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Can I re-enter Thailand on a 60-day tourist visa after a 3-month break and then apply for a retirement visa?
Visa RulesThailand ImmigrationTourist VisaRetirement VisaVisa ExtensionNon-O VisaTravel AdviceExpat Life in Thailand
Feb 15, 2026
2 months ago
Andy ********
ORIGINAL POSTERUPDATE: Thankyou for all the comments. As I'm sailing the best option is to stop in Malaysia, relax and apply foe the Visa there. ⛵️🙏
Hello group. Australian age 50. I'm currently on the 60 day tourist Visa. I was looking at extending it for another 30 days. I'm also considering signing a 12 months Condo lease agreement as I'm trying to retire in Thailand. My question is, if I leave Thailand for 3 months would there be an issue coming back on a 60 day tourist visa again and applying for the retirement Visa ( I know there is talk in the Govt about going back to 30 days) The reason is I'm sailing my sailboat from Darwin to Phuket. It could take between 3-4 months So I was considering of taking a break in Kaula Lumpur, Malaysia and flying back to Phuket. I do have the option of applying in Australia, the 90 day Retirement Visa but I won't make the cut off and the visa will be void. Has anyone done this lately? Any advice will be appreciated. Cheers.
Hello group. Australian age 50. I'm currently on the 60 day tourist Visa. I was looking at extending it for another 30 days. I'm also considering signing a 12 months Condo lease agreement as I'm trying to retire in Thailand. My question is, if I leave Thailand for 3 months would there be an issue coming back on a 60 day tourist visa again and applying for the retirement Visa ( I know there is talk in the Govt about going back to 30 days) The reason is I'm sailing my sailboat from Darwin to Phuket. It could take between 3-4 months So I was considering of taking a break in Kaula Lumpur, Malaysia and flying back to Phuket. I do have the option of applying in Australia, the 90 day Retirement Visa but I won't make the cut off and the visa will be void. Has anyone done this lately? Any advice will be appreciated. Cheers.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user, an Australian aged 50, is currently on a 60-day tourist visa in Thailand and is considering extending it by 30 days. They are planning to sail from Darwin to Phuket, potentially taking 3-4 months, and are contemplating stopping in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, during this time to apply for a retirement visa. Comments suggest they can apply for a 90-day Non-O visa in Kuala Lumpur, which allows them to stay in Thailand longer. However, they need to establish a Thai bank account with sufficient funds for the retirement visa and must be aware of changes to visa regulations and the implications of re-entering Thailand under different visa types.
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500 an hour good lawyer
Steve *******
Are you aware of customs regulatiins in both Malaysia and Thailand.If you arrive by boat you are expected to leave by boat.There are ways around it i believe but its something you might want to look at.
Rich *********
No you'll be fine
Danny *********
The straight of Malakka from what I heard is quite dirty and disgusting in many areas, Indonesia lets tons of trash into the ocean and also some from Malaysia 🤢 KL is a great city but outside of KL it’s very boring where my uncle lives with the monkeys and the palm oil fields
Max **********
60-day tourist visas (single or multiple-entry) for tourism purposes, extendable by 30 days, reachable via the Thai e-Visa system or visa-free entry for 93+ nations.
Roger **********
Sounds like you’re on a Visa Exemption? Not a tourist visa. You can enter again on an exemption but be aware if you extend 30 days this time they might call you for interview and request you apply for a 90 day visa in the first place. Be aware, this happened to me.
Andy ********
ORIGINAL POSTERRoger Cottrell No I'm on a Tourist Visa 60 days. I'm enting a condo so I was going to apply for an extension. Leave Thailand for 3-4 months and sail my boat into Phuket.
Roger **********
Andy Magann in that case no problem. Extend 30 days and then do the same again next visit.
Jeff *************
Roger Cottrell except the 2nd extension is only for 7 days not 30
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Jeff *************
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Kim *****
If you want to return to Thailand, having a 60+30 extension could be a problem at re-entry.
Andy ********
ORIGINAL POSTERKim Wee Even if it's 4 months apart?
Kim *****
Andy Magann 4 months is considered back to back. 12 months apart would be a different story.
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Kim *****
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Paul **********
I have just recently gotten my new 12 month multiple entry retirement visa in Australia
My 4th one
This way you don't have to have
You just need to show you have the equivalent in your Australia bank
And of course you are going to earn much more interest
My 4th one
This way you don't have to have
*****
0 thb in your thai bank You just need to show you have the equivalent in your Australia bank
And of course you are going to earn much more interest
Colin **********
Paul McIntyre what is the visa that you applied for because im only seeing these ones
Paul **********
If get it outside Thailand
*****
0.thb.in thai bank not required but the equivalent in your home country bankPaul **********
Colin Rattigan non-immigrant long stay.i year retirement OA
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Paul **********
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Roger **********
Paul McIntyre way to go I think. For this you return to OZ every year? Also you have to wait for a police clearance each time?
Paul **********
Roger Cottrell yes also a heath insurance from a thai insurance company and full 12 months travel insurance from an Australian insurance company
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Paul **********
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Lina *******
Paul McIntyre where did you apply for his visa pls?
Roger **********
Lina Evans can also apply direct to the Canberra or Sydney Embassy
Paul **********
I can send you all the information later today if you want
Roger **********
Paul McIntyre hi Paul, if you could please send me the details and procedure. Cheers.
Reply to
Roger **********
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Paul **********
Lina Evans cibt visas in Melbourne You apply on line
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Paul **********
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Oh *****
Perhaps consider that break in Langkawi. Great pit stop for sailors. Se trades coming soon. Lots of great stops in your route. Hope u can bicara bahasa ! Good luck
Andy ********
ORIGINAL POSTEROh Too Thanks mate.
Reply to
Andy ********
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Dca *****
"...
Q6: How long is the process to get the e-visa?
A1: Processing for a tourist and non-immigrant O e-visa takes 7 working days in total (excluding the holiday); the new application will receive a response in 3 days.
...."
>
Q6: How long is the process to get the e-visa?
A1: Processing for a tourist and non-immigrant O e-visa takes 7 working days in total (excluding the holiday); the new application will receive a response in 3 days.
...."
>
***************************************************************************************************************************
Jeff *************
Yes, the issue would be you can’t apply for a non O anyplace accept outside of Thailand
Elton ******
I am Aussie. My last 2 trips to Thailand I got 90 day tourist E-Visa in Australia as I wished to stay longer than 60 days. The 90 days starts upon arrival. However your passport gets stamped on arrival at airport or where ever for 60 days which may now be reduced to 30 days. Before expiry of the
I have now applied for LTR-WP visa & was approved. This allows me multi entry into Thailand for 10 years. Now, no more heart ache.
*****
day tourist visa go to immigration to have your visa extended to 90 days with your approved E-Visa.I have now applied for LTR-WP visa & was approved. This allows me multi entry into Thailand for 10 years. Now, no more heart ache.
Colin *********
Elton Ross you're mixing things up. A Non-O Visa, which you pay for, gives you 90 days in Thailand, which you then have the option of applying for a one year Extension of Stay. That is not a tourist visa, even if you treated it as one. If you purchase that Visa, you get stamped in for 90 days, not 60 as you said. What are you talking about... "may now be reduced to 30 days"? "
You are reading bits and pieces of information on Facebook and getting it all jumbled up!
The "Visa Exempt" entry, which is a free stamp upon arrival, which is not a Visa at all if you know what the word "Exempt" means. This is currently 60 days and there has been mention by the Thai Government last week, that they're considering changing it back to 30 days, but that hasn't happened yet. It may be a while before it does, if they even do it. A Visa Exempt entry, the same as with a single entry Tourist Visa (which can be purchased at an Embassy or Consulate) is 60 days and with both, an extension of 30 days can be applied for at an Immigration Office in Thailand.
*****
days"?You are reading bits and pieces of information on Facebook and getting it all jumbled up!
The "Visa Exempt" entry, which is a free stamp upon arrival, which is not a Visa at all if you know what the word "Exempt" means. This is currently 60 days and there has been mention by the Thai Government last week, that they're considering changing it back to 30 days, but that hasn't happened yet. It may be a while before it does, if they even do it. A Visa Exempt entry, the same as with a single entry Tourist Visa (which can be purchased at an Embassy or Consulate) is 60 days and with both, an extension of 30 days can be applied for at an Immigration Office in Thailand.
Andy ********
ORIGINAL POSTERElton Ross Thanks mate. But it will probably take me more than 90 days to sail to Phuket.
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Andy ********
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Magnus *********************
If you apply for visa at Thai embassy in Australia then sail and arrive to Thailand then your visa starts when arriving in Thailand. It doesn’t start before entering Thailand.
Graham ******
@Magnus ********************
A Non-O is valid for 90 from the date of issue, you have 90 days to enter Thailand or it expiresAndy ********
ORIGINAL POSTERGraham Seal Correct that's my problem it might take more than 90 days. I will have to apply online in Kaula Lumpur
Graham ******
Andy Magann I know you understand this but Magnus obviously doesn't
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Graham ******
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John ********
@Magnus ********************
Yes and you must apply in your country of residence. That is for the 90 day non O e visa.Reply to
John ********
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Fred *******
I have a great agent in Bangkok. He took care of everything it was a snap
FarangJ********
That yacht could easily be stolen in Phuket by Russian mafia. Be careful of scam operators in the south of Thailand.
Andy ********
ORIGINAL POSTERFarangJaiDee123 That is correct, people in Australia steal boats all the time It's not a super yacht. I have friends in Chalong Harbour. I have security precautions already installed.
Reply to
Andy ********
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Nongnuch ********
for an in-country "change of visa type" from the tourist visa to the initial 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa, you need an already existing Thai bank account with 800,000 THB minimum already sitting in it on the day you apply on Immigration for the "change". The problem is: on touristic entries, you cannot get a Thai bank account opened any more (unless you are willing to fork out a large sum of money to agents who are willing and able to get around the law)
Gina *************
The multiple entry tourist visa may an option. It lasts 90 days, but you can spread that over 6 months.
Woody *********
Enjoy the sailing ⛵️. Sounds like a great trip. 😊
Andy ********
ORIGINAL POSTERWoody Windsor Cheers mate.
Reply to
Andy ********
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Hans *********
Give the dtv visa a look it's pretty reasonable gets you 5 years, multiple entry's, can't stay more than 6 months , can extend once so essentially a year .
ConfidentR***********
Hans Collins he's retired 😂
Hans *********
ConfidentReindeer9537 and? so is my friend, worked out great for him, I'm semi retired still works great,
Matthew ********
ConfidentReindeer9537 po pensioner..gonna love 300 buck 5 year dtv
Graham ******
ConfidentReindeer9537 so?
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Graham ******
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John **********
Why not apply for the 90 day Non-O in KL? That would give you 90 days to enter Thailand and then you would be stamped in for 90 days. You could then open a bank account, transfer in funds and once the funds are in place for 2 months apply for the 12 month extension of stay
Scott ********
@John *********
I stand corrected. Thank you Carl.Scott ********
@John *********
I just went through this. Banks will not open up an account for you on a tourist visa. You have to have a retirement visa and a proof of address.Micheal **********
@John *********
^^^ This, right here!Diana ******
@John *********
I did the same last year, at the end I did it from Cambodia. It’s a pity you have reaply every year, however with all the changes from last year, I found it the safer option …
Applying from Malaysia is great, you can sail slowly up, I did it 3 years ago, nice stops along the way
Andy ********
ORIGINAL POSTERDiana Luik Thanks Diana. That's will now be the plan.
Reply to
Andy ********
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Andy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
That's John. I think that would be the best option for me. Cheers.Diana ******
Andy Magann my thoughts are below 😎
Reply to
Diana ******
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Dca *****
perhaps consider a Multiple Entry Tourist E–Visa (METV) that would be valid for 6 months
Marcus ******
Would applying to the embassy in KL be an option? (Question to all…)
Andy ********
ORIGINAL POSTERMarcus Tate Yes mate. Several people have said that. It makes sense to stop there and do the process in KL.
Reply to
Andy ********
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Vinson *******
Let us know how this goes on this thread please
Brandon ************
Do you already have a Thai bank account?
The only way to apply for the retirement visa inside of Thailand is if you already have a Thai bank account, since you must show proof of 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account in order to apply inside of Thailand.
Without a Thai bank account, you must get the visa from a Thai embassy or consulate, the way it's supposed to be done. Apply for visa at embassy, travel to Thailand, use your visa entry to open bank account that you will need for 1-year extension.
The only way to apply for the retirement visa inside of Thailand is if you already have a Thai bank account, since you must show proof of 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account in order to apply inside of Thailand.
Without a Thai bank account, you must get the visa from a Thai embassy or consulate, the way it's supposed to be done. Apply for visa at embassy, travel to Thailand, use your visa entry to open bank account that you will need for 1-year extension.
Andy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
From an agent I was told I can do everything in 1 day in Bangkok. Just need to pay the agent and they take care of everything.Grant ******
Andy Magann Register with the Thai Embassy in Canberra or Sydney (if you're a resident of Sydney).
You do not need to have a Thai bank account for the min 800,000 baht, as long as you have proof that you have the equivilent of 800k Bht, in your Australian Bank Account for a min 3 months prior to applying. (You cannot open a Thai bank account on a tourist visa, but can once you've been approved and are living here you can).
No need to use Visa agents at all, you'll just have to jump through all the same hoops, supply all the same documentation and they simply add a fee and apply for you.
The total cost for your OA, multiple entry visa is $300 AUD application fee, paid directly to the Thai Embassy when you send the application in, on line. It's Non refundable, so make sure ALL is in place as per the Thai Official website or they can knock it back without explanation, and you'll have to reapply and pay again, if anything on your application is not 100%
Make certain that you are dealing with the real Thai Embassy, there are a few sites that appear to be the Embassy but they're just visa agents trying to jump in the middle for an unnessasary fee.
If you register with the Thai Embassy before you start the process you can then be certain that you're always dealing directly with them. And, the progress of your application and other things relating to you is on your file and can be looked up by you anytime.
Police checks, medical insurance ( with a $100k US minumun coverage ) is manditory, and medical checks from your Aust doctor is also required, all easily done..
Just deal with the people who aporove such visa's, the Thai Government, through their embassy in Australia, like almost all Thai's, they are extremely helpful..
Good luck, it's a great place to live!
You do not need to have a Thai bank account for the min 800,000 baht, as long as you have proof that you have the equivilent of 800k Bht, in your Australian Bank Account for a min 3 months prior to applying. (You cannot open a Thai bank account on a tourist visa, but can once you've been approved and are living here you can).
No need to use Visa agents at all, you'll just have to jump through all the same hoops, supply all the same documentation and they simply add a fee and apply for you.
The total cost for your OA, multiple entry visa is $300 AUD application fee, paid directly to the Thai Embassy when you send the application in, on line. It's Non refundable, so make sure ALL is in place as per the Thai Official website or they can knock it back without explanation, and you'll have to reapply and pay again, if anything on your application is not 100%
Make certain that you are dealing with the real Thai Embassy, there are a few sites that appear to be the Embassy but they're just visa agents trying to jump in the middle for an unnessasary fee.
If you register with the Thai Embassy before you start the process you can then be certain that you're always dealing directly with them. And, the progress of your application and other things relating to you is on your file and can be looked up by you anytime.
Police checks, medical insurance ( with a $100k US minumun coverage ) is manditory, and medical checks from your Aust doctor is also required, all easily done..
Just deal with the people who aporove such visa's, the Thai Government, through their embassy in Australia, like almost all Thai's, they are extremely helpful..
Good luck, it's a great place to live!
Andy ********
ORIGINAL POSTERGrant Good Thanks Grant much appreciated
Reply to
Andy ********
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Greg ***********
Andy Magann yes in Bangkok there is an agent, with whom you need to buy the "whole package" for up from 60,000 Baht, so he can get around the law. If you are willing to do that, then there is no need to ask in this group about the legal road without the agent
Brandon ************
@Andy *******
then why even post? If you're just going to use an agent, then ask them your questions. That's what you're paying for.Andy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
The reason why I posted is because I'm not flying into the country and secondly I have seen several agents and there all saying different things. It's better to ask for advice from people who my have sailed into Thailand via a boat or have experience at this. 🤦Reply to
Andy ********
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