Can I apply for a Retirement Visa in Thailand using only a US bank statement?

Question

I just heard of an American who applied for the Retirement Visa at the Thai embassy in Los Angeles and was only required to show a bank statement from the US bank that they had the $23,000 USD.     
they were accepted with no money in a Thai bank account.
This is news to me,   Has anyone heard of this?

Ask Thailand · Answer

An American recently shared that they were able to apply for a Retirement Visa at the Thai embassy in Los Angeles with just a bank statement showing $23,000 from a US bank, without needing funds in a Thai bank account. This prompted a discussion among commenters clarifying that while applying from outside Thailand, proof of funds in any country is typically accepted, the requirements differ when applying for an extension inside Thailand, where funds in a Thai bank account may be necessary. There are two types of retirement visas relevant to this discussion: the Non-O visa, which allows for a 90-day stay and requires 800,000 baht in a Thai bank for extensions, and the Non-OA visa, which permits a one-year stay and mandates insurance but does not require Thai bank funds upon arrival.

Tod ********* · Answer

okay, lets put this one to bed right now.

When you buy a "retirement visa" outside of Thailand at a consulate in another country you can show proof of funds in your country.

It is not unusual to the least degree..

Robert ******* · Answer

IF you apply for a VISA outside Thailand (On line or Embassy) you can be asked to show money on ANY bank account.

IF you apply for a VISA inside Thailand or an Extension of Temporary Stay at an Immigration Office you can be asked to show money on a Thai Bank account on your name.

The difference is where you apply and who's requirements you need to follow, that is why correct terminoligy is important to give advice.

John ********** · Answer

There's 2 distinct visas for retirement each with different requirements.

A Non-O visa is good for 90 days on arrival in Thailand at which point it must be extended by meeting the requirements, 800k baht in a Thai bank 2 months before you apply etc

A Non-OA visa which gets you 1 year on arrival with no need for funds in a Thai bank but does have an insurance requirement.

Ellie ******* · Answer

Check the website of the Thai embassy/consulate where you will apply for it.

Usually, they don't require you to have funds in Thailand when you apply for a visa at the embassy. You can use proof of funds in THAT country. But that doesn't mean you are not required to have seasoned funds in a Thai bank account when you apply for an extension at the local immigration office in Thailand.

Can I apply for a Retirement Visa in Thailand using only a US bank statement?

Activity

Related

Resources