LTR visa issues

[Stargazer]

Just for those considering getting a 10 year LTR visa. I have had a ‘retirement visa’ for 6 years.I tried for two years to convince BOI that I do not need to buy Thai health insurance, as I have ample resources to pay for my own health care. The LTR program only excuses you from that requirement if you deposit $100,000 USD in cash in a savings account somewhere. So I did so, in a Vanguard Cash Management account where the money is in a bank account as cash, immediately available, not a security, but earning 4% interest. I asked and asked BOI to rule whether that was acceptable. They would not respond. Now, as I am applying 10 months later, they ruled that it does not meet the requirement, calling it a ‘cash management account, not a ‘savings account’. I am convinced that the insurance companies have made the savings requirement so onerous (you lose $4,000 a year interest) to force farang to buy useless medical insurance. But they make the rules, as local SF members have long advised me. So I’ve given up and bought AXA insurance for 34,000 THB a year with a 300,000 THB deductible! I know the pros and cons. It is cheaper to just renew locally yearly, but though the local immigration bureau has not been requiring me to have medical insurance, it looks probable to me that they will eventually enforce that rule even on annual retirees. I also want to be able to eventually be here more than 6 months a year as I get older, and bring enough $$$ in that I would be subject to Thai income tax as well as US tax, and want to be free to come and go internationally frequently. Just some cautionary notes. Who knows what will be available in 10 years when LTR expires?

 

[CO-CO]

Why do you think that you will be liable to Thai income tax when you don’t have income derived in Thailand.

I think you are wrong about forcing insurance on ‘normal’ expats.

Why don’t you you just use an agent each year and retain your 4% earnings in the US.

 

[Stargazer]

It is my understanding that though it is not being currently enforced, even long term retirement visa holders (O-X) are supposed to file Thai tax returns if they are resident here more than 180 days a year. The issue that is currently up in the air now is the possible taxation of any money brought in to Thailand regardless of the origin as if it is earned income. As I bring quite a bit in for family support and farming investments, and want to gradually spend more of the year here, it matters to us.

I hope that Thailand realizes the negative impact that taxing income earned abroad would have on attracting retirees to Thailand and does not do so. You and others on SF have said that it is very unlikely to happen, and I hope you are right. But I also have become aware that the various powers that be in Thailand do as they please, regardless of public opinion under current law.

 

[CO-CO]

It is my understanding that though it is not being currently enforced, even long term retirement visa holders (O-X) are supposed to file Thai tax returns if they are resident here more than 180 days a year. The issue that is currently up in the air now is the possible taxation of any money brought in to Thailand regardless of the origin as if it is earned income. As I bring quite a bit in for family support and farming investments, and want to gradually spend more of the year here, it matters to us.

I hope that Thailand realizes the negative impact that taxing income earned abroad would have on attracting retirees to Thailand and does not do so. You and others on SF have said that it is very unlikely to happen, and I hope you are right. But I also have become aware that the various powers that be in Thailand do as they please, regardless of public opinion under current law.

I fully understand your concern. I wasted shit loads of time considering my options following the restatement of the remittance taxation rules.

I eventually concluded that it was all a load of bollocks and all the mindless speculation only served to line the pockets of fear mongers like US lawyer Benjamin what’s his face.

I said that I would never pay tax in Thailand (apart from a few Satang on my savings account). I would now go further and say that Thailand will never charge me a single Baht in taxation.

Anyone who has been here a few years understands that the authorities are incapable of managing a tax collection system on the scale suggested…it just will not happen.

Earn income in Thailand then you are in Thailand. If you don’t, keep your mouth shut because the revenue department are not interested in you.

Finally, there is virtually no such thing as investing in Thailand……I cannot for the life of me imagine why anyone would want to put their hard earned lucre into Thailand….. I speak as one who has ‘donated’ in excess of 5m Baht into farming in Thailand.

 

[FERRET]

I fully understand your concern. I wasted shit loads of time considering my options following the restatement of the remittance taxation rules.

I eventually concluded that it was all a load of bollocks and all the mindless speculation only served to line the pockets of fear mongers like US lawyer Benjamin what’s his face.

I said that I would never pay tax in Thailand (apart from a few Satang on my savings account). I would now go further and say that Thailand will never charge me a single Baht in taxation.

Anyone who has been here a few years understands that the authorities are incapable of managing a tax collection system on the scale suggested…it just will not happen.

Earn income in Thailand then you are in Thailand. If you don’t, keep your mouth shut because the revenue department are not interested in you.

Finally, there is virtually no such thing as investing in Thailand……I cannot for the life of me imagine why anyone would want to put their hard earned lucre into Thailand….. I speak as one who has ‘donated’ in excess of 5m Baht into farming in Thailand.

Even Pat won't touch any investments here, the small amount she dallies with is on the ASX as recommended by our broker in Perth.
I agree with you @CO-CO, these pumpkin heads couldn't sort a bl*wie on walking street.

 

[Stargazer]

I fully understand your concern. I wasted shit loads of time considering my options following the restatement of the remittance taxation rules.

I eventually concluded that it was all a load of bollocks and all the mindless speculation only served to line the pockets of fear mongers like US lawyer Benjamin what’s his face.

I said that I would never pay tax in Thailand (apart from a few Satang on my savings account). I would now go further and say that Thailand will never charge me a single Baht in taxation.

Anyone who has been here a few years understands that the authorities are incapable of managing a tax collection system on the scale suggested…it just will not happen.

Earn income in Thailand then you are in Thailand. If you don’t, keep your mouth shut because the revenue department are not interested in you.

Finally, there is virtually no such thing as investing in Thailand……I cannot for the life of me imagine why anyone would want to put their hard earned lucre into Thailand….. I speak as one who has ‘donated’ in excess of 5m Baht into farming in Thailand.

I hope you’re right for everyone’s sake. I agree on the investing part. What’s the joke about a wooden boat? It’s a hole in the ocean that you pour money into. Thailand is like that. I’m going to catch up with you on farm donations soon. Agriculture is a tough living anywhere, but growing rice here is a losing proposition.

 

[Stargazer]

Why do you think that you will be liable to Thai income tax when you don’t have income derived in Thailand.

I think you are wrong about forcing insurance on ‘normal’ expats.

Why don’t you you just use an agent each year and retain your 4% earnings in the US.

I finally caved in and bought the health insurance the LTR folks mandate (for LTR, not for all expats). Total waste of money in my case. But I like the other benefits enough to pay the extra. As long as you’re willing to do exactly what they require, it’s not a hard visa to get. There is no question that the lowest cost visa is the annual retirement visa, bringing in 65,000 THB a month rather than having a permanent 800,000 on deposit. In answer to your last question, I bring a lot more than that interest a year into Thailand for family support and projects. We want to be free to spend more than 6 months a year here, particularly as I get older, and I don’t want any Thai tax issues, and to be free to travel internationally quite a bit each year. No more re-entry permits is nice. And no more having to have documents officially translated and legalized in Bangkok.

 

[Stargazer]

I fully understand your concern. I wasted shit loads of time considering my options following the restatement of the remittance taxation rules.

I eventually concluded that it was all a load of bollocks and all the mindless speculation only served to line the pockets of fear mongers like US lawyer Benjamin what’s his face.

I said that I would never pay tax in Thailand (apart from a few Satang on my savings account). I would now go further and say that Thailand will never charge me a single Baht in taxation.

Anyone who has been here a few years understands that the authorities are incapable of managing a tax collection system on the scale suggested…it just will not happen.

Earn income in Thailand then you are in Thailand. If you don’t, keep your mouth shut because the revenue department are not interested in you.

Finally, there is virtually no such thing as investing in Thailand……I cannot for the life of me imagine why anyone would want to put their hard earned lucre into Thailand….. I speak as one who has ‘donated’ in excess of 5m Baht into farming in Thailand.

Good points, Co-co. It does appear that Thailand noticed that the law change on taxation resulted in a big drop in incoming cash from farang, so as of 2026 they are easing the rule once again . Churchill said: “We contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.” So that capitulation weakens the likely benefit of the LTR taxation exemption, and is good for most farang. One feature we haven’t tried yet is that a LTR holder (plus accompanying family members) gets to use the ‘Fast Track’ immigration lane used by diplomats and pilots. We’ll see if that is of much benefit. We’re both Global Entry holders in USA, which often saves a lot of time and is worth the bother and $100 per five years. George Clooney and his wife just got dual French (EU) citizenship, and so can now use the faster EU lines. Good idea, but we’re not eligible for EU, so it’s go slow entering the EU every time.

 

[Rice]

I have used the fast aisle for diplomats and aircrew. It is no faster then using the Thai only aisle as that is the one by law you have to use if you enter Thailand with your Thai wife. Have you been using that aisle @Stargazer ?

 

[Stargazer]

I have used the fast aisle for diplomats and aircrew. It is no faster then using the Thai only aisle as that is the one by law you have to use if you enter Thailand with your Thai wife. Have you been using that aisle @Stargazer ?

I did not know it was allowed. We have always split, and it sometimes delayed me considerably. I’m surprised no official told us. Thanks for posting that for all.

 

[CO-CO]

I have used the fast aisle for diplomats and aircrew. It is no faster then using the Thai only aisle as that is the one by law you have to use if you enter Thailand with your Thai wife. Have you been using that aisle @Stargazer ?

I am not sure that it is the 'law' but it us certainly policy with most countries that they don't split couples up at Immigration entry.

Whenever I travel with Jip, I have been going through the Thai Immigration desks - for the last 6 years, since I learned about it.

Later this year I qualify for fast track based on my age.

 

[Rice]

I am not sure that it is the 'law' but it us certainly policy with most countries that they don't split couples up at Immigration entry.

Whenever I travel with Jip, I have been going through the Thai Immigration desks - for the last 6 years, since I learned about it.

Later this year I qualify for fast track based on my age.

As you know 95% of what is done in Immigration is policy. I found out the hard way an IO shouting at me that if you travel with a Thai wife you must go with her through the Thai only aisle. You know I am a magnet for this shit. I understand this is the current thing but I was banned years ago from visa exempt. On one entry. As I was on the wrong visa traveling with my wife. Bye the way @Stargazer it is not only allowed it is compulsory. When you leave Thailand it is the same way. If traveling with your wife.

 

[Pat]

I disagree with statement that you should go with your wife to the thai lanes.
And it's definitely not law. Actually the law says you should not go to the thai lane.

The only time you go to the thai lane, is when immigration officer tells you to do so.

 

[CO-CO]

I disagree with statement that you should go with your wife to the thai lanes.
And it's definitely not law. Actually the law says you should not go to the thai lane.

The only time you go to the thai lane, is when immigration officer tells you to do so.

I agree that it is not the law - and I can't exit through the Thai lanes (which are mainly e-gates at Swampy).

I can enter with Jip through the Thai lanes (without being told to do so).

 

[Pat]

I agree that it is not the law - and I can't exit through the Thai lanes (which are mainly e-gates at Swampy).

I can enter with Jip through the Thai lanes (without being told to do so).

Sometimes they allow us foreigners to enter with our wives in the Thai lanes.
Sometimes they don't.

Last time we (me, wife and son) entered Thailand, in August, I was yelled at and threatened by the Lady behind the Thai counter, saying she could ban me from entering Thailand again if I didn't go through the correct lane designated to foreigners.

 

[CO-CO]

Sometimes they allow us foreigners to enter with our wives in the Thai lanes.
Sometimes they don't.

Last time we (me, wife and son) entered Thailand, in August, I was yelled at and threatened by the Lady behind the Thai counter, saying she could ban me from entering Thailand again if I didn't go through the correct lane designated to foreigners.

A rare event at Swampy these days.......I have never had a negative reaction on my last 5 or 6 returns, I usually get a nod/look of acceptance.

 

[Surin]

I agree that it is not the law - and I can't exit through the Thai lanes (which are mainly e-gates at Swampy).

I can enter with Jip through the Thai lanes (without being told to do so).

Diplomats don't go through the same lane as air crew. Official passport holders can.
With a Diplomatic pp it's a very different procedure..but sounded good, but false info.

 

[Croc]

I have been going through that fast line at Suvarniphumi for the last three years without ever been waived and I fly economy !!!

 

[WileE]

Sometimes they allow us foreigners to enter with our wives in the Thai lanes.
Sometimes they don't.

Last time we (me, wife and son) entered Thailand, in August, I was yelled at and threatened by the Lady behind the Thai counter, saying she could ban me from entering Thailand again if I didn't go through the correct lane designated to foreigners.

Yup. Last time I tried they redirected me to the farang lane.

 

[Rice]

Been traveling with my wife for 22 years and going through the Thai aisle with her.
You mean I have flipped heads 43 times in a row? That is just too great a coincidence.
Maybe next time. I will be directed to join the other dirty farangs. As Anutin says.