Can I apply for a Thailand Retirement Visa (O-A) with a monthly income instead of having 800,000 baht in the bank?

Dec 26, 2022
2 years ago
Martin ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I just got back from the Chonburi immigration office. I am trying to get a Thailand Retirement Visa (“O-A”). There was a mixup at the bank and I did not get the right letter, but they told me I MUST have 800k b in the bank. I have been putting 65k in every month for over 12 months now. The told me that was no good, yet I see the rules saying 65k for 12 months or 800k. Can i get a letter from my bank that says the right thing? If so what should I be asking for, because they just gave me a 1 year statement.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster (OP) is attempting to obtain a Thailand Retirement Visa (O-A) but encountered issues with bank documentation. The immigration office insisted on having 800,000 baht available in the bank, despite OP demonstrating a monthly deposit of 65,000 baht for over a year, which should suffice. Various comments clarify that for the initial Non-O visa application, 800,000 baht is necessary, whereas after obtaining it, one may qualify for extensions using monthly income. The discussion emphasizes the importance of visa terminology and accurately providing information to meet the specific requirements.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
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  • 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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Ellie *******
Thank you for your contribution. This post is done.
Ellie *******
So, as you can see, terminology (or what type of application you are going to do) is important to get correct answers. But how much accurate information you can provide is more important rather than terminology.

And dear members, please be sure again that you are NOT making assumptions about anything before you comment.
Ellie *******
It came out that OP is applying for an in-county Non-O retirement visa. That's why IO said no, because monthly income (bank transfer) is not one of the options to meet financial requirements for in-country Non-O based on being over 50.
Ellie *******
@Martin **********
, What visa or extension are you now? Are you on visa exempt or tourist visa stamp?

In other words, What are you really want to do? Applying for an in-country initial Non-O visa based on retirement or applying for a 1-year extension based on being over 50 while you are already Non-O retirement visa?

Why I'm asking this is an in-country visa and 1-year extension are different.
Martin ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I was on an O-A (from outside the country). I have been putting 65k into the bank account for the last 15 months to live on. I left Thailand a week ago to get a tourist visa to apply for a retirement visa from inside Thailand. You can tell me the different terminology 100 times I probably won't get it the same way I didn't get organic chemistry.
Ellie *******
@Martin **********
, When and What stamp you enter Thailand on the very last time?

Or please send me the latest stamp so that we can see what you are exactly doing.

Because you cannot apply for anyvisa from inside the country while you enter on Non-OA stamp.
Ellie *******
From your previous posts, you might be on a visa-exempt stamp after border-bounce. In this case, you are applying for an in-country initial Non-immigrant visa based on being over 50. This is a Non-O visa. (you cannot apply for Non-OA inside Thailand.)

If this is your case, you CANNOT use the monthly income method for the initial Non-O visa application. That's it.
Brandon ************
You need to go to a neighboring country and get the non-O visa first. You can't get the non-O by showing monthly income, only the extension off that visa.
James ********
@Brandon ***********
One cannot assume what the requirements for a VISA are at Jomtien. Always BEST to get the list of requirements for it before applying.
James ********
@Brandon ***********
Yes... He should go to Savannakhet. Get the Non O Visa as retiree then enter Thailand. BUT the problem remains... What will Jomtien Immigration accept?
Craig *******
It sounds like op is applying for an O visa (not o-a), in which case the first application must be the 800,000 in the bank. After that, 65,000/month is ok. At least that’s my understanding.
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