Legal Services & Resources 

Visa conversion in Thailand is a much debated topic, but those who are in country on a Tourist Visa or visa exempt, may be able to convert to Retirement Visa, but at the discretion of the Immigration Officer.

A question was raised by a viewer regarding Long Stay Visas which were in fact created during COVID, wherein the term is now being applied to visas associated with property ownership, which may turn out to be a gimmick.

Banks in Thailand, especially in the provinces, are increasing their requirements especially for foreigners whereby now, some banks are requesting a Yellow House Book which not all foreigners will have.

Thai Immigration utilises an e-Visa system which is hard to follow and has resulted in a suggestion that a video be made to explain the steps which would not in fact be helpful as the system is changed so often.

In some Thai Immigration Provincial Offices, it appears there is now an additional requirement for address reporting in that a third party must sign the TM7 form and also provide a signed copy of their ID card.

Phuket Immigration recently announced that the drive-thru facility is closing for renovations which will mainly impact those doing 90-day reporting who will have to use either the online system or an in-person visit.

The issue of using nominees in company setups is taken very seriously in Thailand as indicated by crackdowns on several companies whereby in one case, another person's national ID card was also being used illegally.

Blacklisting from Thailand can occur especially if a foreigner carries out acts that are considered in gross violating local laws and moral norms as evidenced by a recent foreigner who was caught in public sexual acts.

Thai Police are continuing to crackdown on foreign businesses that are using Thai nominees in order to avoid the Foreign Business Act, most especially those operating in restricted occupations.

The Phuket Drive-Thru facility used mainly for 90-day reporting has been closed down leaving the online and in-person methods, for which the best choice may be to go in-person, which could provide more certainty.