– last entry stamp of immigration
– last extension of visa

Photocopy of Departure Card TM.6

immigration departure card

Previous notifications of staying over 90 days (if any)

Immigration receipt

 

Completely filled in and signed notification form TM.47

Note: If you are in Chiang Mai use form TM.47-CM

90 Day Reporting Thailand

Mailing Address:

Notify 90 Days
Chiang Mai Immigration
71 Moo 3 Amphoe Muang
Chiang Mai
50200

Please Note: After you have mailed the documents:

  • Your registered mail must be sent to the Immigration office at least 15 days before the due date of notification.
  • Your new form will be stamped as of the expiration date of your old receipt.
  • Please keep your receipt of your registered mail in case of lost mail.
  • Your document can not be processed if you have passed the 90 days limit. (You must come to the nearest immigration office or Immigration Division 1 in person to pay fine 2,000 Baht)
  • Waiting for reply mail over 1 month, please contact Immigration Office with your registered mail receipt.
  • The notification of staying in the Kingdom over 90 days is in no way equivalent to a visa extension.
  • If a foreigner staying in the kingdom over 90 days without notifying the Immigration Bureau or notifying the Immigration Bureau later than the set period, a fine of 2,000.- Baht will be collected. If a foreigner who did not make the notification of staying over 90 days is arrested, he will be fined 4,000.- Baht.
  • If a foreigner leaves the country and re-enters, the day count starts at 1 in every case.

[hr]

Chiang Mai Buddy

90 Day Reporting Service: 650 Baht

Let Chiang Mai Buddy do your 90 Day Report for you!
N.B. We will not do these for ‘brought’ Retirement Visa’s. At this present time Chiang Mai Immigration are checking anything they consider suspicious and better you go there to clear anything up.

[hr]

Addresses of Immigration Offices around Thailand

The location and buildings of the various offices around Thailand are always changing.  Rather than provide outdated information I suggest you call the office at the location you are at, and get the address first hand. (or search the city immigration website

Chiamg Mai 90 Day ReportingChiang Mai Immigration Promenada (map)

Notify 90 Days (as of 20 July 2015)

Promenada Chiang Mai Immigration
192-193 Moo 2
Tumbon Tasala,
Amphur Muang
Chiang Mai
50000

d2_cnx@immigration.go.th

 

 Location Phone
 Aranyaprathet   0-3723-1131, 0-3723-2672
 Bangkok Harbour   0-2249-0806-7
 Bangkok Head office   0-2287-3101-10
 Betong   0-7323-1292, 0-7323-0026
 Bunkan   0-4249-1832, 0-4249-2016
 Chiang Khan   0-4282-1175
 Chiang Khong   0-5379-1332, 0-5379-1633
 Chiang Mai   0-5327-7510, 0-5328-2532
 Chiang Mai Airport   0-5327-7190, 0-5327-7180
 Chiang Saen   0-5377-7118, 0-5377-7303
 Don Muang Airport   0-2535-1111 ext. Immigration
 Fang   0-5345-3131
 Hat Yai   0-7424-3019
 Hat Yai Airport   0-7425-1096, 0-7422-7216
 Kan Tang   0-7525-1030
 Kanchanaburi   0-3451-3325
 Kap Chung   0-4455-9166
 Khemmarat   0-4549-1211
 Khlong Yai   0-3958-8108
 Khuan Don   0-7472-2731
 Kong Chaim   0-4535-1084
 Krabi   0-7561-1097
 Laem Ngop   0-3959-7261
 Mae Hong Son   0-5361-2106
 Mae Sai   0-5373-1008 ext. 11, 12
 Mae Sariang   0-5368-1339
 Maptaphut   0-3868-4544, 0-3868-3673
 Mukdahan   0-4261-1074
 Nahorn Phanom   0-4251-1235
 Nakhon Sri Thammarat   0-7532-4092
 Nan   0-5479-5009
 Nong Khai Head   0-4241-1605, 0-4242-0242
 Padang Besar   0-7452-1611, 0-7452-1020
 Pattani Harbour   0-7334-9302, 0-7334-9480
 Pattaya   0-3842-9409, 0-3841-0240
 Phangna   0-7641-2011
 Phiboonmangsahan   0-4544-1108, 0-4544-1988
 Phuket   0-7621-2108-10
 Phuket Airport   0-7632-7138, 0-7635-1107
 Pong Nam Ron   0-3938-7127
 Ranong   0-7782-1216
 Sadao   0-7430-1107, 0-7430-1401
 Samui   0-7742-1069
 Samut Prakan   0-2395-0029
 Samut Sakhorn   0-3482-0739
 Sangkraburi   0-3459-5335
 Satun   0-7471-1080
 Siracha   0-3831-2571
 Songkhla Harbour   0-7431-3480
 Sri Chang   0-3821-6215
 Suan Pluh, Div. 1   0-2281-5144
 Suan Pluh, Div. 2   0-2929-8706, 0-2535-425x
 Suan Pluh, Div. 3   0-2287-3903, 0-2287-3130
 Sungaikolok   0-7361-1231
 Surathani   0-7727-3217
 Tak   0-5553-1316, 0-5553-4844
 Tak Bai   0-7358-1239

[hr]

Get a Thai Visa or Work Permit

Can Digital Nomads work in Thailand on Tourist Visa

Can a Digital Nomad Work in Chiang Mai, Thailand?

Can a Digital Nomad Work in Chiang Mai, Thailand? 538 218 cmbadmin

There has been a lot of speculation and opinions concerning the question can a digital nomad can work in Chiang Mai, while staying in Thailand on a tourist Visa. The opinions and answers to this matter range from “yes” to “yes BUT” to “No”. Let’s clear up all the myths and misinformation because the reality is, that most of what people are hearing, repeating and sharing is wrong

My own opinion has run the gambit, starting in the flat out “No” camp and then started to read articles online and was influenced by people who appeared to know more than I did; (or at least claim with a confident sense of authority). For example this article by jonez450reloaded sounded impressive and I followed the links that were cited. The article changed my mind to the “It’s fine and O.K. to work as a nomad on a Tourist Visa” view point.  I did not bother to read the whole articles and just skimmed the headlines.  Big Mistake!

A meeting with my Lawyer regarding my own Thai company reveal my views were based on cherry picked knowledge (oh boy I was wrong again).  I decided to follow-up on this because he was of the opinion coworking spaces are on the target list of local Immigration as are some digital nomads.  It did not take too much effort to find that much of the advice and opinions given by the nomad community about this topic have come from distortions of quotes in original sources, or taken from newspaper reports quoting people essentially saying “I don’t know but I think …”

Let’s take a skeptical look at where our information is coming from and examine what is real and what is wishful thinking.

[hr]

Update: 5th Feb

This update information comes from a coworking space owner who has a vested interest in Nomads. Unfortunately (again) not prepared to go on the record officially or have themselves identified. Following up on my inquiry to them before this post was made they have said … Immigration have informed them …

  • They are not interested in digital nomads in particular but they are looking for foreigners that do illegal work like selling/exporting goods from Thailand online eg. Selling Thai made Furniture from Baan Tawai Market online.
  • Immigration said because they are under the military internal security act, they are forced by the military to be more strict.
  • They suspect foreigners that stay in Thailand for a long time go to work at the same place.
  • Coworking spaces are consider in the same group as Cafes and safe to work from.
  • No one is going to get deported
  • It is not just Immigration who decide to go on a Raid. It is also other departments such as Police and Military

Question and Think

What does this new Information mean?

This updated information does not really provide any new details except

1) Immigration is not the single authority who decides what and when to raid places.
2) Added hearsay credibility to the no one will be deported knowledge base

The same texts (info obtained via facebook chat) have been sent to others who have also blogged about it coming to different conclusions.  I know that the tone of my post is cautious and others paint a more upbeat position.

For a balanced view, between the overly cautious and upbeat check the Hobo with a laptop link at the end of this post

[hr]
In a Nutshell

Conclusion In a Nutshell: Can a Digital Nomad Work in Chiang Mai, Thailand?

  • It is Illegal to work as a digital nomad on a tourist visa
  • Immigration say they are not concerned with Nomads working at home, at cafe or on their first (possible 2nd) Tourist Visa
  • Immigration appear to be concerned with Nomads (or anyone) using multiple Tourist Visas and using ‘Offices’ (essentially not a Tourist but living here)
  • Immigration are concerned with Nomads (or anyone) promoting they are working and making money in Thailand without a Work Permit.
  • Almost all opinions shared by the community come from repeating misquoted or cherry picking original sources
  • Chiang Mai Immigration are still actively investigating and collecting evidence
  • It seems only nomads fitting a certain profile are at risk

It is important to note that sources I have obtained my information from have said nothing officially.  This information is admittedly given as hearsay from me to blog post.  But, (and it is an important but) – This information comes from people working in the legal and immigration systems in Chiang Mai.
Let’s be realistic from the start, why would anyone go on record placing themselves in the hot seat for a ‘blog post’? 

[hr]

Let’s examine how we are getting incorrect Information

Cherry Picking Facts!  As is often the case on the internet, the news report linked in the post by people to support their opinions are often wrong.  In the case of jonez450reloaded, in which he concludes digital nomads can work in Thailand … “There’s no grey area, the answer is yes. You don’t have to believe me: Immigration has said so. That article links to a story at Chiang Mai City News quoting Pol. Col. Rutphong Sanwanangkun, Superintendent of Chiang Mai Immigration who is paraphrased as saying

“If you are a ‘digital nomad’ running your own business on the internet, the immigration office says you can do this on a tourist visa.”

In Reality
The first article actually reported in the Asian Correspondent quotes quoting Pol. Col. Rutphong Sanwanangkun as

“Generally speaking, to work in Thailand, foreigners should hold non-immigrant B visas and must obtain work permits from their employers. However, the increasing number of people working online does not fit into any neat visa category”.

The second article in Chiang Mai News, is referring to the Aug 20th meeting organized by the Chamber of Commerce.  This meeting was mostly aimed at Expats, Business and Retired people.  In this article the reporter gives the paraphrased response.

“If you are a ‘digital nomad’ running your own business on the internet, the immigration office says you can do this on a tourist visa.”

This one sentence is NOT what Immigration spokespeople said, this is a reporter giving her opinion of what was said.  Does this matter?  Hell yes!  There is more to the story.  This was an off the cuff comment made by a spokesperson, referring to the change in visitor demographics and his opinion.  Granted his opinion is more valid than yours or mine – but it is not the complete story.

In the Beginning

Thai Immigration Law

Thai Law which clearly and definitely says … You can not undertake any work in Thailand while you are here on a Tourist Visa.  This is clearly written on every single Visa application form, in the details about filling in the form, on any website dealing with immigration assistance.  This is not a grey area at all.  People can ‘hope’ that the new paradigm of the Digital Nomad means countries will have to adapt their immigration laws to cope with it. Hoping and wishing does not mean it is true.  To be fair to Chiang Mai Immigration, they have stated they are not concerned with enforcing the law for most digital nomads here on a Tourist Visa.  But as you will see further down – not all nomads are safe!

The PunSpace Raid

Can Digital Nomads work in Thailand

On October 1st 2014 PunSpace (a coworking place), was raided as reported by telecomasia.net as a “bungled raid on a digital nomad co-working space in the northern city of Chiang Mai”:  One of the 18 (some reports say 11) people detained was well known nomad and Chiang Mai resident Johnny FD. Johnny informed a concerned nomad community what was happening with his blog about the situation with regular updates. Much of the guessing and speculation began here in the comments about Johnny’s attempt to report what was happening. Much of the theories and opinions where based around there being no charges laid, and everyone being released.

Because no one was charged speculation went from ‘bungled’ headlines to ‘everything is fine, they just did not understand what a digital nomad was’.  My research suggest in fact Immigration know exactly what a digital nomad is. The often online repeated statement “They did not know what a digital nomad was’ came from this news report which quotes a staff member of Punspace who actually said

““The soldiers asked ‘what are these farang (foreigners) doing here?’ They didn’t know what we are”. 

Let’s examine this more ….  A Punspace staff member was talking to a soldiers (the hired guns) not to Immigration personal.  The same newspaper report in the next paragraph states plainly

“An immigration official refused to answer questions about the raid, but confirmed they were monitoring places like Punspace “with lots of farang” as part of an ongoing investigation.”

The major impression we are given as a result of this raid is that Immigration did not know what a digital nomad was.  The factual reality is that Immigration declined to justify the reasons for the raid, but stated they are continuing to investigate.  These two conclusions are not the same thing.

The English Teacher Raid

17 Foreigners Arrested for Teaching Illegally in Chiang Mai

On January 23rd 2015 at 12.30am, Chiang Mai Immigration raided a modified office room in the ground floor of Riverside Condo on Chiang Mai-Lamphun Road and detained 17 foreigners, who were teaching English on Skype. The raid as reported by Bangkok Post has been copied and pasted and commented upon in online forums all over Chiang Mai and Thailand, with the usual speculations and opinions being expressed about the whys and whats of working in Thailand.

All 17 foreigners were taken to Mae Ping police station to be prosecuted, and their passports and laptops were seized. The were held for 8 hours before being release.  Prosecutions are intended for each of them, but as of yet I could not determine how many would be charged and deported.

Interestingly while this is simply a breach of the law, Chiang Mai News reported Officials saying they believe the teachers were tutoring “Chinese Spies” and have reported the matter to Thailand’s Security Affairs Section and Chiang Mai’s Chinese Consulate.  Training Chinese Spy’s? On the ground floor of a condo unit, in plain site of everyone!  Let’s not forget we are in Thailand, and in Thailand the Farang is always wrong, no matter what the situation is.

[hr]

The Digital Nomad able to work … Speculation says ….

The information given online, in forums, by word of mouth is totally inconsistent. I admit that I gave my own impressions of what I thought the situation was as well. And my ‘opinion’ was influenced and formed with intellectual laziness.   I did not take the time to go to the source of information and in hindsight I did what every human being tends to do.  I selected the opinions of others that fitted into what I wanted or already believed – and I downplayed information that contradicted this.

Over the course of the last few months, my opinion and advice regarding our ability to work here has shifted from yes to no to yes.  Like almost everybody giving their advice, I did the best to repeat what I hoped was the situation without actually looking into the reality of the situation with any effort.

There is too many different versions of what is possible and what is not possible, but the general consensus of the majority of online commentary experts seems to be…..

1. It is illegal to work on a tourist visa

2. It is illegal to work on a tourist visa, but just do it anyway

3. It is the same thing as checking your emails or going on Facebook

4. It is not illegal to work in Thailand as long as you are not working for a Thai company, receiving pay in Thailand and the work you do is not for Thai nationals.

5. As long as you don’t actually do a job a Thai person can do Immigration have no problems, especially if it’s online

5. It’s a grey area, there are no laws regarding digital nomads working here, let’s work and wait and see

Whats the Real Story!

Background
On Friday 30th January, I went to see my Lawyer, [edit] I have removed the reasons I went to see the Lawyer as that revelation while used to give evidence of my sincerity could be used against me at a later date. [end edit]  and the conversation turned to Digital Nomads.  Long story short.

What the Lawyer Told Me

Cutting to the chase because you have had to read a bit to get to this point.  Here are the main points

  • The person quoted in all the press statements from Immigration is a spokesperson he does not make decisions, there is another section that does this.
  • It is illegal to work in Thailand on a Tourist Visa – that’s it bottom line
  • Immigration needs to prove in court that someone is breaking the law to get them deported
  • Immigration is now actively collecting this evidence for future arrests to provide proof
  • Punspace was not a bungled misunderstanding, they knew what a nomad was, and got statements as evidence
  • Immigration’s investigators are likely to have joined and monitoring Facebook groups and nomad forums to ‘watch & record’
  • Not every Digital Nomad needs to be worried

Obviously I was greatly disturbed by this.  I am a member of this community and as much as I care for your safety and well-being, – you lot and your friends are my customer base.  My lawyer said that not all hope was lost, Immigration were targeting specific criteria, and while technically illegal to work in Thailand at all without a work permit;  For now, Immigration are not concerned with the average digital nomad working while they travel. :By average” they are referring to the nomad with a 3 month stay in Thailand on their way to other places.

I wanted confirmation of this and had my staff call [edit] My staff members associations with the Immigration office were provided to establish credibility.  This has been removed as it could potential create problems in the future. The basic gist was I was trying to arrange a meeting) [end edit]

The Nomads being Targeted

There is bad news: It is illegal to work in Thailand on a Tourist Visa. It does not matter if your company is in another country or you are not taking work away from Thai people, or selling products in Thailand, or working for a foreign company selling to a foreign company.  A Tourist Visa is for a holiday.  If you intend to work while you are in the Kingdom of Thailand you do not come on a Tourist Visa legally stating on the application that you will not be working. If you are making an income or exchanging your time for a potential income – YOU ARE WORKING!

And good news:  For now only specific people are going to have a problem. Local Immigration officers are fully aware of what a nomad is and how we contribute to the economy.  Immigrations major concern is to remove undesirable elements from Thailand.  This is one of the major reasons the Visa run of the past has been shut down.  The thinking is, if you can not afford to leave the country and obtain a Visa to return, you are not contributing to the ‘Happiness of Thailand”.  In other words, your poor – go away.  By the same token, if you are making money and living here long term, but are not paying the required fees to obtain a Work permit – you are not contributing to the ‘Happiness of Thailand”

What is the criteria Immigration investigators are concerned about?

  • Anyone working from anything that can be defined as a ‘Office”.  This includes condos converted into Offices (as in the Skype English Teachers) and spaces deemed to look like an Office (rented enclosed working spaces in coworking spaces) and actual rented Offices
  • Anyone who publicly states they are working in Thailand as a digital nomad without a work permit. Investigators are looking at Forums, Facebook groups, Nomad seminars with a fee, and personal blogs – and collecting evidence

What are Immigration investigators not concerned about?

  • Visitors who are holidaying in Thailand as part of an extended overseas vacation
  • People working from inside their own condo or apartment
  • People working in open cafe (something that does not resemble an office)
  • People without a history of living here repeatedly
  • People who are working and not openly promoting they are breaking the laws of the Kingdom of Thailand.

[hr]

What happens if you are arrested?

Section 54 of the Immigration Act

In case there is an order of deportation for the alien; while waiting for the alien to be deported the competent official may order the alien to stay at any prescribed place or he may order the alien to report to him ( competent official ) according to a prescribed date, time ,and place with Security or with Security and Bond. The competent official may also detain the alien at any given place as many be necessary.

Immigration may hold you for 48 hours to complete their investigation and then further extend this to 7 days if need be. Any detention longer than 7 days must be approved by a court. Hence you are more likely than not to appear before a judge within 7 days after being arrested.The expense of detention and deportation will be charged to the person involved.

If you are arrested, you will be taken to Immigration, who will cross reference you to the information they are collecting.  If you are on the suspect list, it will be assured this time they will have the evidence to take the matter further. (if they decide to). They are collecting information from Blogs, Facebook posts and other sources we like to chat in. You will be given time to arrange for legal representative, and contact your Embassy; but Immigration have the right to detain you in a location of their choosing.  This maybe in locally, in Bangkok or they may let you return to your place of residence.

It is likely based on the history with over stayer, if you can show the means to leave, you will be released and given the ‘opportunity’ to leave the country.  BUT If you have ever watched Thai news on TV or read the papers; Thai authorities love to parade their good deeds in the media. Not only parade them but as in the case of the English lessons via Skype, they justify with exaggerated claims it was a “spy training ring

[hr]

What is the Chance of anything happening?

I freely acknowledge, that I, like everyone (except a few people within Chiang Mai Immigration) have no idea what might or might not happen. This matter is of concern to me because it at the base level affects my bottom-line.  Nomads are my income base, and I have no intention of wanting to scare anyone away from Chiang Mai.

Best that can be done at this point is to examine what is known, what is uncertain (and define it as uncertain) and what is known to be myth. For me, just 1 day ago I was saying any threat of Immigration deporting digital nomads was a myth.

Now I know this is not the case.  But luckily it is not every nomad, and you can easily avoid any risk by following a few common sense decisions. Sadly it would seem the people who are openly and actively promoting Chiang Mai as the place for Nomads to come, are most affected.

Here is what is known:

  • It is Illegal to work here on a Tourist Visa.  That’s it bottom line.  This is the Law, even if it is a law that has not kept up to date relating to digital nomads.  Even if it is a law that has not been actively enforced for whatever reasons. Even if it will damage the economy of Chiang Mai – this is the law as it stands and at any time it can be enforced.
  • Immigration has stated that the single entry Visa tourist who works from home, or a cafe or a coworking space in an open area is not of concern to them and should not have any problems.
  • Most of the information that we are using to base our decisions on are cherry picked from articles, misquoted, or from people guessing.  Repeated misinformation does not make it true, no matter how many people want to think it is.
  • Most of what you read, including previous comments I have made is copied and pasted wishful thinking
  • Chiang Mai Immigration are conducting further investigations.  They are monitoring and collecting information on people who are openly sharing that information online.
  • Immigration is collecting evidence in order to be prepared to prosecute and deport aliens they feel are a detriment to Thailand.
  • Immigration knew what they where doing when they raided Punspace.
  • Punspace, and other coworking spaces are going to be visited again.  It is possible that only those people in ‘offices’ will be detained, it is possible their will be a list of people being looked for, it is possible it is a scare tactic
  • Immigration have names and details of high profile people openly advertising they are earning money while living in Thailand

Here is what is Unknown

  • If digital nomads is a priority for the new government (Army) or local Chiang Mai Immigration
  • If this is a nationwide thing or just a concern for Chiang Mai
  • If this is a national policy or instigated by one member of the local Chiang Mai office
  • If any real action will be taken on the information gained from Immigrations ‘ongoing investigations’
  • If Nomads under the “no concern” position of the spokesman comments, is real policy.
  • If digital nomads have any official status (negative or positive) with Immigration
  • If a case can be put forward on our behalf by local Thai business people
  • If this is a real threat or just posturing for publicity

[hr]

What can be done?

Latest update: You can get a volunteer work permit for 30,000 baht for web based services.  And other type of Visas

Get a Thai Visa or Work Permit

[hr]

Conclusion

 

The bottom line is ….

1) It IS illegal to work here on a Tourist Visa – get this stuck in your head. There are no special circumstances or exceptions!

2) Immigration spokespeople have stated that they are unconcerned with enforcing this for the vast majority of digital nomads passing through Thailand on a Tourist Visa. (and maybe those living here quietly)

3) Immigration are conducting further investigations and have a criteria they are looking for that make us a possible risk

a) Working from something that looks like an Office.
b) Consistent long time residency in the Kingdom of Thailand on Tourist Visas
c) Openly flaunting you are working and living here
d) Exporting Online products that are made in Thailand (added Feb 5)

4) So far nothing has been acted upon specifically targeting digital nomads.  The Skype English teachers were targeted because they were using an Office, and possible training Chinese spies (read with unbelievable sarcasm)

[hr]

I will repeat again, the day before I investigated and wrote this, I was of the opinion that there is nothing to be concerned about with Immigration raids and being deported.  I still think this to be the case for almost all of the digital nomads living in Chiang Mai for being deported; rather fines will be levied.

I have changed my mind on the possibility of there being no further raids on coworking spaces, although I doubt will end up with any or many arrests.  I am certain (as I can be on hearsay) that investigations and information collection is happening; weather anything will come of it, I have no clue.  I would love to think (maybe hope) that through being observed, the positive light of an open and sharing community of travelers will be shown.  I would like to think that a deeper understanding of the nomad community will help lead to Visa reform.

Imagine if Thailand became the first country to accept and embrace the digital nomad movement? Imagine how much media attention and increased tourists they would get if they provided a place that supported the latest version of the entrepreneur?

[hr]

Get a Thai Visa or Work Permit

Getting a retirement Visa Thailand

How to get a Retirement Visa in Thailand

How to get a Retirement Visa in Thailand 538 218 cmbadmin

Thai Visa: How to Retire in Thailand

Chiang Mai, Thailand has for many years been one of the world’s top locations for Expats around the world to look at for retirement living.  The cost of living here is one of the cheapest in the world (great if you are surviving on a pension) – yet this modern northern city also provides all the benefits and luxuries you will find at home.  Chiang Mai is an exciting and vibrant city that you come to live the rest of your life, filling it with as much excitement and adventure, or opportunities to relax and enjoy as you choose.

Click here to get an idea of how far your dollar will go in Chiang Mai

Click here for information on other types of Visas (Not Retirement)

Get a Thai Visa or Work Permit

How to get a Retirement Visa to retire and live in Thailand

Obtaining a retirement Visa to come and live in Chiang Mai (or anywhere in Thailand) is still a pretty cheap and easy experience.  You can apply both within Thailand (changing your tourist Visa after deciding Chiang Mai is the place for you) or apply before you come from your home country.

In a NutshellIn a Nutshell to qualify for a Retirement Visa

50 years of age
Passport with 18 months left before expiring
Proof of Funds 800,000 Baht or US$ 25,000 or
Proof of income 60,000 a month or US$2,000
Fee 1900 Baht

N.B. It is often easier to get your Visa from your home countries consulate

 

Lets now look at some of the detailed requirements and process to apply for your Retirement Visa. At the beginning it can look like quite a bit of documentation, but as you go through the list and select which options apply for you, it will become less confusing.

Update:  Immigration Meeting at the Chiang Mai Expats Club
On 22 October, 2014 senior members of the Chiang Mai Immigration Department spoke at the monthly meeting of the Chiang Mai Expats Club (CEC) at Le Meridian Hotel. The Immigration officials developed a thorough presentation of the regulations concerning retirement visas and extensions, re-entry permits, 90-day reports, workload at the local office and other matters of interest to CEC members.

Video Topic Time Selection

0.00-7.00 Introduction  |  7.00-13.30 Retirement Visa  |  13.30- 17.15 Dependents (Spouse)  |  17.15-20.05 Change of Status  |  20.05-21.35 Re-Entry Permits  |  21.35-29.45 90 Day Reporting  |  29.35-35.30 Applying for an O Visa  |  35.30-fin  Immigration Work load


Video Via Chiang Mai Expats Club

[hr]

Retirement Visa

Requirements for a Non Immigrant Visa ‘O-A” (Retirement)

  • Must be 50 years of age or over.
  • Passport (must have at least 1 year (18 months preferred) remaining until it expires
  • Holder of this type of visa is allowed to stay in Thailand for 1 year.
  • Holding the nationality or permanent residence of country of application
  • Proof of Financial requirement
  • Letter from Bank showing proof of deposits
  • Employment of any kind is strictly prohibited (including volunteer work).

Eligibility for Retirement Visa

  • Applicant must be aged 50 years and over (on the day of submitting application).
  • Applicant not prohibited from entering the Kingdom as provided by the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979).
  • Having no criminal record in Thailand or in the country of his/her nationality, or the country of his/her residence.
  • Not having prohibitive diseases ( Leprosy, Tuberculosis, drug addiction, Elephantiasis, third phase of Syphilis) as indicated in the Ministerial Regulation No 14  B.E. 2535.
  • You must have at least 18 months validity on your current Passport

Documents Required for your 1st Visa

If applying from outside Thailand you may need 4 copies.  If applying from inside Thailand you may only need 1 or 2 copies

A – Application For VISA form TM 7   (Original + 4 copies)

B – Photo’s – (Passport-type photo, 2” x 2”, color, front-view, taken within 6 months, and write your name and last name on the back of each photo). They never check the photo for signature, but it is the law.

C – Copies of your  Passport (every page)  Sign every page

D – Copies of Personal Data Form – Click Here to Download Form

E – Copies of  Bank statement.    Deposit verification letter from your bank (if already here) stating the balance of your savings account (800,000 Baht). Normal cost about 100 to 200 baht.  This letter must not be older than 7 days.
OR
A Notarized Affidavit of Income from your Embassy,  with a monthly salary of no less than 65,000 Baht (US cost  ($50)  US Form download form.  This form can not be older than 6 months
OR
Combination of Bank Account and Income over 12 months = 800,000 Baht
OR
If you are married to a Thai National you need an Income Certificate with a monthly salary of no less than 40,000 Baht.  A Thai Bank account showing a reasonable amount is also required.

If you are applying using 800,000 Baht+ to meet financial resources:

a. First (Initial) Application – Needs to show funds have been on deposit at least 2 months before applying.
b. Subsequent (renewal) Application – Needs to show funds have been on deposit for at least 3 months before applying.

F – 4 copies of Police Clearance (Must be notarized) Stating the applicant has no criminal record (issued by the authority concerned of his/her nationality or residence. The verification must be no older than 3 months.  This Police Clearance applies only when applying from outside of Thailand and is not required when applying from here

G – 4 copies of a Medical Certificate.   When Issued from the country where the application is submitted, showing no prohibitive diseases as indicated in the Ministerial Regulation No. 14 (B.E. 2535) (Leprosy, Tuberculosis [T.B], Elephantiasis, Drug addiction, Alcoholism, 3rd step of syphilis) with the name and address of the doctor. (the certificate must be valid no more than 3
months)

NOTE:
1) Medical Certificate – This is not required if the VISA is applied for or accomplished inside Thailand

2) If you are applying for your first retirement VISA in Thailand, you will first be issued an “O” VISA.  Then you return to immigration 3 months later, with the same paperwork, to get an “OA” VISA

3) The marriage certificate must be presented as evidence if the applicant wishes to have his/ her spouse stay together in the Kingdom. But if his /her spouse is not qualified for the retirement VISA the spouse will be considered for the Non-Immigrant Visa Type “O” or Temporary Resident

[hr]

Re-Entry Permits (Single 1000 Baht, Multiply 3800 Baht)

When you arrive in Thailand your Retirement Visa is good for one year (requiring 90 day reporting). Often you might want to use Thailand as your base and travel to other parts of Asia, or be able to return home in case of emergencies or special events.  Leaving the country without obtaining a re-entry permit will make your Visa void, and you will have to apply again.

You can apply for a re-entry permit (single or multiply) when you apply for your retirement Visa, or during your stay here in Thailand.

Documents Required for Re-Entry Permit to Thailand

  • Form TM8
  • First page of  Passport showing picture
  • Passport page showing latest VISA stamp
  • Passport page showing expiration date of passport
  • Copy of Arrival Card (your passport may have the Departure Card)
  • 1 photo – Passport-type photo, 2” x 2”, color, front-view, taken within 6 months, and write your name and last name on the back of each photo

NOTE:  A Multiple Entry Permit is only good until the expiration date of your current VISA.  There is not much point purchasing a multiply re-entry permit for example if you only have a few months left on your current retirement Visa and you intend to be out of the country for longer than a month.

[hr]

Now you are in Thailand, what are your Visa Obligations?

90 day Reporting

Every 90 days you will be required to check in with Immigration for your 90 day reporting.  This is essentially letting the Thai government (via Immigration Office) that you are still residing in Thailand.  If you would like go to immigration in person you can read about how to do this here

thumbs upChiang Mai Buddy Advantage
We can process and submit your 90 Day reporting for you, have us at Chiang Mai Buddy head down to Immigration at 6am line up for you and submit your documents.  Then just pop into the Office the next day and pick up your Passport. The process is a 5 minute trip to our office.  Fee is 500 Baht.

 

In a NutshellIn a Nutshell doing a 90 day reporting check in

Form TM47
First page of  Passport showing picture
Passport page showing latest VISA stamp
Passport page showing expiration date of passport (If different from 1st page)
Copy of Arrival Card (your passport may have the Departure Card)
Proof of address (Ex: copy of Rental Agreement).  Only if your last 90 day reporting was not at Chiang Mai Immigration

 

N.B Fines for not Filing a 90 Day Report (TM47)

As per the Immigration website

The notification of staying in the Kingdom over 90 days is in no way equivalent to a VISA extension. If a foreigner staying in the kingdom over 90 days without notifying the Immigration Bureau or notifying

  • The fine for not checking in on time is 2000 baht plus 200 baht per day.
  • If a foreigner who did not make the  notification of staying over 90 days is arrested, he will be fined 4,000 baht
  • If a foreigner leaves the country and re-enters, the day count starts at 1 in every case.

For details contact 0-2285-5142, 0-2287-3101-10 ext.2262, 2263

[hr]

Extending your Retirement Visa after 1 year (1900 Baht)

Once you are here in Chiang Mai, you are going to want to stay here or at the very least spend part of your year here (maybe during the winter in your own country).  Since you already have your first retirement visa, this process is called a Visa Extensions, and follows much the same procedure as you did when originally applying (only easier)

  • If you want to extend your Visa for another year, he or she must submit a request for an extension of stay at the Office of the Immigration Bureau.
  • You must do so before the expiration date on your VISA stamp in your passport .
  • You can submit your paperwork 30 days before your Visa expires (Chiang Mai 45 days)

Documents Required for Retirement Visa Extension of Stay

A – Application For VISA form TM 7

B – One Passport Size Photo

C – Copy of your  Passport (every page)  Sign every page

D – Evidence of your address (rental agreement or Baan book)

E – Copy of  Bank statement.    Deposit verification letter from your bank (if already here) stating the balance of your savings account (800,000 Baht). Normal cost about 100 to 200 baht.  This letter must not be older than 7 days.
OR
A Notarized Affidavit of Income from your Embassy,  with a monthly salary of no less than 65,000 Baht (US cost  ($50)  US Form download form.  This form can not be older than 6 months
OR
Combination of Bank Account and Income over 12 months = 800,000 Baht
OR
If you are married to a Thai National you need an Income Certificate with a monthly salary of no less than 40,000 Baht.  A Thai Bank account showing a reasonable amount is also required.

If you are applying using 800,000 Baht+ to meet financial resources:

a. Subsequent (renewal) Application – Needs to show funds have been on deposit for at least 3 months before applying.

F – Copy of every page of your bank saving book for the past year (Sign every Page)  Some Immigration Offices may only require pages for 6 months

After you finish with the Immigration Officer, you will be directed to have your photograph taken and given a form to sign acknowledging that you understand the penalties of over staying.  The One year Extension of Stay is granted at the discretion of the immigration officer.  It is not a right, so dress well, smile and always when dealing with Thai officials be polite, calm and respectful.

[hr]

Married Couples: Documents required for a Spouse

If you are coming as a couple and both are over the age of 50, both people should apply for the retirement visa.  If the spouse will be accompanying him or her s does not qualify for the retirement visa (e.g. not age 50+ or age 50, but not enough income), the spouse will be considered for the Non-Immigrant Visa Type “O” or Temporary
Residents.  A copy of the Applicants marriage certificate (notarized) must be presented as supporting documentation.

Documents Required for Spouse:

  • VISA form TM 7
  • All the same documents you would submit for a “Retirement Visa” above
  • Plus your “Marriage Certificate” translated to Thai/English and Certified

Instead of a “Retirement Visa” the spouse will be considered for the Non-Immigrant Visa Type “O” or Temporary Resident.

[hr]

Get a Thai Visa or Work Permit

Retirement: How to Retire in Thailand

Retirement: How to Retire in Thailand cmbadmin

Everything you need to know: How to Retire in Thailand

Thailand is fast becoming the number one choice for people wanting to retire, live a quality life and have their money stretch as far as is possible so that they can enjoy life in their golden years.

Thailand is a richly diverse country, offering regions with beautiful white sand beaches to mountain forests.  Offering large cities like Bangkok to the more quiet and relaxed Chiang Mai.   The following article is how Chiang Mai Buddy can assist you in the planning and execution of retiring in Chiang Mai, Thailand, but you can still use this information as a guide to retiring anywhere in Thailand

Why Retire in Chiang Mai?

Have a look how beautiful this city is.   Video: Chiang Mai – The Beauty of Diversity – from NOXimage

Obviously we here at Chiang Mai Buddy are biased towards retiring in in Chiang Mai.  Here the temperature is cooler, the city is smaller and easier to get around, property is cheap, there is amazing gardens, Temples, arts and crafts and a general more laid back and relaxed.  No beaches here, but also not many sexpats either. Chiang Mai is a comfortable base with an airport that has several daily flights all over Thailand and to other Asian countries. It is easy to use this city as your base if you decide you want to investigate other locations in Thailand.

[hr]

retire in chiang mai thailand23 Reasons to Retire in Chiang Mai Thailand
Retire in Thailand & Live on $1000 a Month
Yes it can be done!  That’s how cheap Retirement in Chiang Mai Thailand can be.  One of the growing concerns for people approaching retirement age, is that the pension is just not enough for many people to live well in their own countries.[hr]

1) First Things First – Have you been to Thailand?

The most obviously benefit to Retiring in Thailand is that it is cheap.  But do not forget it is another country with a different culture.  The number one question you need to answer for yourself is …..

Do I like Thailand?

If you have been here for a holiday then you obviously know the answer to this question. If you are basing your entire choice of Thailand based on the internet, articles and media then you need to ensure that your expectations are as realistic as possible.  The Chiang Mai Buddy website is a good start.  Our blog posts and articles are pretty devoid of opinion and personal bias – they tend to just present the facts without attempting to color the information with a sales pitch.

Solution:

1) Come to Thailand on a Tourist Visa: Come as a Tourist and travel to a few cities you have narrowed down your selection to. Once you are here it is a simple process to apply for and get your Retirement Visa.

2) Take the Plunge: Apply for and get your Retirement Visa before you leave your own country. It is valid for a year and gives you the opportunity and freedom to base yourself in one location and visit other parts of the country. Renewing your Retirement Visa each year is easier than getting your initial one.

Considerations:

1) Less than 2% of Chiang Mai Buddies customers have decided that Chiang Mai is not the city for them.  Granted our customers have the added benefit of having friends the moment they arrive and we introduce them to other Expats and the local social community. Chiang Mai is the number one retirement city for a reason. It is a good choice to start.

2) Once you are here, any documents certified by a lawyer in your own country are useless.  The process for applying for a Retirement Visa in Thailand is different (and easier) than getting one before you arrive. In fact you do not even need to have the funds to retire.  We can provide you with an instant Retirement Visa for 35,000 Baht (includes a bank statement in your name with funds. All you need is your Passport and 2 Photos). If you have all your documentation and the money (doing it the official way) the fee is 6,000 Baht to process and obtain your Visa.

3) Book Accommodation before you Arrive.  We have an excellent selection of monthly apartments which we get for you at the same cash price as you would if you where here in person. When you order through us the Arrival Package is automatically added to your purchase, this includes picking you up from the airport, delivering you to your new temporarily home, a motorbike (if wanted) a Phone SIMcard, and of course instant access to people who know Chiang Mai.

thumbs upChiang Mai Buddy Advantage
If you decide to choose Chiang Mai as your base location, we are in business to help assist people come and stay – but more importantly ENJOY Chiang Mai.  Once you arrive we continue to offer services that make living in Thailand easy and stress free. Social introductions, hiring a Thai speaking person to assist you, getting bank accounts, drivers license and so much more.  You can rely on us as we teach you how to become familiar and comfortable in your new country.

[hr]

2) The Retirement Visa.

The Retirement Visa is a pretty simple and easy process (once you know what you’re doing) – but the first time it can seem like a daunting process.  You have two primary options

Retirement Visa Options:

1) Apply from your Home Country: This allows you to have your Visa in your passport and from the moment you are here you can have access to the benefit of having a retirement Visa (Bank Accounts, Drivers License etc).

2) Apply from within Thailand: This option is much less stressful, because of the easy access to Visa agencies that can take care of everything for you.  Yes there is a fee attached to having the professional look after you, but like so many other things in Thailand – the cost is small.

Qualifying for a Retirement Visa in Thailand

Requirements for a Non Immigrant Visa ‘O-A” (Retirement)

  • Must be 50 years of age or over.
  • Passport (must have at least 1 year (18 months preferred) remaining until it expires
  • Holder of this type of visa is allowed to stay in Thailand for 1 year.
  • Holding the nationality or permanent residence of country of application
  • Proof of Financial requirement
  • Letter from Bank showing proof of deposits
  • Employment of any kind is strictly prohibited (including volunteer work).

Eligibility for Retirement Visa

  • Applicant must be aged 50 years and over (on the day of submitting application).
  • Applicant not prohibited from entering the Kingdom as provided by the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979).
  • Having no criminal record in Thailand or in the country of his/her nationality, or the country of his/her residence.
  • Not having prohibitive diseases ( Leprosy, Tuberculosis, drug addiction, Elephantiasis, third phase of Syphilis) as indicated in the Ministerial Regulation No 14  B.E. 2535.
  • You must have at least 18 months validity on your current Passport

[hr]

Retirement VisaHow to get a Retirement Visa in Thailand
Step by Step Instructions to apply for your Retirement Visa
Get all the forms, know what documents you need and gain a better understanding of how to apply for a retirement visa to come and live in Thailand

 

[hr]

Retirement Visa Considerations:

1) Thailand Immigration want to ensure that people retiring in Thailand are also bringing their money in Thailand.  Once Expats would put the required amount of money into their bank account and apply for the Visa and remove the money.  Immigration decided (not yet undated on old blog post concerning the topic) to prevent this, your financial bank deposit needs to be in the bank for a two month period prior to applying for your Retirement Visa.

Another reason for having these funds is if you are require emergency medical treatment and you do not have funds in the Bank, the hospital will not perform the required treatment.  If you do not have the funds, there are services that have accounts with the 800k in them and are converted into your name and your application is processed.  All other documentation is taken care of for you – fee is 35,000 Baht (US$1020).  You should not consider this service unless you have complete medical insurance.

2) Obtaining a Retirement Visa from a Tourist Visa, needs to be done at an Embassy outside of Thailand (unless getting the aforementioned all-inclusive package).  You will have to reenter the country with your Retirement Visa if you decide to obtain one while already being in Thailand.

3) As mentioned in No 1 of the considerations, Thai Immigration have made some major changes since 2015 – most of which are to determine that people coming to Thailand can afford to live in Thailand.  While many Expats and Retirees living in Thailand are here because they are economically in hardship, You should seriously consider coming here if you do not have and are prepared to commit to the country the required 800,000 baht.

thumbs upChiang Mai Buddy Advantage
We offer extensive help and assistance with Visa’s.  At Chiang Mai Buddy we do not process Visa applications ourselves, rather we work in conjunction with a few Visa companies.  This allows us to select from an unbiased position which of the various Visa companies can provide the best service for you. You pay us the same price as you would them, so you can be assured that what we offer fits into your unique situation.

[hr]

3) Cost of Living in Thailand?

While you are required to have assets each year of 800,000 baht (or 400,000 plus income of 2000 US$) in order to maintain your retirement Visa, you can live here quite comfortably for almost half of that.  The following tables come from numbeo.com and was taken from July 2015 for the City of Chiang Mai.  You can use the link to find out the costs of any other city you might be interested in.

Cost of Food in Thailand (Chiang Mai)

Cost of food in Thailand (Chiang Mai)

Cost of food in Thailand (Chiang Mai) in US Dollars

 Cost of General Living in Thailand (Chiang Mai)

Cost of General Living in Thailand (Chiang Mai)

Cost of General Living in Thailand (Chiang Mai) US Dollars

 Cost of Accommodation in Thailand (Chiang Mai)

Cost of Accommodation in Thailand (Chiang Mai)

Cost of Accommodation in Thailand (Chiang Mai) in US Dollars

Considerations for Cost of Living in Thailand:

1) Everything is much cheaper in Thailand except for imported beer, wine, and dairy products. Eating western food will cost you 2-3 times more than eating local food but is still affordable.

2) Your biggest expense will be your accommodation. In Thailand a Westerner can only own 49% of land, so unless or until you have a Thai Wife, most people choose to rent a condo or house or purchase a condo.  You can lease land that a property is located on for 30 years plus – but gifting property to dependents (unless they are Thai) is a difficult process and not worth considering for a few years after you arrive.

3) Renting a condo in the city areas will cost about the same as a 2-4 bedroom house in the countryside.  Property is incredibly cheap in comparison to the western world, but it is the location that is important.  Do not rush into getting permanent accommodation until you are familiar with the area.  Stay first for a month or so in a monthly apartment before committing to a longer term lease.

[hr]

4) Finding a Place to Live

Accommodation is very affordable in Thailand, especially in the Northern parts of the country in the cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Even in the tourist locations of Phuket and Pattaya the cost of renting a place to live is far less than you own country.  One thing to be aware of, is that most people live in Condo’s which range in size from 30 sq m (small) to 180 sq m (3 bedroom place).  Houses of course are as small or large as they would be in any country.  The following Blog Post details the steps and procedures of how to go about renting a place of your own.

However we strongly suggest you first live in a Monthly Apartment and get to know the areas around town for a month or two before you commit to a lease.

Another problem many people face is Thai Real estate agents.  Many are great, but (and this is a generalization), many also do not comprehend or understand what you are used too or how strongly you might want what you say you want.  Countless people who want to entertain and desire a western kitchen are shown place after place without one (because Thai’s eat out).  They ability to grasp your demands for a property to qualify as something you want to look at is not great.

You can look online and find many amazing places available to rent.  Only to find when you call that they have been rented already, or that they will be available in a month only to have the existing tenant stay on.  Thai people and many Thai agents tend to just leave their property listings on websites, which can make searching on your own a frustrating experience.

[hr]

Rent or Lease Condo House Chiang MaiHow to Lease a Condo or Rent a House
Step by Step Instructions with Checklist and Suggestions
Have a detailed look at the types of places you can live and how much it will cost. Along with a checklist of things you may not have thought about – but are important.

[hr]

Except from the Article above

How much does it cost to Lease a Condo in Chiang Mai?

A 30 sq.m Condo with kitchen and modern amenities will start at around 6000 baht (US$180), increasing in size to 45 sq.m you are looking in the 9000-12000 baht range. (US$270-360) per month.  Larger 80-120 sq.m 2 bedrooms places are around 18000-25000 baht (US$549-760).  One of the first things many new arrivals notice (especially from America) is how small the condos are here compared to where they are from.  You very quickly adapt and begin to enjoy the smaller units, with less cleaning required, ease of getting around from kitchen to bathroom etc.  Price will often depend on the extra facilities of the condo, Gyms, Pools, Massage and location will all add to the price.

chiang mai condo penthouse

A 2 bedroom 100 sq.m Condo with style will cost about 20,000 per month

Chiang Mai Condo

45 sq.m modern unit will cost between 10,000-12,000 baht per month

Chiang Mai Condo for rent

A Condo like this will be about 8000 baht per month

How much does it cost to Rent a House in Chiang Mai?

Houses are available in the inner suburbs and city itself, and these tend to be older (often Thai style) and can start from as low as 5000 baht maybe 8000 baht for a two bedroom.  The further out you go the bigger and newer the houses become with more western features. Many expats decide that they want to rent a house in a Moo Baan (gated community) which are usually located in the Hang Dong and surrounding areas.  Older styled houses are found closer to the city areas (and also outside the city) which are smaller and basic sometimes with a yard, but usually close to the neighbors.

lease house chiang mai

A newer 3-4 bedroom house can be found as low as 9,000 baht but generally 15,000 plus

Rent House in Chiang Mai

Older styled houses, 1-2 bedrooms can be found from 8000 baht

Solutions for Finding Accommodation:

1) Rent a Monthly Apartment First: Many people choose to stay in a Hotel or resort for there first week and then rush into signing a lease without knowing the city.  So many people find a place close to where they first arrived in Thailand only to find later that they are miles away from the area they prefer or people they later meet.  If you are coming to Chiang Mai, we have a selection of 20 places we have selected (having looked at over 80 personally).  You can look for yourself at the Monthly Accommodation in Chiang Mai

2) Get a Western Real Estate Agent: The effort you use to find a western or western thinking real estate agent will pay you many times over in results.  Don’t worry, it will cost you nothing, agents take their payment from commission in the lease (you might pay a little more over finding a place yourself – but you do not waste your time looking at property not available)

Considerations for Finding Accommodation:

1) Many people find the idea of a smaller accommodation than they are used too, is not their first choice; until they try it.  In Thailand you just do not need to have a huge kitchen (cooking at home costs more than eating out) and lets face it when you are retired you just do not need to have all that extra room for family and friends to stay with you.

2) Renting vs Buying?  On average if you purchase a property and rent it, it might take 15-30 years before you start to get a return on your investment depending on the location.  In addition it is difficult to transfer the title of the property to someone outside of Thailand so it might just be the case that the Thai Government takes over your assets if you die.  Consider renting!  The cost is low, you have spent your life saving and buying that house, which you just sold to retire in another country.

3) Do Not … Do Not … Do Not get a place sight unseen for any reason.  It does not matter if you have fallen in love online and have decided to move to the beautiful countryside to buy a house for the person you love (and maybe not met). It does not matter what you have read online (including this website) …. maybe the only reason you would do this is if you already have a friend and you want to live close to them.  The number one reason we get customers at Chiang Mai Buddy, is because they read online somewhere how easy things where to do … abc and came here to find out this was not the case.

thumbs upChiang Mai Buddy Advantage
One of our prime functions is to provide budget monthly accommodation in the most desirable area of Chiang Mai.  In addition we offer our Thai staff to call and negotiate leases on your behalf (prices tend to go up if a westerner is calling) and an American owned Real Estate agent who can find you exactly what you are looking for.  In short we have all your accommodation options covered.
[hr]

5) Health Care and Insurance

As with most living costs in Thailand your medical treatment and Insurance is not only incredibly low, it is of such high standard that Thailand is a top location for Medical Holidays.  In all major cities there are Hospitals that tend to place the westerner in the priority queue (while we pay very little, we pay more than Thai’s on Social Security systems).

[hr]

Insurance in Chiang MaiHow to Find Cheap Insurance in Thailand
Learn about the different types of policies for getting Insurance in Thailand. Travel Insurance, Health Insurance, Life Insurance with an estimation of how much it is likely to cost you. Home and Content Insurance, Medical and Accident Insurance and much more

[hr]

While medical treatment and dentistry is remarkable affordable in Thailand, so to in the insurance policies that cover your costs. The major benefit of having insurance based in Thailand is that it comes with your own agent who will go and take care of everything on your behalf. This saves money!!

When a westerner is taken to hospital, or admits themselves, the assumption is that we all have financial resources in abundance.  The treatment reflects this, and more than is required is usually done.  Wonderful if you have the money, you will get treated as if you where the President and then be amazed at how little it cost you compared to home.

When you have an Insurance agent, they are called (because they are paying) and the agent will go to visit you. More importantly they will find out about your condition and tell the hospital what tests and treatments they will get paid to do.  Your Insurance agent knows what is needed and what is not and your premiums remain low because of non excessive use.  This is very important as you are older and are likely to require medical treatment more often than you used to.

Solutions for Health Care and Insurance:

1) Get Basic Travel Insurance from Home: Insurance is cheaper here, you do not need to cover yourself for everything before you come, much better to get basic flight and travel insurance for a couple of months and then purchase insurance after you are in Thailand.

2) Register with a Local Hospital: Each Hospital has a membership or registration card – get one.  It costs nothing or very little and contains your history and can have our medical records transferred from your home country.

Considerations for Health Care and Insurance:

1) Driving in Thailand is a completely different set of mental dynamics.  If you are going to ride a motorcycle here, the long and short of it is, at some point you will have an accident.  It pays to have insurance because no matter who is or was at fault it is ALWAYS the Westerner who will end up paying.  Local Insurance covered both you, and the other person for medical bills and replacement of the bike

2) The last thing you want if you are in Hospital in Thailand is someone from your home countries Insurance company trying to speak to someone who may or may not speak English to discuss payment and treatment.  In fact usually you are required to pay cash and claim later.  If you are living here – don’t rely on insurance from another country – no matter how good your past history with them has been.

thumbs upChiang Mai Buddy Advantage
If you are planning on Retiring in Chiang Mai, we have extensively searched and found the best providers we can find with our local knowledge.  This includes a wonderful Insurance agent who can find a policy to meet almost any budget.  Let us provide you with an introduction to this agent who has national and multinational insurance policies she can provide at low prices.
[hr]

5) Social Life and Friends

Of course it goes without saying that a major component of how much you enjoy life, is who you have to enjoy it with.  The Expat community is large in Thailand and almost every city will have an Expat Club, Facebook groups for Expats, Retirees and generally what is happening in your chosen city.

Unless you are wanting to disappear and avoid people, you would do well to join and check out a few Facebook groups in the cities you are thinking about and the Number One forum website ThaiVisa.com 

It is a mistake to come solely because you have fallen in love online.  It is even more of a mistake to decide to live in a rural province because your new girlfriend wants you to be close to her family.  You are going to miss the comforts and security of the familiar – even if this is just hearing the same types of accents you have done in the past.

Make sure that there is a community that reflects what you are used too.  If you are Greek, see if there are Greek people who meet and organize events. Same for German, Dutch and so on.  Most retirees in Thailand are American, British and Australians.  In some regions in South of Thailand there is a big Russian element, but not so much up in the Northern parts.

Considerations for Social Life and Friends

1) If you have been to Thailand and/or have friends here already, this is less of a problem.  If you belong to a smaller community and your own food, music and traditions are important to you, it would pay to investigate where there is already a community of people like yourself.

thumbs upChiang Mai Buddy Advantage
We have as part of our service an Expat Relocation Tour, which shows you the places to shop, get medicines, eat and drink with other people also here in Chiang Mai.  In addition our Facebook Page, lists events from all over Chiang Mai to inform you what is happening.  And we of course have the occasional dinner party inviting our old and new customers to meet socially.
[hr]

Conclusion

Thailand is a wonderful place to retire, with Chiang Mai being the most popular location for many people. If you wish to consider Chiang Mai as a location, we here at Chiang Mai Buddy offer a range of affordable services to make this as easy and as stress free as possible.

[blog_posts count=”10″ post_category=”Expat Retire” title=”Further Articles on Retiring in Thailand” link_text=”Read More” character_count=”115″ layout=”default” excluded_cat=””]

[hr]

How to do Thai Visa run to Vientiane Laos

How to do Thai Visa run to Vientiane Laos cmbadmin

How to do: Thai Visa run to Vientiane, Laos

Step by step instructions, photos and the costs involved to get a Visa from the Thai Embassy in Vientiane, Laos

Going to Vientiane in Laos is by far and away the most common Visa Run used by people wishing to extend their stay in Thailand. This article will deal mostly with folks wanting to do this trip from Chiang Mai, but equally as easy is flying from Bangkok direct to Vientiane.

After nearly 20 ‘how to’ blog posts at Chiang Mai Buddy, this is the first time I am going to interject my personal opinion – rather than attempt to just give the facts.  If you are an older person, or over 6 foot, or find it difficult to sleep in minivans or seated up-right … or unless you are absolutely broke and on a budget – TAKE A PLANE!  I have done this Visa Run 2 times now over the last few years using a van service and each time was an uncomfortable ride with no sleep.  The advantage of using Aya Service to do this trip is that they held your hand all the way to the Thai Embassy.  After July 2015 this will no longer be the case.  Your Minivan ride will be from one Aya depot to another.

[hr]Visa Run to Vientiane, Laos in a Nutshell

In a Nutshell

bullet-greenGet to the Town of Nong Khai then to the Boarder
bullet-green1st Stop: Depart Thailand (Free)
bullet-green
2nd Stop: Get your Laos Visa (US$30-35)
bullet-green3rd Stop: Thai Embassy (8.30am-12.00pm)
bullet-greenGo and find your Accommodation in Vientiane

bullet-greenNext day after 1.30 Get Visa from Embassy

bullet-greenTake bus back to Nong Khai
bullet-greenLeave Laos (15,000 Kip at Boarder)
bullet-greenEnter Thailand (Free)
bullet-greenGet back home!

[hr]

1: Get Yourself to Nong Khai

A visa run from Chiang Mai or Bangkok, Thailand to Vientiane, Laos can be done via minivan (visa run service) bus and/or airplane.  It is approximately 700 km to the Thai border town of Nong Khai from both these cities, and overland these trips are done overnight (to arrive when the Embassy is open during the morning to accept applications).

Visa run services usually leave about 7pm and arrive at their depot the next morning at 5.30am to 6am.  Bus services traditionally take an entire night of travel (12 hours), and Flights take about an hour or so.  If flying from Bangkok you arrive directly at Vientiane Airport, and if flying from Chiang Mai you land at Undon Thani and take an hour bus trip to Nong Khai.

Check and Book Tickets via Train, Bus and Plane to Nong Khai
You can also book Aya Services Minivan whose office is located just a 5 minute walk to the Boarder crossing and Immigration.  If you don’t know this you might be tempted to pay for a Tuk Tuk but it is an easy enough walk.  Aya will provide you with a Laos Visa application (requiring one passport photo) and take you to the first stop off point. Visa Run by Air Flying will is about twice as much as taking a bus, but is over in one hour and allows you to arrive fresh and ready.  Different airlines offer different times and flying from Chiang Mai you can only go to Nong Khai. Flights from Bangkok go straight to Vientiane. NOTE: If you fly to Bangkok first (or flying from Bangkok) then you get your customs and entry done at the airport and can skip to point 4 Typically Nok Airways have a great deal on airfare, and you fly from Chiang Mai’s CNX airport to Udon Thani’s UTH airport in about an hour. From there you take a ride to Nong Khai, cross the border and catch another songthaew into Vientiane which is another 30 minutes. If you do not use Aya services you can download your Laos Visa on Arrival Form from us here at Chiang Mai Buddy

Aya Services at Nong Khai

Waiting for the Freedom Bridge to open at Aya Services in Nong Khai

2: Getting to the Immigration Checkpoints

The Nong Khai Customs and Boarder Post is right at the beginning of your trip.  On the right hand side is your exit point from Thailand.  This consists of a few booths with Immigration Officers who will inspect your departure card and stamp you out of Thailand.  Then you cross the road to the Lao Visa point to apply for and get your Visa.

Laos immigration

The Laos Immigration Windows – where you get your Visa to Enter Laos

At the Laos side you will need:
bullet-greenPassport

bullet-greenOne Passport Photo

bullet-greenVisa Application Form for Laos (Here)
bullet-greenUS$30-35 ( Baht is accepted)

Lao Visa Exemption

Lao visas are not required for citizens of many countries. The following countries will have to apply for a Visa before getting to the Immigration Checkpoint.

  1. Afghanistan
  2. Algeria
  3. Bangladesh
  4. Burundi
  5. Cameroon
  6. Congo
  7. Cote d’Ivoire
  8. Ghana
  9. Guinea
  10. Guinea Bissau
  11. Jordan
  12. Lesotho
  13. Liberia
  14. Libya ( Libyan Arab Jamahiriya )
  15. Mozambique
  1. Nauru
  2. Niger
  3. Nigeria
  4. Pakistan
  5. Senegal
  6. Sierra Leone
  7. Sri Lanka
  8. Suriname
  9. Syria ( Syrian Arab republic)
  10. Swaziland
  11. Tonga
  12. Turkey
  13. Zambia
  14. Zimbabwe

Lao Visa Costs

Below is a list of visa fee for different countries. If your country is not on the list, it probably costs you $US30 to get the visa or you’re not eligible for getting Laos visa on arrival.

Country Price (US Dollar)
Australia 30
Canada 42
China 20
India 40
Sweden 31
USA 35
UK 35
Others 30

 

Procedure to Get Visa on Arrival at Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge

It’s pretty easy to get the Lao visa on arrival at the Friendship bridge.  Windows are numbered so just go in sequential order 1-2-3.

Step 1: Get Visa application form at window #1, and fill it out. (although if you are reading this you will have downloaded the form and have it ready)

Step 2: Return the completed form with 1 or 2 passport type photos and visa fee, plus over time if you arrive out side working hours, on weekend or Lao public holidays, to the official at window #1 or window #2 if it is active, and wait to be called.

Step 3: When you’re called, collect your passport with the visa, at window #3 around the corner. Make sure you KEEP your departure sheet for exiting Laos.

This will take 10-15 minutes.  If you go before opening hours (which most tours will do) there is an extra $1 fee for making the staff start working early.

3: Getting to the Thai Embassy and Applying for your Visa

Once you have your Visa you walk 50 meters towards the Laos entry point, show your Passport and Visa to the Immigration staff and walk out to the chaos of drivers trying to get your fare into town.

If you are using Aya Services they provide a ride. You will as a group be guided along together and put into a seated truck.  If you are doing it on your own, you will negotiate with the driver or taxi to take you into Vientiane and the Thai Embassy.  Almost everybody crossing into Laos is heading to the Thai Embassy so don’t worry too much about how to get there.  Everybody knows.

Procedure to Get Thai Visa at the Thai Embassy in Vientiane

The Vientiane Royal Thai Embassy (Consular) location is at:

No.15 Ban Ponesinuan, Bourichane Road, Vientiane Capital
(Map)

Consular Section
Monday to Friday
08.30 hrs.–12.00 hrs. Application for Visa
13.00 hrs.–15.00 hrs. Distribution of Passports

Weekly Holiday
Saturday – Sunday

Warning:  In the last 6 months Immigration have tightened up.  As politically incorrect as it is to say, many dark or black skinned people (from certain countries I assume not including United States or the G7) and people dressed in scruffy attire are being denied. Basically Spiritual travelers and Black people are going to have a more difficult time.

Having said this, I myself went to Vientiane on 1st July 2015 and did not see any discrimination and a few dreadlock baggy pant lip pierced people also applying and getting their Visa’s.

Step 1: When you arrive line up with the 50-200 other people in the cue.  I have been on a Monday (busy) and a Tuesday (not busy).  The doors will open and on the busy days you are given a number.  On the non busy days you will line up at the document checking table.

Step 2: Your application and Documents will be checked.  Currently the Thai Embassy website for Vientiane is a mess, and the Visa Application form available on their site is wrong.  The new form is here.  You will need …


bullet-greenPassport (2 copies of front page)

bullet-green2 Passport Photo
‘s (Take extra just in case)
bullet-greenVisa Application Form (Here)
bullet-greenFee 1000-2000 Baht (depending on what Visa you are applying for

Step 3: When your documents are checked you will be given a number.  You sit and wait until that number is called.

Step 4: When your number is called you approach the window and hand over your documents.  Your bill will be stapled to the 2nd copy of your passport.

Step 5: Go inside the building to the cashier and pay – you are all done

Now head into Vientiane and find your Accommodation

4: Getting your processed Visa back

The Thai Embassy open for document retrieval at from 1-3pm.  Once you get yourself back to the Embassy (it is a 30 minute slow stroll from where most people stay) or about 100-130 baht for a Tuk Tuk.

Thai Embassy Laos

Wait until your number is called and pick up your Passport with Visa

Step 1: You will on your receipt have your number allocated.  Once the Embassy opens, follow the crowd and go and take a seat.  Depending on the day you will either pick up your passport at the window outside or be sent into the Building where you paid.

Step 2: Get your passport and head back across the boarder 🙂  Easy Peasy

5: Getting Back to Thailand

If you are flying via Bangkok, you just need to get to the airport and do the normal process with Customs and Immigration at the Airports.  If you are taking the bus, minivan service or flying from Udon Thani then you need to get back across the Freedom Bridge.

The easiest and cheapest way is to take the International Bus service.  From the Embassy the Bus terminal is a 10 minute walk or an negotiated taxi ride.  When I did it, we convinced a few people to take this method and shared a Taxi for 40 baht per person.  The only reason you should not use this method is if you want to buy Duty Free at Laos.  The bus is a quick and easy point to point trip.

Bus Terminal Laos

Get yourself to the Market Bus Terminal and get the 15,000 Kip International Trip

Step 1: Get yourself to the Market Bus Terminal and buy the 10,000 Kip (42 Baht) Ticket from Vientiane to Nong Khai.  The Bus runs every 30 minute to hour (depending on the time of day) and gets you right across the Freedom Bridge stopping off at both Immigration check points.

Laos Market Bus Terminal

Buying your Ticket on the Bus ride to Nong Khai

Step 2: The Bus will pull up to the Laos Customs and Immigration point. After 4pm Laos Immigration will want you to purchase a exit Ticket (12,000 Kip) which is a card you use to go through the barrier after getting your exit stamp. Go through the Laos Immigration Stand, then through the barrier and back on to the Bus.

Laos Checkpoint

Paying to Exit Laos (12,000 Kip)

Step 3: Next Stop the Thai Immigration Boarder.  You will get off the Bus and fill in your new arrival and departure cards and go through the Thai Immigration and Customs point.

Laos to Nong Khai

Step 4: Congratulations you are now back in Thailand.  If you are using Aya services you can walk back in 10 minutes or pay 20-100 baht (depending on your negotiation skills and time of day) to get back to Aya and ready for your trip back to Chiang Mai. If you are heading on to Udon Thani to the Airport or Bus ride back to Chiang Mai, then get back on the bus which will take you to the Bus Station.

[hr]

End

Get a 30 day Visa Extension in Chiang Mai

Get a 30 day Visa Extension in Chiang Mai cmbadmin

How To Get a 30 day Visa Extension in Chiang Mai

Caution

Warning:
1) Visa Rules Changed 1st May 2015, as did the attitude and helpfulness of staff at Chiang Mai Immigration Service.

2) Travel Blogs by people giving their personal experience written or dated before this time should be taken with a grain of salt.  Some will tell of an easy and breezy experience, others will tell of a horror story.

It is not uncommon that once people arrive in Chiang Mai they decide that they want to stay longer.  Luckily for those with a Visa Exemption (and those who have a Tourist Visa) it is possible to get an extra 30 days at the local Immigration Office for a fee of 1900 Baht.

But the Chiang Mai Immigration Office is understaffed and over worked.  Some of the staff there are showing the stress of this, and are not being as helpful as they once where.  Once they would tell you what was wrong with your application, suggest how you can fix it, and tell you to come back to the window to complete it.  Now (some of the staff) are just rejecting your application and telling you to fix it and come back tomorrow.

For Example:  A customer of ours went for an extension but did not have photocopies of his passport.  Rather than be told there is a photocopying service at the back of the building, he was told “Get copies and go back in line” (another 3 hours wait). But he was not told he could do this on location, and he left frustrated.

[hr]30 Day Visa Extension in a Nutshell

In a Nutshell

bullet-greenYou do not need to cue up at 6.30am
bullet-greenVisa Extensions are scheduled for morning
bullet-greenAll of your Documents need to be correct

bullet-greenWait time varies from 1-4 hours
bullet-greenYou HAVE to attend in person

bullet-greenVisa Services can cue for you (no waiting)

bullet-greenDress well and always remain polite
bullet-greenMost people can get 30 days Extension

[hr]

What is a Visa Extension?

A Thai Visa Extension is an additional 30 days of permission to stay in the Kingdom of Thailand after your Visa was expired.  The Visa Extension can apply to a Tourist visa, and a visa exemption (the 30 days you get on arrival when you do NOT have a Visa).

Visa’s can be extended simply by visiting your local immigration office anywhere in Thailand, filling out a form, and paying a fee. Extending your visa should be done before your visa expires; you can get your visa extended on the last day without any problem (providing you have everything correctly filled out and get there on time.

Extending your Visa is a 1900 baht fee, while overstaying is a 500 baht per day fine which can lead to complications and rejections of future acceptance into Thailand when arriving or applying for a Visa.

Note:  Thailand is now getting very strict on people they consider undesirable.  This includes free spirited folks looking to obtain enlightenment and experience Thai culture (what we oldies call hippies).  People who are obtaining Visa exemptions and doing boarders runs (now limited to 3 or 4 times) & people who show disrespect to Thai culture.  This means getting angry or upset (remain polite and smile – everything is your fault).  If you usually have face piercings, dreadlocks wear wife beater t-shirts (especially women wearing non modest clothing which includes cut off shorts) try to make an extra effort to dress appropriately.  You are judged on your appearance as well as your attitude.

[hr]

1: Preparation of your 30 Day Visa Extension Documents

Make sure you are absolutely prepared with your documents and have your forms filled out correctly.  You will need….

  • Your Passport (including arrival/departure card)
  • Photocopies of your Passport (front page, Departure car Entry Stamp)
  • Thai Visa Extension Form
  • One passport sized picture
  • Full details of your address in Thailand

Your Passport:
If it is not already obvious to you, this is an Immigration Office, you will need to take your original passport with you to show them when you obtain a ticket.  If you are wanting to use a Visa Service to cue for you then you will need to hand over your passport to this service.

Photocopies of Passport
You need to provide copies of your passport for Immigration to keep.  While you can obtain these at the Immigration Office, it kind of defeats the purpose of reading this if you are not going to be prepared before you arrive.

– First page (picture page) of your passport
– Current Thai visa stamp
– Current Thai visa page (if you have that)
– Departure card

The Visa Exemption Form
This can be a little tricky when filling out for the first time.  here are some tips ..

If you have a Visa Exemption
The section that asks for “Holding passport or travel documents” you put in Visa Exemption and the date that you arrived in the country.  Valid until is the date on your stamp (when you have to leave)

If you have a Visa
The section that asks for “Holding passport or travel documents” you put in the type of Visa (Tourist/Business)  and the date that your visa was issued.  Valid until is the date on your stamp (when you have to leave)

Tambon/Khwaeng =  Subburb
Amphone/Khet = City (if in Chiang Mai it is Chiang Mai)
Changwat = Province (if n Chiang Mai it is Chiang Mai)

Passport Photo
These can be found at any of the photo shops in Chiang Mai or at the Immigration center itself.  Usually 4 to 6 photos sized 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm (1.4″ x 1.8″) will cost about 100 baht. It always pays (especially if you are traveling) to have spare passport photos in your wallet or travel bags.

The photo places will photoshop you into a suit and tie at no extra charge.  Get this done as it goes a little way into proving you are a suitably person for immigration to allow into the Kingdom of Thailand

Full details of your address in Thailand
Not often required but sometimes asked for (especially if the officer is having a bad day or you are considered not polite by getting frustrated at the wait)  A business card of your accommodations will be sufficient.  A lease agreement even better.

[hr]

2: Getting to the Chiang Mai Immigration Office

The immigration office is open 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday, except on national holidays. Lunch break is from 12:00 an 1:00.

The location and buildings of the various offices around Thailand are always changing.  Rather than provide outdated information I suggest you call the office at the location you are at, and get the address first hand. (or search the city immigration website

Chiamg Mai 90 Day ReportingChiang Mai Immigration Promenada (map)

Notify 90 Days (as of 20 July 2015)

Promenada Chiang Mai Immigration
192-193 Moo 2
Tumbon Tasala,
Amphur Muang
Chiang Mai
50000

d2_cnx@immigration.go.th

[hr]

3: Process for Getting Your 30 Day Visa Extension

The Visa extension process is done mostly in the mornings (with 90 day reporting scheduled for the afternoon).  Many people tell you to go and queue at 6.30am to get your initial ticket.This is not always needed.

The Initial Ticket:  Because Chiang Mai Immigration is usually busy, people go early and wait.  These people are issued a ticket for when the office opens.  Each person goes to the counter, requesting another ticket and time for the particular reason they are at Immigration.

This is not usually required (unless you waited until the last day to get your extension).  80% of the time you can arrive at 8.30 when the office opens and wait until everyone else with a cue ticket has been served and then approach the counter.  You will usually get a number for that day.  But because the afternoons are focused on other types of Visa Applications if you go after 10am you run the risk of being told to come back the next day.

[hr]

Step One:
When you approach the counter, you request the service you want and show them your passport.  Be aware that if you want to get a Visa Service agent to do this bit on your behalf you will have to give the agent your original passport. They will issue you a number and you sit down and wait.

The waiting time can be anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes on a great day or 3 or 4 hours on a busy day.  Remember 80% of the time you are in and out within an hour or so.  As is always seems to be the case when you are on a time limit (like applying on the last day) is when you manage to find you went on a bad day.

Step Two:
When your number is called at the window (usually the windows on the left hand side of the counter) the Immigration Officer will ask for your passport, application form and fee.  You will get change when your passport is returned to you if you do not have the correct amount.  If anything is wrong, it is up to the individual officer as to how they will proceed, either telling you what is incorrect and giving you an opportunity to fix it there (such as an address or incorrect detail on the form) or giving you back your documents telling you it is wrong (and why) and to fix it and get another number.  This is beginning to happen more and more often as new staff are being employed from the Army – and the Army are pretty good at training their soldiers that total compliance is mandatory.  Immigration are not so good are retraining these people on customer service.

Step Three:
If everything is OK, you will be told to sit down, and the staff will process your application.  This can take anything from 10-30 minutes.  Your name and country will be called from the middle counter (you will see this happening as you are waiting) and you collect your passport (change inside if needed) and you are all done.

[hr]

Notes:

1) Chiang Mai Immigration is very busy and the Immigration system is going through changes that is stressing out the staff working there much more than the discomfort you may experience waiting a few hours. It is always important to be respectful to Thai people, even more so to Officials who can make or break your visit here.  Dress well, always smile, be polite.  Being loud, rude, raising your voice are all signs of a low class and disrespectful person.  This is exactly what Immigration have been instructed to not encourage as visitors to Thailand

2) There is a Photocopy and Photograph shed located at the back of the building.  You can always get your documentation completed there if you have arrived unprepared.

Immigration Photocopy tent

3) Be wary of outdated information posted on travel blogs.  I made the mistake of putting off writing this type of blog post myself because there where already a number of other travel bloggers covering the process. Only to have customers following the advice of other posts online and being surprised that events took hours or had their applications rejected due to errors.

How to get a Thai Visa: Stay in Thailand

How to get a Thai Visa: Stay in Thailand 538 218 cmbadmin

How to get a Thai Visa to Visit or Stay in Thailand

Types of Thai Visa’s & How to Visit or Stay in Thailand

The Visa situation for Thailand have started to change with the introduction of Military Rule, although mainly just with the boarder run extensions being clamped down on.  Those who intend to visit or stay in Thailand will still find this an easy process – so long as you do it correctly with the proper Visa.

Following is mini Thai Visa Guide for the kinds of visas and visa exemptions, work permits, and immigration issues in Thailand.  Please Note: Rules and procedures subject to change at any time (and do). This is a guide only, it is prudent to check to see if these rules still pertain to your application at the time of applying.

Visa Requirements for coming to Thailand

Foreigners coming to Thailand for more than one month will require a visa which they can get in their home country from the Thai Embassy or Consulate Office. Depending on the purpose of your visit (studying, seeking business opportunities, wanting to work or just for a holiday) should apply for the specific Visa for that purpose.

N.B. 

1) Arriving by Airplane you can obtain a 30 day tourist Visa.  To do this you will need to show you have an exit ticket before the 30 days have expired.  In today’s climate, people without the exit Visa are being turned away on the spot or asked to obtain a Visa on Arrival (see below if your country is eligible)

2) If you are coming for extended touring, study, retiring or employment in Thailand, you must all apply for the correct tourist or non-immigrant visas. A non-immigrant is to highlight that your stay is a temporary one

3) To obtain Permanent Residency, you would have to have lived in Thailand for 5 years before being able to apply

The five main categories of Visa’s available to foreigners planning to visit Thailand. They are:

Tourist Visa (TR)
Education Visa (ED)
Business Visa (B)
Dependent Visa
Retirement Visa

If you wish to come to Thailand for 1 to 6 months the most suitable of these is a double entry Tourist Visa.  This will allow you to enter the Kingdom of Thailand twice for a period of 60 days, and extend the visa for 30 days while you are here.  A total of 6 months. For longer stays you can repeat this process but you might also like to chose an Education Visa (and take a course of study) or for the Expats a Retirement Visa.

You do not need a Visa when:

The Visa Exempt Permission to stay is granted to citizens of certain countries when arriving via an international airport (30 days) and Land boarders (15 days – 30 days for citizens of G7 Countries).  Even then, once you arrive this decision for a visa exemption upon arrival is up to the immigration officer on duty. To increase your chances provide evidence of:

  • You intention to visit as that of a tourist (onward travel tickets, hotel and any tours booked)
  • Sufficient funds (10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family)

You should also ensure that you dress in modest attire and be very respectful. If you turn up chewing gum, in a wife beater and dreadlocks, there is a good chance now days you will be turned away.

Countries available for the Exempt Permission to Stay

1. Australia : Commonwealth of Australia
2. Austria : Republic of Austria
3. Belgium : Kingdom of Belgium
4. Brazil : Federative Republic of Brazil (****)
5. Bahrain : State of Bahrain
6. Brunei Darussalam : Negara Brunei Darussalam
7. Canada
8. Denmark : Kingdom of Denmark
9. Finland : Republic of Finland
10. France : French Republic
11. Germany : Federal Republic of Germany
12. Greece : Hellenic Republic
13. Hong Kong : Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
14. Iceland : Republic of Iceland
15. Indonesia : Republic of Indonesia
16. Ireland : Republic of Ireland
17. Israel : State of Israel
18. Italy : Republic of Italy
19. Japan
20. Korea : Republic of Korea (****)
21. Kuwait : State of Kuwait
22. Luxembourg : Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
23. Malaysia
24. Monaco : Principality of Monaco
25. Netherlands : Kingdom of the Netherlands
26. New Zealand
27. Norway : Kingdom of Norway
28. Oman : Sultanate of Oman
29. Peru : Republic of Peru (****)
30. Philippines : Republic of the Philippines
31. Portugal : Republic of Portugal
32. Qatar : State of Qatar
33. Singapore : Republic of Singapore
34. Spain : Kingdom of Spain
35. South Africa : Republic of South Africa
36. Sweden : Kingdom of Sweden
37. Switzerland : Swiss Confederation
38. Turkey : Republic of Turkey
39. United Arab Emirates
40. United Kingdom : United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
41. United States of America
42. Vietnam : Socialist Republic of Vietnam
43. Czech : Czech Republic
44. Hungary : Republic of Hungary
45. Liechtenstein : Principality of Liechtenstein
46. Poland : Republic of Poland
47. Slovak : Slovak Republic
48. Slovenia : Republic of Slovenia

[hr]

thumbs upChiang Mai Buddy Advantage
We have found a Visa agent who has a special connection with the Chiang Mai Immigration Service.  Some of the rules and regulations can be worked around, and best of all you do not spend a day sitting and waiting.  Just click below for their services and rates

 

How to Get a Work Permit in Thailand

To Work in Thailand: is only possibly on a Business Visa or a Dependent Visa and is an additional category after your Visa has been obtain. English Teachers are able to obtain these via their employers with much less hassle, and other specialist categories can be apply for. Non-Immigrant B and O Visa holders allowed to have a work permit. Once the work permit is in hand, the visa can be extended to match the duration of the employment contract.

Educational Vocations (Teachers)

If you are qualified to work as an English Teacher, your school employer will usually, (after your probation period) apply for a work permit on your behalf. Both Work permits and Applications for new Visa for education purposes are much easier to come by.  Most TEFL schools and Thai Language schools have dedicated staff who do all the administration and paper work for you.

Start a Business

If you are to start a business in Thailand with an official Thai company, your business can issue one work permit per 4 Thai nationals employed.  The process to form a company can be done by yourself, but hiring a Lawyer to do this for you, will save you a lot of headache and the fee’s are very reasonably compared to other countries.  In addition the legal expertise will be able to avoid or bypass some of the strict requirements.

To get a work permit via a business you will need

1) Company which is 51% Thai owned (you can only own 49%)
2) Two Million Baht Capital (of which 10% is required in a Thai Bank account)
3) 4 Thai employees (with paid salary) for every Westerner

There are a number of grounds upon which a work permit can be granted (this is on a discretionary basis and will take into account usual considerations such as suitability and qualifications of the foreigner for the position):

  • The company must have a fully paid-up registered capital of 2 million Baht to hire one foreigner, plus one person for every additional 2 million Baht (to a maximum of 10 people).
  • If the registered capital of the company is less than 2 million the company can hire one foreigner if its total corporate income tax payment had been at least 5 million Baht for the past three years. The company can hire one foreigner for every 5 million Baht paid in tax.
  • The employer has engaged in export which has brought into Thailand revenue of 3 million Baht in the previous fiscal year. The employer can hire one foreigner for every additional 3 million Baht up to a maximum of 3 people.
  • The employer has at least 50 Thai employees per foreign employee up to a maximum of 5 foreign employees.
  • A foreign employee must have paid personal income tax of at least 18,000 Baht in the previous personal tax year or if the foreign employee has not worked in Thailand previously, documents for potential employers confirming that, the foreign employee will obtain income in Thailand of at least 50,000 Baht per month for an employee who is single and 60,000 per month for a married person, must be presented.

Work for an Existing Business as a Freelance or Employee

Today there are a variety of business that have set up that can provide someone with the required qualifications a work permit to work for a local Thai company.  Skilled digital media freelancers, consultants and other specialty service providers can either

1) Bring their client base and work under the umbrella company
2) Gain employment with the Thai based company in the Web and design based industries.

This type of employment is usually under a fixed term contract of a 1 year (minimum) and is attractive to illegitimate workers because of the cheaper tax rate and living expenses in Thailand.  You can bring your existing customer base and continue to work on your client projects or you can work on existing projects the company is involved with.

The company will then take over the function of billing your services to your clients (or employer) for an agreed percentage share of the work you do.  They provide you with medical, insurance and all of your visa requirements – allowing you to live and work in Thailand without having to invest the capital to start your own company..

This type of arrangement benefits you by increasing your actual earnings due to the lower tax rates of working in Thailand and providing you with a work permit.  Recent changes in the Visa laws means that you will still have to do your 90 day reporting every three months

Iglu have offices in Chiang Mai and Bangkok and deal mostly with people from Europe.  Thaiworkvisa.com works in conjunction with them and at the present time has a focus in the Finnish community. You can find more details by visiting the websites respectively.

Important to remember about Work Permits

The way the Work Permit works (excuse the redundancy) is that they are issued by the Ministry of Labour to the employer, not to the person with the name on the Work Permit.  The work permit is issued for one position in one location (usually) and therefore can not be transferred from one place of employment to another.  Moreover you can not move from one city to another and continue to do the same work unless multiple locations have been registered with the Labor department.

Once your employment ends, so too does your ability to work.  You can not resume employment elsewhere.

[hr]

How to Apply for a Visa to Thailand

Each country will require different criteria and documentation.  For example many African and Asian countries will require more photographs, applications and proof of medical safety.  Most people from western countries however, will have a much easier time in the application process, and type of documents required.  The following is an edited version from the Thailand Immigration Bureau without all the references to the short term stay options mentioned above.

1. A foreign citizen who wishes to enter the Kingdom of Thailand is required to obtain a visa from a Royal Thai Embassy or a Royal Thai Consulate-General.

a) You can make your application from any Thai Embassy in the world, regardless of being a citizen
b) Applications from your home country can be done via postal service (no repeated trips to Embassies)
c) Each Embassy have varying reputation for being more or less lenient in the granting of double entry Visa options.

Documents required to Apply for a Thai Visa

  1. Passport or travel document with a validity not less than 6 months
  2. Visa application form (filled out)
  3. One recent 4x6cm. photograph of the applicant
  4. Round-trip air ticket or e-ticket (paid in full)
  5. Proof of financial means (20,000 baht per person/40,000 baht per family)
  6. Processing fee (2000 baht per entry or your countries equivalent if applying from home)

 

[hr]

Types of Visa’s available in Thailand

Thailand Tourist Visa US$30

A tourist visa will be issued to applicants wishing to enter the Kingdom for tourism purposes. You are not allowed to work or conduct business with a tourist visa.

tv

A tourist visa can be used to stay in Thailand for up to 30 days or up to 60 days and can be extended by 30 days at the nearest Immigration office. Normally there is a fee of 1,900 Baht

A tourist visa is needed when a person plans to stay in Thailand for tourism purposes longer than the 15 or 30 days that is allowed when entering under the visa exemption, or if a person is from a country that has no visa exemption agreements with Thailand.

Requirements for a Thai Tourist Visa

This type of visa will be issued to applicants who wishing to enter Thailand for tourism purposes .

Documents Required

– Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months
– Visa application form completely filled out
– One recent( 4 x 6 cm.) photograph of the applicant
– Air ticket or eTicket paid in full
– Financial means (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family)
– Consular officers reserve the rights to request for additional documents as deemed necessary

Validity of a Tourist Visa

The validity of a visa is three months or six months after it has been issued. That means that you must utilize your visa within 90 or 180 days (dependent on number of entries).

Time Available to Stay

Upon arrival, travelers with this type of visa will be permitted to stay in Thailand for a period of not exceeding 30 days or 60 days.
Nationals of countries which are on Thailand’s Tourist Visa Exemption list or have bilateral agreements on visa exemption with Thailand will be permitted to stay for a period of not exceeding 60 days. Nationals from other countries who hold a tourist visa will be permitted to stay in Thailand for a period of not exceeding 30 days

Extending your Stay

Those who wish to stay longer or may wish to change their status of visa must file an application for permission at the immigration office.  The extension of stay as well as the change of certain type of visa is solely at the discretion of the Immigration officer, the immigration officer may require sight of documentation where are staying (rent agreement/hotel bill/letter from friend etc)

[hr]

Thailand Non-Immigrant “ED” (Education) Visa US$80

A ED visa will be issued to applicants wishing to enter the Kingdom for Educational purposes. You are not allowed to work or conduct business with a Ed visa.

15730958_10206427182797528_75891576_n

The Education Visa used to be a way for people to pay to stay longer in Thailand, allowing an extension in after 3 months, repeated and then 6 months extension.  It was used as a means of staying for longer periods but not any more.  Now the Visa must be extended every 3 months and during the interview you are likely to get tested on your language skills.

The way around this is to get an Ed Visa to study Self defense or Mauy Thai Boxing or another language other than Thai. (They will not be able to check your Chinese speaking abilities for example.

  • Academic studies (e.g., university students)
  • Studying Thai language
  • Instructional projects or seminars
  • Conferences or training courses
  • Studying as a foreign Buddhist monk

Requirements for a Thai Education Visa

This type of visa is issued to applicants who wish to study, attend seminar, training session, or internship in Thailand.

Documents Required

– Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months
– Visa application form completely filled out
– Recent (4 x 6 cm.) photograph of the applicant
– Recommendation letter addressed to the Consulate
– Letter of acceptance from the concerned academic institute/organization
For those wishing to study in a Private institution, an official letter from the Ministry of Education of Thailand, or other sub-authorities concerned, approving the enrollment of foreign students and a copy of registration certificate of the concerned academic institute are required
– Academic record and the Student ID (if currently studying)
– For those wishing to attend seminar, or training session, or internship,  a recommendation letter from the concerned organization addressed to the Consulate is also required

Consular officers reserve the rights to request additional documents as deemed necessary

Validity of a Education Visa

The validity of a visa is 3 months. Extension of the Visa is done eery 90 days and may (almost certainly) will require a verbal or written test

Time Available to Stay

Holder of this type of visa is entitled to stay in Thailand for a maximum period of 90 days.  He or she may apply for an extension of stay at the Office of the Immigration Bureau and may be granted such extension for a period of one year from the date of first entry into Thailand.

Extending your Stay

Visa has a time limit, a new Education Visa, and re-retry to the country is required.

[hr]

Thailand Business Visa (Non-Immigrant B) US$80

A Business Visa will be issued to applicants wishing to enter the Kingdom for Business and Work purposes. You are allowed to work or conduct business with a Business Visa with an additional  Work Permit.

Thai Business VisaA Non-Immigrant B visa is the only business-approved visa accepted in Thailand (though a work permit can be issued to an O Dependent visa). It is useful for a variety of purposes, including:

  • Employment in Thailand
  • Conducting Business
  • Engaging in Investment Activities

Requirements for a Thai Business Visa

This type of visa is issued to applicants who wish to enter the Kingdom to work.

Documents Required

– Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months
– Visa application form completely filled out
– Recent (4 x 6 cm.) photograph of the applicant
– Evidence of adequate finance (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family)
– Letter of approval from the Ministry of Labour.

To obtain this letter, the applicant’s prospective employer in Thailand is required to submit Form WP3 (ตท. 3) at the Office of Foreign Workers Administration, Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour Tel. 02-2452745, or at the Provincial Employment Office in his or her respective province.

– Copy of Work Permit issued by the Ministry of Labour and alien income tax or Por Ngor Dor 91 (only in the case where applicant has previously worked in Thailand).

Corporate documents of hiring company in Thailand such as:

1) business registration and business license
2) list of shareholders
3) company profile
4) details of business operation
5) list of foreign workers stating names, nationalities and positions
6) map indicating location of the company
7) balance sheet, statement of Income Tax and Business Tax (Por Ngor Dor 50 and Por Ngor Dor 30 of the latest year)
8) value-added tax registration (Por Por 20)

Document indicating the number of foreign tourists (for tourism business only), or document indicating export transactions issued by banks (for export business only)

Validity of a Business Visa

The validity of a visa is 3 months, requiring a 90 day check in or leaving the country to re-enter

Time Available to Stay

Holder of this type of visa is entitled to stay in Thailand for a maximum period of 90 days. He or she may apply for an extension of stay at the Office of the Immigration Bureau and may be granted such extension for a period of one year from the date of first entry into Thailand.

Additional Information

Upon entry into the Kingdom, applicant or his or her appointed representatives must apply for a work permit at the Office of Foreign Workers Administration, Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour in which the applicant will be obligated to pay income tax accordingly. If the applicant’s associated company is located in the provinces, the applicant must apply at the Employment Office of that province.

Applicant’s family members (i.e., spouse, parents and children who are unmarried and under 20 years old) are eligible to apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa (category “O”) and will be allowed to stay for a period of 90 days but no longer than 1 year.

Foreign citizens who hold a Transit Visa (“TS”) or Tourist Visa (“TR”) and wish to engage in business activities in Thailand may apply for a change of type of visa (e.g., from Tourist Visa to Non-Immigrant Visa) at the Office of the Immigration Bureau Office located at Government Center B, Chaengwattana Soi 7, Laksi, Bangkok 10210, Tel 0-2141-9889,

The granting of change of type of visa and extension of stay is at the discretion of the immigration officer.

[hr]

Ninety Day Reporting for Foreigners

90 Day reporting is required by holders of every type of Visa to let the Immigration Office know you are still currently residing in Thailand.  For a more detailed description check out the 90 Day Reporting Article.

Some Visas (Business) require you to leave the country every 90 days and re-enter, although with Retirements Visa, Education Visas and Work Permits it is just a matter of going to the Immigration Office every 3 months. 90 Day reporting is usually a quick process and there is no need to head down to the office in the early hours of the morning.  Better to wait until late morning and get a ticket number for later that afternoon.

Non-Immigrant Visa “O” — Voluntary Services US$80

This type of visa is issued to applicants who wish to participate in voluntary services in Thailand.

Documents Required

Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months
Visa application form completely filled out
Recent (4 x 6 cm.) photograph of the applicant
Recommendation letter addressed to the Consulate
Copy of registration certificate of the employer/foundation/organization
Copy of the previous/current work permit (if any)
Copy of the employment contract (if any)

Validity of the Volunteer Visa

The validity of a visa is 3 months.

Period of Stay

Holder of this type of visa is entitled to stay in Thailand for a maximum period of 90 days. He or she may apply for an extension of stay at the Office of the Immigration Bureau and may be granted such extension for a period of one year from the date of first entry into Thailand.

Additional Requirements

Nationals of certain countries are required to apply for a visa only at the Thai Embassy or Consulate-General in their home/residence country or at the designated Thai Embassy. Therefore, travelers are advised to contact the nearest Thai Embassy or Consulate-General to find out where they may apply for a visa to Thailand before departure.

[hr]

For Details about the Retirement Visa: Go here

[hr]

thumbs upChiang Mai Buddy Advantage
We have found a Visa agent who has a special connection with the Chiang Mai Immigration Service.  Some of the rules and regulations can be worked around, and best of all you do not spend a day sitting and waiting.  Just click below for their services and rates