Answered3 years ago

Are there any issues returning to Thailand for a retirement visa after my ED visa expires?

Thailand retirement visa ED visa Non-O visa Visa application strategies Immigration advice Visa extension

asked Jan 3, 2024

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TLDR : any issues in returning to Thailand to apply for “retirement visa” shortly after expiry of ED visa. Am I overthinking it??

Hi everyone - I’m currently here on an ED visa (study at Duke Lanagage School) that I will extend for the final time in February. I will depart Thailand shortly before the extension expiry in late April and return to my home country. I am aware of the requirement to cancel the extension before departure.

I wish to return to Thailand shortly after my (1 month) stay in my home country. As I am over 50 I intend to return to stay long term in Thailand. 

Question: does anyone foresee any issues in returning to Thailand so quickly after expiry of ED visa?? 

I would prefer to apply for the Non-O in Thailand to avoid the mandatory health insurance. I already have a bank account and can fund the 800K. 

What’s the best strategy here? Apply in home country (UK) or try for a 60 day tourist visa or return on 30-day visa exempt. I am aware that I may have confused some of the terminology here so apologies in advance for that.

Answer summary

The user is concerned about returning to Thailand shortly after their ED visa expires and applying for a Non-O retirement visa. They seek advice on potential issues with immigration and whether to apply in their home country or use a tourist visa. Community responses indicate that returning soon after an ED visa expiry typically poses no problems, but individual experiences may vary based on immigration discretion.

13 repliesnewest first

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Steve *******

Apply for your Non Imm O in the UK, job done. Insurance is only required for the initial 90 days not the 1 year extention of stay.

3 years ago

Paul *******

@Steve ******

thank you. Concern is just applying a month or so after expiry of the last ED visa extension

3 years ago

Steve *******

@Paul ******

You should be ok. No guarantees though, it'll be up to the Embassy or Immigration depending on where you apply. I'd definitely try the RTE London first though.

3 years ago

Paul *******

@Steve ******

thanks Steve. I appreciate your thoughts on this

3 years ago

Graham ******

What Embassy will you be applying at because health insurance for a Non-O is not mandatory with many, in fact, simple travel insurance will suffice in most cases where there is an insurance requirement?

3 years ago

Paul *******

@Graham *****

thank you. Would be the London office

3 years ago

Graham ******

@Paul ******

I see Steve has replied below for a London application. Do you already have a Thai bank account and, for an in country Non-O application, the 800k from an international transfer?

3 years ago

Graham ******

@Paul ******

yes that's a plan with your 90 day entry stamp

3 years ago

Paul *******

@Graham *****

Hi Graham - I have a Thai account but not currently with 800K. Because it seems like the suggested path is apply in the UK first (I’d present a £20K balance in my UK bank) and then top up the Thai bank account prior to applying for the extension once landed in Thailand. Is that a viable option? I understand the “seasoning issue” so id have 800k 60 days before the trip to immigration office.

3 years ago

Todd *********

Should be no issue at all

3 years ago

Paul *******

@Todd ********

thank you

3 years ago

Dan *******

I did a border run straight after a one year ED visa and had no problems. A lot will depend on the immigration officer, at the point of entry. Good luck 🙏 hope it works out for you 👍

3 years ago

Paul *******

@Dan ******

thank you

3 years ago