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Retiring on Phuket
Phuket is a popular place for people to settle in their retirement. The presence of good quality medical care and hospitals, an international airport, and the increasing growth of all the modern conveniences - shopping malls, multiplex movie theaters, first class international restaurants - and much more - means this is a great place to live. And we haven't even talked about the beauty of the island and surrounding sea, the active nightlife, or the gracious Thai people yet! A non-immigrant O visa is required to retire here - and it must be obtained outside Thailand - most easily probably - in your home country. It is said - sometimes - that at some locations you can convert a 60-day tourist visa to a non-Imm O here in Thailand. But is it generally considered easier to get the "O" visa elsewhere. General Requirements: Age 50 or older, reasonable health (the health check can be done in Thailand for B40-100 and is cursory at best), a police clearance from your home country or embassy (just noting that you are not an international criminal on the "lam"), Bt800,000 deposited in a Thai bank (or proof of a certain minimum level of income certified by your embassy) - and the document from the Thai bank showing the money came from outside the country. You may draw down and live on the B800,000 over the year, but it must be "topped up" again when you extend your visa. The process is not known to be particularly difficult - though we all know how dealing with government officials can be - in any country. For all the latest information and updates - and specific details - go to the Thai Visa Forums and read up on the discussion - and ask to clarify anything you don't understand. They are - by far - the experts on the issues involved. On the board there you'll be asking many who have already gone through the process. And they can guide you with a reassuring hand. It's where I go when I have any kind of visa question. Click on the "Thai visas, residency and work permits" forum here: Thai Visa Forum Another great website - with succinct up-to-date information is at Sunbelt Legal Advisors
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