Can I convert my tourist visa to a Non Immigrant O visa based on retirement while in Thailand?

Non Immigrant O Visa Tourist Visa Visa Conversion Retirement Visa Thai Immigration Rules Visa Fee Health Insurance Requirements

Sep 13, 2021

3 years ago

Kim ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Sorry everyone but muddled and just want to be clear.  Can I enter Thailand on a tourist visa, deposit 800k in the bank and before my tourist visa expires convert to a Non Immigrant O based on retirement? Aside from the 800k in bank do I need Thai health insurance or other papers? The visa should be 1900 right? Sorry if asked alot before.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Yes, you can enter Thailand on a tourist visa, deposit 800,000 THB in the bank, and convert to a Non Immigrant O visa based on retirement before your tourist visa expires, provided your local immigration office permits it. You need at least 15 days left on your tourist visa to facilitate the conversion. The initial step involves obtaining a zero-entry Non-O visa at your local immigration office for a fee of 2,000 THB, followed by applying for a one-year extension costing 1,900 THB. There is no health insurance requirement for the Non-O visa.

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.
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Garrett ***********

If you're already in Thailand you absolutely can transition to a Non-O without leaving. ONLY the Non-OA (which is a different visa, 1 year multiple entry) has to be obtained from outside of Thailand. Also, the Non-O does not have a health insurance requirement.

3 years ago

Lee ************************

Apply in Thailand initial ly youl get a 90 day then after go for the 1 year O

3 years ago

Kim ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Lee ***********************

thank you. Seems like husband and I both need 800 k. We're both foreigners

3 years ago

Lee ************************

@Kim *******

yeah you will do

3 years ago

Reply to

Lee ************************

Benjamin ******

>an I enter Thailand on a tourist visa, deposit 800k in the bank and before my tourist visa expires convert to a Non Immigrant O based on retirement?

Yes you can, if your immigration office is willing. MAKE SURE you have AT LEAST 15 days remaining on your existing "admitted to" stamp to allow the conversion to happen.

You will be BUYING a "zero-entry" Non-O visa based on retirement at the local immigration office. The cost is 2,000 THB. When there is 45 days (30 days for some immigration offices) remaining on the "zero-entry" Non-O visa, you can get a one year extension of stay based on retirement. That will cost 1,900 THB.

3 years ago

Kim ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Benjamin *****

thanks. Can my spouse who is also a foreigner over 50 piggy back off my 800 K? Also will need insurance and no criminal record cert do you know? Big thanks

3 years ago

Keith ********

@Kim *******

my wife piggybacked on my retirement visa for the past 10+ years, it expired last August.

3 years ago

Benjamin ******

@Kim *******

To my knowledge, Thai immigration is NOT selling a "Non-O visa based on being a trailing spouse for someone who is retired". She will need to meet her own requirements, including the 800K THB, and criminal record.

Medical Insurance is NOT required for an in-country Non-O visa.

3 years ago

Kim ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

David Broadfoot seems a bit conflicting information. I will go to Hua Hin immigration. As said all funds are in HK. My existing OA expires and cos I screwed up health insurance so they're saying I have to exit and reapply or have 2 months funds in Thailand bank which we don't have. I have to go to UK for personal reasons for a month or so and then come back. Hence all the questions.

3 years ago

Reply to

Kim ********

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Can I convert a tourist visa to a Non-Immigrant O visa in Thailand by meeting financial requirements?

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