Can a US passport holder apply for a Non-O retirement visa while in Thailand on a visa exempt or tourist visa?

Non-O Visa Thailand Immigration Retirement Visa Visa Exempt Tourist Visa Visa Application Process

May 23, 2022

3 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Is it currently permissible for a US passport holder to apply for an non-o retirement visa whilst in Thailand holding visa exempt, or tourist visa?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Yes, a US passport holder can apply for a Non-O retirement visa while in Thailand on a visa exempt or a tourist visa. To do so, they must meet specific requirements: have 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account, and depending on the office, may need to have at least 15-21 days remaining on their current visa.

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.
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James ********

3 years ago

Nongnuch ********

you can do the "change" from a Tourist Visa or a visa exempt, to a 90-days Non-Imm-O visa, not only with the 800,000.-THB in a Thai bank account, but also with the proof an income of monthly 65,000.- THB legalized by your embassy, if you are from a country the Thai Immigration still accepts proofs of income. Sorry for U.S. citizens: not for you, Tod Daniels

3 years ago

Tod *********

You totally can apply for first a 90 day Non-O visa based on being over 50 (retirement) inside the country from either a 30 day visa exempt or a 60 day tourist visa entry.

You would need to have 800K baht transferred into a thai bank account in your name only from abroad

AND

at most offices you would need to have a minimum of 15 days left on your current stamp to apply (because the application goes under review for 14 days before you go back to get the Non-O visa and 90 day stamp inked in)

Keep in mind Chiang Mai and Phuket offices require you have 21 days or more left on your current stamp because their under review period is longer

3 years ago

Conny **********

@Tod ********

do you know the cost of doing a non o convert from a visa exempt?

3 years ago

Ellie *******

@Conny *********

initial in-country visa fee: 2,000THB

following 1 year extension fee: 1,900THB

3 years ago

Conny **********

@Ellie ******

thank you

3 years ago

Reply to

Conny **********

Kevin *********

@Tod ********

do you always have to get 90 days first? If you have met the financial requirements will yjry not just stamp in a year straight away?

3 years ago

Ellie *******

@Kevin ********

You must have the visa first before you can extend for one year

3 years ago

Reply to

Ellie *******

Jeh *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

Is VOA the same as visa exemption .. or how does one obtain an exempt visa to use with the Thailand Pass?

3 years ago

Tod *********

@Jeh ****

a Visa on arrival is NOT the same as a 30 day visa exempt entry

You as a US passport holder (along with people from 50 other countries) get stamped in for free for 30 days if you show up here without having bought a visa from a thai consulate before you come here.

3 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Anatoly ***********

@Tod ********

do Thai banks routinely allow tourists to open a bank account to be able to transfer that 800k baht?

3 years ago

Reply to

Anatoly ***********

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