PRESS - THAI GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES A 10-YEAR VISA FOR FOREIGNERS AGED 50 AND OVER

For the time being, this is merely an announcement, but the information comes from the current government’s official spokesperson. A 10-year visa is reportedly to be introduced for people over the age of 50 who can demonstrate that they have sufficient financial means

If the news is confirmed, this could mark a significant change in Thailand’s visa policy, which is currently quite restrictive when it comes to long-stay visas.

Foreigners residing in Thailand who are over 50 will soon be able to apply for a 10-year visa, according to a statement by the government spokesperson reported by the Thai daily Khaosod.

Aimed at promoting Thailand as a medical services hub, the decision was approved by the interim cabinet on Tuesday, according to government spokesperson Athisit Chainuwat.

This new visa would replace the one-year renewable visa (retiree category) and would be issued in two phases of five years each, Mr Athisit said, without giving further details on the implementation date.

Substantial financial resources and health insurance

Applicants will need to either demonstrate a monthly income of at least 100,000 baht or have more than 3 million baht in their bank account, which cannot be withdrawn during the first year following receipt of the visa.

They will also need to provide proof of health insurance covering hospital stays and providing a minimum of US$10,000 in annual cover.

Source: thailande-fr.com

The primary aim is to promote Thailand as a hub for medical tourism.

Indeed, every year, more and more tourists travel to Thailand to benefit from high-quality Thai medical care, which is often cheaper than in their home countries.

Visa holders will, however, still be required to register their 90-day stay at their provincial immigration office.

The government estimates that the tourists most likely to be interested will be Europeans such as the French, Italians and Germans, as well as Australians, Chinese and others.

Most of these visitors stay in provinces such as Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and Chonburi, according to the government.

Source: retraite-en-thailande.com

PLEASE NOTE

Above all, do not confuse this new retiree visa, which has not yet come into force, with the OA visa (non-immigrant OA) that has existed for several years, renewable for one year, which allows retirees to live comfortably in the Land of Smiles