Can I apply for a retirement 'O' visa at age 55 if I'm leaving Thailand at the end of June?

Feb 16, 2023
2 years ago
Nick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I’ve just extended my 60 day TV for another 30 days. To be able to stay a further 3 months once the 30 day extension is up, could I apply for an ‘O’ visa based on retirement (I’m 55) even though I will be leaving Thailand at the end of June?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The individual has recently extended their 60-day tourist visa by 30 days and is inquiring about the possibility of applying for a Non-O visa based on retirement at age 55, despite planning to leave Thailand at the end of June. Comments suggest that applying for the Non-O visa is feasible but may be complicated by timing. It requires an application 14-21 days before the current extension expires, alongside proof of having 800,000 Thai baht in a personal bank account in Thailand. Alternatively, some contributors recommend a visa run to Laos to obtain a new tourist visa for a longer stay.
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Rob *******
Hi Nick, When applying online for your 60 day tourist visa did you have to show proof of an onward flight/travel from Thailand ?
Nick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Rob ******
Can’t remember for sure as it was back in early December. I think I had to upload the ticket but I did at least have to submit the flight details.
Henrik ****
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Brandon ************
You might be better off doing a visa run to Laos and getting another tourist visa to get your 90 days. You can even make a trip out of it and see another country. Much simpler if you have no plans of getting the retirement long term in Thailand.
Nick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
Looking at going to Laos as my gf is from Udon Thani. We can drive over there but how long would it take for me to get a new 60 day TV there? I had to apply online in UK, is it the same in Laos do you know?
Brandon ************
@Nick ******
Vientiene will be the closest to Udon Thani. They require an appointment, so you'll need to plan ahead. I believe it's 3 business days, so if you apply Monday afternoon, you can pick up your visa on Wednesday. If you apply on Friday, you can't count the weekend, so you will really need to plan.
Nick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Brandon ************
You absolutely can, though it might be a bit tricky to time it correctly if you actually want to get the full "extra" 90 days. This is why:

You need to apply for the Non-O visa when you have 14-21 days left on your tourist visa extension (the amount of days varies by immigration office), because after you apply they will give you an "under consideration" stamp in your passport. That's the date your new non-O visa will actually begin once you receive it, so you are losing those days you have to apply early.

The other thing is you need to have the 800,000 Thai baht in a Thai bank account in your name only to apply for the non-O visa. Are you prepared to go through the trouble of opening a bank account (difficult on a tourist visa) and transfer that much money to Thailand, only to leave after 3 months and worry about trying to transfer it all out?
Nick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
Yeah, hassle isn’t it. Thanks for the info. 👍
Brandon ************
@Nick ******
I just corrected my post after confirming it with another admin, so you would be losing 2-3 weeks of your tourist visa extension if you apply for the non-O. I would definitely recommend going to get another tourist visa. Check your DMs as I'll send you some additional information.
Nick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
Thanks a lot 👍
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