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Can I change my tourist visa to a Non-O retirement visa in Bangkok or must I visit my local immigration office?
Visa ChangeNon-O Retirement VisaTourist VisaThai Immigration ProcessBank Account RequirementsExpats in ThailandNonthaburi Immigration Office
Aug 20, 2025
8 months ago
Pete ******
ORIGINAL POSTERI am trying to change my tourist visa to a non-o retirement visa.. I live in Nonthaburi but was going to try Bangkok, has anyone done this? I will be a walk-in appointment since there are no appointment’s available online.
How long was the wait to see immigration officer in Bangkok?
How long was the wait to see immigration officer in Bangkok?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion addresses the process of changing a tourist visa to a Non-O retirement visa in Thailand. The consensus is that applicants must visit their local immigration office, in this case, Nonthaburi, rather than choosing another location like Bangkok. Key points include the necessity of having a Thai bank account with a minimum balance of 800,000 THB for at least two months before applying for the visa extension. Various comments also highlight the complications regarding bank account requirements and suggestions for using visa agents if necessary.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Ossie *********
You need to get a 90 day non O visa from a thai embassy or consulate outside of Thailand this will allow you to open a Thai bank account and get a 1 year extension if you don’t use an agent you need to have 800k in a thai bank account for two months prior to applying
Ant ***********
Do you have a Thai bank acc
With the required 800K
If not
You will need to use an agent
With the required 800K
If not
You will need to use an agent
@THAI *****************************
Pete ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ant **********
guess it’s time to move some money into liquid :(Pete ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ant **********
I do not, I can’t open bank account without visaAnt ***********
@Pete *****
Fair enoughYou will need to contact
@THAI *****************************
and ask the process It is possible for them to do
They have all the contacts
But it’s not cheap
Pete ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ant **********
I really hate paying someone for something I should be able to do some of these companies want a small fortune to provide services that should be free.Brandon ************
@Pete *****
if you want to do it yourself then you have to do it the official way. Which means leaving Thailand and applying online for a Thai visa. They DO NOT require a Thai bank account. They just require a bank statement from your bank anywherePete ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
thank you , I think I can show my 401k retirement account as proof of funds when I have to leave the country and come back on the non-o visaBrandon ************
@Pete *****
you cannot. It has to be liquid funds available in a bank account, not a retirement account.Pete ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
why would anyone have 25 k in a bank account . I get 10% on my moneyBrandon ************
@Pete *****
You're going to have to have 25k in your Thai bank account getting almost no interest too if you want to get an extension in Thailand. So yes, it has to be in a bank account. What that requires and what you miss out on is on you. Thailand doesn't care.Pete ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
it is liquid, I am retired and over 59 ***
..Ant ***********
@Pete *****
It’s very frustrating at the moment , There are steps that ( 6 months ago ) we could do ourselves in Thailand , But now we can’t . The alternatives are pay here for the whole process …..or go out of Thailand & come back on tourist Visa or
Apply on Thai Embassy website for a 6 Multi Entry tourist Visa .
Paying for the whole thing here ensures you get a Thai Bank Acc
Reply to
Ant ***********
Reply
Jan **********
You have to go in the province you're registered at, Nonthaburi.
Pete ******
ORIGINAL POSTERIt is my understanding that I can get a 90 Non-o visa without bank account .. I will have to open bank account once I have visa and let money sit for 2 months before getting extension to 1 year
I have all required paperwork less bank account in Thailand. I am bringing copies of my USA bank to show funds are available to transfer
I have all required paperwork less bank account in Thailand. I am bringing copies of my USA bank to show funds are available to transfer
Brandon ************
@Pete *****
your understanding is wrong. Immigration in Thailand doesn't accept foreign bank accounts for anything. Only embassies accept those. Everything at immigration is Thai bank account. You'll have to leave Thailand and apply for the non-O at an embassy.Pete ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
I tried that in Laos and now the application is online and they require a ton of information including a Thai bank account with proof of funds on applicationNongnuch ********
@Pete *****
no, the Thai embassy in Laos would accept you upload a 3-months bank statement showing a minimum of equivalent in USD of 800,000 THB in your home bank account. For the application to the initial visa, you can show funds in your home bank account. It's for the application to the 1-year extension on Immigration that needs a minimum of 800,000 THB sitting in a Thai bank account (on day of application since 2 months)Reply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Max *************
@Pete *****
You have gotten it right except for the 90 days Non-O. You need to apply for it back home. You need to submit a TM30 at your immigration office and when it's time to open a bank account, you need a residence certificate from immigration.Kim **********
@Pete *****
only outside Thailand. You cannot do it inside Thailand without a Bangkok account.Reply to
Kim **********
Reply
Muji *****
You can get a queue number and wait for the process. If you have all the necessary documents, it can take 3-4 hours.
If you live in Nonthaburi, you'll need to do it there.
But if you want to use a Bangkok agent, I have a suggestion.
If you live in Nonthaburi, you'll need to do it there.
But if you want to use a Bangkok agent, I have a suggestion.
Jesper *******
Don't waste your time visiting immigration office if you do not already have a thai bank acct.....if you do have a thai bank acct u can apply for the nonO 90days at the immigration nearest to your TM30.....beware u need to have more than 15days on your current stamp to apply
Stuart ***********
Have you got a Thai bank account?
If not, why do you want to see an immigration officer as that is going to be the first thing you need. You can get a list of your local immigration office requirements to apply for the non-O without making an appointment, just ask at the front desk.
If not, why do you want to see an immigration officer as that is going to be the first thing you need. You can get a list of your local immigration office requirements to apply for the non-O without making an appointment, just ask at the front desk.
Brandon ************
You can't just choose any immigration office you want. You must use the immigration office where you live. If you live in Nonthaburi, then you must use the immigration office in Nonthaburi, and you must have proof of your address in that province.
Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
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