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Can I convert my tourist visa to a 90 Day Non-O Visa upon arrival in Thailand?

Thai Visa Rules Non-O Visa Tourist Visa Bank Account Requirements Retirement Visa Visa Application Process

Nov 19, 2025

a day ago

Mick *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Is this information correct to or is it just with Bangkok Bank? I was going to arrive on 7th December on tourist visa, exchange for 90 Day Non-O Visa, open bank account and apply for retirement visa. Is this not now possible?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The participant was initially unclear whether they could convert a tourist visa to a Non-O visa after arriving in Thailand. However, comments clarified that tourists are generally not eligible to open a Thai bank account, which is necessary for applying for a Non-O visa based on retirement. It was recommended to apply for the Non-O visa online through the Thai embassy before traveling and that the correct visa type can be found on the Thai e-visa website. Users emphasized that converting a tourist visa to a Non-O is not feasible without meeting certain banking requirements.

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Graham ******

This has never been possible since a conversion from a tourist entry stamp to a Non-O based on retirement requires a Thai bank account with 800k (this is not just a requirement for the extension)

19 hours ago

Cissi *********

@Graham *****

well, it has been possible - earlier you could "shop around" different banks and branches and find some that opened accounts even to those who didn't have a longterm visa... That door is now closed.

14 hours ago

Graham ******

@Cissi ********

The OP planned to get an in country Non-O then open a bank account to get get the extension, never possible ;)

14 hours ago

Cissi *********

@Graham *****

I got that and I agree. I misinterpreted what you wrote above. 😉

11 hours ago

Reply to

Cissi *********

Fraser **********

21 hours ago

Rich *********

This was also my plan, because I didn't see any way to apply for the correct non-O visa in advance of travel, but members of this group set me straight! You can get the non-O online, but it's hidden/unlabeled on the Thai e-visa site,

*****************************

Under Purpose of Visit, Visa Type, choose "Non-Immigrant Visa". Then under Purpose of Visit, choose "Retirement (pensioner aged 50 or above with state pension who wishes to stay in Thailand for no longer than 90 days)". THAT's the non-O visa. Ignore the confusing "state pension" and "no longer than 90 days" verbiage - that's the non-O visa you need, then you can apply for extension after you arrive and open a bank account.

a day ago

Mick *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Rich ********

Thank you. I was informed by two friends who reside in Thailand that this was possible however I know things have changed.

a day ago

Cissi *********

@Mick ********

it hasn't changed. Converting a tourist entry to a Non-O inside Thailand has always required money on a Thai Bank account. Your friends had probably opened bank accounts on previous visas or even as tourists when that was still possible. It is the banks that has changed (not the requirements or process to convert to a Non-O visa).

15 hours ago

Rich *********

@Mi**

, good luck. I see you mentioned a medical certificate in a different comment, but that's not required for the non-O, only for the non-OA or non-OX. For the non-O online visa application (before you travel to Thailand), you just submit proof of adequate funds and proof of current residence (like a driver's license with your address on it).

21 hours ago

Reply to

Rich *********

Ulrik *************

A visa is applied in Your home country

a day ago

Brandon ************

Tourists are not eligible for bank accounts. Get the non-O online from a Thai embassy BEFORE you travel. That's how it's meant to be done.

a day ago

Mick *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

thank you. I was originally going to apply for a retirement visa before I came to Thailand but my GP wouldn't sign a medical certificate and said I need to see a private doctor but wouldn't tell me who. So I talked with a couple of friends who have a Retirement Visa and they told me to do it in Thailand, which was how they got theirs. I was following there instruction but obviously this doesn't work now. So my question is this: If I apply for a Retirement Visa in the UK and I am in Thailand when I receive it (because I've already booked flights and accommodation so will as holiday at worst) will I be able to switch to the Retirement Visa by presenting at Immigration? would I need to leave and re-enter the country? or would me being in the country at the time I receive the vis from Thai Embassy in UK invalidate the Retirement Visa or put me in breach of immigration law? I hope you can shed some light on this as I keep getting cut off from a phone call with the Thai Embassy

21 hours ago

Brandon ************

@Mick ********

Then you were applying for the wrong visa if you needed a signature from your doctor. Only the 1-year non-OA visa needs that. What you want is the 90 day non-O visa that doesn't require insurance, a medical certificate, a background check, or any of that stuff. And no, you would not be able to switch to a retirement visa by presenting it to anyone except passport control as you enter Thailand.

20 hours ago

Mick *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you for your response.

17 hours ago

Reply to

Mick *********

Nongnuch ********

@Mick ********

you don't need a health insurance and a doctor's certificate for applying to a 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa. You have been looking at the wrong visa - the mandatory health insurance is only needed when applying for the 365-days Non-Imm-O/A Longstay Visa

21 hours ago

Reply to

Nongnuch ********

John *********

@Brandon ***********

I concur, hindsight and all that, I'm in trouble out here potentially

a day ago

Mick *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John ********

sorry to hear that. Yes I'm feeling very cautious about getting this wrong given what I'm reading online.

a day ago