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Can I enter Thailand visa-exempt and later apply for a Non O Visa as a retiree?

Thailand Visa Non O Visa Retirement Visa Visa Exempt Bank Deposit Requirement Income Verification Visa Extensions

Sep 18, 2022

2 years ago

Winfried *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

A moderator in the group wrote as a comment in another group member’s thread:

“Do yourself a favor ... enter Thailand Visa EXEMPT and transfer the 800,000 Thai baht into your Thai bank account and apply for the Non O Visa as retiree and the One year extension of stay as retired. 

NO police check required

NO health insurance required

NO medical tests required

That keeps it simple year after year.”

From this, it is my understanding that I (as a German) could forego the visa application procedure in my country, and instead enter the Kingdom on visa exempt (even with a 30 days extension), and then apply within Thailand for a Non O Visa (as retiree) and (the next year) apply for the extensions as required, provided I have 800k in a Thai bank account which was transferred from outside Thailand.

Is my understanding correct or not?

In case the above procedure does indeed work, could I extend in forthcoming years based on 12 months of income (65k per month), changing from the 800k requirement?

Thank you.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The commenter clarifies that entering Thailand on a visa-exempt basis allows for applying for a Non O Visa after transferring the required amount into a Thai bank. It is confirmed that you can extend your stay based on either the 800,000 THB deposit or an income of 65,000 THB monthly. An application for a one-year extension is necessary after the first 90 days. It is also suggested to verify requirements with the German Embassy for income verification.

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.
Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

James ********

@Winfried ************

... hopefully you have enough helpful information for you to get your retirement set up in Thailand.

When you get into Thailand... Contact the German Embassy in Bangkok AND ask them for their requirements to issue you an Affidavit of Income to use with your application for the Non O Visa at your local Thai immigration office.

I will close comments at this time.... Thanks All for your replies .

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Steve ********

The big advantage of getting the OA in your home country is you have to transfer zero money into a Thai bank account and do not have to prove any income. With one simple border bounce you can get two years stay in Thailand, with no need to attend any immigration office.

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James ********

as he is German he may not need to show PROOF of any money in a Thai bank account by getting the Affidavit of Income from the German Embassy.

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James ********

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Philip **********

Ask your embassy if they issue income verification letter. Canada does so I use that method of making over 65 K a month. It’s so much easier than letting 800 K sitting in a bank account doing nothing. My embassy charges $50 cad.

Oh and do everything yourself. It’s very easy to do. 1900 Bhat at Thailand Immigration

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*****

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Ellie *******

A bit of correction. You need to apply for a 1-year extension when the first 90days are up, not next year.

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Winfried *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Ah ok, got it.

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Ellie *******

@Winfried ************

And for the first 1-year extension, you need to use 800k banked money, so you also keep the banked money of 800K for three months and 400K until your 2nd year's extension application is approved.

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John **********

he's German. His embassy issues income affidavit so I believe he can use that for his first year extension rather than the 800k method?

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John **********

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James ********

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James ********

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James ********

Yes as described ..

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James ********

@Winfried ************

Just be sure that the international transfer of funds is done correctly... suggest you follow the WISE forum... it's most helpful.

The transfer funds need to be designated properly...

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Winfried *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you. Suddenly everything seems to be much easier. I take it the change from 800k to monthly income also works.

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John **********

You appear to be a German citizen? Is that correct? If that's the case you don't need to worry about any of that. Just get an affidavit of income from the German embassy here in Bangkok before applying. In fact, given the German embassy issues such certificates I don't think you have the option of using monthly income.

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James ********

John Stanners

@Winfried ************

...John Stanners suggestion is PERFECT FOR YOU.

IF the German Embassy in Bangkok issues the Affidavit of Income for use in getting the Non O Visa as retiree and the One year extension of stay as retired... that's the BEST way to get your visa and extensions for your retirement in Thailand.

NO NEED TO SHOW 800,000 Thai baht in a Thai bank account

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James ********

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James ********

@Winfried ************

Yes as long as you have transferred internationally to your local Thai bank account

*****

Thai baht or more monthly for 12 months. Keep the amount of Each monthly transfer at least 65,000 + Thai baht...be careful with international exchange RATES.

One monthly transfer.....

Not multiple transfers to total 65,000+.

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Winfried *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

I understand. Since I have a Thai bank account already, I could transfer 65k+ every month (from outside Thailand) for the next 12 months+, and then do the above described scheme, because by then I have a 12 months history of 65k transfers.

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Winfried *************

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