Penang Tourist Visa - unconfirmed reports

[Big Boy]

Does the medical requirement still exist? I thought I read on here some time ago that the medical requirement had been waived.

[lomuamart]

Firebird,
As far as I'm aware, both of you could apply for an AO visa in England first. That would give you both a year on arrival and the possibility of getting another one before the visa expires.
To sell up and buy here is a separate issue. Other members will be better able to advise you on that.
The medical and criminal record check are necessary back in the UK and you'll have to apply at The Embassy.
Over here, those checks aren't needed. It's simply a case of age and money. Ie: over 50 and 800k Baht in a Thai bank account for 3 months prior to application, or an income of average 65k per month. Or a combination of the two, as long as it's not below that magical 800k.

[firebird]

Thanks lomuamart,, think that answers the question but we will get 2 non-imm-o's here b4 we leave and then get the conversion done once we are there... Prob with a AO app here is not enuff in the bank as it stands :-)) cant raise the 800k necessary but,, thanks for the info though..

Davey...

[lomuamart]

BTW,
Hua Hin Dolly is going through this at the moment, so it could be good to hear her news.

[lomuamart]

Thanks lomuamart,, think that answers the question but we will get 2 non-imm-o's here b4 we leave and then get the conversion done once we are there... Prob with a AO app here is not enuff in the bank as it stands :-)) cant raise the 800k necessary but,, thanks for the info though..

Davey...

Don't forget that the same financial requirements exist here for annual extensions. It's only the medical and criminal stuff that you won't need.

[firebird]

OK lomuamart and once again thanks for that information yep we will get the necessary bank accounts all sorted with the required amount in them can get that done ok....

[lomuamart]

OK lomuamart and once again thanks for that information yep we will get the necessary bank accounts all sorted with the required amount in them can get that done ok....

Then it hopefully should be easy

[Onlyme]

we certainly cant afford to sell here and then come back and buy another place the money we would make on this place would b nowhere what we would require

Personally, if I were in that boat. I would have a long think before I came out here to retire.
Just my thoughts.
Onlyme.

[margaretcarnes]

Fully agree with Onlyme there Firebird. Theres been quite a lot of discussion on other threads recently on the potential problems of selling up, effect on pensions, right to return to England etc. Could I also suggest that Mrs Firebird reads my page in this months HuaHin Observer, re womens state pensions.
If you check the threads (from January) and Mags Page for Feb, then want any more info you are welcome to E mail me seperately. The E address is with the Observer article, or Lomu or Buksida have it.