Can I apply for a retirement visa in Thailand while on a tourist visa?

Question

Hi, me again. Right, I'm 52 and in Thailand on a ME tourist visa. Visa expiry 22 January. I am wanting to live here full time. Is it correct that I can apply for an initial visa whilst I am here now (Phuket) then open a Thai bank account and apply for the "retirement visa" .
As a side note,may be of no interest, but I am flying home for one month over Xmas and returning to Phuket 2 days before my TV expires. Thanks in advance.

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is currently in Thailand on a ME tourist visa and wishes to live there full-time. They inquired if they could apply for a retirement visa while still in the country and mentioned their need to open a Thai bank account. Community members advised that it's possible to apply for a Non-immigrant O visa within Thailand, contingent on meeting certain financial requirements. Additionally, some suggested applying for a retirement visa from their home country for longer-term residency without needing to transfer funds to a Thai bank immediately.

Mary ******** · Answer

Or you might be able to get a retirement Visa in your country of origin.

Tony ********* · Answer

Open a bank account before you go.

As the 800000bt you need as to be transferred from overseas.

Mark ******** · Answer

Thank you Dianne.

Dianne ***** · Answer

Or you could apply for a multiple entry non immigrant OA visa (commonly referred to as a retirement visa) in your own country whilst you are there. The advantages of this are that you will get two years in the kingdom instead of one, by exiting and re-entering Thailand just prior to your first year being up. Also you don't need to move any of your funds to a Thai bank during that two year period unless you want to, so your money can stay working for you in your home country

Robert ******* · Answer

You can apply inside Thailand for the Non Immigrant O visa based on being ove 50 years of age. But for that you need to have or money in a Thai bank or a income affidavit from your Embassy. Seeing that you fly out and come back 2 days before you TV expires you will get 60 days to make this visa application, which would be more than enough time. You can visit Phuket Immigration for a hand out with the requirements of that office.

Can I apply for a retirement visa in Thailand while on a tourist visa?

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