Answered5 years ago

Can I return to Thailand on a visa-exempt status to apply for a Retirement O Visa after using a Tourist Visa?

Thai visa types Tourist visa Retirement O Visa Visa exempt Immigration advice Banking in Thailand

Martyn **********

asked Dec 5, 2021

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Hello, I am planning on flying to Bangkok from the USA in January and I am hoping someone could kindly steer me in the right direction. After being on a 60-day Tourist Visa and then a 30 day extension can I then fly back to the USA for 30-60 day period; and then return to Thailand on a visa exempt status in order to apply for a Retirement O Visa rather than apply for a OA Visa in the USA.? Please note  I have to be in the USA in April/May. Thank you for any suggestions.

Answer summary

The user is seeking guidance on transitioning from a Tourist Visa to a Retirement O Visa in Thailand after a trip back to the USA. Comments highlight various options, including the advantages of the OA Visa and banking considerations, such as the necessity of opening a Thai bank account and the potential complications regarding the choice of bank. Health insurance requirements for the OA Visa are also noted as a possible concern.

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Tod *********

IF you're going to be here long term (which is something only you can decide) I believe the best way to go about it, (so you don't need insurance) would be.

Come here open an account (at ANY bank BUT Citibank)

Get your 800K baht transferred in to the account,

THEN

on your next trip here get the documentation and apply for a 90 day Non-O visa at the immigration office in the area where you'll be staying for 2000baht.

When that 90 day stamp runs down apply for the yearly extension for 1900baht.

5 years ago

Saffy *************

@Tod ********

Meaning you have to transfer your foreign currency to a Thai bank - but can be held in that foreign currency?

5 years ago

Tod *********

@Saffy ************

you can have a thai baht account or in a foreign currency account

5 years ago

Tom *********

Depends on your long term plans. What do you want to do when your second trip is over?

5 years ago

Mike ******

The OA Visa is great. I have obtained 3 in the past. But keep in mind the mandatory health insurance requirement(now up to 3 million baht in coverage) might make it a deal breaker for some.

5 years ago

James ********

@Martyn *********

never heard of them.

5 years ago

Mike ******

I just renewed my OA Compliant policy. I am under 60 and my annual premium was 35,000 Baht. Doubt I can afford it if I live to be 65 or 70.

5 years ago

Bobby ********

Mike Park. Obtaining health insurance in your own country is not such a problem. I use an unlimited medical insurance policy, although for extensions in-country I use the 7700 baht "useless" LMG insurance which ticks the extension box

5 years ago

Bobby ********

Keep in mind with OA visa you can use funds in the US rather than transferring to Thai bank account, and also use home health insurance which might (or might not however) have better value than a Thai insurance. The OA also has the potential to go for two years by executing an out/in of the country.

5 years ago

James ********

Sounds like a good plan as outlined...

While in Thailand in first months of 2022.. Open up a Thai bank account in your name only.

Safe travels.

5 years ago

Martyn **********

@James *******

Hi James, is it easy to withdraw the 800,000 Baht when and if I decide to live outside of Thailand? I was thinking of opening account at CitiBank in Bangkok when I am there. Thank you!

5 years ago

James ********

@Martyn *********

do not use Citibank as its difficult to get the annual bank statements needed for your annual one year extension of stay as retired.

5 years ago