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 Health insurance requirements for Non-O

Jan 3, 2024

a year ago

Paul *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

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.

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TLDR : 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.

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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.

a year ago

Paul *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Steve ******

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

a year 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.

a year ago

Paul *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Steve ******

thanks Steve. I appreciate your thoughts on this

a year ago

Reply to

Paul *******

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?

a year ago

Paul *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Graham *****

thank you. Would be the London office

a year 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?

a year ago

Paul *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@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.

a year ago

Graham ******

@Paul ******

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

a year ago

Reply to

Graham ******

Todd *********

Should be no issue at all

a year ago

Paul *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Todd ********

thank you

a year ago

Reply to

Paul *******

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 👍

a year ago

Paul *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Dan ******

thank you

a year ago

Reply to

Paul *******

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