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Can someone with an old drug felony conviction obtain a Thai Retirement Visa?

Thai Retirement Visa Non-O Visa Non-OA Visa Criminal Background Check Thailand Immigration Visa Requirements

Mar 28, 2025

5 days ago

Warren **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Quick question about potential problems w/criminal background checks, and getting approved for a Thai Retirement Visa. Here’s the situation: this person (let’s call him Joe) had a Federal, not US state, drug felony conviction about 40 years ago. The offense was a non-violent one, he served his time, and has had a spotless record since. Joe’s been very successful at business and would love to retire to Thailand. (He'd have no problem paying for an Elite visa if needed)

And no, his record cannot be expunged or pardoned. Its permanent.

Is there anyone here with either 1) direct experience in this matter or 2) is a real Visa professional? Traveling there on a regular tourist visa does not appear to be a problem but its hard to get answers on residency.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The primary concern is whether Joe, who has a 40-year-old non-violent federal drug felony conviction, can overcome potential issues in obtaining a Thai Retirement Visa. Insights suggest that a Non-O visa is more suitable as it typically does not require a criminal background check, unlike the Non-OA visa. Several commenters highlighted that the LTR Wealthy Pensioner visa also doesn't require a check. Overall, traveling on a tourist visa initially and then converting to retirement status may be the easiest path, avoiding disclosure of historical offenses.

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.
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John ********

I wouldn't report or admit to a drug related offence to Thai authorities no matter how historic . There are other options

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Key ****************

It’s totally not an issue 😊 easiest way is come to Thailand on a tourist visa and we can help you convert to retirement

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Brook ********

A non O visa is a better choice anyway.

The requirement for a OA visa criminal background check is about as vague as the check for elephantiasis. Go to your state LEO or county sheriff, not the FBI.

And yes, 40 year old criminal records can often be expunged. State laws are changing every year.

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Warren **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Federal is forever.

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Warren **********

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Robert ********

Do not try the non-OA.

All other visas do not require any check.

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Joseph *******

The LTR Wealthy Pensioner visa does not require a criminal background check. If you have enough passive income to qualify, it’s much cheaper than the Elite visa.

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Keith *******

If he does require a non OA he could always do the police check before applying

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Wayne *********

he has to do the police check prior obviously because you need to supply it when you do apply not after you apply

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Keith *******

@Wayne ********

thanks for agreeing 😊

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Keith *******

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Phil ******

@Warren *********

apply for a non O based on retirement within Thailand. A criminal check is not required

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Brandon ************

it's not required applying from the embassy either

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Floyd ******

any ideas on an agent who can get you a bank account to go with the non-oh VISA retirement

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Robert ********

If you’re asking to get around the 800k requirement… don’t, just don’t.

If you start with bribing an officer there will be no way back as there are no records of you ever having a bank account in your name.

If you don’t have the 800k, send 65k every month and use the bank statement to get your retirement extension.

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Andy *******

@Robert *******

note if you use the agency method 800k is paid into your account ( albeit for just seconds) they would open one for you so in fact you do have a bank account

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Robert ********

They open one for you? How without you ever being there and signing?

And where are the statements that you have the money 3 months before and after the day each year in that account?

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Andy *******

@Robert *******

you have to accompany them to their pet bank for account opening and photograph if you are using the agent method and they are putting up 800k

Don't know what you mean about statements ...aha oh unless you mean you are putting money up

In that case I have no idea

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Robert ********

Does your immigration never verify your money via statement and certification from your bank that it’s your account and money came from outside the country?

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Andy *******

@Robert *******

No agent bank and immigration work together

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Robert ********

is that an answer to my question?

Every year I need to provide info about my 800k with a letter from the bank when I do the EOS. You don’t?

If you do it with an agent, then you’re still in wheel with bribery. If the immigration officer is checked, all their visas will be revoked. Good luck with that.

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Andy *******

@Robert *******

if you don't like my answer I really can't help.it.. whatever this EOS is you can't be the only one so agents must know about it and if you want to use your own money am sure they would be able to help for a slightly reduced fee

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Carsten ************

@Robert *******

if you don't know the process, please stop spreading nonsense. Thanks!

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Robert ********

@Carsten ***********

If you know that so well then go ahead….

Why don’t you explain how you can get a statement showing that you lawfully had the amount in your account over 5 months in each of the last 3 years?

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Carsten ************

@Robert *******

I was never asked for such a statement.

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Floyd ******

@Robert *******

I would never try to bribe an officer it's just confusing I understand you just have to show consistent deposits into any bank account is this correct

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Robert ********

Yes. 65k per month *every* month.

I did it wrong the first time, believing that the average is counted - but no, it must be every month.

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Floyd ******

@Robert *******

shouldn't the bank be able to set up direct deposit I'll say social security

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Floyd ******

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Phil ******

@Mots *********

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Phil ******

yep many.

@Tik ************************

and @Mots are just 2.

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Phil ******

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Brandon ************

A non-O retirement visa and the subsequent extensions in Thailand do not require a criminal history check.

Only the non-OA visa has this requirement, and that's not the visa most people want or need.

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Brandon ************

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