Editor;
Re: Thai immigration laws are complicated (PM Mailbag Friday, 19 September 2014) – Applying for a retirement visa at home is not as easy as it sounds.
1: Download Visa A form.
2: Copy Passport personal data. Passport valid for 18 months.
3; A personal data form.
4: Bank statement or DFA & Trade letter verifying Pension. ( $ )
5: Bank letter declaring sufficient funds.
6: Police name check. ( $ ) (Could wait 1 month.)
7: Doctors report stating no diseases.( $ )
Together with all the requirements to enter Thailand.
Now make 1 true set and 2 copies.
These must be submitted to a Notary Public and bound. ( $++)
Hoping you now have every thing working for you, attend the Thai Consulate in Sydney only to find out they do not issue Non immigrant O visas which you must have. (Why not?) Many other countries are the same. Even the Embassy in Canberra will not endorse it.
By this time and money spent you have 2 alternatives, fly to Brisbane where you may get it through. (Why Brisbane? who knows? For some reason this consulate has no qualms with issuing Non Imm Visa O.) Or obtain a tourist visa and head for Thailand.
There are many legal firms here who will see you through. Or take your chance with a reputable visa shop you have heard good reports of.
As stated earlier, Thai immigration law is complicated and as much as the Farangs in your bar think they know everything and they have all the answers, make up your own mind.
Bryan Patricks
