Can I apply for a retirement extension in Thailand with an 800k bank balance if I entered on a 30-day visa exemption?

Retirement Visa Thailand Visa Rules NON-O Visa Visa Extensions Expat Information

May 31, 2023

a year ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

If I have 800k in Thai bank account (seasoned) and enter on 30 day visa exemption, can I apply in Thailand for retirement extension?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

You cannot directly apply for a retirement extension while on a 30-day visa exemption. You first need to obtain a 90-day NON-O visa (which can be acquired with a 30-day entry stamp). Alternatively, it's suggested to apply for a Single Entry Non-Immigrant O visa based on retirement before traveling to Thailand, allowing for easier management of the stay and extension.

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Robert *******

Think out of the box:

Before you fly toward Thailand apply for the Single Entry Non Immigrant O visa based on over 50 years of age (Retirement) and get 90 days of stay when you enter. Have plenty of time to organize the copies and apply after 60 days of stay for the 1 year Extension of Stay.

Less visits to Immigration, less cost, less hassle.

a year ago

Ellie *******

@Robert ******

, you had better mention a health insurance policy for that period is required for a Non-O single entry visa at many Thai embassies/consulates while no insurance is required for in-country Non-O, I guess.

a year ago

Ian ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Robert ******

my problem is I’m uk citizen, resident in China… (getting non O within China is.. problematic so I’m trying for something in a different way) I have a Thai bank account and FCD account now so seasoning and bank reports shouldn’t be a problem (I hope)

a year ago

Reply to

Ian ********

Tod *********

nope, you cannot. 🙁

you FIRST have to get a 90 day Non-O visa (which you can do from the 30 day entry stamp)

a year ago

Dcbyron ***************

@Tod ********

What happens if you come in on a 60-day tourist visa issued by an embassy in the region? Can you then go through the process of applying for what you described with the 90-day visa before the yearly retirement visa? Or is it necessary to come in on a 30-day visa waiver before beginning this process? The main reason I ask is that I've already done two border bounces this year and I'm slightly concerned that if I try to fly back in without any kind of visa it might raise a flag. TIA.

a year ago

Dcbyron ***************

ok thnx

a year ago

Ellie *******

@Dcbyron **************

, you can do that in-country visa process when you enter on visa-exempt or tourist visa for 60days.

a year ago

Reply to

Ellie *******

@Ian *******

, this is a rough summary of what Tod explained

a year ago

Tod *********

Works like this

you come in on a 30 day visa exempt entry

1 - you apply for the 90 day Non-O visa for 2000baht at the immigration office

*** you wait the 2 to 3 weeks that goes under review

2 - you go back and get the Non-O visa and a new 90 day stamp inked in

*** you WAIT until you have 30 days or less left on that stamp

3 - you go apply for the year extension for 1900baht (it's issued on the spot)

The MINUTE you hit the ground go to the immigration office you're going to do this process thru, get the hand out for the 90 day Non-O visa to get the documentation, bank letters, etc together so when you go to apply you can pull it off in one try

a year ago

Jay ******

@Tod ********

Point number 2, how I read it, if the OP already has the 800K seasoned in a Thai bank account, depending on his immigration office, he can go for his one-year extension, with 45 days left on his 90-day stamp in Chiang Mai for example.

Sounds like he doesn't need to use the first 60 days of the 90-day stamp for seasoning?

a year ago

Tod *********

@Jay *****

correct,

some offices (Chiang Mai, Bangkok and a few others) allow you to apply for a year extension when you have 45 days left on your current 90 day stamp.

I just put 30 days or less just to make the process understandable 🙂

a year ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Ian ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

so get into Thailand on visa free, apply for 90 day in country, then extend

a year ago

Reply to

Ian ********

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