Can I avoid the 800,000 baht deposit for a retirement visa in Thailand while living 6 months in Thailand and 6 months in the US?

Dec 1, 2024
3 days ago
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I’m trying to figure out the best way to retire and live in Thailand 6 months and US 6 months. If I get a retirement visa, can I avoid the deposit 800,000 baht deposit without depositing my SSA check directly in a Thai bank? Suggestions?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user seeks advice about living in Thailand for half the year with a retirement visa, specifically if they can bypass the 800,000 baht deposit by not depositing their Social Security check directly into a Thai bank. Several commenters suggest alternatives such as obtaining a Non-OA visa, utilizing tourist visas with extensions, or transferring monthly funds instead of a lump deposit. The conversation also addresses the necessity of maintaining required bank balances and the logistics of visa renewals.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
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Jam *********
Hi guys

Does anyone knows whether the new 60 days visa is permanent or will be renewed by Thai immigration when suitable?
Robert ********
Why would you ever deposit your SS check in a foreign bank ? Have it deposited in US bank and then transfer as needed.

It is all about retaining control of your funds
Andrew ********
Retirement visa requires age 50 and proof of min bank level of 500k from what I have found in their website.

You can visit Thailand on passport for 60days then pay for extension. I'm under the impression for some visas you have to have constant travel to and from.

Also another hint when they say limit on visit if you don't want to pay extension just leave the country and come back. You DO NOT have to return to the states you just have to leave the country to count
James *******
Nope
Piero *************
Keeping one foot in two boats, spending six months in one place and six in another, compromises any relationship. Dividing your time and attention like this often creates distance and instability, making it difficult to build trust and maintain a deep connection. Relationships thrive on presence, consistency, and shared experiences, which are hard to achieve with such a fragmented approach.
Steve *******
Just take each 6 months as they come. It's pretty easy to stay in Thailand for 180 days without tying up your money.
John *******
IAM getting myself a dtv stay at my house in Thailand and travel around Asia from There and back To Europe every year our less 😆
Andreas *********
Dave Anthony . . I am doing this since I turned 50 years old 16 years ago. 6 months Europe and 6 months Thailand

*** On an October 5, I entered Thailand on a 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement visa and got stamped in for 90 days, until January 4th

*** I opened a Thai bank account and transferred 850.000 THB onto it

*** As soon as the money had been seasoned for 2 months, and there were still 2 weeks left on my 90-days stay permit, I went to my bank and had the bank statement issued

*** I took the bank letter, my passport, the required copies and a filled out TM47, and 2900.- THB to Immigration and applied for the “1-year extension of stay permit based on retirement” (EOS) plus a single re-entry permit for this extended stay permit.

*** the fee for the EOS is 1900.- THB, and the re-entry permit costs 1000.- THB

*** the EOS got issued for one year, and I need to apply for a renewed EOS every other year, since. The expiry date of each EOS is always on a January 4th, ensuing that I will be in Thailand on this date

*** the careful choice of the dates has the following advantage:

I can get the bank letter, make the application for the next EOS, a single re-entry permit and make my 90 days report ON THE SAME DAY

*** No headache no worries, no agent needed.

This means one single visit on Immigration (upcountry) which is done & dusted within 20 – 25 minutes!

I will have left Thailand headed to Europe, before the next 90-days report becomes due

It couldn’t be much easier

I don’t care when people say that putting 800.000 THB into a Thai bank account is stupid. I don’t care about the interest I could theoretically earn in my home country.

I look at this deposit as being a kind of “parking fee” for amazing Thailand and also serving as a quickly accessible emergency fund, if needed.

And by the way, my Thai Savings account is earning a 1.25% interest, which is better than nothing
Christopher ********
Just use a long stay multiple entry tourist visa each year. Don’t move your money to Thailand.
Robert *********
I have done that for twenty years .

Multiple entry(important!) tourist visa .

Two months ,one month extension .

Out and back (can same day )

Repeat

6 months .

It make keeping your pensions at home ,travel insurance ,Thai visa easy .

Good luck
Peter **********
I’m not sure what your traveling plans will be but chances are you’ll lose your retirement visa too soon. Not due to money, but due to not being in the country at renewal time.

Anyway, the income method won’t work for you as it must come into your Thai bank, which (I assume) you don’t have. The US embassy won’t give you a statement of your income.

Why don’t you just come on other visa like DTV or something?
Rod ***********
Maybe try Vietnam or Malaysia they welcome people more than Thailand.
Christopher ********
@Rod **********
Malaysia ??? Not really
Jenny ******
You need to show the 800K in a Thai bank every year when you renew your visa.
Brenton ******
@Jenny *****
you also have the option of showing 65,000 baht a month going into your account every month for a year instead of the 800,000 baht. Obviously you have to put the 800,000 in for the first year then start the 65,000 monthly for 12 months so you can show when you do you next 12 month extension
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jenny *****
do you know if can I remove it after the visa is renewed or does it have to remain there?
John **********
@Dave ********
it has to be in your account 2 full months before you apply for an extension, remain there for 3 full months after you receive the extension and can't go below 400k at any point in during the extension
Peter ****************
Maybe ask in Thai Visa Advice group (so without 'land). I thought the 800k฿ for 1st year extension, you need in a Thai bank when you make a non imm O IN Thailand. Not if you already buy it in y'r home country. When you got the year extension, also make a re-entry permit. This you can repeat year after year.
David ***********
I do the same. 6 months uk 6 months thailand previously on METV now on visa exempt. Very simple
John **********
A simple option for you would be to get a Non-OA visa before leaving the States. It's multiple entry so you can come and go as much as you want for the year its valid for and it doesn't require any money in a Thai bank, the only possible downside is it requires insurance
Dave *******
@John *********
we don’t need insurance in U.K. for this last time I looked , must be different in USA, ps standard multi entry visa
Andy ************
@Dave ******
For OA you need insurance
John **********
@Dave ******
the insurance requirement is dependent on the visa type
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dave ******
I’ve got Medicare but it doesn’t work outside the US.
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
I’m 68 and probably can’t get insurance. Thanks
Beverly **********
@Dave ********
AXA has minimum insurance, high deductible and reasonable price. It's basic, but it will do the trick for the OA. Once in Thailand, get a Thai bank account and then work to deposit the 800K baht need for the O visa. The O does NOT require insurance.
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Beverly *********
thanks. I was trying to avoid putting $23,000 in a Thai bank account that doesn’t get an ROI.
Bonnie *********
@Dave ********
It's a small price to pay when you're living in their country. You get to use it for part of the year.
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bonnie ********
it’s pretty much dead money which is probably why the Thais make it a requirement. Current high yield savings accounts in the US are paying 5.5-6% with no minimum or length of time necessary. My 401k is up 20%. I appreciate your response tho
John **********
@Dave ********
the Non-OA is the way to avoid that
Beverly **********
It'll be nice to arrive with about 9K usd waiting for me at the airport haha. Nice moving expense money and safety net.
Beverly **********
@Dave ********
Same here. I came over in 2019 just before the insurance requirement. I opened two different Thai bank accounts, just in case. I chose Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn. I had to come back to the US to earn a bit more money and savings prior to fully retiring, so now I am sending money (via WISE account) into both accounts slowly. Keeping most of my funds stateside until I actually move over on a permanent basis in a few years.
John *********
I live 6 months in Thailand and 6 months in the USA for the past 3 years.

If you have B800k to deposit in your Thai bank account, that is the best way for us. Remember…B65k a month’s times 12 months is B780k, they are both virtually the same, but if you have a problem and need to return to the US for a longer term, it could take months to stop the B65k monthly transfers.

I dd 3 years ago on a Non-O marriage visa. I didn’t know to get a re-entry stamp so my visa was voided when I left Thailand. I learned.

I did last year on a 30 day visa exemption, plus a 30 day extension. Then I applied for a 60 day tourist e-visa while visiting Korea. I arrived in Thailand before I received the tourist visa, so another 30 day visa exemption, then a border run (in Cambodia for 20 minutes) to activate my 60 day tourist visa and a 30 day extension to get me 6 months of Thailand. This worked better than I expected.

Currently I arrived 6 weeks ago on a Non-O marriage visa that I renew soon to get a 1 year extension.

If you don’t look destitute you can game the system a little bit.

Always try to get the correct visa for your situation.

I hope my experience gives you some good ideas.
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John ********
two 60s + 30 seems like the easiest solution. Thanks for the help. Give me a reason to go visit my buddy in Cambodia. I did that for 2 years in 2001-2003. Wasn’t sure it was still workable
Kevin ******
@Dave ********
I think this is the best thing to do in your situation. Go for it!
Bradley *********
@Dave ********
and get a Charles Schwab bank account. No International ATM fees.
Dave *******
@Dave ********
it really is Dave good luck 👍
Jim ************
Regardless what you decide, leave social security direct deposit in US bank
Jessie ******
Steve *******
@Jessie *****
Excellent advice! Taxi for Jessie she's leaving the group!
Linhof *********
@Jessie *****
you had a free gargle
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jessie *****
the whole point of joining a discussion group is to avoid guys that have little or nothing to offer like yourself. I’ve lived in Thailand, I’ve been to Thai consulate site in Los Angeles and it did not answer my specific question
Jessie ******
@Dave ********
most of these answers are crap

And misleading and get a person in a lot of trouble

It's common sense to google it
Stephen ********
@Jessie *****
Duh, what's the point of having a visa advice group if idiots don't like visa questions and recommend Google? 🤔
Erick ********
An optional way - hire a good agent.
Robert *****
Dave. I do that. 6 and 6. Plus or minus a couple weeks. I get 60 days exempt on arrival I hit immigration for extra 30 for 1900 baht. Then I take a bus trip for a day pick up another 60 plus 30. That’s 6 months. No visa, no savings account.
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ****
I lived in PattayA from 2001-2003 and that’s what I did too. Thanks for confirming it’s still workable sounds like best solution. I have a reverse mortgage on my San Diego home. Living here 6 months plus 1 day is a condition of the mortgage
James **********
@Dave ********
try to keep the appearance of a tourist and know that maybe you can get refused,/ told to get a visa sorted by the next time.
Dave *******
@Dave ********
what I did when I went for 6 months ago, really easy just did a trip to Cambodia for a few days, why even bother with hassle when you can do this tbh
Jay ****
Easy. Agent.
Andy ************
@Jay ***
Rubbish. He can live six months each year either on METV or DTV. No point in being scammed by an agent
Paul *******
I think that you need 12 months of deposits. At least 65,000 per month.
Anaya ******************
@Paul ******
that is not true
Andy ************
@Anaya *****************
Actually it is true. I've done it that way for several years
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ******
thank you. That’s what I read. Do you know if it can come from my bank account or does it have to come from SS direct?
Declan **********
@Dave ********
you can't use this method for your first extension as you are from the US and the US embassy do not give income affidavits anymore., Ypu will need to deposit 800k for the first extension. After that extension so long as you've deposited a minimum of 65k per month every month, on your second extension you can utalise the deposit method. (If you get a non-oa which will require 1 year of insurance you will not need an extension for the first year and you can apply the second year utilising the 65k method so long as you meet the requirements and haven't missed a transfer)

The income regardless of 65k p/m or 800k has to show on the bank statement that it is an international transfer. Doesn't matter what bank or whom sent it, so long as it shows on your Thai bank statement it was an international transfer.
Paul *******
@Dave ********
it can come from your bank account.

If I'm wrong I'm sure that I'll be corrected. 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Robert *****
Andy ************
Declan **********
@Andy ***********
if you can't get an income affidavit from your embassy, you can only use the deposit of 65k method after your first extension (utilising the 800k method).
Andy ************
@Declan *********
I didn't do that. I was on OA and started the 65k transfers whilst on that. When I switched to O visa I already had sufficient 65k transfers. Never needed the 800k deal
Declan **********
@Andy ***********
because you were on a non-oa which is one year not 90 days. If you arrive with a non-o (not a non-oa) or apply in country for the conversion your only choices are an income affidavit or 800k transfer for the first year.
Peter **********
@Declan *********
He keeps answering always from his own perspective and always forgets that different people have different situations.

His answer “yes” is correct, provided you are in the same circumstances as he is (which he omitted to add).
Andy ************
@Peter *********
Bottom line is if you have 12 months of 65k international transfers you can obtain a non-O "retirement" visa. Doesn't get much simpler
Declan **********
@Andy ***********
Firstly it's only "doesn't get much simpler" when you give zero context and only base the information you're sharing on what you have been able to do with the visa YOu arrived on... secondly a visa and extension of permission of stay are two entirely different things, you cannot extend a visa.

And again if you arrive in country on a 90 day NON-O (NOT A NON-OA) your only options are 800k, an income affidavit from YOUR embassy or using an agent, the only except to this is if you already have a bank account that you have continued to transfer 65k+ into for over a year (however the vast majority 97%+ are unable or haven't done this, so its a moot point). If you convert to a NON-O in country again your options are the same.

Flatout claiming "it doesn't get much simpler" while negating and ignoring all information and variables is a fallacy at best, and completely delusional at worst...
Jim ********
@Declan *********
Actually what
@Andy ***********
is saying is totally correct. I did exactly the same. Enter on a non-OA and build the 65k transfers. I bought the insurance, then cancelled it after a month (getting 11 months refund) and got a bank account on the back of the OA and started the 65k transfers. I then did an out/in, coming back on 30 day exemption, applied for the 90-day visa, accepted with my record of 65k transfers, and three months later breezed in with the 12 month visa extension. It's the best way to avoid the ridiculous 800k scenario without grovelling to an agent who will charge
*****
every year
Andy ************
@Declan *********
Bottom line is it worked for me, so others can do it. By the way, an extension is actually a visa extension
Declan **********
@Andy ***********
ohhh, yet again here you are completely ignoring everything I've said... You are obviously one of those with the reading comprehension of sliced bread... You do you though matey, you clearly know everything there is to know.

P.s It's fucking hilarious your 2 or 3 years here has given you soooo much knowledge and experience in everything immigration wise that you're so knowledgeable that when it comes to discerning the difference between the visas and their requirements for extension isnt required or the difference between a visa and permission for extension of stay 🤦‍♂️🤣
Andy ************
@Declan *********
Over 15 years here, but I can see from your name you're of Irish heritage which explains a lot. It's a visa extension no matter how you try to bs your way out of it. You have a visa and when it expires you EXTEND it. Pretty simple huh? 😂😂😂
Declan **********
@Andy ***********
15 years yet you don't know the difference between a Non-O and a Non-OA, 15 years and you think the requirements are the same 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️.

If you really believe an extension of stay is an extension of your visa or that the Non-O and Non-OA are the same you really should go talk to some of the group experts like Jan or Brandon, or better yet... Go have a conversation with immigration
Andy ************
@Declan *********
Hey, I've got a good one for you! What's got an IQ of 144?

Yep!

You've got it!

A gross of Irishmen!

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Andy ************
@Declan *********
Yep. From immigration. Everything is "Visa Extension" but I guess the Paddy knows better than Thai Immigration? Excuse me whilst I ROFL! 😂😂😂😂
Peter **********
@Andy ***********
Sure, but he doesn’t, so it’s irrelevant.
Andy ************
@Peter *********
My post was in relation to an earlier post which asked the question
Peter **********
@Andy ***********
That’s great, but still irrelevant because you can’t put money in a bank account when you don’t have one. The whole 65k per month discussion is completely irrelevant.
Andy ************
@Peter *********
So why don't you have a shot at
@Paul ******
who brought it up instead of getting on my back? Sheesh! 😂😂😂
Peter **********
@Andy ***********
🤣🤣🤣
Andy ************
Declan **********
@Peter *********
this is a massive problem in both the Thai visa groups. A lot of people either have the reading comprehension of sliced bread or just give a half arsed answer based with zero context or useful information, then get snobby or pissy when someone comes in with actual context and information that can be utilised by everyone. (I give
@An**
props though for not getting pissy or snobby)
Peter **********
@Declan *********
Yep. I too often see that in the tax group as well. When someone asks a question about paying tax in Thailand lots of people jump in with irrelevant answers based on their own situation. It causes much energy to correct that and disclose the assumptions which people made.
Andy ************
@Peter *********
Yep. And the worst ones are those that continually peddle the cr*p about EVERYONE must get a Tax ID. They don't have a clue
Robert *****
@Andy ***********
I heard that’s after the first year. But I may be wrong sir.
Christopher *************
@Robert ****
but you need to keep the 800k in bank and transfer 65k plus for 12 months as well then after visa renewal you can withdraw 800k
Christopher *************
@Robert ****
correct
Andy ************
@Robert ****
Provided you have 12 x 65k transfers you meet the criteria
Martin *******
Check out the DTV visa. Multiple entry visa for 5 years. It gives you 180 days on each entry.
Jam *********
@Martin ******
At what cost?
Martin *******
@Jam ********
check with the Thai embassy in your country or online here:

*************************************
Willem ****
@Martin ******
Be aware that is a tourist visa. With all its downsides
Dave *******
@Willem ***
like what downsides
Willem ****
Dave Flago

Numerous.

Just a few; 1. hard to open bankaccount. And yes some say they managed it. Nothing is 100% in Thailand.

2. Only a 2 year driving license. Those who had a 5 years license go back to 2 year at next renewal. 2 years license is not accepted in many places to show ID. Its a temporary license.

3. In any situation you are dealt with as a tourist. I could come back in Thailand in covid time on a non o more quickly then tourists.

And there are more issues. We not even know the future of DTV because of the many obvious frauds concerning obtaining a DTV.

Thai governement is aware of this.

Get a visa that meets your purpuse. Retired and longstay wish. Get a Non O.

Digital nomad or going on a longer training/medical treatment get a DTV.
Martin *******
@Willem ***
yes it might have some limitations. But then again if you're here 6 month at a time, do you really need a driver's license for example? Just get an international driver's permit in your home country. Bank account is probably the trickiest one, you might need an agent.
Philip *******
@Martin ******
for 6 mths you really don't need bank accounts unless you want to access large amounts here if it just rent and living expenses it not much per month
Willem ****
Martin Abele

IDP is only valid for 3 months. The Thai driving license is much more then just the driving license

Obviously you are not a longstayer. Those who live here know its value.
Martin *******
@Willem ***
That's not accurate as far as I know. The validity depends on the country that issued the IDP. Mine was 3 years. Thailand says that for long-term stay, you need to change it to a Thai license. With a non-O you're certainly in that category as it is a long-stay visa. A DTV is in the category of tourist visa, not sure how this will be handled.
Willem ****
@Martin ******
Its only allowed to drive 3 months on a IDP in Thailand. After 3 months you must get a national drivinglicense.
Willem ****
In Thailand, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is valid for driving for up to 90 days from the date of entry for tourists. After this period, visitors must either obtain a Thai driving licence or exit and re-enter the country to reset their 90-day allowance
Paul **********
@Willem ***
all meaningless
Willem ****
@Paul *********
You really understand it. Cheers
Paul **********
@Willem ***
all to well mate
Dave *******
@Willem ***
one easy to get bank account through agent , done ✔️ two don’t need dvt, do metv or 60 days plus extended 30days immagration , then hope across to another country then same again as above . 3 plenty dint need driving license
Willem ****
@Dave ******
Up to you. Cheers
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