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Can an American convert a Tourist Visa to a Non-Immigrant O Retirement Visa in Thailand without exiting the country?

Thailand Tourism Visa Rules Non-Immigrant O Retirement Visa Visa Conversion Expat Advice Banking in Thailand Immigration Procedures

Oct 15, 2022

3 years ago

Darin *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Can an American enter Thailand on a Tourist Visa and convert that to a Non-Immigrant O Retirement Visa without exiting the country?  Assuming the American meets all the Retirement Visa requirements and has deposited the 800,000 Thai Baht just prior to entering.

If yes, what are the steps.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Yes, an American can convert a Tourist Visa to a Non-Immigrant O Retirement Visa without leaving Thailand, provided they meet the Retirement Visa requirements and have deposited the required funds. To do this, they must apply at their local immigration office using the appropriate form (TM86 for a 60-day visa or TM87 for visa-exempt entry) with 30-45 days remaining on their current visa. It's recommended to open a Thai bank account to deposit the 800,000 Thai Baht for eligibility. The process for changing to a Non-O visa costs about 2,000 Baht, with an additional 1,900 Baht fee for a 90-day extension.

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Russell *******

Yes , I have done this . Hardest part is finding a bank that will open account for you to deposit the funds. I would start trying as soon as you can and best in a big city . Bangkok Bank seems to be the easiest. You might be asked for money for an insurance policy,but it's not needed . I got my account opened in Chiang Rai.

Once you have the account it's best to check with the immigration office you intend using for the documents required. They are not difficult to obtain , just a few hours working out the paperwork.

It should cost you 2000 baht to change to non O and 1900 baht 90 days later for the extension. 90 day reports also needed but they are free .

It really is good value.

3 years ago

Darin *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Russell ******

Thank you

3 years ago

Alex *******

@Russell ******

May I ask you two questions, please:

1) Re the bank account opening: The forms you needed to sign at Bangkok bank were in English so you could understand or only in Thai so you basically had to sign things you could not read and did not know what they mean?

2) Re immigration: Did you have to provide a rental contract and if so for what length to get the 90 day non-O / 1 year non-O extension?

Thank you!

3 years ago

Russell *******

@Alex ******

yes I had to provide a rental contract and I just asked the landlord to put one year ( I don't think the length of contact matters is more about them confirming your address)

You also need copy of landlord ID and blue book.

I can send you information of the paperwork I needed but it varies from office to office .

3 years ago

Russell *******

@Alex ******

I really can't remember. It was all done in 10 minutes. I had to make a 500 baht deposit and 400 baht charge for a ATM card .

3 years ago

Reply to

Russell *******

Chris *******

Yes you can, fairly simply.

Depending where and how you entered.

If you purchased a 60 day visa you use form tm86

If you entered visa exempt use tm87

Go to your local immigration for a check list and advice.

You can apply from 30-45 days left on your stamp. Depending on which immigration you use.

3 years ago

Darin *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Chris ******

Thank you

3 years ago

Reply to

Darin *********

Lee *******

Yes the American can

3 years ago

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