Answered3 years ago

Can I switch to a Non-O visa after my ED visa in Thailand, considering my retirement plans?

ED Visa Non-O Visa Retirement Visa Visa Exempt Visa Application Process Thai Immigration

Evelyne **********************

asked Jan 12, 2024

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Hello looking for visa advice , currently nearing the end of our ED visa after 6 months, 100 % attendance at legit school in Lamai, learning Thai.  Leaving Koh Samui and returning home to South Africa for 2 months then want to come back to move into our completed condo in Koh Samui. My husband and I are 65, have Thai bank accs. I am reluctant to put 800000 x 2 in bank acc to get retirement visas, could we come in visa exempt apply for non o visa here in Koh Samui, giving us another 90 days, apply for 1 retirement visa  for my husband, with seasoned monies, he has SA passport. I was wondering if I could then apply for 5 year visa in Koh Samui,  I have permanent residence in SA but have a Belgian passport. Any suggestions  please

Answer summary

The user is seeking advice on transitioning from an ED visa to a Non-O visa in Thailand after returning from South Africa. They are considering applying for a retirement visa for their husband but are hesitant to deposit the required 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account. They're inquiring if they can enter Thailand as visa exempt, apply for a Non-O visa in Koh Samui for an extension, and subsequently apply for the retirement visa using funds from their home country.

13 repliesnewest first

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Steve **********

A mate of mine recently applied for the Retirement Visa while in his home country, where he only had to supply is home country bank as proof, without the need to transfer to a Thai bank account. See if that works when you get home. Good luck 👍👍

3 years ago

Todd *********

@Steve *********

the problem there is that they also need to provide proof of medical insurance for the duration of the stay

3 years ago

Graham ******

@Todd ********

Not for a Non-O usually

3 years ago

Evelyne **********************

@Steve *********

thanks, was that OA VISA ? Which country did he apply from

3 years ago

Graham ******

@Evelyne *********************

Could ne a Non-O too

3 years ago

Steve **********

@Evelyne *********************

Australia.

3 years ago

Todd *********

There is no 5 year visa, except Elite. If you don’t want to place the 800k, contact

@THAI *****************************

3 years ago

Evelyne **********************

@Todd ********

thanks Todd, is there a branch of this agency here in Samui?

3 years ago

Todd *********

@Evelyne *********************

no. They are based in BKK, but they can offer the service anywhere in the country.

I used them from Samui. Contact them via messenger or Line

3 years ago

John **********

What do you call a 5 year visa?

3 years ago

Graham ******

You need a Trailing Spouse Visa, see if you can get one in South Africa on the back of a Non-O for your husband

3 years ago

Evelyne **********************

@Graham *****

thanks, have looked into that, need a police clearance certificate which in SA can easily take over 12 weeks and on another note if my husband had to die, I would have 7 days to leave Thailand, not an ideal situation . Thanks again

3 years ago

Graham ******

@Evelyne *********************

Not sure about the day day rule. I'm on a Non-O marriage and if my wife were to die my current stamp would be honoured. In the case of a divorce I'd have to leave.

3 years ago