After an initial delay by the Thai government in starting these changes, the DTV and 60 day visa waiver period are now effective July 15, 2024. Apply for the DTV via your Thai embassy or consulate. They have not listed a way to do it from within Thailand. FYI, another RUclipsr posted an interview with a Thai government official who said you can renew the 180 days over and over during the five-year period, whereas my reading of the visa terms was only one renewal. So if that official is correct... great news! It is still such a new visa there is a lot to learn in how they will enforce and interpret their own rules. Join us here regularly and subscribe: www.youtube.com/@RetiredGlobalLife?sub_confirmation=1
Last Friday the uk government official website stated that Thailand would permit 60 days for all tourists upon entry. Then, yesterday (June 4th) they CHANGED IT BACK TO 30 days! 😡 www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand/entry-requirements Why?
Thank you I appreciate the heads up. It's not like I'm leaving tomorrow or even this year lol. This is helpful info for me. Otherwise I wouldn't even know that there might be other options once I'm ready to go!
Thanks. Do you happen to know if the main BKK airport (Suvarnabhumi) is stamping passports with the 60 day visa waiver stamp? One would think that the main entry point to Thailand would be implementing the new rule. But you never know. Do you know? And what type of visa do you have if you don't mind saying? Thanks.
@@dongeorge2268 I'm sorry but I have not heard about the BKK airports. I have heard some entry points were stamping 60 but I don't recall which they were. Sorry.
Dear Randy, thank you so much for your enjoyable and very helpful videos. I think I saw all of your videos within a couple of days. I came across your channel just by chance, which I am glad I did. I am thinking of visiting Chian Mai and this is another coincidence because a friend of mine met a woman from there and is travelling back and forth. Anyway, just wanted to drop you a few lines to say that I appreciate very much what you're doing. It is extremely helpful to many of us. Best, Mark
This is really amazing! Some miserable expat told me Thailand are trying to "get rid of tourists like you" (Digital nomad on 60 day visa) , then the next day the introduce this! DTV will make life easier for alot of people. Thank you for your brilliant explanation.
Thanks. Haha, now let's hope the gov does not suddenly add a bunch of red tape. I hope not. I can just pass along what the gov releases to the public. I'm optimistic.
@@RetiredGlobalLife1st June today & nothing appeared in the Royal Gazette & reports coming in saying people arriving today are only getting 30 day visa exemptions & nothing has changed. Then you also got the factors listed below to consider. 1) Foreign source income is only one source there is also Thai source income is defined as Any Income Created As A Result Of An Activity Taking Place In Thailand Is Deemed Taxable In Thailand In The Same Year It Is Received, Regardless Of Where It Is Paid And The Recipient’s Tax Resident Status (Source - Personal Income Tax On Thai vs Foreign Source Income ACCLIME THAILAND). Also let’s not forget there is a 500,000 THB Bond, Deposit, Guarantee what ever you want to call it attached to the DTV & they could want proof of Tax clearance to give it back or deduct tax due from it. 2) To work in Thailand you need both a work visa & a work permit & a work permit can only obtain if you are working for a Thai Company (Source - The Complete Guide To Obtaining Work Permit In Thailand THAIEMBASSY). 3) People should be aware that Thailand is now a CRS (Common Reporting Standard) Country. To see what information CRS Countries exchange go to COMMON REPORTING STANDARD WIKIPEDIA. Also go to THAILAND BEGINS COMMON REPORTING STANDARD EXCHANGE ON 2023 TAINA. 4) EXPAT TAX THAILAND have put up some recent Vids that go through everything about the DTA’s between Thailand and UK, USA, Australia & include Case scenario examples.
I lived in Hua Hin for 10 years but got bored so I moved to Barcelona last year. I still own my condo (thanks Thai property market), so I planned to come down for the winter and the DTV visa is absolutely perfect for me. I'm checking all around for more detail.
I loved Valencia when I spend a month there a few years ago. Flew in my son and daughter. Great time. More details will be out in days for all of us. Take care.
Thanks! Yes, so silly the gov announces it then does not do it on time. I can understand the delay on the DTV as that takes more planning, and in the video I even said I had doubts they'd start on time despite the official gov announcement. They have since said it will be another month or two now. It's like their gov branches do not communicate at all. But you'd think changing a stamp from 30 to 60 after announcing it to the world, and maybe people even changing their arrival date to get it, would not be so hard to do.
My pleasure, William. I hope you read the updated comment I left that the Thai government ended up changing things a second time, announcing they were delaying the launch of the visa and 60 days. They say Sept but you just never know with the Thai gov. Both are coming though.
Heey, thanks for the video, do you kow for USA citizenns or European nationals, the immigratio ccheeccks your bank statement or just the passport will do??
For regular visa free entry there is not bank book or economic check for 93 country citizens. For the DTV visa, we don't know. There will be some asset verification.
Glad it was helpful! The gov is still delaying both the DTV and 60 days, cancelling their earlier statements of the start date on both these things. Sadly this is so common in Thailand. But we will see them eventually.
Hello Randy - Today JULY 15 the new Visa Exemption Scheme (60 days) goes into effect. I am a US Citizen coming to Thailand in a few months. Will I be able to leave Thailand for a short visit to Cambodia (Angkor Wat) and come back into Thailand without any problems during my 60-days? My entire stay -including my 3-day Cambodia trip - will only be 52 days. THANKS!
The 60 days and DTV got both pulled back by the gov after several conflicting announcements. This is the way it can be in Thailand. Very frustrating. There was no real explanation for the delay of the 60 days, but the DTV Visa they said needed some more work. Not sure on the dates to start. But you should be fine. If you are here under 30 days, leave and come. back you just start a new 30. Or if you are here more than 30 you go to an immigration office and file for an extension before the 30 are up. You can wait in line and do it yourself or hire a visa agency to do most of it all for you and save yourself some time.
Well, this is not a long-term visa, unless you could one year as long term, and the government, after announcing a start date, rolled it back and is now saying maybe September. Frustrating. Even the 60 days, which had a firm start date, has not started. Ah, the frustration of Thailand. But both will come.
Question: we like to come to Thailand for atleast 3 months during winter - ie Koh Samui. Will the tourist visa be 60 days now and to extend for another 30 days, can we just go to the immigration office in Koh Samui or do we still have to leave Thailand?
Sadly they have not stated the 60 days yet even thought they announced it was approved and will start. The Thais can be frustrating with their bureaucracy. So I don't know when. But when they do it is anticipated you can still extend it 30 days, like you presently can with the 30 day visa waiver on entry.
Hi there. Great vids. Keep 'em coming!! I have a request for some info regarding Thai language schools in CM, Can you recommend any of them? I am a serious learner looking to spend three months later this year doing an intensive group course. I am coming to CM from Australia in July for a week or so to check them out. Also, can you recommend any THAI areas to live in? I don't want to be in overly expat areas when wanting to learn Thai. Thanks.
For language schools I'd do the same you would and that's check the Google reviews then visit them and maybe sign up for a week before a long-term commitment. But geography is important so you might want it to be close to where you live. Where to live depends on you. The only "touristy" places are the old city and Nimman, and parts by the Ping River. The rest is more the real Chiang Mai. So going in any direction brings you different feels. I am mainly in Saraphi. Others like going a bit north. You just have to travel around the city - not too big a place really - and see what neighborhood appeals to you. Good luck.
Another great video. What are you hearing about the tax changes? I am seeing [hearing] some chatter about tax implications for non-earned income [i.e. pensions, investments, etc] coming into Thailand. Thanks for all you do. You and Joy seem to be a really great couple. I do enjoy hearing her perspective and participation in your videos. I do enjoy CM and Thailand, the poor AQI in burning season is a big detractor for me, how do you deal with it? Do you leave or travel elsewhere during these periods?
Thanks for your very nice comment, Duke! It is so hard to discuss tax and I've put it off for a video as the gov keeps changing. For example just weeks ago now there is talk of taxing worldwide income as compared to accessible income. I remain an optimist, however. I still think they are going after rich Thais dodging taxes with overseas investments, not retiree expats etc. I think for most countries the double taxation treaty will eliminate any tax, but not if you get an income from something that is NOT taxed in your country but IS taxed in Thailand, then I think tax is owed. But most of us don't have that. An example would be if I sold a house in my country and had capital gains. In the US that is taxed so I'm safe, but some countries do not tax real estate capital gains, so that could be a taxable amount in Thailand. Just my present option.
H Randy, thank you for all of your very informative video's, I have been thinking of retiring in Thailand from Australia, but am a bit concerned about this new Section 41 of the Thai tax laws! The way I read it, is that from Jan 1 this year all overseas income, including pensions are now subject to tax in Thailand. do you have any knowledge of this?
Thai gov still has not cleared up a lot. I think most foreigners will not be affected due to the double tax treaty, so the only liability should be income not taxed in home country (ex, if your home country does not tax something like real estate capital gains but Thailand does). We shall see.
What if you don't have a registered company or contracts with anyone but just work online as a freelancer taking payments through wise etc? I am a recruiter so I don't have any portfolio apart from messages on various platforms organising interviews. Is that enough evidence?
I read that showing your portfolio is an alternative to having one employer. The embassies have now posted more specific guidelines so check in your home country for that. Each embassy may be a bit different.
@@RetiredGlobalLife do I have to go to my home country or can I apply from Malaysia or Laos? Because I'm already in Thailand and don't want to fly home just to pick up a visa
Sir..thx for all the info...if on LTR, can I rent a condo in two different cities at the same time...regarding address notification for 90 day reporting? I won't ask anything about the new visa yet. Thx. JB
There are many good and bad insurers. The best advice is go with a solid Thai company, not an offshore company based elsewhere. A solid licensed agent in your town will find out which is best for your husband. Watch pre-existing conditions and deductibles. The main thing is in-patient coverage. Paying out of pocket for out-patient is typically small so often not worth paying more for insurance.
I always hate this question and avoid answering it because the type of visa is so different for everyone and I don't want people thinking I know more than others so my visa is the right one for them too. Depends on your long term goals, your assets and income, etc. I'll say this. For most people, the non-O is best. Second best is the ED visa, because why not study Thai part time while you are here as it will make your experience so much more fun and fulfilling. Many go from ED to non-O, assuming they are 50+. Take care and best wishes.
I'm here in Thailand now and am needing to go next week to get a visa extension. Does this new extension negate the need to do that now? Can I just get a new stamp without having to pay anything? Thanks!
Well sadly they have not even started doing the DTV despite their announcement, so we have to wait. And when it comes it is 180 then another 180 days, paying for each one.
I hear not all immigration points are stamping 60. Some still 30. They should get their act together soon I expect. Visa waiver is different from visa on arrival. Depends on the country you are in. 93 get visa waiver. You do nothing and get the entry stamp. Visa on arrival you arrive and request a visa. Small difference. Many say the new 60 days can be extended 30 as is currently in effect with a trip to the immigration office, but I have not seen official confirmation. I assume it will continue.
No, you didn't watch all the video. I explain that I believe (final info still not released by the gov) is that you get one 180 day period and one extension. That's it for the five year period. To renew it over and over each year would all the other visas moot, so I believe any press you read saying you will be able to do that will be proved wrong.
@@RetiredGlobalLife So 360 days/5years basically? What other Visa would you recommend if i wanted to stay as long as possible and work as a digital nomad?
@@eriklarsson7933 My reading is yes a max of 180 days in 5 years. Wait for the details from the gov though. Who knows. They keep us guessing. There are too many visas to tell you the best for you. For most, the non-O but that is only for over 50 in age. LTR great if you have lots of money. Same with Elite visa. Otherwise it is a life of visa waiver and border runs etc.
I think the 60 days will stay permanent as long as they see it increasing tourist $. With the DTV, we will have to see them roll out the final details and see if it is popular. They love to change and tinker with their visa options.
Great new this 60 days tourist visa m coming 19th of june , will I get 60 days? can I extend it? is so for how long ? thank you, and I love you being a rumor monger , so keep it up.
Haha, Daniel, thanks. I will keep passing along early info as long as it comes from an official source, so I will not be detered. But the Thais do make it tough... Yes, June 1 is the new 60 free entry visa. They did not say if you can renew it for 30 as before, but one reliable person has passed on to me that immigration has said "yes." And to me that would only make sense. Best wishes and hope to see you here again.
I have a flight for June 14 😮😮I'm from Mexico and last year I had to get the visa on arrival when I went to Thailand. So this time I will not need to get the visa on arrival? I will be able to go directly to immigration and stay for 60 days? Where can I see the official announcement I would love to really not get the visa on arrival 😁 but I am a bit worried that I go to the immigration line and then they tell me I need to go back to get my visa on arrival 😣.
Thanks for the update, can you help me clarify this? I saw a picture posted today on all thai embassies abroad and reads that people coming in with 60 days visa exemption can stay for tourism or short term business engagement, so what does that mean? I dont need visa to come work some days there? That's what is business right? Invited by a thai company for example, but dont need invitation as free visa?
Confusing language from the Thai gov as usual. Sorry. I think you can't do any employment like a Thai job. That's a pretty solid rule. So maybe they mean just doing business like representing your company, etc. The key is not earning money from a Thai source, a no no.
Excellent information, and what great news on the visa front. I remember doing the visa run to Burma every month, those were 'the good old days' Has Thailand changed it's view on dope smoking? I was unaware of that if it is the case. (I still read the Bangkok post from time to time, but don't remember an article on that). Keep em coming Randy, and where is Joy?
Hi Glenda, Joy is always around but is often busy at work and can't do videos with me. MJ smoking goes on but is not welcomed by the older Thais. Seems to be mainly for tourists, and Thai young people. The gov has still not followed up on its new stated MJ laws to come, to be only medicinal. We shall see. Always a lot of talk before any real action.
I'm fixing to retire here in the US, but you know Social Security allows for part time work. I want to continue to pursue my side gigs with digital art. Do you think I could get this in lieu of the O retirement visa?
If you receive social security benefits before FRA (full retirement age), you can make up to about 22K per year without it affecting your social security benefits.
I don't understand your question. You want to retire in the US but you want a Thai visa? Regardless, a DTV will not come close to matching the greater permanence of a non-O. We don't know if the DTV will be renewable but I doubt it, or it would just circumvent all the other visas.
Lee there are so many visas... the "retirement visas Non-O and Non-OA are good for many, just preference, and others not retirement but maybe good for you: Elite, LTR, the new DTV which is still a bit uncertain. You just have to invest the time to read up on them all.
There is something I didn’t get yet , what if I stayed for 180 days then went out for a month or 2 .. can i back to Thailand again in the same year and get 180 days .. or i have to leave the country for 6 months to back again? Please clarify that
The gov has delayed the release of the DTV visa as they need more time to work things out. My guess is that as long as you get the 180 extension, it will not matter if you leave or stay. We shall see.
A big and confusing unclear topic for now but I don't think will affect many of us as it is only on income brought into the country that was NOT TAXED in your home country, if yours is like most of the countries with the double-tax prohibition with Thailand.
The article states: The DTV visa allows stays of up to 180 days with a visa issuance fee of 10,000 baht, valid for five years. DTV holders can extend their stay once for an additional 180 days with another 10,000 baht fee and may request to change the type of visa within the country, although this will terminate the DTV. However, it is important to note that the DTV visa does NOT allow 'any' digital nomad to stay in Thailand for five years. It can be used within a five-year period for 180 days, and extended once for another 180 days, with a 10,000 baht filing fee each time. After being used twice, the DTV visa would expire.
Details to come from the gov but my guess is that other than the one-time 180 day extension option, you could not get it again within the 5 years. If you could do it every year it would replace all their other visas, many of which cost much more and have many requirements. Just my opinion.
thanks Randy. im curious to know if you need to keep the 500k baht (or equivalent) in your account for a certain time period before applying for the DTV visa (as you currently have to do for the retirement visa). and if you have to keep that money in your account for the entire 180 days. hopefully we'll know these details soon. thanks for the good work. 😊 maybe ill see you on the driving range 💥
Hi Martin, we don't know yet. But there is some talk even a line of credit might be acceptable. Maybe even the gov has not made up their minds yet. It will likely be a work in progress as they see the number of applicants and how it is working.
Not helpful, if you want to stay in Thailand for good, moving back and forth is very tiring and requires to maintain two homes. Do you think this can be used to stay on a permament basis?
Doesn't sound like a good deal to me. Im on a plane now in Istanbul and will be in BKK tomorrow morning. I have a 60 say tourists visa, and will go for a 14 month education visa to learn thai. I hope they don't mess with that Thanks for the info.
Great for you. Sounds fun. The ED visa has been pretty solid except for a short period when it was getting abused with Russians fleeing. Just make sure you are at a legit school and all should be fine.
@@RetiredGlobalLifejust read that a large scam with Thai citizens and Russians in Phuket was uncovered by the police. They are clearing house it seems. Good for them.
Ah it is so frustrating. Same old thing. The gov says one thing in an official announcement, then does not follow up. I think both things they stated will happen, the 60 days and the DTV visa, but just might be days or weeks. I actually said in the vid I didn't think they would have the DTV ready, but I'm surprised about the 60 days. Seems that would just take a notice to the border officials to write 60 and not 30 days for the 93 countries.
A big and confusing unclear topic for now but I don't think will affect many of us as it is only on income brought into the country that was NOT TAXED in your home country, if yours is like most of the countries with the double-tax prohibition with Thailand.
@@RetiredGlobalLife Randy, think you could still avoid Thai taxes if your income was made trading US stocks while living in Thailand permanently.. as long as you paid income tax back in US/Canada?
@@drifteratheart5996 My guess would be no Thai tax if the US/Canada taxed on that specific gain, yes. But none of us know for sure. That's my read on it. But if Canada has no capital gains tax as the US does, then that seems it could be taxable if those funds brought into Thailand.
@@RetiredGlobalLife Ok hope I’m good. My income all comes out of my rrsp similar to the US 401k.. I would get taxed in Canada on withdrawals. If Thailand wanted to double tax me, I’d probably have to spend less than 6 months in Thailand. Thanks for the info, I’m sure more details will come out later.
I see viewer Sarlina below says it can and she evidently worked in the visa biz, so she likely knows more than me. For me, I personally have not seen it officially stated if the new 60 day can be extended 30 as now, but my guess would be that it will be.
Hi Sarlina, thanks for the input. Can you tell me where you are seeing this confirmation of the 30 day extension with the new 60 day period. I assumed people could do it but I hesitate to state as fact until I see it in a gov publication. Thanks and have a great day!
@@RetiredGlobalLife Hi, Sir! Well, that answer I got by asking my contact at the Immigration office in Jomtien myself, just to be sure of what I already "knew". It helps to have contacts 😊 It was also asked and answered by an immigration officer on the news. In addition to that, I have yet to see a visa (or exemption) of this kind which cannot be extended. Everything points to that fact.
Although the DTV visa is valid for 5 years, my understanding is that you can only stay 180 days, plus extend for another 180 days within the 5 year validity period i.e. 360 days max in the 5 years. Is that your understanding? Another string to your bow but not as good as the title suggests.
No, it is not the understanding of visa agents. They suggest that this will be reset when you leave the country, so you can start the same process again, all within this 5 year period. Or else this long validation period of the visa really makes no sense.
@@sarlina1 Naive. That's just wishful thinking by the agents. No way is the xeno Thai gov going to give you an easy, continuous 5 years with stable renewals. No way. Have you ever lived in Thailand and are you not familiar with how the gov there works?
@@davidb2206 I've been a visa agent for almost 10 years. This is an educational guess, and our understanding of this visa. But you need to leave the country to reset. Just like you do or did with METV, which 60 days permission also can be extended once locally by 30 days, but you can do it again after a border run. We will see what the fine prints say. It's too early to be sure.
IMO it is still a great visa. We don't know about renewing within the 5 years. Personally I don't think the Thai gov will do that as it will undermine all their other visas, right? Can't see that happening myself. We must wait til the gov tells us though.
is it possible to just book a ticket there and stay for 30 days then do a "tourist visa" for another 60 days. After that do a "DTV" for the extra 180 days?
@@WinnerTube I have a dual passport, Indonesian/Thai, so I don`t need a visa. I am just answering based on almost 10 years of experience as a visa agent 😊 Remember you will get 60 days visa exemption the first time you enter now, and that can be extended locally with another 30 days, for 1900 baht. During that time you may apply for a DTV visa.
@@WinnerTube It's my guess and understanding that you can extend the DTV once, and each time after a reset by leaving the country. So if you first have a DTV, I think you can get a maximum stay of almost 5 years out of it. If you want to change to an ED-visa, that should also be possible.
What can I say? Thailand is that way. I heard airports still stamping 30 days not 60. Maybe nothing til Monday as the 1st fell on a weekend? Who knows?
Hi Randy. Five minutes before this came through my feed I thought, is Randy going to revise his video?..then, Bingo here it is. Goodonya mate! You're a champ. This is simpler, sticking to what we know and waiting for the rest. My social commentary is this: Openning the door to this extent to 93 countries , and the highligted Morroco and Albania , they lowered themselves to the bottom of the barrel. Quantity instead of quality. Since they highlighted Albania, supposedly the narco state of Europe . Women are frequently abused there . I understand we're in competition with neighbours, particularly Vietnam and Cambodia, but going for the riffraff for the quick buck is going to bite them in the you know what. I'm not against the 60 days , I'm against some of the extra countries they invited in without scrutiny. They're so proud of never been invaded and colonised and this is commecial and possibly criminal colonisation . I cherish my memories of the Thailand I discovered 45 years ago.
Hi Tom and great to hear from you. Yes, I was frankly so annoyed at myself for the error, even though I saw one poor YTer get the same issue wrong twice, first saying the 180 days could run together for 2.5 years, then a new video to say no it was 6 months a year for 5 years. So at least I only got it wrong once, 555. I went back to read the source that gave me that and that was what it seemed to say, but I should have been alerted when other sources did not specifically say it. I assumed it was the same from silence on the specific issue. The translations to English from Thai often leave things confusing. Like over and over they use the word "scheme" instead of "plan." "The government's new scheme..." Seems someone would finally tell them that's the wrong work and they are making themselves look bad. But those are all excuses. The mistake was mine, so for the first time I took down a video and changed then reposted it. Thanks for the nice words about it. Yes, Thailand does confuse me with its decisions, who they encourage to come in, and what groups they make it difficult for. One thing that amazes me is the new tax law is scaring away a lot of people and money. The The Thai gov must know this, but offers little clarification. In reality, I don't think most foreigners/expats will be affected. My understanding is due to the double taxation treaty only revenue brought in that is untaxed under the home country's tax laws will be Thai taxable, so that means most everyone, like the average pensioner, will not be affected at all. So why not make a clear statement on this issue rather than wait for the 2024 returns to be filed in 2025? I know people in tourist-related industries here and they say they hear this concern from westerners thinking of coming here long-term all the time now. I wish I could have known Thailand 45 years ago. The past seems better everywhere. I always appreciate you and your insightful comments. Thank you.
You usually can't "work" in Thailand, but working for a foreign entity while in Thailand is generally not seen as the same thing as earning $ from a Thai source. So no work permit possible.
@@RetiredGlobalLife yeah on most visa's that would be true, my wife is Thai though, so we plan to come on a marriage visa, and a WP is possible... most of my income is digital, but I may want to do a bit of teaching or contract work
Hi Randy, first of all thanks for the video. I have a question as it’s not explained, during the 180 days (or 360 days if one person will extend it) how many times is it possible to leave and re-entry the country? Thanks a lot!
Not enough details from the gov yet, Andrea and I doubt we will get it the June 1 as they say. My reading is just the one 180 days then you can extend another 180 so 360, so ideal for someone wanting to stay about a year without border runs, etc (at least not expecting any 60 day in/out like 6 month re-entry visas anyway), but not ideal for someone wanting to stay long term beyond a year. It they let people just keep renewing it that would ruin the market for all the other long term visas, so they would not do that. My guess is just use it once within the 5 years.
@@RetiredGlobalLife thanks your reply. I’ve googled it quite a lot because it could be very interesting for my case and most of the websites (the ones with a bit more explanation) are saying that it’s a multiple entry and looks like you can have the visa for 5 years (one visa + one renovation per year). I’m really concerned about it as I’ve just applied for the Elite Visa (one week ago) and couple of days after my application I saw you video. I’ve put my application in standby as I wanna first see this new visa how it really will be. Hope we will be able to get some more info asap. Thanks your time again!
@@andreastefani3518 I think you will find it as I stated it and the others are wrong. I feel confident it will be one 180 period plus another 180. Why would Thailand trash all their other "long" visas and give up all that money and the requirement for long-stay, and give it away if people could just do a DTV visa every year. I think it is once in.a five-year period. But wise to wait and see what the gov finally does as they have not produced the final info. What are the names of the websites you are relying on with your hopes for a different answer? I'm curius. Best wishes.
@@RetiredGlobalLife it totally makes sense what you are saying otherwise nobody will do the other visas anymore. Honestly I’ve checked on Google and then open many different websites from the research, don’t remember the exact one that was saying “multiple entries”, sorry about that.
People could always read the immigration websites. Always the best place to go. There will be people with no idea what tbey are talking about regards Thailand visas. Others will thank them for great info. And not a bit of ut will be true.
Often true. But even the immigration and Thai embassy sites have old info. Not the easiest country to get truly accurate info from sometimes. But your advice is good.
@RetiredGlobalLife I'll give you credit, you know what you are talking about. There are so many RUclipsrs without a clue, who can't want to get videos out. Totally full of 💩
Is that an updated post on it? I have not followed the issue since posting the vid. I just know they are still stamping 30. I heard of one guy who asked why not 60 at immigration, and the guy then stamped 60, haha. You never know with Thai immigration.
Sarlina, thanks. Great you came back. Never taken a vid down before but I really want to be accurate. Thanks for your insight along the way. What information websites do you use, especially in English, to get the best info? I used 6 data sources, mainly Thai newspapers and most were vague. One poor YTer, a nice guy, got the 6 month issue wrong TWICE on two separate videos. Corrected himself wrong again. Let's see if he goes for number three, 555. Lots of bad info out there, especially after translated into English that we rely on.
@@RetiredGlobalLife Thank you 🙏 Since I obviously read and speak Thai, I read the Immigration Act, and I follow news and interviews with immigration officers. But as agents, we just ask our contacts within the immigration offices ourselves when something is unclear, or new. However this time it's a bit confusion within the immigration offices as well, when it comes to the fine prints. We will soon enough know the exact routine 😊
We still have the same doubt, the 500K needs to be in a Thailand bank? Because it is a big difference, I really don't want to have that money in Thailand.
We just have to wait and see. The gov has now announced they are pushing back the release of the DTV until they make some concurrent changes to the retirement visas, so may be months... I wish the gov branches would get their stories straight in their news releases. Frustrating.
@@villagefarang Ah, Mr. Village Farang again. You know, I welcome all commenters and don't delete negative ones like many YTers do. You entitled to your critical voice, even on my channel, IMO. But is there a reason you keep coming back, and evidently even doing so just to read comments, to pile on your same complaint? You and I differ. I think people who do not keep up to date on Thai government news releases and Thai newspapers deserve to know what is being reported here in Thailand so they can use the info as they wish and look for more info over time. You evidently think nothing should be said until everything is final. But things are never final. They are always changing. If you want to go after someone regarding releasing information that is not "final," why not complain to the official Thai government new releases that get amended. Or the major media like Bangkok Post and literally hundreds of newspapers and news services around the world that repeat these Thai media stories? Would that not make more sense than focus your annoyance on some YTer reporting on what these sources are currently saying? And although you are always welcome here, even to hit me with stick over and over, why not make yourself happier and spend you time watching YTers you actually like. Best wishes.
The Elite visa is a great visa and my daughter is even the director of HH Premium Visa Consulting in Chiang Mai, one of the top and most popular Elite visa agencies in Thailand. It is expensive, however, and not in the reach of many people. For those who can afford it, it has many, many benefits.
Will you be making comments of the Retirement Visa lowering the health Insurance requirements. Also you did a great video in Health Insurance. I am wondering how long before they offer health insurance with the new requirement caps. P.S. Great video. I am still in Chiang Mai, I leave in 13 days. Great help in planning my return.. My house is finished.
Thanks, Tom. No vid planned on the changes to retirement visas, but maybe a more general one in the future with my visa agent daughter. We will likely wait until everything is not just announced but more locked in. Take care!
It's a pain to open a bank ac just about anywhere these days. In NZ I went to open a bank ac & was asked "may I ask why you want to open a bank account?" & then they said they were "too busy" to open one for me that day & I'd have to make an appointment to come back in 1 week. I had all the required KYC & AML ID documents, proof of address etc with me but they just didn't seem to want to open an ac for me. After 3 tries I found a bank that would open an ac for me. For such a basic & essential service as a bank ac it's crazy how hard it's become worldwide. It's like banks are too scared to open an ac in case you're a bad actor & they get into trouble, so it's easier just to send you away. & as others have mentioned, you can end up in the old chicken & egg situation in Thailand - need a local bank ac to get a long term visa & need a long term visa to open a local bank ac! As the content creator said, best to just pay an agent to smooth the process through.
After 6 months in Thailand you can ask immediately another visa for 6 months. It means you can stay a full year in Thailand ? My sister +80 is going to retire in Thailand where her daughter is living. No problem to get an extension every 6 months. Can it be repeated every year ?? That is very good. 🙏
That is unknown, but I don't think they will let people just renew it over and over or it would undermine all the other visas with higher costs and more regulations they want to keep in place for long-term residents. But it is a great visa for the time it does cover.
Yeah, not too happy, I just arrived and the rather sour passport control lady told me that it is only a 30 day visa from UK. Too many RUclipsrs jumped the gun on the 60 day visa. Very disappointing. 😔
Actually it was reported all over the press and countless RUclips channels. I'm sorry they did not implement it as they said they would, but an official Thai government announcement was made to the Bangkok Post, and they said June 1. I'm sure they will get their act together eventually, but for now, it is annoying to see they have not followed through. Best wishes.
@@RetiredGlobalLifeyes, you're right and the lady at the passport desk also said the same thing about the news media releasing it as fact. Looking back now I can see why she was so sour faced - she must have had to explain that same thing to thousands of Beira this month! 😅 Also she told me not to fly out on a visa run (like I usually do to KL) but rather to pay 1900 baht in immigration. She seems quite insistent on this which irked me somewhat after a long flight.
Well I appreciate the vids. My wife & I are very interested in the idea of working remotely (me as software dev) for the first time in Thailand (we're from the UK), and way prefer to have the info condensed for us like this as it comes out rather than trawling through the official statements. Subscribed.
Randy, I am at planning stage of retiring in Thailand. instead of opening a local bank account there I am thinking of using my no transaction fee debit card to withdraw cash from ATM and use my no international transaction fee credit card wherever credit cards are accepted. Would like to know your thoughts on this.
I find a bank account indispensable. Many merchants do not take cc and only cash or scans. Scanning is all the thing in Thailand. You scan to pay from your phone, linked to your Thai bank account. Super convenient. There are some visas that require bank deposits too, so that makes it a must for them. Thai banks are seen as reliable and last I checked a tad better on interest than my US bank, but that was years ago that I checked.
@@RetiredGlobalLife but how open bank account all banks not open account if not have addres, long term visa etc, and all visa who bank accept open eed first bank account, not possiple make if not have account and not can make visa if not account but not open account if not right visa. round round and stupid system.
If you stay for 6 months or more on any visa (even a visitor) you're liable for Thai income tax on any $ brought into the Kingdom. As of January 2024. It gets complicated & nobody seems to fully understand the implications of the new rules, but don't think you just can live in Thailand & not ever pay Thai income tax, because that's not the way it works.
@@realsatoshihashimotoit’s not complicated if you’ve filed your tax return in Thailand. I did it this year first time, and thanks to the Double Tax Treaty I paid zero baht tax. Many foreigners worry about taxes, but the answer is your nearest tax office and free tax advisor who explains to you how Thailand tax or does NOT tax you based on the money you remit into Thailand.
@@PloyandJayinThailand That sounds great. Glad that the Double Tax Treaty resulted in zero additional tax to pay in your case. And that in your case it was not complicated. I'm guessing you had excellent records to prove tax had already been paid overseas. What worries me (and many other expats) is that the new tax regulations have not been well explained. In particular how long term savings, perhaps accumulated over decades, for which it may be more difficult or onerous/perhaps impossible to prove tax has already been paid overseas, will be taxed if/when brought to Thailand? This is where it potentially gets complicated.
@@realsatoshihashimoto income report was enough as they can see the amount I paid taxes in Finland. The report was in English, so no need to translate it into the Thai language. I guess you already know that all the foreign income and savings you earned BEFORE January 1, 2024, are NOT taxable in Thailand (which means also that you don't need to include that money in your tax return in Thailand per Mazar's law company). I am not a tax expert, but these are my understandings based on my research and tax return filing in Thailand.
@PloyandJayinThailand I guess you'll need to tell the Thai tax authorities how much savings you've accumulated before becoming a tax resident, otherwise how will they know what to tax, and what not to tax....
So here is what you do, you come in on your 60 day expedition, you then get the 30 day extension, during this time you get your DTV for 6 180 days and then if you wish get your additional 180 days.. that is around 15months , end of that period.... leave the country go somewhere for a little bit and then re do the above process... this is about Thai getting revenue, do the right thing and they will let you stay.as they want your money
Yes, the first part sounds great. Not sure if they will allow a repeat over and over for the DTV, but who knows. Let's wait and see their detailed rules. Good comment. I'm afraid they'd see it as circumventing the other visas so I have my doubts.
They already thought of that, Genius. NO WAY is the xeno Thai gov and Thai Immigration going to allow you to do that. Expect surprises at the border and at the airport.
@@davidb2206 well I am not sure about he Genius part, but I have been living well in Thailand for more than a decade, if you can stay for 60 days and then extend and in that time apply for a dtv, and IF you can reapply in country for another 180 days I am not sure what the "Xeno thai etc " is going to do to stop it, the point is they want money, they want 10,000 baht for you to then spend money in the country. that is the driving issue and reason for the change
@@michaelthegreat44 If, if, if? Only suckers would believe Thai Immigration is going to make it easier to stay longer. The "driving issue" is a TOURIST entry and stay. Take your money from you, and you LEAVE.
If you are retired you sit back and wait to see if they actually implement any new rules for the O Visa and then you evaluate how those changes might affect you personally. In the end the only things which matters is your local immigration official and what he or she says. No use getting worked up in advance or spectating on what might happen. At least that is what works for me.🙏
If you mean you are retired and just want a long visit, the DTV visit might be great. If you mean to retire here, then I can't see the DTV working. That is not what it is for. There are the non-O, non-OA, ED, Elite, LTR and others. Lots of research for you!
If you are retired? TOUGH! Pick a better country! In Latin America, an expat has reciprocal property rights and an easy, quick permanent residency (in two years or less) with no further Immigration hassles.
I flew back to london from Bangkok and googled the current ever increasing options for visas. I usually arrive with a 30 day stamp and my wife just uses her Thai Passport and her British Passport in the UK.At the weekend the Immigration police visit a private hospital and for a few dollars more the business centre completes the admin and I smile at the camera and they date the extension for 60 days.The medical visa for 90 days has too many conditions such as insurance etc . There is a new visa for thai boxing and others for up to five or ten years excluding the elite visa. The visiting family visa or marriage visa requires the spouse to show money as do not want to use my dormant bank account or stay for an extended period . There are around 15 visas and each immigration office is different. As a retired CPA the tax trap could be another issue if they block your account as you work and stay over 180 days.The wife will enjoy herself in her village as home is home and if she is happy, me too. In Bangkok the condo is great and can borrow old books from the library , swim, and great food. Keep up the good work.
Misinfo in this video as well. Why do you assume this video is correct but forums aren't? Nothing official yet. Devil is in the details which have not been released. Once they are he will make another video to correct himself. Mark my words.
You will find good and bad info on both. Forums are wrong more as there are so many voices and little work to just post a thought, but some smart people there as well. At least with YT it's a real effort to get a video out. The reason there is "wrong" info is the Thai gov is not really helpful with its news releases and updates, then they change what they said, or even cancel a program or change it. It's a moving target. So you can't really blame those who report on what is there. All we can do is report it and if possible, alert you to what has changed.
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) - Remote Workers/Digital Nomads/Freelancers - Participants of activities such as - Muay Thai courses - Thai cooking classes - Sport training - Medical treatment - Seminars - Music festivals etc. for more real information. this is not really new, you can get visa before you come to Thailand stay 6 months long time ago. i mean if you know the visa system.
So can this DTV visa be extended indefinitely? If yes, that means instead of getting a Non O or OA, a retiree can simply get the DYV. Combined with the new 60 days stay for the visa exemption case, is it safe to assume that I, a Canadian citizen, can arrive in Thailand without a visa, then apply for a DTV after entering Thailand? Thank you for sharing the exciting news!😅
No, you didn't watch all the video. I explain that I believe (final info still not released by the gov) is that you get one 180 day period and one extension. That's it for the five year period. To renew it over and over each year would all the other visas moot, so I believe any press you read saying you will be able to do that will be proved wrong.
Love to know if the DTV is single or multiple entry. I wish they would learn to put out complete information and not piecemeal information. It just generates lots of unnecessary noise.
After an initial delay by the Thai government in starting these changes, the DTV and 60 day visa waiver period are now effective July 15, 2024. Apply for the DTV via your Thai embassy or consulate. They have not listed a way to do it from within Thailand. FYI, another RUclipsr posted an interview with a Thai government official who said you can renew the 180 days over and over during the five-year period, whereas my reading of the visa terms was only one renewal. So if that official is correct... great news! It is still such a new visa there is a lot to learn in how they will enforce and interpret their own rules. Join us here regularly and subscribe: www.youtube.com/@RetiredGlobalLife?sub_confirmation=1
Last Friday the uk government official website stated that Thailand would permit 60 days for all tourists upon entry. Then, yesterday (June 4th) they CHANGED IT BACK TO 30 days! 😡
www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand/entry-requirements
Why?
Thank you I appreciate the heads up. It's not like I'm leaving tomorrow or even this year lol. This is helpful info for me. Otherwise I wouldn't even know that there might be other options once I'm ready to go!
@@cchoi108 Great! Thanks my goal. Best wishes for whenever you come here.
Thanks. Do you happen to know if the main BKK airport (Suvarnabhumi) is stamping passports with the 60 day visa waiver stamp? One would think that the main entry point to Thailand would be implementing the new rule. But you never know. Do you know? And what type of visa do you have if you don't mind saying? Thanks.
@@dongeorge2268 I'm sorry but I have not heard about the BKK airports. I have heard some entry points were stamping 60 but I don't recall which they were. Sorry.
This is awesome, I’ve been back-and-forth from Chiang Mai over the last 12 years also. This will change the game for sure.
A nice new additional option I think, yes. Actually two with the 60 days not 30.
Dear Randy, thank you so much for your enjoyable and very helpful videos. I think I saw all of your videos within a couple of days. I came across your channel just by chance, which I am glad I did. I am thinking of visiting Chian Mai and this is another coincidence because a friend of mine met a woman from there and is travelling back and forth. Anyway, just wanted to drop you a few lines to say that I appreciate very much what you're doing. It is extremely helpful to many of us. Best, Mark
Thanks, Mark, I appreciate it. And I hope you enjoy Chiang Mai and Thailand.
Hey Randy I appreciate your content. I plan on moving in December. I will be subscribing. Thank you, 😊🙏
Very kind of you! Thanks. Let's hope the DTV is up and running by then!
This is really amazing! Some miserable expat told me Thailand are trying to "get rid of tourists like you" (Digital nomad on 60 day visa) , then the next day the introduce this! DTV will make life easier for alot of people. Thank you for your brilliant explanation.
Thanks. Haha, now let's hope the gov does not suddenly add a bunch of red tape. I hope not. I can just pass along what the gov releases to the public. I'm optimistic.
@@RetiredGlobalLife1st June today & nothing appeared in the Royal Gazette & reports coming in saying people arriving today are only getting 30 day visa exemptions & nothing has changed. Then you also got the factors listed below to consider.
1) Foreign source income is only one source there is also Thai source income is defined as Any Income Created As A Result Of An Activity Taking Place In Thailand Is Deemed Taxable In Thailand In The Same Year It Is Received, Regardless Of Where It Is Paid And The Recipient’s Tax Resident Status (Source - Personal Income Tax On Thai vs Foreign Source Income ACCLIME THAILAND). Also let’s not forget there is a 500,000 THB Bond, Deposit, Guarantee what ever you want to call it attached to the DTV & they could want proof of Tax clearance to give it back or deduct tax due from it.
2) To work in Thailand you need both a work visa & a work permit & a work permit can only obtain if you are working for a Thai Company (Source - The Complete Guide To Obtaining Work Permit In Thailand THAIEMBASSY).
3) People should be aware that Thailand is now a CRS (Common Reporting Standard) Country. To see what information CRS Countries exchange go to COMMON REPORTING STANDARD WIKIPEDIA. Also go to THAILAND BEGINS COMMON REPORTING STANDARD EXCHANGE ON 2023 TAINA.
4) EXPAT TAX THAILAND have put up some recent Vids that go through everything about the DTA’s between Thailand and UK, USA, Australia & include Case scenario examples.
Are you one of the people who live there just because it's cheap and behave horribly? Maybe that's why he said that to you
I lived in Hua Hin for 10 years but got bored so I moved to Barcelona last year. I still own my condo (thanks Thai property market), so I planned to come down for the winter and the DTV visa is absolutely perfect for me. I'm checking all around for more detail.
I loved Valencia when I spend a month there a few years ago. Flew in my son and daughter. Great time. More details will be out in days for all of us. Take care.
Thanks for the good news on the new visas. I hope it helps Thailand regain its popularity back👍
Always good to see you post, Randy, and bring your good luck to the channel...
Really appreciate your info. It's true about visa extension being a pain in my toes. I really hope they soon start giving 60 day visas.
Thanks! Yes, so silly the gov announces it then does not do it on time. I can understand the delay on the DTV as that takes more planning, and in the video I even said I had doubts they'd start on time despite the official gov announcement. They have since said it will be another month or two now. It's like their gov branches do not communicate at all. But you'd think changing a stamp from 30 to 60 after announcing it to the world, and maybe people even changing their arrival date to get it, would not be so hard to do.
Thanks for this most concise and useful information. Keep up the good work.
My pleasure, William. I hope you read the updated comment I left that the Thai government ended up changing things a second time, announcing they were delaying the launch of the visa and 60 days. They say Sept but you just never know with the Thai gov. Both are coming though.
Haha! Remote worker! Good one Randy!
Glad I make you laugh, Martin. Take care.
Thanks, I'm coming in November for 5 months & will look into this. It'd be perfect for me.
Yes, I think it should be great for a lot of people. Have a great trip.
I see you posted a video about this then took it down before I got to watch it thanks for the update 60 days on arrival is sweet.
Yes, had to make a correction as noted at the start. Damn, lost 8k views, haha.
Heey, thanks for the video, do you kow for USA citizenns or European nationals, the immigratio ccheeccks your bank statement or just the passport will do??
For regular visa free entry there is not bank book or economic check for 93 country citizens. For the DTV visa, we don't know. There will be some asset verification.
@@RetiredGlobalLife But for USA citizens, all that is required is just a passport only? they dont ask for Ay bank statements or stuff right?
Great content and easy to understand- lots of options now!!
Glad it was helpful! The gov is still delaying both the DTV and 60 days, cancelling their earlier statements of the start date on both these things. Sadly this is so common in Thailand. But we will see them eventually.
Hello Randy - Today JULY 15 the new Visa Exemption Scheme (60 days) goes into effect. I am a US Citizen coming to Thailand in a few months. Will I be able to leave Thailand for a short visit to Cambodia (Angkor Wat) and come back into Thailand without any problems during my 60-days? My entire stay -including my 3-day Cambodia trip - will only be 52 days. THANKS!
The 60 days and DTV got both pulled back by the gov after several conflicting announcements. This is the way it can be in Thailand. Very frustrating. There was no real explanation for the delay of the 60 days, but the DTV Visa they said needed some more work. Not sure on the dates to start. But you should be fine. If you are here under 30 days, leave and come. back you just start a new 30. Or if you are here more than 30 you go to an immigration office and file for an extension before the 30 are up. You can wait in line and do it yourself or hire a visa agency to do most of it all for you and save yourself some time.
Thank you for this good, usefull and quiet information. I know it is hard to obtain correct info in a country like Thailand.
Thanks so much for writing. Take care.
I always appreciate your efforts. Wish you created more often. Please ignore all the nasty comments.
Thank you. I wish we could put out more but we actually both work so this is our fun sideline.
The timing for this visa is just perfect as i just found out about Thailand and wanting to relocate with my family
Well, this is not a long-term visa, unless you could one year as long term, and the government, after announcing a start date, rolled it back and is now saying maybe September. Frustrating. Even the 60 days, which had a firm start date, has not started. Ah, the frustration of Thailand. But both will come.
Question: we like to come to Thailand for atleast 3 months during winter - ie Koh Samui. Will the tourist visa be 60 days now and to extend for another 30 days, can we just go to the immigration office in Koh Samui or do we still have to leave Thailand?
Sadly they have not stated the 60 days yet even thought they announced it was approved and will start. The Thais can be frustrating with their bureaucracy. So I don't know when. But when they do it is anticipated you can still extend it 30 days, like you presently can with the 30 day visa waiver on entry.
Hi there. Great vids. Keep 'em coming!! I have a request for some info regarding Thai language schools in CM, Can you recommend any of them? I am a serious learner looking to spend three months later this year doing an intensive group course. I am coming to CM from Australia in July for a week or so to check them out. Also, can you recommend any THAI areas to live in? I don't want to be in overly expat areas when wanting to learn Thai. Thanks.
For language schools I'd do the same you would and that's check the Google reviews then visit them and maybe sign up for a week before a long-term commitment. But geography is important so you might want it to be close to where you live. Where to live depends on you. The only "touristy" places are the old city and Nimman, and parts by the Ping River. The rest is more the real Chiang Mai. So going in any direction brings you different feels. I am mainly in Saraphi. Others like going a bit north. You just have to travel around the city - not too big a place really - and see what neighborhood appeals to you. Good luck.
@@RetiredGlobalLife Thanks so much for the info. Anything else occurs to you, would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again.
Another great video. What are you hearing about the tax changes? I am seeing [hearing] some chatter about tax implications for non-earned income [i.e. pensions, investments, etc] coming into Thailand. Thanks for all you do. You and Joy seem to be a really great couple. I do enjoy hearing her perspective and participation in your videos.
I do enjoy CM and Thailand, the poor AQI in burning season is a big detractor for me, how do you deal with it? Do you leave or travel elsewhere during these periods?
Thanks for your very nice comment, Duke! It is so hard to discuss tax and I've put it off for a video as the gov keeps changing. For example just weeks ago now there is talk of taxing worldwide income as compared to accessible income. I remain an optimist, however. I still think they are going after rich Thais dodging taxes with overseas investments, not retiree expats etc. I think for most countries the double taxation treaty will eliminate any tax, but not if you get an income from something that is NOT taxed in your country but IS taxed in Thailand, then I think tax is owed. But most of us don't have that. An example would be if I sold a house in my country and had capital gains. In the US that is taxed so I'm safe, but some countries do not tax real estate capital gains, so that could be a taxable amount in Thailand. Just my present option.
H Randy, thank you for all of your very informative video's, I have been thinking of retiring in Thailand from Australia, but am a bit concerned about this new Section 41 of the Thai tax laws! The way I read it, is that from Jan 1 this year all overseas income, including pensions are now subject to tax in Thailand. do you have any knowledge of this?
Thai gov still has not cleared up a lot. I think most foreigners will not be affected due to the double tax treaty, so the only liability should be income not taxed in home country (ex, if your home country does not tax something like real estate capital gains but Thailand does). We shall see.
I’m very happy to hear about 60 day visa exemption. How long are do you think it will last?
My guess is they will keep it permanently as long as they see tourist $ come in, and not people coming in for longer but not spending any money.
What if you don't have a registered company or contracts with anyone but just work online as a freelancer taking payments through wise etc? I am a recruiter so I don't have any portfolio apart from messages on various platforms organising interviews. Is that enough evidence?
I read that showing your portfolio is an alternative to having one employer. The embassies have now posted more specific guidelines so check in your home country for that. Each embassy may be a bit different.
@@RetiredGlobalLife do I have to go to my home country or can I apply from Malaysia or Laos? Because I'm already in Thailand and don't want to fly home just to pick up a visa
Sir..thx for all the info...if on LTR, can I rent a condo in two different cities at the same time...regarding address notification for 90 day reporting? I won't ask anything about the new visa yet.
Thx.
JB
Never heard that question. I don't know. Seems you could have two residences and use one, but ask a visa agent.
อยากสอบถามคุณว่า คุณเกษียณที่ประเทศไทย แล้วใช้ประกันสุขภาพของบริษัทอะไรค่ะ ถ้าเจ็บป่วยค่าใช้จ่ายบริษัทประกันสุขภาพใช้บริษัทไหนค่ะ ถามเผื่อให้สามีค่ะเป็นต่างชาติเหมือนคุณ
all insurance firm who has thai immigration accepts/admitted. list have thai visa inform web site.
There are many good and bad insurers. The best advice is go with a solid Thai company, not an offshore company based elsewhere. A solid licensed agent in your town will find out which is best for your husband. Watch pre-existing conditions and deductibles. The main thing is in-patient coverage. Paying out of pocket for out-patient is typically small so often not worth paying more for insurance.
Randy, what type of visa do you hold? Thanks.
I always hate this question and avoid answering it because the type of visa is so different for everyone and I don't want people thinking I know more than others so my visa is the right one for them too. Depends on your long term goals, your assets and income, etc. I'll say this. For most people, the non-O is best. Second best is the ED visa, because why not study Thai part time while you are here as it will make your experience so much more fun and fulfilling. Many go from ED to non-O, assuming they are 50+. Take care and best wishes.
@@RetiredGlobalLife Thank you, Randy!
Do you know if we need to have insurance and how much for a retirement visa?
No ins stated as required yet for the DTV and there are too many details for the retirement visas to cover here.
I'm here in Thailand now and am needing to go next week to get a visa extension. Does this new extension negate the need to do that now? Can I just get a new stamp without having to pay anything? Thanks!
Well sadly they have not even started doing the DTV despite their announcement, so we have to wait. And when it comes it is 180 then another 180 days, paying for each one.
Outstanding, and informative! The best RUclips information from Randy!
Very nice of you, Joe. Thanks!
Is the 60 day visa given as visa on arrival? Once we get a 60 day visa is it extendable without leaving Thailand? Thanks.
I hear not all immigration points are stamping 60. Some still 30. They should get their act together soon I expect. Visa waiver is different from visa on arrival. Depends on the country you are in. 93 get visa waiver. You do nothing and get the entry stamp. Visa on arrival you arrive and request a visa. Small difference. Many say the new 60 days can be extended 30 as is currently in effect with a trip to the immigration office, but I have not seen official confirmation. I assume it will continue.
@@RetiredGlobalLife Thanks for the information.
Wow great information! Will i be able to reenter Thailand with a new DTV after the first year has ended? I would like to know.
No, you didn't watch all the video. I explain that I believe (final info still not released by the gov) is that you get one 180 day period and one extension. That's it for the five year period. To renew it over and over each year would all the other visas moot, so I believe any press you read saying you will be able to do that will be proved wrong.
@@RetiredGlobalLife So 360 days/5years basically? What other Visa would you recommend if i wanted to stay as long as possible and work as a digital nomad?
@@eriklarsson7933 My reading is yes a max of 180 days in 5 years. Wait for the details from the gov though. Who knows. They keep us guessing. There are too many visas to tell you the best for you. For most, the non-O but that is only for over 50 in age. LTR great if you have lots of money. Same with Elite visa. Otherwise it is a life of visa waiver and border runs etc.
@@RetiredGlobalLife Thanks for the information!
How long do you think the changes will last?
I think the 60 days will stay permanent as long as they see it increasing tourist $. With the DTV, we will have to see them roll out the final details and see if it is popular. They love to change and tinker with their visa options.
Great new this 60 days tourist visa m coming 19th of june , will I get 60 days? can I extend it? is so for how long ? thank you, and I love you being a rumor monger , so keep it up.
Haha, Daniel, thanks. I will keep passing along early info as long as it comes from an official source, so I will not be detered. But the Thais do make it tough... Yes, June 1 is the new 60 free entry visa. They did not say if you can renew it for 30 as before, but one reliable person has passed on to me that immigration has said "yes." And to me that would only make sense. Best wishes and hope to see you here again.
Thank you for the information !
So there's no mention of having to show a proof that we are actually working as a digital nomad ?
No details yet, but I did put an info card in the video that I imagine there will likely be some requirement to show a remote employer.
@@RetiredGlobalLife Thank you for your answer. Yes I guess, would be too easy otherwise...
I have a flight for June 14 😮😮I'm from Mexico and last year I had to get the visa on arrival when I went to Thailand. So this time I will not need to get the visa on arrival? I will be able to go directly to immigration and stay for 60 days? Where can I see the official announcement I would love to really not get the visa on arrival 😁 but I am a bit worried that I go to the immigration line and then they tell me I need to go back to get my visa on arrival 😣.
Thanks for the update, can you help me clarify this? I saw a picture posted today on all thai embassies abroad and reads that people coming in with 60 days visa exemption can stay for tourism or short term business engagement, so what does that mean? I dont need visa to come work some days there? That's what is business right? Invited by a thai company for example, but dont need invitation as free visa?
U can go for business reasons like a meeting. As long as ur overseas company pays ur salary
Confusing language from the Thai gov as usual. Sorry. I think you can't do any employment like a Thai job. That's a pretty solid rule. So maybe they mean just doing business like representing your company, etc. The key is not earning money from a Thai source, a no no.
Extremely clear and detailed without huge delays and promos.
Very nice of you, Josh. Glad I came through for you. Now let's home the Thai gov does after their government releases on these visa changes to come.
I love your updates and all your videos. Keep up the good work and your ears on the grapevine, Sir! ❤
Very nice of you, Jack! Thanks and visit again please.
Hey man good content and very organized information. Keep the good work!
Very nice of you. Thanks.
Excellent information, and what great news on the visa front. I remember doing the visa run to Burma every month, those were 'the good old days' Has Thailand changed it's view on dope smoking? I was unaware of that if it is the case. (I still read the Bangkok post from time to time, but don't remember an article on that). Keep em coming Randy, and where is Joy?
Hi Glenda, Joy is always around but is often busy at work and can't do videos with me. MJ smoking goes on but is not welcomed by the older Thais. Seems to be mainly for tourists, and Thai young people. The gov has still not followed up on its new stated MJ laws to come, to be only medicinal. We shall see. Always a lot of talk before any real action.
Ok, you made me laugh out loud, twice in the first 2 minutes. Thanks for that and this news.
Always glad to bring a laugh, hopefully when I intend to...
Where in Pattaya Visa Shop or Bangkok can i buy the DTV Visa?
I answered your same question earlier. Best wishes.
I'm fixing to retire here in the US, but you know Social Security allows for part time work. I want to continue to pursue my side gigs with digital art. Do you think I could get this in lieu of the O retirement visa?
If you receive social security benefits before FRA (full retirement age), you can make up to about 22K per year without it affecting your social security benefits.
I don't understand your question. You want to retire in the US but you want a Thai visa? Regardless, a DTV will not come close to matching the greater permanence of a non-O. We don't know if the DTV will be renewable but I doubt it, or it would just circumvent all the other visas.
What is the best way to retire in Chiang Mai, as in which visa should I look at for retirement stays? Thanks in advance
Lee there are so many visas... the "retirement visas Non-O and Non-OA are good for many, just preference, and others not retirement but maybe good for you: Elite, LTR, the new DTV which is still a bit uncertain. You just have to invest the time to read up on them all.
@@RetiredGlobalLife Thank you
There is something I didn’t get yet , what if I stayed for 180 days then went out for a month or 2 .. can i back to Thailand again in the same year and get 180 days .. or i have to leave the country for 6 months to back again? Please clarify that
The gov has delayed the release of the DTV visa as they need more time to work things out. My guess is that as long as you get the 180 extension, it will not matter if you leave or stay. We shall see.
would love to know the tax rules
A big and confusing unclear topic for now but I don't think will affect many of us as it is only on income brought into the country that was NOT TAXED in your home country, if yours is like most of the countries with the double-tax prohibition with Thailand.
The article states: The DTV visa allows stays of up to 180 days with a visa issuance fee of 10,000 baht, valid for five years. DTV holders can extend their stay once for an additional 180 days with another 10,000 baht fee and may request to change the type of visa within the country, although this will terminate the DTV.
However, it is important to note that the DTV visa does NOT allow 'any' digital nomad to stay in Thailand for five years. It can be used within a five-year period for 180 days, and extended once for another 180 days, with a 10,000 baht filing fee each time. After being used twice, the DTV visa would expire.
That severly dilutes it if true
is that actually true? So if you extend once, after that extension expires you are blocked from getting that visa again for 5 years?
My understanding as well.
@@hachimaru295 There's always an 'O'.
You are only speculating! The truth is that no one knows at this stage. Be patient all will be revealed in good time.
Can you reapply for it after the first year or is it a one time thing?
Details to come from the gov but my guess is that other than the one-time 180 day extension option, you could not get it again within the 5 years. If you could do it every year it would replace all their other visas, many of which cost much more and have many requirements. Just my opinion.
Thanks so much 👍🏻
thanks Randy. im curious to know if you need to keep the 500k baht (or equivalent) in your account for a certain time period before applying for the DTV visa (as you currently have to do for the retirement visa). and if you have to keep that money in your account for the entire 180 days.
hopefully we'll know these details soon.
thanks for the good work. 😊 maybe ill see you on the driving range 💥
Hi Martin, we don't know yet. But there is some talk even a line of credit might be acceptable. Maybe even the gov has not made up their minds yet. It will likely be a work in progress as they see the number of applicants and how it is working.
Not helpful, if you want to stay in Thailand for good, moving back and forth is very tiring and requires to maintain two homes.
Do you think this can be used to stay on a permament basis?
Everyone is different. Many have two homes, and not always having to maintain one fully in one country, perhaps staying with family etc.
@@RetiredGlobalLife normal peoples NOT newer have two home, and not can go alltime in/out thailand.
Doesn't sound like a good deal to me. Im on a plane now in Istanbul and will be in BKK tomorrow morning. I have a 60 say tourists visa, and will go for a 14 month education visa to learn thai. I hope they don't mess with that
Thanks for the info.
Great for you. Sounds fun. The ED visa has been pretty solid except for a short period when it was getting abused with Russians fleeing. Just make sure you are at a legit school and all should be fine.
14 month Ed visa ?
Yes the school offers this but have not gone there yet. Next week...
@@RetiredGlobalLifejust read that a large scam with Thai citizens and Russians in Phuket was uncovered by the police. They are clearing house it seems. Good for them.
Any update as to when people can apply ? cant fidn anything online - great news hope can apply soon
Ah it is so frustrating. Same old thing. The gov says one thing in an official announcement, then does not follow up. I think both things they stated will happen, the 60 days and the DTV visa, but just might be days or weeks. I actually said in the vid I didn't think they would have the DTV ready, but I'm surprised about the 60 days. Seems that would just take a notice to the border officials to write 60 and not 30 days for the 93 countries.
Do they still require the 90 days reporting?
For about every visa but the Elite I think. Not sure about the DTV as they are still working out details and now delaying launch.
What about the new income tax law in Thailand as of Jan 1st 2024
A big and confusing unclear topic for now but I don't think will affect many of us as it is only on income brought into the country that was NOT TAXED in your home country, if yours is like most of the countries with the double-tax prohibition with Thailand.
@@RetiredGlobalLife Randy, think you could still avoid Thai taxes if your income was made trading US stocks while living in Thailand permanently.. as long as you paid income tax back in US/Canada?
@@drifteratheart5996 My guess would be no Thai tax if the US/Canada taxed on that specific gain, yes. But none of us know for sure. That's my read on it. But if Canada has no capital gains tax as the US does, then that seems it could be taxable if those funds brought into Thailand.
@@RetiredGlobalLife Ok hope I’m good. My income all comes out of my rrsp similar to the US 401k.. I would get taxed in Canada on withdrawals. If Thailand wanted to double tax me, I’d probably have to spend less than 6 months in Thailand. Thanks for the info, I’m sure more details will come out later.
If I get digital-nomad visa and it includes my spouse, do you think that spouse have pay extra?
Early statements from the gov say no, dependents included, spouse and kids under 20.
I'm going through immigration. Do you think they will stamp you for thirty days or sixty days ?
Not before June 1st.. If you go before that, I think you will just miss it.
I don't think any 60 day stamps til June 1.
With the 60 day visa waver can this still be extended by 30 day at immigration so 90 days thanks
Yes, it can 😊
I see viewer Sarlina below says it can and she evidently worked in the visa biz, so she likely knows more than me. For me, I personally have not seen it officially stated if the new 60 day can be extended 30 as now, but my guess would be that it will be.
Hi Sarlina, thanks for the input. Can you tell me where you are seeing this confirmation of the 30 day extension with the new 60 day period. I assumed people could do it but I hesitate to state as fact until I see it in a gov publication. Thanks and have a great day!
@@RetiredGlobalLife Hi, Sir! Well, that answer I got by asking my contact at the Immigration office in Jomtien myself, just to be sure of what I already "knew". It helps to have contacts 😊 It was also asked and answered by an immigration officer on the news. In addition to that, I have yet to see a visa (or exemption) of this kind which cannot be extended. Everything points to that fact.
@@sarlina1 Thanks! If you have a website the rest of us can use, I'd love to add it to my existing list. Have a great day.
Although the DTV visa is valid for 5 years, my understanding is that you can only stay 180 days, plus extend for another 180 days within the 5 year validity period i.e. 360 days max in the 5 years. Is that your understanding? Another string to your bow but not as good as the title suggests.
I think that’s right
No, it is not the understanding of visa agents. They suggest that this will be reset when you leave the country, so you can start the same process again, all within this 5 year period. Or else this long validation period of the visa really makes no sense.
@@sarlina1 Naive. That's just wishful thinking by the agents. No way is the xeno Thai gov going to give you an easy, continuous 5 years with stable renewals. No way. Have you ever lived in Thailand and are you not familiar with how the gov there works?
@@davidb2206 I've been a visa agent for almost 10 years. This is an educational guess, and our understanding of this visa. But you need to leave the country to reset. Just like you do or did with METV, which 60 days permission also can be extended once locally by 30 days, but you can do it again after a border run.
We will see what the fine prints say. It's too early to be sure.
IMO it is still a great visa. We don't know about renewing within the 5 years. Personally I don't think the Thai gov will do that as it will undermine all their other visas, right? Can't see that happening myself. We must wait til the gov tells us though.
Where can i buy the DTV Visa in Thailand? THX Guys
Sadly after announcing it the gov has delayed starting the DTV visa. Not sue when they will start it.
THX
I'm flying to Bangkok today June 1 and will be curious if I get the 60 days
Please tell us. I heard in Chiang Mai they were still doing 30. Just what I heard secondhand.
Randy you can’t please everyone so don’t try. Be you and keep up the great work because it helps
Thanks! Nice to hear.
How much does the DTV visa cost to extend, another 10,000 baht?
Yes, from what I've heard on other channels.
Yes, I mention that in the vid. Thanks.
@@RetiredGlobalLife I'm asking about the cost of the extension specifically.
is it possible to just book a ticket there and stay for 30 days then do a "tourist visa" for another 60 days. After that do a "DTV" for the extra 180 days?
Yes, that should be possible.
@@sarlina1 what kind of visa are you using or have you used?
@@WinnerTube I have a dual passport, Indonesian/Thai, so I don`t need a visa. I am just answering based on almost 10 years of experience as a visa agent 😊 Remember you will get 60 days visa exemption the first time you enter now, and that can be extended locally with another 30 days, for 1900 baht. During that time you may apply for a DTV visa.
@@sarlina1 Oh wow thank you for replying to me! After the DTV do you think an education visa would make sense and be possible?
@@WinnerTube It's my guess and understanding that you can extend the DTV once, and each time after a reset by leaving the country. So if you first have a DTV, I think you can get a maximum stay of almost 5 years out of it.
If you want to change to an ED-visa, that should also be possible.
I was just on the Thai embassy US website and there doesn't seem to be any updates.
What can I say? Thailand is that way. I heard airports still stamping 30 days not 60. Maybe nothing til Monday as the 1st fell on a weekend? Who knows?
So how about paying taxes after more than 180 days could that be an issue?
I've commented here in the comments on the tax issue which you can find and read. I'm not worried.
walking whit all papers to TAX office and ask help,
Hi Randy.
Five minutes before this came through my feed I thought, is Randy going to revise his video?..then, Bingo here it is. Goodonya mate! You're a champ.
This is simpler, sticking to what we know and waiting for the rest.
My social commentary is this:
Openning the door to this extent to 93 countries , and the highligted Morroco and Albania , they lowered themselves to the bottom of the barrel. Quantity instead of quality.
Since they highlighted Albania, supposedly the narco state of Europe . Women are frequently abused there . I understand we're in competition with neighbours, particularly Vietnam and Cambodia, but going for the riffraff for the quick buck is going to bite them in the you know what.
I'm not against the 60 days , I'm against some of the extra countries they invited in without scrutiny.
They're so proud of never been invaded and colonised and this is commecial and possibly criminal colonisation .
I cherish my memories of the Thailand I discovered 45 years ago.
Hi Tom and great to hear from you.
Yes, I was frankly so annoyed at myself for the error, even though I saw one poor YTer get the same issue wrong twice, first saying the 180 days could run together for 2.5 years, then a new video to say no it was 6 months a year for 5 years. So at least I only got it wrong once, 555. I went back to read the source that gave me that and that was what it seemed to say, but I should have been alerted when other sources did not specifically say it. I assumed it was the same from silence on the specific issue. The translations to English from Thai often leave things confusing. Like over and over they use the word "scheme" instead of "plan." "The government's new scheme..." Seems someone would finally tell them that's the wrong work and they are making themselves look bad.
But those are all excuses. The mistake was mine, so for the first time I took down a video and changed then reposted it. Thanks for the nice words about it.
Yes, Thailand does confuse me with its decisions, who they encourage to come in, and what groups they make it difficult for.
One thing that amazes me is the new tax law is scaring away a lot of people and money. The The Thai gov must know this, but offers little clarification. In reality, I don't think most foreigners/expats will be affected. My understanding is due to the double taxation treaty only revenue brought in that is untaxed under the home country's tax laws will be Thai taxable, so that means most everyone, like the average pensioner, will not be affected at all. So why not make a clear statement on this issue rather than wait for the 2024 returns to be filed in 2025? I know people in tourist-related industries here and they say they hear this concern from westerners thinking of coming here long-term all the time now.
I wish I could have known Thailand 45 years ago. The past seems better everywhere.
I always appreciate you and your insightful comments. Thank you.
What kind of work permit does a Digital nomad need? Which ever kind of visa you get is the WP an extra cost?
You usually can't "work" in Thailand, but working for a foreign entity while in Thailand is generally not seen as the same thing as earning $ from a Thai source. So no work permit possible.
@@RetiredGlobalLife yeah on most visa's that would be true, my wife is Thai though, so we plan to come on a marriage visa, and a WP is possible... most of my income is digital, but I may want to do a bit of teaching or contract work
@@BrianBeuken Ah, a Thai wife changes everthing... (:
Hi Randy, first of all thanks for the video. I have a question as it’s not explained, during the 180 days (or 360 days if one person will extend it) how many times is it possible to leave and re-entry the country? Thanks a lot!
Not enough details from the gov yet, Andrea and I doubt we will get it the June 1 as they say. My reading is just the one 180 days then you can extend another 180 so 360, so ideal for someone wanting to stay about a year without border runs, etc (at least not expecting any 60 day in/out like 6 month re-entry visas anyway), but not ideal for someone wanting to stay long term beyond a year. It they let people just keep renewing it that would ruin the market for all the other long term visas, so they would not do that. My guess is just use it once within the 5 years.
@@nb8665this is the trouble,you Authoritatively state something which hasn't been announced . Or did you forget the question mark?
@@RetiredGlobalLife thanks your reply. I’ve googled it quite a lot because it could be very interesting for my case and most of the websites (the ones with a bit more explanation) are saying that it’s a multiple entry and looks like you can have the visa for 5 years (one visa + one renovation per year).
I’m really concerned about it as I’ve just applied for the Elite Visa (one week ago) and couple of days after my application I saw you video. I’ve put my application in standby as I wanna first see this new visa how it really will be. Hope we will be able to get some more info asap.
Thanks your time again!
@@andreastefani3518 I think you will find it as I stated it and the others are wrong. I feel confident it will be one 180 period plus another 180. Why would Thailand trash all their other "long" visas and give up all that money and the requirement for long-stay, and give it away if people could just do a DTV visa every year. I think it is once in.a five-year period. But wise to wait and see what the gov finally does as they have not produced the final info. What are the names of the websites you are relying on with your hopes for a different answer? I'm curius. Best wishes.
@@RetiredGlobalLife it totally makes sense what you are saying otherwise nobody will do the other visas anymore. Honestly I’ve checked on Google and then open many different websites from the research, don’t remember the exact one that was saying “multiple entries”, sorry about that.
I appreciate you sharing as you learn things. Our visa agent hadn't heard of this visa so I shared your video. Thank you.
Thanks, Colleen. I'm glad it gave you some new information. Best wishes!
People could always read the immigration websites.
Always the best place to go.
There will be people with no idea what tbey are talking about regards Thailand visas.
Others will thank them for great info. And not a bit of ut will be true.
Often true. But even the immigration and Thai embassy sites have old info. Not the easiest country to get truly accurate info from sometimes. But your advice is good.
@RetiredGlobalLife I'll give you credit, you know what you are talking about.
There are so many RUclipsrs without a clue, who can't want to get videos out. Totally full of 💩
immgraton web site not tell any thats and not has update last 5 year any.
The Thailand Public Relations posted that the 60 day visa exempt policy may go into effect towards the end of June or early July.
Is that an updated post on it? I have not followed the issue since posting the vid. I just know they are still stamping 30. I heard of one guy who asked why not 60 at immigration, and the guy then stamped 60, haha. You never know with Thai immigration.
@@RetiredGlobalLife Yes. Posted a couple of days after the initial news reports.
You did well, Sir. A couple of additional info was all you needed 😉
Sarlina, thanks. Great you came back. Never taken a vid down before but I really want to be accurate. Thanks for your insight along the way. What information websites do you use, especially in English, to get the best info? I used 6 data sources, mainly Thai newspapers and most were vague. One poor YTer, a nice guy, got the 6 month issue wrong TWICE on two separate videos. Corrected himself wrong again. Let's see if he goes for number three, 555. Lots of bad info out there, especially after translated into English that we rely on.
@@RetiredGlobalLife Thank you 🙏 Since I obviously read and speak Thai, I read the Immigration Act, and I follow news and interviews with immigration officers. But as agents, we just ask our contacts within the immigration offices ourselves when something is unclear, or new. However this time it's a bit confusion within the immigration offices as well, when it comes to the fine prints. We will soon enough know the exact routine 😊
We still have the same doubt, the 500K needs to be in a Thailand bank? Because it is a big difference, I really don't want to have that money in Thailand.
We just have to wait and see. The gov has now announced they are pushing back the release of the DTV until they make some concurrent changes to the retirement visas, so may be months... I wish the gov branches would get their stories straight in their news releases. Frustrating.
@@RetiredGlobalLife And perhaps you should stop adding to the problem.
@@villagefarang Ah, Mr. Village Farang again. You know, I welcome all commenters and don't delete negative ones like many YTers do. You entitled to your critical voice, even on my channel, IMO. But is there a reason you keep coming back, and evidently even doing so just to read comments, to pile on your same complaint? You and I differ. I think people who do not keep up to date on Thai government news releases and Thai newspapers deserve to know what is being reported here in Thailand so they can use the info as they wish and look for more info over time. You evidently think nothing should be said until everything is final. But things are never final. They are always changing. If you want to go after someone regarding releasing information that is not "final," why not complain to the official Thai government new releases that get amended. Or the major media like Bangkok Post and literally hundreds of newspapers and news services around the world that repeat these Thai media stories? Would that not make more sense than focus your annoyance on some YTer reporting on what these sources are currently saying? And although you are always welcome here, even to hit me with stick over and over, why not make yourself happier and spend you time watching YTers you actually like. Best wishes.
What about retire elite visas???
The Elite visa is a great visa and my daughter is even the director of HH Premium Visa Consulting in Chiang Mai, one of the top and most popular Elite visa agencies in Thailand. It is expensive, however, and not in the reach of many people. For those who can afford it, it has many, many benefits.
Will you be making comments of the Retirement Visa lowering the health Insurance requirements. Also you did a great video in Health Insurance. I am wondering how long before they offer health insurance with the new requirement caps.
P.S. Great video. I am still in Chiang Mai, I leave in 13 days. Great help in planning my return.. My house is finished.
Thanks, Tom. No vid planned on the changes to retirement visas, but maybe a more general one in the future with my visa agent daughter. We will likely wait until everything is not just announced but more locked in. Take care!
opening a bank account in the usa is a pain too, doubly so as a foreigner.
Yeah, best to just pay a bit to an agent with contacts and knowledge.
It's a pain to open a bank ac just about anywhere these days. In NZ I went to open a bank ac & was asked "may I ask why you want to open a bank account?" & then they said they were "too busy" to open one for me that day & I'd have to make an appointment to come back in 1 week. I had all the required KYC & AML ID documents, proof of address etc with me but they just didn't seem to want to open an ac for me. After 3 tries I found a bank that would open an ac for me. For such a basic & essential service as a bank ac it's crazy how hard it's become worldwide. It's like banks are too scared to open an ac in case you're a bad actor & they get into trouble, so it's easier just to send you away. & as others have mentioned, you can end up in the old chicken & egg situation in Thailand - need a local bank ac to get a long term visa & need a long term visa to open a local bank ac! As the content creator said, best to just pay an agent to smooth the process through.
After 6 months in Thailand you can ask immediately another visa for 6 months. It means you can stay a full year in Thailand ? My sister +80 is going to retire in Thailand where her daughter is living. No problem
to get an extension every 6 months. Can it be repeated every year ?? That is very good. 🙏
That is unknown, but I don't think they will let people just renew it over and over or it would undermine all the other visas with higher costs and more regulations they want to keep in place for long-term residents. But it is a great visa for the time it does cover.
Does my wife need 500k baht too for the dtv dependent requirement?
Spouse and minor children can be included without an extra fee or proof of available case is my understanding.
@@RetiredGlobalLife thank you so much. Your answer actually makes sense
Yeah, not too happy, I just arrived and the rather sour passport control lady told me that it is only a 30 day visa from UK. Too many RUclipsrs jumped the gun on the 60 day visa. Very disappointing. 😔
Actually it was reported all over the press and countless RUclips channels. I'm sorry they did not implement it as they said they would, but an official Thai government announcement was made to the Bangkok Post, and they said June 1. I'm sure they will get their act together eventually, but for now, it is annoying to see they have not followed through. Best wishes.
@@RetiredGlobalLifeyes, you're right and the lady at the passport desk also said the same thing about the news media releasing it as fact. Looking back now I can see why she was so sour faced - she must have had to explain that same thing to thousands of Beira this month! 😅 Also she told me not to fly out on a visa run (like I usually do to KL) but rather to pay 1900 baht in immigration. She seems quite insistent on this which irked me somewhat after a long flight.
So good
Very kind of you. Thanks.
Very good informative video, thank you
Thanks. I hope it is helpful.
@@RetiredGlobalLife very much, thanks again ☘️🙏
Well I appreciate the vids. My wife & I are very interested in the idea of working remotely (me as software dev) for the first time in Thailand (we're from the UK), and way prefer to have the info condensed for us like this as it comes out rather than trawling through the official statements. Subscribed.
Thank you! Glad it was helpful and hope to hear from you again.
Hooray!
Thanks, Ian. I'm looking forward the the gov releasing all the final info on this...
Thumbs up 👍 Randy….the suspense is killing me
555, Mango, yes we will see if the gov makes it as easy as said. Hope so. I'm an optimist.
Great video, thanks 🙏
My pleasure! Thanks, Kevin.
Randy, I am at planning stage of retiring in Thailand. instead of opening a local bank account there I am thinking of using my no transaction fee debit card to withdraw cash from ATM and use my no international transaction fee credit card wherever credit cards are accepted. Would like to know your thoughts on this.
I find a bank account indispensable. Many merchants do not take cc and only cash or scans. Scanning is all the thing in Thailand. You scan to pay from your phone, linked to your Thai bank account. Super convenient. There are some visas that require bank deposits too, so that makes it a must for them. Thai banks are seen as reliable and last I checked a tad better on interest than my US bank, but that was years ago that I checked.
@@RetiredGlobalLife but how open bank account all banks not open account if not have addres, long term visa etc, and all visa who bank accept open eed first bank account, not possiple make if not have account and not can make visa if not account but not open account if not right visa. round round and stupid system.
if u stay for a year as a dig nomad what the tax position ?
If you stay for 6 months or more on any visa (even a visitor) you're liable for Thai income tax on any $ brought into the Kingdom. As of January 2024. It gets complicated & nobody seems to fully understand the implications of the new rules, but don't think you just can live in Thailand & not ever pay Thai income tax, because that's not the way it works.
@@realsatoshihashimotoit’s not complicated if you’ve filed your tax return in Thailand. I did it this year first time, and thanks to the Double Tax Treaty I paid zero baht tax. Many foreigners worry about taxes, but the answer is your nearest tax office and free tax advisor who explains to you how Thailand tax or does NOT tax you based on the money you remit into Thailand.
@@PloyandJayinThailand That sounds great. Glad that the Double Tax Treaty resulted in zero additional tax to pay in your case. And that in your case it was not complicated. I'm guessing you had excellent records to prove tax had already been paid overseas. What worries me (and many other expats) is that the new tax regulations have not been well explained. In particular how long term savings, perhaps accumulated over decades, for which it may be more difficult or onerous/perhaps impossible to prove tax has already been paid overseas, will be taxed if/when brought to Thailand? This is where it potentially gets complicated.
@@realsatoshihashimoto income report was enough as they can see the amount I paid taxes in Finland. The report was in English, so no need to translate it into the Thai language. I guess you already know that all the foreign income and savings you earned BEFORE January 1, 2024, are NOT taxable in Thailand (which means also that you don't need to include that money in your tax return in Thailand per Mazar's law company). I am not a tax expert, but these are my understandings based on my research and tax return filing in Thailand.
@PloyandJayinThailand
I guess you'll need to tell the Thai tax authorities how much savings you've accumulated before becoming a tax resident, otherwise how will they know what to tax, and what not to tax....
So here is what you do, you come in on your 60 day expedition, you then get the 30 day extension, during this time you get your DTV for 6 180 days and then if you wish get your additional 180 days.. that is around 15months , end of that period.... leave the country go somewhere for a little bit and then re do the above process... this is about Thai getting revenue, do the right thing and they will let you stay.as they want your money
Yes, the first part sounds great. Not sure if they will allow a repeat over and over for the DTV, but who knows. Let's wait and see their detailed rules. Good comment. I'm afraid they'd see it as circumventing the other visas so I have my doubts.
They already thought of that, Genius. NO WAY is the xeno Thai gov and Thai Immigration going to allow you to do that. Expect surprises at the border and at the airport.
@@davidb2206 well I am not sure about he Genius part, but I have been living well in Thailand for more than a decade, if you can stay for 60 days and then extend and in that time apply for a dtv, and IF you can reapply in country for another 180 days I am not sure what the "Xeno thai etc " is going to do to stop it, the point is they want money, they want 10,000 baht for you to then spend money in the country. that is the driving issue and reason for the change
@@michaelthegreat44 If, if, if? Only suckers would believe Thai Immigration is going to make it easier to stay longer. The "driving issue" is a TOURIST entry and stay. Take your money from you, and you LEAVE.
I hope the new visa just let you show your bank account that way I don’t have to lock my money up in a Thai bank account
That would be nice... let's see if the Thai gov makes it simple.
bro you are the man!
You are too nice! Thanks and have a great day.
Sounds good. What if your retired?
If you are retired you sit back and wait to see if they actually implement any new rules for the O Visa and then you evaluate how those changes might affect you personally. In the end the only things which matters is your local immigration official and what he or she says. No use getting worked up in advance or spectating on what might happen. At least that is what works for me.🙏
@@villagefarang thank you
Think being announced soon , they sat tweaks & changes coming to O & AO visas
If you mean you are retired and just want a long visit, the DTV visit might be great. If you mean to retire here, then I can't see the DTV working. That is not what it is for. There are the non-O, non-OA, ED, Elite, LTR and others. Lots of research for you!
If you are retired? TOUGH! Pick a better country! In Latin America, an expat has reciprocal property rights and an easy, quick permanent residency (in two years or less) with no further Immigration hassles.
I flew back to london from Bangkok and googled the current ever increasing options for visas. I usually arrive with a 30 day stamp and my wife just uses her Thai Passport and her British Passport in the UK.At the weekend the Immigration police visit a private hospital and for a few dollars more the business centre completes the admin and I smile at the camera and they date the extension for 60 days.The medical visa for 90 days has too many conditions such as insurance etc . There is a new visa for thai boxing and others for up to five or ten years excluding the elite visa. The visiting family visa or marriage visa requires the spouse to show money as do not want to use my dormant bank account or stay for an extended period . There are around 15 visas and each immigration office is different. As a retired CPA the tax trap could be another issue if they block your account as you work and stay over 180 days.The wife will enjoy herself in her village as home is home and if she is happy, me too. In Bangkok the condo is great and can borrow old books from the library , swim, and great food. Keep up the good work.
Nice to hear from you, Andrew. Hope you visit again. Thanks.
Well explained, as usual lot of misinformation on the forums, why do they always get these things so wrong
Misinfo in this video as well. Why do you assume this video is correct but forums aren't? Nothing official yet. Devil is in the details which have not been released. Once they are he will make another video to correct himself. Mark my words.
You will find good and bad info on both. Forums are wrong more as there are so many voices and little work to just post a thought, but some smart people there as well. At least with YT it's a real effort to get a video out. The reason there is "wrong" info is the Thai gov is not really helpful with its news releases and updates, then they change what they said, or even cancel a program or change it. It's a moving target. So you can't really blame those who report on what is there. All we can do is report it and if possible, alert you to what has changed.
This is the best news ever. For the past 8 months I have been flying out/in every 2 months so this is an absolute GODSENT
Yes, could be very nice for a lot of people. (:
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
- Remote Workers/Digital Nomads/Freelancers
- Participants of activities such as
- Muay Thai courses
- Thai cooking classes
- Sport training
- Medical treatment
- Seminars
- Music festivals etc.
for more real information. this is not really new, you can get visa before you come to Thailand stay 6 months long time ago. i mean if you know the visa system.
Yes, I think I listed those. Do you mean there is the existing 6 month re-entry visa?
So can this DTV visa be extended indefinitely? If yes, that means instead of getting a Non O or OA, a retiree can simply get the DYV. Combined with the new 60 days stay for the visa exemption case, is it safe to assume that I, a Canadian citizen, can arrive
in Thailand without a visa, then apply for a DTV after entering Thailand? Thank you for sharing the exciting news!😅
No, you didn't watch all the video. I explain that I believe (final info still not released by the gov) is that you get one 180 day period and one extension. That's it for the five year period. To renew it over and over each year would all the other visas moot, so I believe any press you read saying you will be able to do that will be proved wrong.
Love to know if the DTV is single or multiple entry. I wish they would learn to put out complete information and not piecemeal information. It just generates lots of unnecessary noise.
Yup, for sure.
I am so waiting for this visa.
Ideal for many people wanting to stay about a year it seems.