Thai consulate Hull new retirement visa regs

[tuktukmike]

Just renewed my visa in hull but seems more changes have been imposed.

The retirement visa is now only available to over 65s whereas it used to be 50.

The staff were telling me it's causing real problems for people with homes out there, the new rules came into effect from the 1st of jan so they tell me.

ttm

[Bonbon]

4) Visiting Thailand as Pensioner aged 65 and over.
Evidence required:
a) Current “DWP Pension Statement” showing receipt of UK State Pension (no minimum
necessary).
Taken from Cat O visa evidence.

[HHTel]

I agree with Bonbon. The rule he states above is correct and a visa for the purpose of retirement remains at 50 years with the required income/savings. It's not the first time Hull have misinterpreted the new rules. It's not surprising considering all the changes over the last few months. I had a problem with my mother's visa a short while ago. All the consulates gave a different story. Only when I contacted the Thai Embassy and pointed out the result of the call to Hull did they rethink the situation.

Visa for retirement --- No change as far as I can see and according to their website.

[caller]

Are we not talking two different things here - the 'retirement' visa requirements for over 50's and those for over 65's (as it stands)?

[tuktukmike]

This should be interesting then and I will try and give hull a call, but they seem certain that the old rules ie over 50 no longer apply and you can only obtain a retirement visa once over 65.

[caller]

This should be interesting then and I will try and give hull a call, but they seem certain that the old rules ie over 50 no longer apply and you can only obtain a retirement visa once over 65.

You're certainly right in that all mention of over 50's seeking to retire to LOS has been removed from the Hull website, but is clearly still available on the Thai Embassy website, which isn't the easiest to read either! But it now say's such visas can only be applied for at the London Embassy. It wasn't that long ago you could apply in person to Hull (as previously reported here) but all papers had to be sent to the Embassy - maybe that's what's changed - that the consulates are no longer involved in this process?

12. I heard that Thailand is a nice place to stay after retirement. Is there any
special kind of visa for retirees?

Yes, there is special visa called Non-immigrant “O-A” (Long Stay). Foreigners who are 50 years of age or older who wish to stay in Thailand for a long period and do not have any intention to work in Thailand may, in case of British national, apply for such visa at the Royal Thai Embassy in London ONLY. The holder of “O-A” visa is allowed to stay in Thailand for 1 year from the date of first entry, and is also able to apply for an extension of stay afterwards. Please see the qualifications and requirements for application and relevant information in the website (http://www.mfa.go.th) or (http://www.thaiembassyuk.org.uk)


http://thaiembassyuk.org.uk/?q=faq/1

[Homer]

It wasn't that long ago you could apply in person to Hull (as previously reported here) but all papers had to be sent to the Embassy - maybe that's what's changed - that the consulates are no longer involved in this process?

My understanding from reading the visa oriented forum that can not be named is the Hull consulate was considered the easiest place for Brits to get Thai visas. Maybe they have, as us Yanks say, been put on a short lease. Are the procedures the same at other Consulates in England?

[tuktukmike]

I was again informed yesterday from the thai consulate in hull that the 50years old retirement visa is no more.

As said if you want an OA visa now they fax all the details to the embassy in london and you must now be over 65, why this sudden change is beyond me.

The staff at hull are really helpful but they now have to follow the new regs.

Back to the b visa for everyone I suppose.

Ttm

[caller]

TTM, that's not what is stated on the Embassy website, as I posted above. It appears the consulates have been taken out of the equation for over 50's at least.

This is from the Cardiff consulate's website:

EXTENDED STAYS FOR PERSONS AGED 50 OR OVER

NON-IMMIGRANT – VISA CATEGORY “O-A”

Persons aged 50 or above are now being allowed to take up retreat in Thailand initially for at least one year from date of arrival provided they are able to meet stipulated financial and other requirements, i.e.
a.Annual income equivalent to 800,000 Baht or monthly income of 65,000 Baht. (Current rate but subject to review)
b.Provide Medical Certificate confirming applicant has no infectious disease, (including Leprosy, Tuberculosis, Filatiasis, Drug addiction, V.D. Alcoholism is also precluded) and has not suffered an infectious disease for over 3 months.
c.Provide statement confirming applicant has no criminal record.
d.If accompanied by Spouse – Marriage Certificate to be supplied. A proportional increase in annual income would also apply.

The above documentation has to be certified by a Notary Public and be submitted with 4 completed Visa Application Forms and 4 recent photographs, Passport size, together with Passport and appropriate fee of £125

At the present time the appropriate Visa “NON-IMMIGRANT” CAT “O-A” can only be obtained through personal application to the Royal Thai Embassy, 30, Queen’s Gate, London S.W.7 or the Office of the Immigration Bureau, Section 1, Sub Division 1, Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road, Sathorn District, Bangkok 0120. Tel 0066-228/3101-10 Ext.2236.

[tuktukmike]

I fully understand what your saying caller, however yes it has been taken out of the consulates hands but they are still insisting that in future all OA applications will only be eligible for those over 65.

time will tell I suppose.

Ttm

[Henry 14th]

I think all long stay visa applications are now sent to London.

It's been like that since the middle of last year I think.


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[sand_dancer]

Hopefully..... Someone over 50 but under 65 will have to renew their Visa at HH Immigration in the next couple of months....

That will give an answer as to whether the O+A for reasons of retirement is still an option or not.....

[RobinB52]

As it happens, I am over 50 and under 65. I renewed my O+A (retirement visa) at HH Immigration in March without any trouble.

[caller]

As it happens, I am over 50 and under 65. I renewed my O+A (retirement visa) at HH Immigration in March without any trouble.

But that's not the same as applying for a new visa abroad - or in Thailand for that matter.

[lomuamart]

At Imm in HH, you're getting an annual extension to a visa based on retirement not a new visa which is what the other posts are about.