I have been on a Non-O retirement visa for over 4 years and have maintained an excess of 800,000 baht all along but would now like to switch to depositing at least 65,000 baht monthly. The interest rate earned in Thailand is so low compared to my accounts in the States. My next renewal is February 2026 but my 65,000 baht deposit will commence this January 2026---or a month earlier if that's a safer option. My question is: AFTER my renewal is completed in February 2026, can I transfer the 800,000 back to my stateside account or is it necessary to keep the 800,000 baht minimum in my Thai bank until I've completed my 2027 renewal? Thanks for any advice.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is currently on a Non-O retirement visa and wishes to switch from maintaining an 800,000 baht minimum deposit to a system of monthly deposits of at least 65,000 baht. They inquire if, post-renewal in February 2026, they can transfer the 800,000 baht back to the US or if it must remain in a Thai bank until their 2027 renewal. Comments suggest that while they can apply for their 2026 renewal using the 800,000 baht method, they will need to keep a minimum balance for three months post-renewal and maintain a lower balance for the rest of the year while transitioning to the monthly income method.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.