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Can I convert my tourist visa to a 90 Day Non-O Visa upon arrival in Thailand?
Non-O VisaThailand Visa RulesTourist VisaRetirement VisaBank Account RequirementsVisa Application Process
Nov 19, 2025
5 months ago
Mick *********
ORIGINAL POSTERIs 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?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster is unsure whether it's possible to convert a tourist visa into a 90 Day Non-O Visa after arriving in Thailand. Comments clarify that tourists are not eligible to open bank accounts, which is necessary for applying for a Non-O Visa related to retirement. It is recommended to apply for the Non-O Visa online through a Thai embassy before traveling. The application can be complex as it may involve specific requirements such as proving financial means with a Thai bank account.
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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)
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.Graham ******
@Cissi ********
The OP planned to get an in country Non-O then open a bank account to get get the extension, never possible ;)Cissi *********
@Graham *****
I got that and I agree. I misinterpreted what you wrote above. 😉Reply to
Cissi *********
Reply
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.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.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).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).Reply to
Rich *********
Reply
Ulrik *************
A visa is applied in Your home country
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.
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 EmbassyBrandon ************
@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.Mick *********
ORIGINAL POSTERThank you for your response.
Reply to
Mick *********
Reply
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 VisaReply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
John *********
@Brandon ***********
I concur, hindsight and all that, I'm in trouble out here potentiallyMick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John ********
sorry to hear that. Yes I'm feeling very cautious about getting this wrong given what I'm reading online.Reply to
Mick *********
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