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Can an American citizen apply for a 6-month METV while in Thailand?

Thailand Visa METV American Expat Retirement Visa Tourist Visa Visa Extension Immigration Process Bank Account Requirement

Jan 12, 2024

a year ago

Kevin *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

American citizen here. Can you apply for a 6 month METV while in Thailand? Here is my dilemma.  Thinking of retiring to Thailand?, but before I plop approximately $22,000 US dollars into a Thai bank account I want to spend as close to a year in Thailand to see if it is for me. I don't know whether to get a 6 month METV first, extend 2x's to make it 9 months, do my two exits and entry's then put in for a 60 day Tourist visa and extend it 30 days to make it 90 days and then put my retirement VISA in. In other words want to spend as close to a year in Thailand before I put in fot Retirement Visa.  I want to make sure that Thailand is the place. Any help would be appreciated? Thanks in Advance.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

An American citizen cannot apply for a 6-month METV (Multiple Entry Tourist Visa) while in Thailand; it must be obtained from their home country. However, there are alternatives, such as applying for an OA visa which offers a longer term without the need for funds in a Thai bank account. A recommended approach is to visit Thailand first to assess the living conditions before committing financially to retirement arrangements.

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.

Jacob ********

You mean $26,000 USD. Yes good idea to spend at least a year here first. Perhaps learn some Thai first would help.

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John ******

Do you mean 908,000 THB?

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Jacob ********

A Type O visa for retirement is 800,000 in a Thai bank. Which works out to about $26,000 USD.

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John ******

OK I guess $22,766 is about 26,000.

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John ******

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Brown ********

I'd get the metv as you'll get your answer in 9 months anyway

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Steve *******

Get the Non Imm OA. No need for money in a Thai bank account.

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Marty *********

You should of course visit Thailand enough to know whether you want to live here. The 800,000 baht can be withdrawn if you decide to leave.

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Steve ********

If you want to "try it out" just get an OA visa. You can get two years out of it without transferring a single cent to Thailand. You will need health insurance, but you can pick up a cheap policy with a high deductable - so pretty useless, but ticks the box, and gives you two years with only one border bounce and no hassles from immigration

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Kevin *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

really? Where would I even look for a cheap insurance policy for Thailand?. I am leaving g March 4th and arriving March 6th

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Steve ********

@Kevin ********

*************************************

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Kevin *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

How do I go about getting my police report that says I have never been arrested which iscl needed?

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Kevin *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

thank you

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Kevin *********

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Ruth *******

Very simply, no, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do as you propose. You certainly wouldn’t be the first (I had considered it). You just need to go home to get the visa.

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Robert *******

Good idea. You can travel to many places and culture. You will find the right place even if it takes you more time and frustration but end of the day it will only be worth it if you make the decision. Good luck

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Stuart *********

You can only get an METV in your home country (or country of legal residence).

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Kevin *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

I thought so. So that answers that question. Thank you

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Kevin *********

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