Answered8 years ago
Can I convert a 60-day tourist visa to a non-O retirement visa in Thailand without seasoning my funds?
So I’m seeing conflicting advice–I’m applying to convert 60 day tourist visa from USA to non-O retirement at Chaengwattana. I’ve had the ฿800K in Thai bank for just a few days. It’s been in us bank prior. My visa expires 13 December, I’ve booked r/t flight to Hong Kong for around 11-15 December. Can I apply for non O now or do I need to wait till money seasoned 60 days-either apply fir another tourist visa in HK or get visa exemption when I return from HK?
Answer summary
The individual is seeking guidance on converting a 60-day tourist visa to a non-O retirement visa at the Chaengwattana Immigration Office in Thailand. They have concerns regarding the seasoning requirement for a recent deposit of ฿800K in a Thai bank account, which was previously held in a US bank. There is conflicting advice on whether the funds must be seasoned for 60 days before applying for the non-O visa or if they can proceed with the application now, given they have proof of the transfer. Some comments suggest that seasoning applies primarily for the extension of stay, not for the initial application.
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Ross ********
Good thing you aren't in Surin...they won't convert a tourist visa into a non O
Tod *********
@Steve ******
That was when both Buriram AND Surin shared the same immigration office at Kap Choen. Unfortunately now since they split them apart Surin can't do conversions and sends you to get a 90 day Non-O in another country.Steve *******
@Ro**
. Really? I had friend who did that in Surin, however it was about 3 years ago.Steve *******
You can apply now. The money doesnt need to be seasoned for the non imm O in Thailand, you just need proof it was transferred from abroad. Seasoning is for the extention of stay
Gregor **********
OK,
@Steve ******
so far this is understood . . thanxxs a lot for your always excellent adviceSteve *******
@Gregor *********
. You can apply for a non imm visa in Thailand when entering on a tourist visa, NOT a yearly extention of stay. The benefits of applying for the non imm O visa outside of Thailand are that the requirements are a lot less.Gregor **********
. . . . . .and Robert Lagas said that with a tourist visa one can start apply for an extension of stay at every Immigration? Now let's start a discussion, why should we apply for a Non-Imm in our home country when you can do the extension out of an SETV? . . . . . . . . . . . . I quote Robert: . "Every visa, with exeption of the Visa on Arrival can be used to apply for an Extension of Stay, but the requirements differ on every visa" . . . . . . . Mr. Lagas, are you working towards Montezuma's revenge tonight? 🤣 . .are you drinking?
Steve *******
Gregor Huettner I think most will do it, as I posted before a friend of mine did it in Surin but that was a couple of years ago, someone posted that Surin wont do it now. I can only go on what people say.
Gregor **********
I presume that many other offices won't do it, either. At least one needs to visit them and ask beforehand and doesn't take it for given
Steve *******
@Gregor *********
Apparently someone posted that Surin wont do it.Steve *******
@Gregor *********
Yes, if you meet the requirements most imm offices will do itGregor **********
Robert Lagas I thought only Bangkok Immigration allows conversions and issueing a Non-Imm-O ? You say other local immigration offices do it, too?
Steve *******
@Rob***
But in 'most cases', as Ken said, it's obtained outside of ThailandRobert *******
Every visa, with exeption of the Visa on Arrival can be used to apply for an Extension of Stay, but the requirements differ on every visa
Robert *******
No, you can get the Non Immigrant O visa at Thai Consulate or Ambassy or at your local Immigration Office if you have a Visa Exempt Entry or Tourist Visa.
Steve *******
Ken Adams Yep
Steve *******
Ken Adams A single entry non imm O will give you a 90 day entry, as will a multiple entry non imm O, however the mulitple entry will be valid for 1 year of 90 day entries
Robert *******
Ken Adams Nearly, the Non O Visa should give you 90 days of stay.
Steve *******
Ken Adams The Non imm O is a visa, the extention of stay is exactly what it says, an extention of stay
Robert *******
Ken Adams Just take a look, not only the looks are different also the requirements, rules and regulations.
Gregor **********
Ken Adams the Non-Imm-O is a visa which allows you to enter Thailand and within the given time frame it allows you to apply for the "extension" which in fact is not a visa but an "Extension Of The Permit Of Stay based on Retirement or Marriage or Other (as in "O"). When you enter Thailand with a Non-Imm-O it will be marked for being valid for the specific time and you need a Re-Entry Permit to keep it alive should you travel abroad within the validity of this visa. Once you did your extension the Non-Imm-O visa is void and marked "used"
Steve *******
Ken Adams No, they're not the same thing
Robert ********
Ok, I stand corrected, thanks Steve....
Robert ********
IF you apply in Thailand, the funds must be seasoned in Thailand.
Robert **********
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