This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

Can I convert a 30-day tourist visa to a retirement visa in Thailand without leaving the country?

Retirement visa Thailand visa rules Non-O visa Tourist visa Visa conversion Immigration procedures

Mar 31, 2022

4 years ago

Thomas ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi.

I'd appreciate some advice in the below.

I live in Thailand and have a valid retirement visa.

I need to leave Thailand for a couple of months for personal reasons during which time my retirement visa will expire.

2 questions

1. Rather than applying for a new retirement visa at an Embassy outside of Thailand, 

is it possible to return to Thailand on a 30 day tourist visa and then have this converted into a new retirement visa at Chaengwattana Immigration? 

2. If yes,  can I do this in Thailand upon my return without thereafter having to leave the country as part of the retirement visa issuance process?

1,075

views

all likes

replies

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The user seeks advice on whether they can return to Thailand on a 30-day tourist visa and then convert it into a retirement visa (Non-O) while residing in the country. Two commenters confirm that this is possible, stating that the user can apply for the Non-O visa in Thailand without needing to leave for the issuance process. However, it's highlighted that one of the requirements is a significant bank transfer into a Thai bank, and clarification on historical transfers may be needed.

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.

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted Retirement Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

John **********

Be aware part of the requirements for an in country Non-O visa are that you are able to show 800k being transferred into a Thai bank from overseas. I'm not clear if a historical transfer (assuming you're even able to show one) is acceptable. Perhaps

@Ellie ******

might know?

4 years ago

Thomas ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

Thanks. Yes important point.

4 years ago

Ellie *******

@John *********

As long as he can get the bank record of 'old' international transfer, he can use it. (There is no maximum limit on how old the international transfer has to be)

4 years ago

Reply to

Ellie *******

1 - yes, you can apply in-country Non-O once you entered Thailand on the visa-exempt scheme.

2 - yes, you can apply for an initial in-country Non-O visa and following 1-year extension without leaving Thailand

4 years ago

Thomas ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ellie ******

Thanks, that's good to hear.

4 years ago

Charles *************

@Ellie ******

thank you I plan to retire in Thailand next June and I was not sure if I could come on visa exempt scheme and then apply or not. And yes I will have money in bank 90 days before I apply. Thanks again

4 years ago

Reply to

Charles *************

Thai Visa Advice

... members · 40% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.

Join the Group

Thai Visa Advice

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice

Can I convert my work extension of stay to a retirement extension in Thailand without leaving the country?

11 comments