Can an ED visa be directly converted into a 1-year retirement visa in Thailand?

Mar 31, 2023
2 years ago
Chan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Dear all,

May I ask if anyone have the experience to convert the ED visa into 1 year retirement visa? If yes, would you please kindly let me know if the ED visa can directly convert into the 1 year retirement visa, so that no need to go through the 90 days non O visa again.

Thank you in advance.🙏☺️
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversion from an ED visa to a 1-year retirement visa is generally not permitted within Thailand. It is typically required to cancel the current education visa and exit the country to apply for the non-O visa at an embassy outside Thailand, or you may enter as a tourist and then convert to a non-O 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.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
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Todd *********
You had one year of ‘education’ to figure this out
Brandon ************
Usually cannot convert from one type of non immigrant visa to another inside the country.

You would need to cancel your education extension and then leave Thailand and apply for a non-O in an embassy outside of Thailand, or enter as a tourist and apply to convert to non-O
Steve *******
@Brandon ***********
If you're on an extention of stay, having previously been on a Non Imm visa, can you not just change the reason for the extention providing you meet the requirements?

You can definitely do it from Non Imm B extention to 'retirement extention'
Chan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you
Brandon ************
@Steve ******
no because they are different types. You can change the "reason" for a non-O from marriage to retirement for example, but cannot change from work to retirement, or education to work, etc.
Steve *******
@Brandon ***********
I know quite a few people who worked here and then decided to retire here, never had to leave the country, they just changed the reason for the extention.
Steve *******
@Brandon ***********
You CAN change from Non Imm B extention to 'retirement extention'
Chan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve ******
Thank you, Steve. Then, no need to go through the 90 days non-O visa procedure again provided that I have already have that 800,000 bahts in bank account over 60 days, right?
Steve *******
@Chan *****
I'm not sure with ED visa, you'd have to ask your local Immigration Office
Chan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve ******
So that can directly convert the ED visa into retirement visa, is it correct please? Thank you.
Chan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
Thank you. May I clarify, if apply from an embassy outside Thailand, is it an Non-OA visa not O visa please?
Brandon ************
@Chan *****
you don't understand how it works. It doesn't matter where you apply, you still choose which one. But you can ONLY get a non-OA from your home country.
Chan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
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