Rise in retirement visas in Chon Buri

Upsurge in retirement visas

Published: 3 Feb 2013 at 10.10
Online news: Local News
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The number of one-year retirement visas has surged by more than 30 percent, according to a source at the Chonburi Immigration Bureau. Although there are more British applicants than any other nationality, there is a noticeable growth in the number of Russian applicants. If the trend continues, more than 45,000 such visas will have been issued by the end of the 2013.

The Immigration Bureau source added that there are many foreigners living in Thailand who use other visa opportunities, including marriage visas, educational visas and work permits. Other types of visas are available at Thai embassies and...

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DonAleman
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Discussion 11 : 05 Feb 2013 at 04.0511
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1). I question that " cheap food,housing, and sex" is bad. A lot more acceptable than the rampant
corruption,insurgents killings,rapes,robberies, scams allowed to continue daily and few, if
any, involve ex pats.
2). Every ex pat I know suppports at least one Thai person/Thai family in addition to
"supporting" most services of Pattaya, Phuket, Krabi, etc, during their low seasons.
3). All academic when more ex pats and businesses discover the new, very relaxed, sensible Malaysian immigration rules - Thailand may miss us !
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jpk
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Discussion 10 : 03 Feb 2013 at 21.4310
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I had run an export business in Thailand for almost 15 years. Now I am retired. I gave my employees health benefits, retirement benefits and paid them well over the present minimum wage for simple jobs. I didn't make a lot of money. Over the course of time I would guess that I have brought well over 3 million US into Thailand.

I now pay 20,000 Baht a year just for the retirement visa. The people Birdie is referring to probably don't bother to stay here legally. I pay my bills and support Thai charities, I take care of my health and don't bother anyone.

I wonder how many Thais receive welfare and food stamps in the UK,the US and Austra
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jck
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Discussion 9 : 03 Feb 2013 at 20.019
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Birdie: How many retirees have you actually spoken to? Had you ever talked to someone who worked here, many for over for over 10 years, and then retired and who contributed much to the Thai economy you would have a much better appreciation of the what retirees really contribute to Thailand. Your attitude is not only objectionable but also very immature.
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jakey
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Discussion 8 : 03 Feb 2013 at 17.228
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Birdie, you clearly don't live here. I've retired to Hua Hin from the UK, where I can live much cheaper. Like most expats, I'm here for the glorious climate, which I love despite the expensive food, poor housing and in-your-face sex industry.
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titch
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Discussion 7 : 03 Feb 2013 at 16.487
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Discussion 1.
I find your comments disgusting, i am from Australia and been in Thailand for 5 years.
In that time i have spent Baht 4 million plus, a LOT more than you have spent here.
So do not say that i am a NON contributing person.
And i am NOT a drop out like you say, i have had a successful business before and worked 15 hours in a day for many years.
And i have a Thai wife and do not come here for sex, yes i agree there are people from other countries that fit your description, BUT do not think we are all like that.
I am totally amazed and disappointed at your comments.
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bluebottle
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Discussion 6 : 03 Feb 2013 at 16.156
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The people liking dis 1 comments need to make themselves aware of the requirements of a retirement visa foremost an annual income of 1.000,000 baht.a little more than your national minimum wage,a lot more than your average Police officer and a lot more than your new graduate starting work.Apologies any one? They are here because The majority of Thais are wonderful people and yes they do have a better standard of living oh and the majority are not sex mad.
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bluebottle
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Discussion 5 : 03 Feb 2013 at 15.535
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Birdie,You clearly are not aware with the requirements of a retirement visa,For starters an income of one million Tbht per annum. I would say that injects a lot of income into the coffers of Thailand ,like 4500 million Tbht per annum, what do you think. They pay tax on all purchases,pay there own health needs,tax on any interest gained from moneys deposited and of cause any graft needed to survive.Yes they are here because thy choose to,because most Thais are lovely people and the climate is far better than in there own country.Do not please tarnish them all as being here for the sex.
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OldThaiHand
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Discussion 4 : 03 Feb 2013 at 14.414
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Disc. 1

Birdie. What an objectionable generalization. Your inference that these type of people are somehow losers shows a disgusting and unwarranted prejudice.

I may get a Non-Imm O-A eventually and am neither here for cheap food housing or the sex.

Firstly, many current and eventual retirees have worked hard, contributed a lot to society, and
have paid considerable amounts of tax here for many years.

Secondly, the cost of living in Thailand is approaching developed world levels, so is no bargain anymore.

People are here, Vietnam or the Philippines etc. because of climate, quality of life and a comparatively relaxed pace of l
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geoffo
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Discussion 3 : 03 Feb 2013 at 13.543
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D1 Birdie You say " Therefore, they are here for cheap food, housing and sex!!! " I say "and the problem with that is ? " .

IMO you have just created the replacement slogan for "Amazing Thailand"
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upena
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Discussion 2 : 03 Feb 2013 at 13.422
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There is no such thing as a "retirement visa". It is a Non-Immigrant O-A visa.
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