residence status in thailand.

[james dean]

gary in the lobby asked me this question.... if applying for residence in thailand, are one of the requirements - being able to speak, read, and write thai?

didn't know the answer. so, thought to ask you since I seem to remember that you were looking into becoming a resident of thailand.

anyway, I'm off to the races.

[sevenwinds]

As far as I know, the requirement for understanding Thai in any form is not required for a visa. Once you have established residency as a visa holder for 5 years, I think you can be eligible for the few slots available by country for permanent residency each year. No where does it state you need to speak, read, or write Thai, but I think those with the ability may have a better chance in filling the small number of slots available each year.

[peter4]

There have been several reports on the web of men who have achieved permanent residence status -- in particular on the Thaivisa forum.
If I remember correctly, part of the application is introducing yourself on video-tape, which is later viewed by the appropriate committee.
Again, if I remember correctly, you are expected to speak Thai during that video.

Since I am already studying Thai language, applying for permanent residence is a possibility for me.
I discussed with a visa lawyer in Bangkok.
Three aspects stood out:

First, the cost, all up, 300,000 baht.
My question is why?

Second, what benefits would permanent residency provide?
As I am already here on a retirement visa, the answer is virtually none.
I could avoid the annual renewal of the retirement visa, but I won't live so long as to get a leg up on 300,000 baht.

I'm not a visa expert, so please check carefully my comments.
If you want a recommendation for an excellent visa lawyer in Bangkok, whose services I've been using for 2+ years, you are welcome to contact me by email or private message.

- Peter