thailand
Ask question

Am I allowed to travel within Thailand while my retirement visa application is processed?

Retirement VisaNon-O VisaVisa Application ProcessTravel During Visa ProcessingImmigration RegulationsThailandExpatriate Living
Apr 20, 2024
8 months ago
Lee *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I will submit my application on May 7th for retirement visa. It takes approximately 15 days I have been advised. I don't intend leaving Thailand until 27th May and I have been advised that is ok. As far as travel within that 15 day period it will be necessary for me to go to Sakon Nakhon for 2 days and return to Hua Hin where the application has been submitted. Now my simple question am I allowed to make that journey within the 15 day period. I have heard people say you can't go anywhere for 15 days as immigration may check you live at the address given
997
views
3
likes
33
all likes
21
replies
0
images
9
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is concerned about traveling within Thailand while waiting for their retirement visa application to be processed, specifically if they can make a trip to Sakon Nakhon during the 15-day waiting period. Comments from other users clarified that there are generally no restrictions on traveling during this time, and while some immigration offices may conduct home checks, it is not common for retirement visas. The conversation indicates that traveling is permissible, with one user noting their successful experience with minimal issues.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Paul *******
Did my retirement visa in udon

An officer came to the house I’m staying and took all sorts of photos, spoke to neighbours, got signatures etc.

We were not given a day or time. He rang wife in the morning and said he would arrive in 2 hours time.

Hope this helps.
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Nigel ********
We had what they called a home visit but they did it via Line app video chat showing entry to the house , number and quick look around the house inside

They did let us know in advance
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Chuck *********
I did my retire.ent
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Chuck *********
Sorry fat fingers. I did mine last year in Pattaya and it took 30 days. No issue with travel unless you check I to hotel or fly
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Chuck *********
Reply
Lee *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ah yes thanks guys you all make sense from what I can see the post was long enough without me putting every detail in. I had to supply a Google map from immigration to my Condo. I did confirm they wanted this and was told yes if I need to come see you. But I couldn't see any reason I couldn't go visit family in that time frame. So thank you all for your comments 😊
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Andy *******
15 working days. You can travel all you want, to the best of my knowledge
8 months ago
Like
Reply
John **********
@Andy ******
 usually its 15 days not working days and you can travel inside Thailand, you can't leave the country. Normally they will give you a date to return
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Andy *******
@John *********
 mine was working days for the 1st yr visa
8 months ago
Like
Reply
John **********
@Andy ******
 I think usually they try and align it with the expiry of your current stamp which you need a minimum of 15 days remaining on in order to apply for the non-o
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
John **********
Reply
Stuart *********
I’m not aware of an office that checks where you live for a “retirement visa” (Non O based on being over 50 applied for in Thailand).

They do for “marriage” visas but some now do this via video calls rather than a physical home visit.
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Lee *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I can't imagine that they actually come out and check addresses as has been mentioned but it's my 1st application for 'O' and I don't want any mistakes. For the last 10 years my visits have been visa exempt
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Lee *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I think through my bad Thai and officers limited English I think he was saying allow 15 days just in case of delays
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Will ************
@Stuart ********
 Nakhon Nayok do 30 day consideration AND house visits for retirement extensions.
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Stuart *********
@Will ***********
 Ok thanks for that. Where the F is Nakhon Nayok?
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Stuart *********
Ok I googled it. Just never heard of the province before.
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Stuart *********
Reply
Steve **********
@Will ***********
 yet they have address confirmation every 90 days as well as GPS of your phone, and can track

your movements.

Oh well, Mai pen rai
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Steve **********
@Stuart ********
 why 15 days ? Takes a couple or a few hours.

Also if for some reason, you're waiting on docs. You have no travel restrictions, other than leaving country and trying to reenter without the delayed stamp
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Stuart *********
@Steve *********
 Many offices don’t have the “authority” to issue the retirement visa straight off so they send the paperwork to their HQ (which is why you provide 2 copies of everything). It takes that sort of time to get the paperwork there and signed off on and returned.
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve **********
@Stuart ********
 OK , I'm in Chiangmai. And they've finally re-settled into the old original office. Although changed the way ' we're herded ', but, if resolved there will be some, ' playing with us ' it's just once a year.

Hope all goes well.
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Andy *******
@Steve *********
 renewal is quick, 1st one up to 3 weeks. They started address reporting but haven't heard of them visiting (yet)
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve **********
@Andy ******
 didn't know. Got my 1st 'O' about 21 yrs ago. Don't even remember ( a lot of things ) but each year, it's just part of the participation system. Don't mind it, they ( IO ) always change something to keep you on your toes.

Good luck
8 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
Should I be concerned about my Retirement Visa application while waiting for my stamp?
3 comments
5 months ago
Can I apply for my retirement visa extension in Thailand before my current visa expires if I'm planning to travel?
5 comments
6 months ago
Can I leave Thailand for a week and still secure my one-year extension on a non-immigrant O visa?
7 comments
8 months ago
Can I move around Thailand after obtaining a retirement visa in Hua Hin or must I stay there?
10 comments
8 months ago
Can I travel within Thailand while waiting for my Non-O retirement Visa approval?
13 comments
10 months ago
Can I leave Thailand while my NON O marriage visa is processing?
9 comments
a year ago
Does spending three weeks in Thailand start my retirement visa before I officially apply for it?
3 comments
a year ago
Should I renew my retirement visa before traveling to Europe or wait until I return?
5 comments
a year ago
What is the best visa option for traveling back and forth to Thailand while considering retirement residency?
29 comments
a year ago
Can I travel outside Thailand while my marriage visa extension is under consideration?
20 comments
a year ago
Can I travel to Thailand if my visa application is still processing?
3 comments
a year ago
How do I apply for a retirement visa in Thailand while on a limited entry pass?
6 comments
2 years ago
Can I leave Thailand while my Non-O visa application based on retirement is being processed?
12 comments
2 years ago
Can I leave Thailand for a short trip while my education visa application is pending?
5 comments
2 years ago
Can I leave Thailand during the 30-day consideration period after applying for a 1-year extension based on my Thai spouse?
2 comments
3 years ago
Can I travel for 35 days while waiting for my marriage visa extension approval in Thailand?
3 comments
3 years ago
Can I travel while waiting for my retirement visa after changing from a medical visa?
2 comments
3 years ago
Can you apply for a retirement visa in Thailand without leaving the country if you have an existing visa?
16 comments
4 years ago
Can I leave Thailand while processing my Non-O visa and still retain my application status?
10 comments
5 years ago
Is it risky to travel while waiting for my marriage visa extension approval in Thailand?
0 comments
5 years ago
Can I leave Thailand while my extension of stay based on marriage is being processed?
0 comments
5 years ago
Can I enter Thailand on a tourist visa or exemption if I'm applying for a retirement visa later?
14 comments
5 years ago
Can I apply for a retirement visa in Thailand while on a tourist visa?
11 comments
5 years ago
Will Thai immigration authorities have a problem if I travel frequently while on a Retirement Visa?
2 comments
6 years ago
Can I extend my retirement visa in Thailand before it expires if I show travel plans?
17 comments
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.