Every Year, Expats Fear this, but why?

Its that time of year, Visa Renewal, for some it is so daunting, for others the hoops are too much to jump through, so they use an agent.
Come with me so we can walk through the process together. Start to finish
www.immigratio...
Popular Agents in town that can assist, if you don't want to do it yourself or you have issues around the Bank Account or Insurance.
Tik Tok Services : / tiktokservices
Mots Services : / khaotalochonburi
Maneerat Visa Service : / maneerat.fon.0818630320

[@markshepperson3603]

REMEMBER on receiving a new Passport go to bank and change bank book over to new new PP. if you don’t you may have problems making a visa with an unconnected bank book.

[@LGandM]

Thank you David, certainly very helpful for a lot of people. aka JG in TX

[@keef6586]

Great summary. I was intending to use an agent due to my previous horrifying experiences up in Isaan but after speaking to you and seeing the video I’m minded to,give it a go first. Cheers for the info.

[@DavidAndNong]

Gimme a shout Keef when u need 🙏🙏

[@keef6586]

@@DavidAndNong Cheers appreciated. Could prob use a little guidance there.

[@philipbarnard2474]

Would recommend Key Visa behind Big C in Pattaya. Owner Darren sadly passed away last year. They are used to dealing with Falang issues. Plenty of other agents that will give you the same service

[@keef6586]

@@philipbarnard2474 I used them recently for a visa for my partner to visit the iUK. They got the job done.

[@bravefart1000]

@@philipbarnard2474 i was actually discussing my moving to Thailand with Darren , because I had numerous recommendations for his agency . RIP Darren

[@tobyprice1092]

I do the marriage visa myself in Si Racha. Usually takes me an hour, maybe two including the bank. Never felt the need to use an agent and being a fellow jock never felt the need to pay an agent. If you follow the rules its pretty simple.

[@DavidAndNong]

200% Toby. So many dislike immigration but I can say they have been nothing but helpful to me 🙏🙏

[@eddybluesteel9058]

I am not a Jock ;-) but do the same if you have all the papers and show respect wear clean clothes no problems and our immigration was very friendly, never payed extra money only some chocolates to say thanks ;-)

[@tobyprice1092]

@@eddybluesteel9058 Thats it Eddy. Very simple. Be polite, have the correct paperwork and you will have no issues. Not sure why so many people use agencies. I would say its usually due to lack of banking funds.

[@bravefart1000]

@@tobyprice1092 and being a fellow jock I would say that it has nothing to do with funds , I paid my 800,000 baht but chose to pay an agent which I just did for my first ever multi entry visa application ,only been here 3 weeks and it is intimidating enough with the new culture,language,money,foods,traffic,weather and so forth , so an agency on my first multi visa entry was a no brainer though in 15 months I will no doubt do it myself because I will no longer be a new comer.

[@JohnH33817]

Hey David, thank you for sharing this important information, I myself would be so stressed out but you so cool calm make it sound so easy 😀 Thanks David be safe 👍🙏

[@willsmith39]

To be honest in my decision to choose Malaysia over Thailand the visa aspect was actually a significant factor. Living in Hong Kong for 30 plus years I long since passed the point where visas were a thing of the past. After 7 years of continuous residence you can apply for PR and that's it. Once you are a permanent resident you have much the same rights as someone born in Hong Kong. So you can vote for example, you have full access to excellent free public hospitals and you will be jailed but not deported back to your 'home' country if you commit a crime that carries a custodial sentence. But of course in most of SE Asia, unlike North American, Oceanic or European countries, as an immigrant even if you live in the country for 30 or 40 years you can never be naturalised - its incredibly difficult. I know a couple people that managed it in Singapore and actually 1 guy who pulled it off in Thailand, but its very rare though theoretically possible. So for everyone else it's visa based and to me Malaysia structure it in such a way as to make foreigners feel welcome as long as they can prove they have the means. Whereas in Thailand even if you cough up for the Elite visa which I was planning to you STILL have to do 90 day reporting. And that's for life. I know some expats will argue it's no big deal but I feel they've almost been conditioned to say that. Like a woman who sticks up for her husband because he only beats her occasionally. If I am going to spend and commit the sort of money the Elite visa requires I'd like it to hoop-free and not tied to 90 day reporting and constant extension applications. I feel like bottom line Thailand doesn't really want foreigners there, only will tolerate them. Malaysia seems much more keen as long as you can demonstrate you have the means.

[@eddybluesteel9058]

Sounds good Hongkong, still i never felt unwelcome here for me Thailand is the best place to live in in south-east Asia by a mile ;-)

[@willsmith39]

@@eddybluesteel9058 I never felt unwelcome by Thai people ever. But the constantly changes to the visa requirements by Thai immigration - and always more not less onerous - doesn't, to me, speak to a government that is actively trying to welcome foreigners. It's not exactly an original point I'm making, heard it over and over, The Thaiger says it all the time. As for Thailand being the best place to live by a mile - where else have you lived in SE Asia? I spent 2 years in Bangkok with my work and absolutely loved it. The food is superb, the accommodation top notch, the culture is 😍 and I love Thai people so it's for sure a good option. And even now it's a bit more expensive I actually still think it's a great value. But I also spent 4 months living in Bali which was amazing and 1 year in our KL office as well as long trips to Vietnam so there's lots of great options. I personally think Malaysia has a lot of the things you'll find in Thailand in terms of amazing food and local culture and also top class accommodation. Everyone speaks English and it's very 1st world in terms of civil service and infrastructure. Plus it's very cheap for what you get But it's all personal choice at the end of the day of course.

[@DavidAndNong]

For me Will that side of it has never been a concern. It's their country and I think it should stay that way. The 90 day report is not over onerous, and most just click a few boxes on their computer. Thailand is fairly old fashioned in some respects, and although Bangkok may be very cosmopolitan, the rural areas (where the majority of the voters are) are set in their ways. Personally immigration have been nothing but helpful towards me and I have a great respect for the team, working under conditions where they seem to be held responsible for the countries rules. Hong Kong, like Bangkok, for me, is too commercial, I used to do a fair bit of business there. I prefer the feel of Pratumnak, even Pattaya feels like a different world to how Nong and I live. Wherever people decide to live will be personal to their situation and how they feel. 🙏🙏

[@willsmith39]

@@DavidAndNong Hong Kong is "too commercial" 😂😂 Hong Kong is over 70 percent country park by land mass. Country park is essentially just untouched virgin jungle with a few hiking trails cut through it. I spend all of my non working time either hiking or paddle boarding. It's got some fantastic beaches too. I actually hike more here than I did in my native Scotland. In part because of the weather with 5 months of the year absolutely perfect for hiking ( late October to early April) and the accessibility given no matter where you are in HK there's access to one of the country parks within 10-15 minutes. Of course many tourists to Hong Kong never venture much past the bustle of Nathan road and the main shopping and entertainment district so I understand your comment. As for your support of 90 day reporting on the basis that it's "their country" I don't really get that as a particularly good argument for any particular practice in any country. So for example if you and Nong moved to Scotland and lived there together for let's say 25-30 years and she had to do 90 day reporting after all that time I wonder if you'd feel the same. I mean I'm sure she'd get on brillianty with people there given her personality and likely even have a small business of her own. I can't imagine myself supporting 90 day reporting for her and arguing it's "our country". To me at least the country is made up of those who live here, I don't see naturalised immigrants to Glasgow who've called it their home for most of their life as 'not really Scottish', but of course I acknowledge that some people do. Anyway have to agree to disagree on this one. I'm certainly happy to have my PR in Hong Kong after over 30 years here as I started a business and employ local people, paid tax of course for 30 odd years, have a local partner and speak Cantonese to a reasonable standard ( I'll never be fully fluent 😂) and feel that HK is very much my home. My looking at other places in SE Asia to retire is partly financial but mostly because of uncertain political landscape here at the moment that you're doubtless aware of. Anyway I'll keep watching and enjoying the videos on the channel and hopefully one day we can meet up and agree to disagree on this stuff over a beer or three 😂

[@DavidAndNong]

@willsmith39 I think getting Nong into the UK is not a simple task. My friend moved back there about 4 years ago, with his Thai wife and daughter, from Bulgaria (where they were EEC citizens. He enrolled his daughter at a school in Wales and she was doing very well. He was going through the process but the Government decided no and gave the wife and daughter just over a weeks notice to leave the country. For me the financial requirements and 1900 baht a year for a visa extension is a small price to pay 🙏🙏

[@michaelshirley4874]

Thanks Dave , I am hoping to retire to Thailand in the next few years , not necessarily to pattaya ,thanks for the great advice, keep up the great videos

[@DavidAndNong]

Cheers Michael, biggest decision (other than where) is what type of visa (O or OA). If you do go O, make sure you get your funds into the bank during the first 3 months (they issue a 3 + 12 month visa) so that you satisfy the money requirements the following year...of else you end up paying an agent again 🙏🙏

[@tonto3964]

Good info & patience is the answer

[@sethcarlow8363]

I have a long ,long way to go till i can retier,i am only 42 years old. so your Lucky David,have a nice week and weekend.

[@DavidAndNong]

Seth, only 8 years until you can apply for a retirement visa ...I moved here when I was 50 🤣🤣

[@sethcarlow8363]

@@DavidAndNongbut my Mom retire at 65 in the USA,New York City and she is in her 70's now.

[@DavidAndNong]

I moved my Mum to Thailand when she was 84, she loves her life here. 🙏🙏

[@sethcarlow8363]

@@DavidAndNongcool, have a nice weekend and the week a head.

[@user-xx5em2pw1x]

Good blog,David. My wife does mine cos i'm disabled. We do the same as you plus photo of me in wheelchair. Immigration is not designed for wheelchairs but isee things are changinf

[@DavidAndNong]

Yes hopefully the changes make it more accessible for all. Good that they accept a photo of you, I'm sure in the future I will need to do the same with my Mum 🙏🙏

[@frankquinby5502]

Great driving skills like Jackie Stewart!

[@Wee-Rex]

Really good vlog David, this is something I will need to start dealing with next year as I got my first ever O-A visa in July of this year. I am in country in November so need to get bank account sorted when I’m there. I can meet the income need but, like you, plan to go on the capital basis instead. Catch you later mafriend

[@DavidAndNong]

Great to hear Rex, immediately when u get to your accomodation (if not a hotel) complete a TM 30 at immigration. Then a residency certificate and down the bank 🙏🙏

[@bravefart1000]

@@DavidAndNong I know it is each to their own , but I used an agency because I was like a fish out of water after just arriving 3 weeks ago. The agency did everything for me all the necessary paperwork in the office , then off to the bank then off to immigration and voila it was all done, well hopefully it will be all done in 2 weeks or so. It is intimidating enough being here after 50 odd years in Australia , so I paid for the first one then now I can renew it myself in 15 months.

[@DavidAndNong]

@bravefart1000 for sure. I would suggest that you get the funds in place in the account. As next renewal if you have breached the money rules you will be forced to use one again at next renewal. 100% for the 3 months after the issue date, you can withdraw up to 50% but must be back up to 100% two months before the renewal date 🙏🙏

[@Borracho-y-loco]

Brave man riding bike in Thailand traffic 😱

[@richardgardner1407]

At last a video I can half understand. Not fully but that's me being dumb of course. I will give it a go myself next time and if its to much hassle pay someone else, just like I do for house cleaning Got nothing to loose by trying it and all after all, I have all the time in the world 😊

[@Lindsaybkk]

Chaeng Wattana Immigration Bangkok requires 12 months of statements (Bank fee ฿200) + letter from Bank with amount (bank fee ฿100) + your bank book must be UPDATED day of extension. 800k in Thai bank account for 3 months then another 3 months after extension, after which your Thai Bank account must maintain a minimum balance of 400k. Been doing Non-O 8yrs now. 90 day reports send EMS A4 envelope and don't forget to include self addressed envelope with ฿10 stamp! Yes 10, many people have had delayed receipts due to not enough postage. 10thb ? I have no idea it's just a Thai thing. For those in Bangkok there is a direct bus from Victory Monument bus 166 (฿22) To Government Complex building B Immigration but NOT the 166 to Muang Thong Thani 🤭 (viabus is a good app to check live buses and routes.)

[@DavidAndNong]

I should have pointed out this is only in relation to Jomtien Chonburi, you seem to have it way more strict in Bangkok 🙏🙏

[@Lindsaybkk]

@@DavidAndNong yes you'd be correct. Think that's why some people choose to live there. It is easy to become complacent here in Thailand. Having done 8 years of extensions it's certainly alot easier than the good old days of Tourist visas, education visas(3yrs Thai language school), 90 day extensions and border runs to Cambodia with Jack Golf 😬 Living here since 2004 I was strangely happy to turn 50 🤭 good luck

[@Alcom6]

​@@Lindsaybkkthanks i think you ckeared my confusion. Only to have many more questions. Thanks again. Im going to plana 30 day stay and go ask an agent what is available for me and if its a problem maybe Malaysia is more welcoming. Im a retired nurse with adequate financing so you would think they would welcome someone like myself. We'll see

[@Lindsaybkk]

​@@Alcom6Agent not required. Go to AseanNow news and forum expats experts at all types of visas who can answer your questions Free Advice. My extensions are easy now I have been doing them for so many years. Helps to live at same address to avoid issues like the TM30. Me same address since 2005. Happy to help when I can. Good luck

[@stephenmcculloch7521]

Very interesting David Thank you for sharing !!!!! Wow I am first lol\

[@mancello]

Love the narration while you're riding your bicycle. I'm an avid cyclist. I've been cycling in New York City for 40 years, but those roads you're cycling on look pretty tough. What's the maximum speed of your e-bike using the throttle? It looks pretty fast.

[@DavidAndNong]

Thanks Dominic, I only ever use the throttle to pull away at junctions so I'm unsure of the top speed. On pedal assist it manages 54 kmph approx 🙏🙏

[@mancello]

@@DavidAndNong Thanks. That's a fast top speed.

[@encycooper]

Just tried to do a Retirement Visa in Bangkok last week with an agent. What bunch of idiots! Im now looking at Cambodia just because of the constant Visa bullshit in Thailand.

[@Oldman525]

I dont bother with all that I spend the max time allowed and border runs, then move on to a new country variety is the spice as they say

[@barrydwyer2039]

Hi David, When you say an FCD account, I'm assuming you mean a Foreign currency deposit account. How does that work as you said your money ( capital ) is not converted until you make a withdrawl if I'm correct? Also, if that's the case the currency fluctuations must affect the amount you need to hold on deposit? cheers Barry

[@DavidAndNong]

Correct Barry, however I hold in excess of the 800k required,🙏🙏

[@barrydwyer2039]

As a cany Scot, I'm sure you have that covered to ensure you''ll meet the requirements, just a final point does that account pay any interest and if so do you need to decare it anywhere?👍@@DavidAndNong

[@bravefart1000]

very informative video and easily understood though I think you have been here over 10 years so you know the ropes , but for someone just arriving it can be very intimidating and I wanted it all done right the first time , hence the agent . I have been here 3 weeks now and I have already swore to my partner that I will never drive the car or the scooter , it is deadly out there. My partner drives and I am like " WTF did you not see him" "WTF do you not stop and give way to your right ?" "WTF do indicators work in Thailand" " WTF what is the speed limit here " " oh sixty is the reply and then i say " WTF are you doing 85 for then " Have you ever been in any accident ( touch wood ) if not then perhaps you should start a driving school for all of us newbies. :P

[@DavidAndNong]

Understand completely....when I came as a tourist I swore that I wouldn't be able to drive here. But here I am almost 30 years later driving everyday. It's actually not so bad behind the wheel, although it is a major adjustment trying to get your home country rules out of your head. Take your time, always look left (for motorbikes undertaking) and no sudden moves, you'll be fine. 🙏🙏

[@DavidAndNong]

PS my only accidents have been one on the pushbike, motorbike did a u turn in front of me and once in the car, but I was parked up and a woman reversed into me 🙏🙏

[@TheBadcompany1971]

You live just round the corner from where I stayed I stayed at the harmony inn right by the zing Hotel I takky liked it in that area

[@DavidAndNong]

Yes I love this area too, owned here since 2011 and can't imagine being anywhere else. Close to town but plenty of local stuff and very close to the beach ,🙏🙏

[@TheBadcompany1971]

@DavidAndNong I'm coming back in April next year im spending a week in buriram and then spending 12 days near jomtien

[@PREPFORIT]

Good Info Thanks !!

[@DavidAndNong]

Just the stuff to make living here a bit easier 🙏🙏

[@rodneyflying9124]

Immigration in Saraburi wants 2 letters from the bank 1 statement for 6 months and another separate one of money in the bank . The statement letter gives all that information. I have 3 BKK bank accounts in my name with with funds totaling way over the required funds for the 12 month extension and supplied the letters from the bank showing the money in the bankand was refused extension until the funds were in only 1 account. I had to pay 1900bt for a 60 day visit the family extension until the funds was in 1 account . Finally got the 12 month extension but had to pay another 1900bt. I am yet to find on the immigration web site where it says funds for extension of stay must only be in 1 bank account. It does say funds need to be in a Thai bank of which they were. Not bad for being in Thailand for 10 years.........cheers

[@DavidAndNong]

That's crazy Rodney, I think they were just being awkward with you. Each individual office has its own idiosyncrasies and the occasional jobs worth officer 🙏🙏

[@crowiesnest]

Jesus ... its been 12 months since I was there and they still havent fixed or completed that sewerage project on that road . I suppose everything happens on Thai Time ! 😂😂😂😂😂❤❤❤❤❤

[@davedaniels4967]

I will have to go through this process next year, and I'm nervous about it. I think it might be better to use an agent.

[@DavidAndNong]

It really isn't so hard. Go bank....get letter and make up bank balance with the current date. Fill in the form at immigration. If you cannot do it the company just at the entrance will do it for a small fee. Proof of where you stay, one photo and 1900 baht. The guy just inside immigration will photocopy all that you need. Once you have done it one time you will see how easy it is. O visa, no insurance OA need insurance certificate. Then return next day at 2pm to pick up passport. They may ask you to come back after 90 days to confirm funds still in account 🙏🙏

[@travelsolo2677]

So would it be best to apply for a retirement visa from within Thailand instead of my home country?

[@tonyh6846]

Cheers 🙂

[@zx600ninja]

I hope to retire to Thailand in 2024. I hate form filling/paperwork. Im already getting stressed thinking about it. Thanks for the video Dave.

[@DavidAndNong]

The paperwork is really basic and once you fill out just take a photograph of it and next year copy the same information. There are guys there who will fill out for you I think it's 500 baht but really it takes 2 minutes 🙏🙏

[@markshepperson3603]

It’s easy. Last time I did my one year I was in and out the front door in 16 mins.,

[@Nj-gt5fz]

Thanks for that Dave ,Do you self insure or do you have health insurance?

[@DavidAndNong]

I have some private but not the Thai visa requirements so other than that self insure 🙏🙏

[@MurrayWards]

David, why don't you go to Bkk bank on jomtien second road, by top of soi 5.. That's where I get my bank letter, even though it's not my beach..

[@DavidAndNong]

I had issues with the FCD book there, it is a different size and the machine they have can't update it...it's also very busy most of the time 🙏🙏

[@andyburton8346]

First in line if it goes up to 70 to the pound 😂 good old days 🤣👍

[@robdTT]

What’s the best way to transfer that amount of money to your Thai bank account to show for your retirement visa?

[@DavidAndNong]

The bank I use have foreign currency deposit accounts for USD GBP & Euro, so I just opened a GBP account and then can use that (bank to bank) 🙏

[@youthought3161]

Be long time you see the bath get near 70 pal

[@DavidAndNong]

Yes...just wishful thinking 🙏🙏

[@Bond...James.Bond...007]

Do most use a lawyer to do this? and what does that cost or someone else to do this task

[@DavidAndNong]

Some use an Agent, especially if they don't have the funds, insurance or a bank account...cost is dependent on what service you need 🙏🙏

[@kevinfletcher4112]

Sure it’s been asked before? But how do you secure your bike when at the bank etc please

[@DavidAndNong]

Just with a combination lock 🙏🙏

[@tf628]

I will be coming to Thailand ( from the US ) for the 1st time, do I need just a plug converter or should I get a plug and voltage converter also to be able to plug in things like laptop, wall phone charger etc. Should I get one with a surge protector ?

[@DavidAndNong]

We use 220v here so best to look at the charger of each item to see what volts it will accept. Most seem to be 110-240v. Things like hairdryers (no charger) will not work. I think US plugs will fit into Thai sockets, if not an extension cable here will accept many countries plugs. I still use my UK plugs on some items here 🙏🙏

[@tf628]

Thank you. I like your videos by the way. @@DavidAndNong

[@jonhobson3592]

How do you get the blue book re the condo ?

[@DavidAndNong]

Only if you buy, alternatively rental contract 🙏🙏

[@retiredpainter259]

As long as they allow visa agents to manipulate and fiddle the figures for the annual lump sum ex pats will never have a renewal problem ,, it’s a total mockery the whole thing . I know of two blokes that ain’t got a pot to piss in let alone 400 or 800 thousand 😂😂

[@errollwaller8436]

My post removed

[@DavidAndNong]

I don't think so Errol

[@jurgschupbach3059]

Oh u know only bad luck coincidents at the Bank to be unable providing up to date figures of your Account just not today it shows only up to yesterday but u need it for today u know very bad luck u know.........Hubababubaluhi from Targeted Individual say bums dini mueter

[@DavidAndNong]

I always do my renewal a few days early, just in case 🙏🙏

[@jurgschupbach3059]

​@@DavidAndNongprobably u do play dumb too oh not probably

[@Alcom6]

How often must you do this? Once a year twice a year. Did i miss that?