Question about Residence Visa/Permanent Resident

[Sparko]

Has anyone obtained permamnet residence staus (and maybe later even Thai citizenship) which I understand is granted to 100 nationals of each country every year. I have read about the process on the internet but would like to know what any expats have heard about getting one of the coveted slots?

 

One of the citeria seems to be to hold a certain visa (w/3 year extensions) to be eligible to apply for the residence visa. Do you actually have to live in Thailand to hold this visa or are occasional visits enough to meet the 3-year visa and extensions requirement? The reason for my question is that my TGF who will be my wife next year after also becoming a US citizen and I plan to retire in Thailand in about 10-11 years. I would prefer to do the 3-year wait while still living here so I can apply for the permanent residence status the year we retire. Any suggestions or experiences are welcome in obtaining permanent residence status.

[joseph44]

I suppose, that obtaining a residence visa does only make sense if you're a resident.

That's where the 3-5 year of (visa-extension-stay) is for.

 

Better wait for 10-12 years; it might be easier by that time, but it also may be impossible........TiT.

[teigen]

Better forget about a permanent residence permit.

I could apply for it, but won't do it : the whole process is stalled, a huge backlog of applications is "gathering dust at the Ministry". That's what I read everywhere.

Furthermore this costly permit doesn't give more real advantages than the non-resident visa.