Can I convert a 30-day visa exemption to an O visa in Chiang Mai within two weeks?

30-day visa exemption O visa Chiang Mai bank account requirements Thai retirement visa visa processing time immigration agents

Oct 9, 2023

a year ago

Richard ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

On my last visit to Chiang Mai, I who am a 66 year old US citizen opened a bank account with 800k baht and bought a condo with a blue book. I’d like to visit CM with my US passport on a 30 day visa exemption, then convert to O visa in CM within a couple of weeks, before leaving CM. I’ve been told this would take 2 or 3 months or so since there are many milestones to reach. Can it be done in a couple of weeks? Is there an agent that can assist in getting it done so quickly?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A US citizen plans to visit Chiang Mai with a 30-day visa exemption and wishes to convert to a NON-O visa within a couple of weeks. However, experts suggest this is not feasible due to the necessary requirements and processing time. Proper documentation from a Thai bank account showing funds sourced from abroad is required, and even with an agent, the process could take longer than 30 days.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

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Kool *******

You are being mislead. If you can show that the bt800,000 in your Thai bank account came directly from an overseas source by direct deposit then as soon as you have the two letters from your bank stating the account is your, and in your name only, and the other letter showing where the deposit came from, and the balance, you can apply for your 90 day type O visa based on retirement. When you have less than 45 days left on that stamp you can apply for your one year extension. That is the time frame it will take, and can't be done in just 30 days, not even with an agent.

a year ago

Andreas *********

@Kool ******

it can be done with a visa-exempt plus ONE 30 days extension, for sure. It's tight ended, but it is possible

a year ago

Kool *******

@Andreas ********

it can be done with just one exempt entry, with no extension, in his case, as he already has the baht in his bank account. He gets a 90 day type O extension first for bt2000, then, because he is in CM, he has to wait until he has less than 45 days left of the 90 day stamp in order to apply for his 1 year extension. Do not overlook the fact he already has his bank account, and money, so can apply right away for the first part. The money is already in his account.

a year ago

Andreas *********

@Kool ******

well, then all he needs is a proof the money came from abroad, and a minimum of 15 workdays left on his "admitted stay" stamp in order to be allowed the application for the change. Plus a completed TM30, plus a rental contract . . . .

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/9.FOR-RETIREMENT-PURPOSES-50-YEARS-OLD-NON-O.pdf

a year ago

Reply to

Andreas *********

@Kool ******

allow me a small correction: there is no seasoning required for the 800.000.-THB when applying for the 90-days visa. However a 2 months seasoning is required when you apply for the change from the visa to the 1-year Extension of Stay

a year ago

Reply to

Andreas *********

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Can I change my visa to a retirement non-O visa upon arrival in Bangkok without a prior visa?

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