Can a hotel provide documentation for a retirement visa in Thailand?

Aug 31, 2023
a year ago
Barbara ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I will be apying for retirement visa on my return to Thailand, converting from Tourist visa. Can a hotel I stay in give me the necessary documentation for residency to bring to Immigration?

Thanks for info - appreciate the help
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The original query inquired whether a hotel could provide necessary documentation to support a retirement visa application in Thailand, converting from a tourist visa. Responses indicated that a hotel typically cannot provide lease agreements, which are often required, and that obtaining a Thai bank account with the required funds (800,000 THB) can be challenging while on a tourist visa. Some users shared that letters from hotels can be used, but others pointed out that local immigration offices may have differing requirements, emphasizing the importance of checking directly with the relevant office before proceeding.
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Barbara ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks for helpful info
Henrik *****
About visa decisions the phrase :

“is solely at the discretion of the Immigration officer”

is paramount.

That’s is why the decisions may differ.
Bobby *********
It was easy for me here
Mike ******
If possible take statements from your home country bank..to show proof off funds and that you can deposit
*****
0bt into a thai bank..
Mike ******
Cheers Frank
Mike ******
You funding wanker
Frank **********
@Mike *****
Immigration will not care about that or accept it as proof.
Mike ******
@Frank *********
read my statement again..I am talking about opening a saving account..not immigration.
Frank **********
@Mike *****
open to interpretation as you didn't mention bank account and you specified bank statements and 800k thai baht which is a requirement for retirement visa.
Mike ******
@Frank *********
please read my statement again. Opening a saving account/ bank account..
Frank **********
Mike ******
@Frank *********
maybe you should stop drinking.
Frank **********
Mike ******
@Frank *********
take care frank
Frank **********
@Mike *****
thank you. Take care also.
Mike ******
Mike ******
@Frank *********
you wanker
Mike ******
@Frank *********
you are a di
Mike ******
Hi..living in hotel is ok..you will letter from them that you are living there..and letter from immigration to show you are living there..the hotel inform immigration any way off your address
Pat *****
@Mike *****
in Hua Hin it was not ok, they say i need the chanod of the condo wich is not easy to get and all the info of the owner of the complex... they advise to make a lease agreement on a friends wife house...
Mike ******
@Pat ****
sorry to hear that..I have friends that live in hotels..on retirement extensions for many years
Bob **********
In some offices (Jomtien and Roi Et) they’re asking 800k seasoned for two months before you can apply for the non-o visa from a foreign transfer which makes it almost impossible,you can use an agent to open the bank account Bangkok Bank is the best to transfer too about 5k so apply for the non-o before you come
Barbara ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks for all the info. Looks like living in a hotel could be a sticking point. Appreciate all the answers - can tick off some options
Martyn ***********
@Bob *********
why does needing 800k for 2 months make it impossible?? 1000s of people do this?
Bob **********
@Martyn **********
yes but there are new laws waiting to go into the books that will not allow you to open an account without the non-o visa it forces the people to use a visa agent w

High benefits you know who
Bob **********
@Martyn **********
well in the offices I mentioned it’s 2 months before applying and there making it very hard to open an account on an exempt entry or tourist visa that’s why
Martyn ***********
@Bob *********
oh you mean you can't open the bank? Away from tourist areas this isn't an issue... You may need to sign up to a premium account to smooth things over, but most times you can do easily. It's turned into a money maker in tourist areas..
Mike ******
Ask for a saving account..not bank account..tell them you put in
*****
0bt for retirement ..you should have tourist visa.and letter from immigration for address
Lyndon ************
These are the non-o requirements specific to Chiang Mai
Roberto *********
This is the requirement list as given by Bangkok Immigration but as Stuart has indicated, each immigration office may have its own variations, so always best to first check with your local office
Lyndon ************
Your first challenge will be opening a Thai bank account to deposit the required funds, ฿800k to start a non-o application in Thailand. It is becoming increasingly difficult on a tourist visa or visa exemption. It's much easier if you, apply for your 90 day retirement non-o in/from London and open your Thai bank account off the back of that.
Stuart *********
You’re going to need a lease agreement to show. I doubt a hotel will be able to provide that. Best to check with the office you’re going to use as to their requirements.
John **********
@Stuart ********
can you not get a hotel to write a letter stating you are a long term resident, assuming you book in for a few months?
John ******
Stuart *********
@John *********
potentially, but like many things it’s going to be up to the actual office to approve.
Chris *******
@Stuart ********
I have seen it done, thru longstay serviced apartment/hotel but not common as they don't have a lease agreement at hotels.

It was a little complicated.

They required some extra documents from the hotel, payment history etc.

It wasn't easy.
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