Can I switch from a Non OA retirement visa to a Non O retirement visa in Thailand with proof of income from bank transfers?

Jul 17, 2023
a year ago
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I’m in Thailand on a Non OA retirement visa from the USA. I have been transferring $65k every month. After 15 months, can I switch to a Non O retirement, with the transfers as proof of income? I understand I may have to leave and return on a different visa first. Thanks…
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TLDR : Answer Summary
If you are on a Non OA retirement visa and wish to switch to a Non O retirement visa in Thailand, you will need to leave the country and re-enter on a Non O or tourist visa. To qualify for the Non O visa based on retirement, as a US passport holder, you must have 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account for the initial application and the first year's extension. You can use your monthly income from bank transfers (like the 65,000 baht each month you mentioned) as proof for annual extensions starting from the second year. It is recommended to apply in Bangkok, ensuring you have uninterrupted transfer records for at least 12 months.
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Roberto *********
If you apply for the non-O in Bangkok, showing the proof of at least 12 months of 65k transfers without a break, yes you can do it. Speaking from experience. Go to Section C at Chaengwattana. They might ask for individual FET paperwork from your Thai bank, so check first. I emphasise this is Bangkok only
Roberto *********
@Ellie ******
My friend did his about two months ago, mine was about five months ago. It is necessary to explain to section C staff what you intend to do. Initially with mine they said I would need 800k because that's how that section is programmed, so the supervisor went to the section which deals with the 12-month extensions to get the nod, so it is necessary to be a little affirmative.
Ellie *******
@Roberto ********
Thank you for the information.

I better add, This (monthly transfer method for an in-country initial Non-O retirement visa application at CW, Bangkok) could be done only when you already applied for at least one yearly extension on Non-OA entry stamp just before.
Roberto *********
@Ellie ******
Correct. This was my second extension after the initial two-year tenure of the original OA visa
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Roberto ********
so, this is 3 yrs after the original non OA?
Roberto *********
@Mike *******
The OA went for two years, and then I had two extensions on top of that before letting the extension lapse whilst out of the country
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Roberto ********
ok, thanks. I haven't had an extension yet and the rules will probably change before I can convert to non O😁
Ellie *******
@Mike *******
, unfortunately, right now you cannot do like
@Roberto ********
did unless you applied at least one yearly extension on Non-OA entry.
Roberto *********
@Mike *******
Which is why you need to go to your immigration office with the relevant information and seek their advice.
Ellie *******
@Roberto ********
, did you apply for an initial in-country Non-O visa based on being over 50 for the first 90 days stamp at Chaengwattana using a monthly transfer method? Not just changing the reason for a yearly extension?
Roberto *********
@Ellie ******
Correct. My non-OA extension lapsed whilst I was out of the country and I came back in on a visa exempt and applied for the 90-day non-O off that, but I kept the 65k transfers going the whole time. For some reason, section C wanted to see proof of my Australian pension (not supported by affidavit of course as this is not available for Australians). A friend of mine who did the same process a couple of months after me, and for his they wanted the actual foreign transfer receipts from Bangkok Bank (which the branch at CW were able to supply). This was in addition to the twelve month statement and updated bank book
Ellie *******
@Roberto ********
Thank you. May I ask when was that? Because CW usually wouldn't accept monthly transfers for an initial visa.
Ellie *******
If you want to have Non-O retirement instead of NOn-OA, yes, you need to leave Thailand and enter on Non-O or tourist status (SETV or visa-exempt entry).

You, as a US passport holder, have to have 800K baht in your Thai bank account for an initial in-country Non-O visa based on retirement AND for the very first 1-year extension based on being over 50, regardless of starting with a Non-O visa from another country or in-country. You can use the monthly income method for application for yearly extensions for the 2nd year or later.
Saffy *************
@Ellie ******
I'm confused as had conflicting advice. If I apply for a 90 day NonO in Europe, do I need the 800k in Europe or can I have it already in Thailand? For the 1yr extension I understand I need the 800k asap after arrival in Thailand 🇹🇭
Ellie *******
@Saffy ************
, You need to check the website of the Thai embassy/consulate where you are applying for your visa at. Usually, they accept either bank accounts in Thailand or your own country, but details may vary.
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