Answered5 years ago
Can I enter Thailand on a 30-day stamp and apply for a retirement or marriage visa later?
On the Thailand pass rules will i be able to enter on the 30 days they stamp u in on entry then get a new retirement visa after im in Thailand. i had a retirement visa and re entry permit that ran out. Im a uk citizen married to a Thai so is marriage visa also possible? just trying to make sure im on the right path.
Answer summary
The message discusses the ability to enter Thailand with a 30-day entry stamp, following which the author inquires about transitioning to a retirement visa after previously holding one. Comments clarify that it's possible to apply for a NON-O visa based on marriage or retirement while in Thailand, highlighting specific financial requirements. There are complications mentioned regarding the transfer of funds for retirement visas versus marriage visas, as well as the procedural differences between applying for these visas in Thailand versus abroad.
42 repliesnewest first
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Steve *******
You're much better off applying for the Non Imm O visa before you leave the UK.
Jonas *************
Just to be clear immigration .... bangkok ... com is NOT the Bangkok immigration website .
And as had been implied there isn't really a thai retirement visa (possibly o-a, but like o-visa it says "for retirement")
"Thailand retirement visa is the popular term for "Extension of Stay Based on Retirement”. It is an extension of a Non-Immigrant O Visa or Non-Immigrant OA Visa."
This is the real immigration site with authentic Thai English
And as had been implied there isn't really a thai retirement visa (possibly o-a, but like o-visa it says "for retirement")
"Thailand retirement visa is the popular term for "Extension of Stay Based on Retirement”. It is an extension of a Non-Immigrant O Visa or Non-Immigrant OA Visa."
This is the real immigration site with authentic Thai English
*********************************************
Steve *******
@Jo***
Thanks for clearing that up. Perhaps now @Jim *****
might actually understand the O and OA visas 😂Jim ******
@Steve ******
Suggest you follow this link if you need further clarification. A Thai retirement visa is available for foreign nationals over 50 years of age who wish to retire in Thailand. This visa can be applied for in Thailand or while overseas, at a Royal Thai Embassy or Royal Thai Consulate. ... When applied for outside of Thailand it is known as a Non-Immigrant OA-Long Stay Visa.****************************************************************
%20Thai%20retirement%20visa%20is,Embassy%20or%20Royal%20Thai%20Consulate.&text=When%20applied%20for%20outside%20of,Immigrant%20OA%2DLong%20Stay%20Visa.Thai Retirement Visa - Immigration Bangkok
Steve *******
@Jim *****
The Non Imm O visa which the OP wants, is also known as a 'retirement visa'. Like I said the Non Imm O visa IS available OUTSIDE Thailand, however, YOU claimed it was only available in Thailand. You're confused, the OA and O visa are two different animals.Jim ******
@Steve ******
Whatever!Steve *******
@Jim *****
Yes, There are 2 'retirement visas', a Non Imm O visa and a Non Imm OA visa. The O is available at any Thai Embassy, the OA is only available in your own country.Jim ******
@Steve ******
Mate, just do your homework, the original post referred to a retirement visa?Jim ******
@Steve ******
Not in my experience of the O and OA “retirement visa” and to quote:-“In fact, there is a distinction being made by some between an O-A (which is supposedly only issued at an embassy or consulate outside of Thailand) and an O visa extension based upon retirement (which is supposedly only issued in Thailand)”.
Steve *******
@Jim *****
Who wrote that drivel? 'Supposedly' being the operative word!Jim ******
@Steve ******
It’s a cut and paste from the Bangkok Post and the author is:-Author: Benjamin W. Hart, Managing Director, Integrity Legal (Thailand) Co. Ltd.
Email:
****************
and ****************
He is probably a bit more qualified than you, methinks?
Jim ******
@Steve ******
The O visa can ONLY be applied for in Thailand. Steve *******
@Jim *****
Totally wrong. You can apply in your home country/any country for the Non Imm O based on being over 50, marriage, dependancy or volunteering.
Terry **********
@Steve ******
do you mean NON OA visa before leaving UK?Steve *******
@Terry *********
FFS! Non Imm O. Try reading my comment again.Terry **********
@Steve ******
ffs chill ya beans 🤣🤣Steve *******
@Terry *********
Non Imm O. Much easier in the UK. You cant get the OA in Thailand.Terry **********
@Steve ******
that's what I mean. You can only apply for NON OA in UK
Peter *********
Yes
Stuart *********
Sorry didn’t see the “retirement” earlier. If you go that route funds for the conversion (800k) must be seen to have been transferred from abroad. “Marriage” option requires 400k, but no requirement to see the source.
Frédéric ******************
@Stuart ********
His re-entry being lost because of the COVID crisis, I assume that his seasoned funds are already in a Thai bank and it may be that the immigration in its kindness will consider this unwanted situation by not insisting about the transfer.Stuart *********
@Frédéric ****************
if he chooses retirement over marriage then it could be an issue, but you are correct that the immigration office may “overlook” the requirement for an overseas transfer. Unfortunately that’s like a flip a coin situation. Stuart *********
@Tod ********
well the officers and supervisor at Phuket immigration weren’t aware of that point either. Gladly no one seems to have informed them of that snippet 
Tod *********
@Stuart ********
your son CAN be fined for late 90 day reporting, just not overstay. Two completely different things AND once you do start doing 90 day reports for kids and you stop you will be fined if you do one late after that Stuart *********
@Frédéric ****************
had a recent incident with a late 90 day report for my son. Was offered a deal to pay 1,000 baht rather than the normal 2,000 baht. He was really pissed when I pointed out my son was 12 and therefore couldn’t be fined. Frédéric ******************
@Stuart ********
If they are the one proposing. But never at your initiative, it can hit you like a boomerang.Stuart *********
@Frédéric ****************
Tea money may help too. Not a suggestion, just an observation. Frédéric ******************
@Stuart ********
of course, but cunningly playing with their karma to attract their empathy worked many times for me when dealing with Thai authorities. This is the reward of living in a Buddhist country.Stuart *********
We don’t really know the ThailandPass rules yet, but that’s just an entry procedure. Entering on a visa exempt or tourist visa you should be able to convert to a in country non O visa based on marriage (if the immigration office you use sells them - most do). You’ll normally need at least 15 days (21 in Chiang Mai) in order to convert. Cost is 2,000 baht. You’ll need to meet the financial requirements of money in a Thai bank in your name only.
Alternatively you can apply for the Non O before you travel and that will give you 90 days on entry. When that’s winding down you apply for the year extension. Again you’ll need to meet the financial requirements.
Alternatively you can apply for the Non O before you travel and that will give you 90 days on entry. When that’s winding down you apply for the year extension. Again you’ll need to meet the financial requirements.
William ********
OPthe money is no problem its in the bank in thailand and has been for over a year. so if understand u correctly i can enter as tourist on 30 days entry and change. i have all the requirements in place there on arrival
Stuart *********
@William *******
Yes. The only issue would be if you are going down the retirement option then you may need to show that the money was transferred from abroad. That’s if you have a pedantic officer when trying the conversion. It could happen, but hopefully won’t, but it’s best to be prepared 
Stephan ***********
@Stuart ********
Enter on exempt, apply here for Non-O (90 days) and then one year extension based on xxx, right?William ********
OP@Stephan **********
thankyouStuart *********
@Stephan **********
Yep. Stephan ***********
@Stuart ********
Exactly what I want to hear, thanks... 🙏Stuart *********
@Stephan **********
most embassies require health insurance for the length of your entry. If coming visa exempt then that would be 30 days. If coming on a Non O then that would be 90 days. Stephan ***********
@Stuart ********
What about the 50k health insurance in that case? 30 days, just for enter?
Will ************
You will also have to have Covid insurance
William ********
OPyes i understand what i need on the thailand pass to enter. its if i can enter on the 30 days and change visa when im inside. can u enter on the 30 days? covid ins, sha plus, vax papers, prc test i understand
Stephan ***********
@Will ***********
For 30 days or more?Will ************
@Stephan **********
for whatever length you think they will stamp you in for in BKK. Will ************
More than likely, it will require the same info as a COE just in a different form along with the health declaration and I think it may incorporate the landing card.
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