Can you convert a tourist visa to a Non-O visa in Thailand?

tourist visa Non-O visa immigration rules Thailand visa conversion retirement visa bank account opening expat advice financial requirements

Feb 28, 2021

4 years ago

Michael ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi all,

I have always been under the impression that you cannot convert a tourist visa into a non O visa in country,

I watched a video yesterday explaining that you can indeed do this,

I will be coming from the uk later in the year with the intention of retiring, I know I could apply at the uk embassy for a non OA but doing it in country looks a bit simpler,

Any advise or experience from anyone would be helpful

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post discusses the possibility of converting a tourist visa to a Non-O visa in Thailand, specifically for individuals over 50 seeking retirement. While many users affirm that it is indeed possible at certain immigration offices, experiences may vary. Some caution against the process, suggesting that applying for a Non-O from the UK may be simpler and less risky. It is also mentioned that opening a bank account can be a challenge on a tourist visa, highlighting the importance of understanding local banking policies and immigration regulations.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

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Benjamin ******

Ok, this is turning into a discussion about banks. I’m shutting this down.

1. You *should be* able to get a non-o visa IN County for being over 50. I don’t know about your specific office though, post on a local Facebook group to make sure.

2. There are no government restrictions on opening a savings account based on a person visa status. Different branches have different policies and requirements. Ask on a local Facebook group OR ask every bank branch that you come across in your city.

3. It’s extremely common for money to be seasoned in a SAVINGS account. Very few people have current (or checking) accounts. I wouldn’t even try opening a current account unless you have a specific reason.

You have good advice. I’m closing comments.

4 years ago

Geoff ********

If you go into Bangkok Bank or K bank ask if you can open a savings account and wish to deposit 800.000 baht you should have no problem just proof of accommodation, passport , they will not give you a current account but the savings account is ok you can transfer money and also get ATM card for withdrawals but not purchases once you get your retirement visa you can then request a current account 🤓

4 years ago

Michael ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Geoff *******

ok good news thanks

4 years ago

Reply to

Michael ********

Fam ************

Maybe a weird question, but what I understand is that you're still in the UK... why go through all the hassle and just for apply a non O to begin with... then all you have to do is to get your yearly extension instead of turning visa into an other one and some IO are not willing to do that... than you're screwed

4 years ago

Benjamin ******

@Fam ***********

the Non-o visa based on being over 50 does not have insurance requirements for the one year extension of stay based on retirement. The Non-OA does have insurance requirements.

4 years ago

Reply to

Benjamin ******

Gregor **********

you can convert the 60+30 days tourist visa to a 90-days Non-Imm-O based on being over 50, at most (not every one) immigration offices. If you find it unable to open a bank account on a tourist visa, this might be a hindrance, as the Immigration might want to see the proof of a certain sum of money having been transferred from abroad, to be able to apply for the conversion. A catch-22 situation. You would fare much better if you applied for the Non-Imm-O/A in the UK. This will allow you amble time to fulfill the financial requirements

4 years ago

Danielle *******

You can but not all of the immigration offices will do it. I know some women married to Thai men and they managed to get it changed in Bangkok.

4 years ago

Benjamin ******

@Danielle ******

not to sound sexist, but the rules for foreign women marry Thai men is a lot different then foreign men marrying Thai women.

It is possible to purchase a non-o visa inside Thailand for the purposes of being over 50.

4 years ago

Reply to

Benjamin ******

James ********

Yes you can apply for a Non O retirement inside Thailand. Most immigration offices will allow it...but not all.

Best to contact your local Thai Immigration office after you complete ASQ.

Ask for their list of requirements.

Are you married to a Thai?

Or seeking the one year retiree Non O/Extension based on being age 50+ ?

4 years ago

Michael ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James *******

I will be looking at extending age 50 + and living in Korat,

I tried opening a bank account last year but they wouldn’t let me on a tourist visa which makes it difficult to deposit the 800k, I think if I could actually speak to the bank manager and explain what I was planning it may make it a bit easier

4 years ago

James ********

@Michael *******

persistence is needed in opening bank account. If one branch says no...go to another....even of the same bank.

Take Thai wife helps too.

And if legally married to a Thai,

Only 400,000 Thai baht is needed to obtain the one year extension.

4 years ago

Reply to

James ********

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