Can I enter Thailand on a visa exemption and start the retirement visa process?

What is stopping you from applying for the type O visa based on retirement in the US? Lots of people do it, why can't you?

You can apply for Retirement Visa while you are in Thailand on tourist visa or Visa Exemption. If you are in Pattaya, we can help you to get it done. Please feel free to contact

David V . . I would apply for a 60 days tourist visa, as with an initial 60 days stay permit, you have enough time to get all ducks in a row: use the agent for opening a bank account, transferring 800.000+ THB from abroad to the account, look for a rental and make a minimum 3 months, better 6 months rental contract as this is needed for the "change". With a 30-days visa-exempt entry, the time will run out on you

David V . . . As a U.S. citizen, you don’t get anything like a VOA when you enter Thailand without a visa. Citizens of several countries can buy the VOA at the Airport for 2000.- THB, and will get stamped in for 15 days which are not extendable

This is not what you are looking for

All you get is a stamp that allows you 30 days “admitted stay”

You can buy a 30-days extension on top of these for 1900.- THB on Immigration only once. Before the 60 days expire you must leave Thailand. However, with a visa-exempt entry, you normally can't open a bank account in order to start the "change of visa type" process needed, from the exempt entry to a 90-days Non-Imm-O retirement visa". You will need the help of an agent, and you need to do it quickly because the clock will start to run, and you need 15 days stay permit left on your stamp in order to apply for the "change"

NOTE: your airline might ask you for a proof of onward travel out of Thailand within these 30 days , or they won’t let you board the flight

Yes I just did it in August. You will have to get a one month extension 1900 baht and change visa type 2000 baht. First if you are in Hua Hin You will need a lease to do anything. Once you have a lease get a letter from immigration to open a bank account.Once you have 800 000 transfered you can apply to change visa type

You won't enter Thailand with Visa on Arrival, which is where you apply for and pay for a visa at the airport and get 15 days. US Citizens do not qualify for this.

You can get visa exempt. This is not a visa, it is a free entry stamp for 30 days.

You can convert from visa exempt to non-O retirement but it's basically impossible to open a Thai bank account if you enter with visa exempt, and you need the bank account to convert to the non-O. This means you'll need to find an agent to help you open a bank account.

Americans don't qualify for visa on arrival, which is a distinct entry scheme required for under 20 nationalities where they must pay 2000 THB upon arrival for a 15 day non-extendable visa. Americans enter via a free 30 day visa exempt entry where your passport is stamped without granting any visa.

If you mean arriving on a 30 days visa exempt, then the answer is yes. But,it's smarter to apply for a 60 days tourist visa back home. The reason is the Thai bank account you need for the process.