Visa requirements in neighbouring countries?

[Flashermac]

<< Malaysia will give you 90 days each entry.. no problem. >>

 

But is there any limit?

 

The MM2H programme requires you to tie up a lot of money in a low yield bank account, even more money than LOS does.

 

 

[MooNoi]

No Flash... no limit as far as I'm aware. Haven't looked into it too much as it's not for me, but a friend from the UK has done with with no hassles whatsoever. He said the process was easy.

[Rex7777]

I'm currently on a one year multiple entry non-immigrant O that I plan on converting to a retirement visa. Currently, I meet the monthly income requirement and could put money in a Thai bank if necessary. But Flashermac has a point. Every time you turn around they change the rules. What's to keep them from doubling the income requirement next year? One thing's for sure, you can't count on anything. I suppose if worse comes to worse, I could always spit my time betwee the PI, Malaysia, Camodia, and Thailand. The airfares are cheap.

 

Rex

[ThaiHome]

Hmm ... Malaysia wants you to tie up 1 1/2 million baht in a fixed bank account. The Thais only ask for 800,000.

 

Wonder if there is a limit on 90 day tourist visas in Malaysia.

 

I posted that probably 3 months ago, but who cares.

Note Thailand does not require a fixed deposit so you are not even comparing apples to apples.

Seriously, I strongly suggest everyone that is fed up with Thailand to go live in Malaysia for a year or so.

Seriously, I strongly suggest everyone that is fed up with Thailand to go live in Malaysia for a year or so.

Especially those that have lived in Thailand for many years and nowhere else

TH

 

TH

[Flashermac]

Thaksin did double the retirement amount -- from 400,000 to 800,000 baht.

[Rex7777]

Maybe they did double the requirement already, but what's to keep them from doing it again? Of course, I'm not going to worry about it too much, but I would think twice before sinking any money into a condo.

 

Slightly off topic, but in case anyone is interedted, Panama seems to have an excellent program for retirees. If you're over 18 and can show a small income, you can qualify.

 

Rex

[Nervous_Dog]

Just read the malaysian thing

 

Good things are

You can buy 2 freehold or leasehold properties

You can borrow up to 60% of house value from a bank inorder to do so

You get a import/excise/sales tax free (now that is pretty cool!)

You can apply for Perm Residency after 5 years.

You can start up a company subject to those investment rules (easier than Thailand as I have one there too)

 

Down Side

Not a work permit

You have to maintain a fixed balance in the bank of $85 000 if under 50, if over 50 it's $41K US or $2750 a onth income, which is a lot toughter than Thailand

It can be in any bank including foreign ones with local branches

HOWEVER you can withdraw 50 - 75% of this money after 1 year if used for a house purchase, education of children or health expences.

 

 

Interestingly the Tourism Mnistry has a big say in this program

 

DOG

 

[exit2dos]

What kind of return can you get, from your $85 000 investment, I wonder.

 

I'd only put that much into an insured acount.

[The_Munchmaster]

Hmm ... Malaysia wants you to tie up 1 1/2 million baht in a fixed bank account. The Thais only ask for 800,000.....

Isn't it refreshing though that you can read a government document which states clearly and concisely what the rules are. You'll never see this in Thailand cos they'd need a full time person to change it every week!

 

[Flashermac]

It says quite clearly on the wall at Immigration what the Thai requirements are. It's just that the Immigration police don't pay any attention to what it says.

 

p.s. Every time I go there, something is has been changed!