Answered5 months ago
Can I retire in Thailand with a past criminal record?
Hey im new and would love to possibly talk to someone about sole information.
Im 38 years old and was possibly thinking about going to Thailand
If i loved it then potentially trying to retire out there.
My problem is, in my 20s i hade a criminal record, multiple possession of methamphetamines, few theft by taking and a few misdemeanor charges.

Definitely haven’t been in trouble in over 10 years and have completely changed my life around.
With this being said i keep reading about how strict they are with drug charges and stuff.
Is retirement over there even possible or should i find another country 🤦♂️
Also is there anyway to actually connect with a phone call or something with someone who is real familiar with this exact topic.
Me and my wife are trying to make plans in life and we can get a straight answer or dont know who to contact to get 100% legitimate advice.
Thanks
Im 38 years old and was possibly thinking about going to Thailand
If i loved it then potentially trying to retire out there.
My problem is, in my 20s i hade a criminal record, multiple possession of methamphetamines, few theft by taking and a few misdemeanor charges.

Definitely haven’t been in trouble in over 10 years and have completely changed my life around.
With this being said i keep reading about how strict they are with drug charges and stuff.
Is retirement over there even possible or should i find another country 🤦♂️
Also is there anyway to actually connect with a phone call or something with someone who is real familiar with this exact topic.
Me and my wife are trying to make plans in life and we can get a straight answer or dont know who to contact to get 100% legitimate advice.
Thanks
Answer summary
The user, a 38-year-old considering retirement in Thailand, is concerned about their criminal record from their 20s affecting his ability to retire there. Community responses clarify that while a retirement visa typically requires one to be over 50, there are other visa options available such as the DTV visa which does not require a background check. Many users emphasize that Thailand generally does not conduct thorough criminal background checks for most visa types, specifically mentioning the Non-O and DTV visas as viable options for long-term stay despite past drug-related charges.
83 repliesnewest first
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Wayne *********
Cannot work here
Jesse **************
OPWayne Lambert yea i run a online business anyways!
Brian **********
Your other problem is at 38, no one can possibly predict what the retirement conditions will be by the time you retire. Seriously!
Tim ******
Apply for spent convictions mate
Jesse **************
OPTim Dean like expunged? Yea definitely. I heard federal background checks it can still be seen. But yea i understand what you’re saying. Thanks
True ********
Possibly look at the elite visa if it fits your situation.
Jesse **************
OPTrue Blue yea i hear elite does background checks!
True ********
@Jesse *************
upto you. Not sure how long and what issues you had before are no longer considered. May be worth asking them.
MNathalie *********
Get a lawyer and ask for a pardon
Dca *****
Why don't you actually fly to Thailand for the first time by making Entry into Thailand using a Free Visa Exemption Stamp for Tourists?
Then, afterwards, after actually seeing and being in Thailand for the first time, you can come back here to this Facebook Group and ask about potential Thai E–Visa/Visa/Extension of Stay options for a 38 year old holding an U.S. Passport Book
if you were to get on a plane right now, then, as we speak right now, for U.S. Passport Book holders, it is a Free Stamp for 60 Days ( ผ.60–ม.17 ), but, this will change to 30 Days ( ผ.30 ) imminently (eventually)
Then, afterwards, after actually seeing and being in Thailand for the first time, you can come back here to this Facebook Group and ask about potential Thai E–Visa/Visa/Extension of Stay options for a 38 year old holding an U.S. Passport Book
if you were to get on a plane right now, then, as we speak right now, for U.S. Passport Book holders, it is a Free Stamp for 60 Days ( ผ.60–ม.17 ), but, this will change to 30 Days ( ผ.30 ) imminently (eventually)
Bob **********
Does the Elite require a background check??
Brandon ************
@Bob *********
More than any other visa I know of
Lim ***********
Bob D'Andrea yes they do through online databases.
Pete ********
No visa in Thailand requires a criminal record checks
Student ED visa no check
Dtv visa no Check
Non imm business visa no check
Non imm O no Check
Spouse visas no check
Tourist visa no check
The list goes on
I don’t know what you’re worrying about …. Making a mountain out of a ant hole
Student ED visa no check
Dtv visa no Check
Non imm business visa no check
Non imm O no Check
Spouse visas no check
Tourist visa no check
The list goes on
I don’t know what you’re worrying about …. Making a mountain out of a ant hole
James *********
@Pete *******
fake newsJesse **************
OP@Pete *******
listening to the wife too much i guess haha
Jesse **************
OPRoland Winter haha
Brad *******
It's unlikely you'd get past a background check as meth convictions would be a serious obstacle
Jesse **************
OP@Brad ******
yea thats exactly what I read, but with the O visa which doesn’t require a background check, then that could open the door!
John **********
@Jesse *************
what Non-O visa are you talking about? Your too young to get what is commonly called a retirement visa but is in fact based on age, you have to be at least 50 to apply for itRoland ********
@John *********
No-O spouse is wot he be talkin bout.
Stephen *******
You can't work in Thailand so I hope you have a good source of income from your home country
Jesse **************
OPStephen Woods ? Well I mean i will just keep the 800,000 in the bank and then use my business money for expenses out there! Is what i mean
Jesse **************
OPStephen Woods online business!
Bob **********
@Jesse *************
nopeJohn **********
@Jesse *************
an online business means you will be working from Thailand therefore the only legal visa option available to you is a DTV based on the Workation optionJesse **************
OP@John *********
yes exactly, and thats also the option when i decide to retire out there as well.
Nongnuch ********
@Jesse *************
then the DTV is your visa option. However one of the requirements is that you need a minimum 500,000 THB equivalent (15,400 USD) in your bank account since 3 monthsRoland ********
I wuz hooked on meth fo a long time. Now I know Cod.
Dave ******
Roland Winter sounds fishy. Are you for reel?
Ken ********
not the place to be if you have a meth problem....
James *********
Ken Watson he's clean for many years
Ken ********
James Gershon I read that... but
Jesse **************
OPKen Watson well to be truthful, i didn’t do much meth 😂
It was definitely a income driven habit, but i paid my dues and its all behind me!
It was definitely a income driven habit, but i paid my dues and its all behind me!
Jesse **************
OPHey everyone!! I definitely appreciate the comments and help!
Obviously i know im not 50 yet, so the dvt visa will definitely be the first option. If i definitely loved it over there then my goal will be to possibly stay over there as long as i can until i hit 50 and could potentially retire over there.
So i was trying to figure out is it even possible!
As far as me mentioning “meth” and not just felony, i did that because i read they are strict on drug offenses.
As far as the comment about me hitting the lottery haha everyone got joke apparently…..
I actually built a online brand and business that clears around 50k in 90 days! Plus im a pipe welder building a pension 😂 “ lottery” naw bro i just grind 💪
So thank you all for telling me the non O visa is what i can retire on since they don’t run a background check!! Thanks everyone
Obviously i know im not 50 yet, so the dvt visa will definitely be the first option. If i definitely loved it over there then my goal will be to possibly stay over there as long as i can until i hit 50 and could potentially retire over there.
So i was trying to figure out is it even possible!
As far as me mentioning “meth” and not just felony, i did that because i read they are strict on drug offenses.
As far as the comment about me hitting the lottery haha everyone got joke apparently…..
I actually built a online brand and business that clears around 50k in 90 days! Plus im a pipe welder building a pension 😂 “ lottery” naw bro i just grind 💪
So thank you all for telling me the non O visa is what i can retire on since they don’t run a background check!! Thanks everyone
Greg *******
How old are you Jess. If you are not 50 yet you could try the DTV visa but means you will be still working. You could try spreading your time around different countries? There are plenty of agencies here that can help. I have a great contact, vastly knowledgeable and well priced if you interested just pm me
Jesse **************
OPGreg Slack yes please
Mat *********
He is to young for the non-o and the non-oa he will not get because of the background check
Stephen *******
Mat Matulka No background check on the non-o
Paul *******
Starters you have to be over 50 yrs old to retire there
You found with drugs in your system not Evan possession your in the shit
Pot is legal
You found with drugs in your system not Evan possession your in the shit
Pot is legal
Roger *********
Paul Finch You're out of time dude, marijuana was legalised for 3 years or so but the government did a U turn and outlawed it last year !
Aaron ******
Roger Scarlet it's still available everywhere and the new law will be implemented over the next 3 years to a medical weed system
Pete ********
They don’t do criminal record checks for visa for Thailand 😂 what a guy
No one cares about your past or you being a meth head book your flight and enjoy your time in Thailand stop seeking attention on the internet lol
No one cares about your past or you being a meth head book your flight and enjoy your time in Thailand stop seeking attention on the internet lol
Jesse **************
OP@Pete *******
hefty guy, you definitely got the wrong person with all the assumptions.!That was mentioned because if i said, felony, people would probably say well what kind of felony
Slow down big guy
Knowledgeab***********
@Jesse *************
don’t listen to this idiot. Thailand is clamping down hard especially in visas with people with records. 10+ years tho they only search back 10 years so you should be ok.James *********
@Jesse *************
he's got fake newsPete ********
TheLlama91 not surprised to be honest Thais are always racist to African
TheLl*****
@Pete *******
that happens maybe because your country isn't listed under those that is needing police record. My bf is a white South African and he still needs to obtain police record because he was applying for employment visa.Knowledgeab***********
@Jesse *************
yes, standard checks only go back 10 years. And if they do bring it up, you can get a police clearance stating you’ve been in no trouble and they will accept that. Also depending on the visa type they don’t really check. You should be fine but be prepared if they say something to get police clearance.John **********
@Pete *******
Thailand doesn't do background checks but they can require applicants for certain visa types to obtain a background check from their own country and supply it as part of the applicationJesse **************
OP@Pete *******
hahah well thats the news i want to hear! Im gonna send you a messagePete ********
KnowledgeableMoose5909 mate i just spat my coffee all over my phone thanks to that comment ….. Thailand can not and does not do any criminal record checks on anyone coming here ….. facts not fictions … why are you lying to the guy lol 😂
Pete ********
@Jesse *************
side the guy above can’t be for real ??? Iv been in Thailand 20 years I have had multiple different visas here , own business here , boi company’s here , have helped many people with visas …. There is zero criminal background ground checks atall …. Zero that’s a fact not fiction … you think another country (Thailand) can do cross country international criminal record checks on people for a visa loooool 😆 Trust me buddy there’s a lot of idiots like the guy one comment above who talk nothing but nonsense I’m here to talk reality mate …… criminal record checks for. Visa 😂 spat my coffee all over my phone screen
Jesse **************
OPKnowledgeableMoose5909 do they really only check 10 years back? Because if thats the case then i would definitely be good!
Where did you hear that from? Thanks!
Where did you hear that from? Thanks!
Mikkel *******
@Pete *******
that depends what kind of visa. Don't spread misinformation. There are several visa types that do require a background check.
Mma *******
As a side note: check your country and see if criminal history is expunged after 10 years clean. Run a test check for your own peace of mind.
Greg ******
The DTV does not currently require a criminal background check.
Bob **********
@Joe ******
I agree but when the 5 is up and he’s 43 what’s next ??
Sam *************
Bob D'Andrea who knows what visas will be available in 5 years. They can look again closer to the date.
Joe *******
Bob D'Andrea educated visa?
Joe *******
Bob D'Andrea I think I read that a dtv can be renewed, I might be wrong though
Bob **********
@Joe ******
he wants long termJesse **************
OPBob D'Andrea im just trying to figure out is it possible or am i screwed haha 👌👌👌
Jesse **************
OPBob D'Andrea yea so the elite require a background check? I will have to check on that. Thanks
Bob **********
@Jesse *************
At your age unless you have really deep pockets you can get by on a DTV for 5 years but there’s a really good chance it won’t be there in 5 years to renew an Elite visa but priceyJesse **************
OPBob D'Andrea maybe mexico then costa rica then back to Thailand haha
Jesse **************
OPBob D'Andrea yea can you not continue to reinstate the DVT
Bob **********
Greg ODea that’s not retirement
Joe *******
Bob D'Andrea no, but he’s not old enough for retirement anyway, that is probably is next best option
John ********
You're too young for a retirement Visa here in Thailand but how do you have enough money to retire anywhere? Especially with your past? Did you win the lottery?
Jesse **************
OPJohn Tidona online business, plus im a pipe welder building a pension. Made well over 50k in the last 90 days 😂 💪
ExcitingA**********
@Jesse *************
Yeah talking about money like that. Sounds like Thailand is the perfect country for you. 👍🏻Brandon ************
Very, very few Thai visas require a background check. You're only 38 so you don't have a lot of options. The DTV visa is a 5-year visa and doesn't require a background check. Probably your best option.
Peter ******
Need to be 50 years plus to retire in Thailand
True ********
Peter Hurn you can retire here at any age. Obtaining a retirement visa though is 50 plus.
Tom *********
The Non O variants are not suitable as you need to be 50+
You could explore DTV visas as not age dependant.
You could explore DTV visas as not age dependant.
Brandon ************
If you get a non-O visa, which is the one most people get for retirement, there is no background check required. So it won't be any issue for you.
Only the non-OA visa, which is not what most people want, requires a mandatory background check.
Only the non-OA visa, which is not what most people want, requires a mandatory background check.
Wannikea *********
@Brandon ***********
he's 38
Jon *******
@Brandon ***********
he has 12 years before he can even think about a retirement visaBrandon ************
@Jon ******
True. I didn't read beyond the problem. I'll make another post.Activity
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