Do I need to keep 800K in my Thai bank account for 2 months before applying for a Non-O retirement visa or a one-year extension in Thailand?

Dec 12, 2022
2 years ago
Charles ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Question regarding the 800K for a "retirement visa" when applying inside Thailand: does the 800K need to be in your Thai bank account for 2 months before applying for the Non-O visa, or for 2 months before applying for the "one year extension based on retirement"?

Or does this depend on your immigration office? If so, does anyone know the rule for Chiang Mai?

Thanks.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
When applying for a Non-O visa based on retirement in Thailand, particularly in Chiang Mai, the 800,000 baht does not need to be in your Thai bank account for two months prior to applying for the initial visa. However, the two-month seasoning rule is necessary when applying for the one-year extension based on retirement. Additionally, you should have a minimum of 21 days left on your current visa before applying for the Non-O visa due to Chiang Mai's processing times.
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.
Tod *********
Unless I'm mistaken using the 800K baht banked money method for the initial Non-O visa based on being over 50 (retirement) in Chiang Mai does NOT need to be seasoned the two months and I don't believe it even requires proof of origin from abroad. Only that it's in a thai bank account in your name only before you apply for the 90 day Non-O visa

They do require the 2 month seasoning on the yearly extension though

Keep in mind thought Chiang Mai does require you have a minimum of 21 days left on your stamp because of their 15 working day under review period on Non-Immigrant type visas issued there.
Robert ************
@Tod ********
Addendum: Also, either Passbook Savings or Fixed Deposit is Ok (but not Investment Accounts). But, all above, should be differentiated from the Income Method -- which, definitely does require proof of foreign funds origin, and regular monthly deposits for prior 12 mos. (ie. A "Big Pain in the Arse").
Robert ************
Tod is absolutely correct. My wife and I just did it in CM. No Seasoning required for initial 90-day Non-O, and No Proof of origin of money, just so long as it is deposited in Thai Bank. AND, also note it IS OK (esp. for husband and wife) to use a JOINT ACCOUNT -- of course, that requires double the money i.e. 1.6 Mil. Baht.
Charles ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ***********
Thanks for the confirmation!
Tod *********
@Robert ***********
thanx so much for that update (and confirmation too ๐Ÿ˜› ) I appreciate it a great deal
Peter ********
That information has helped me as well. I will check with immigration when I arrive in CM.
Charles ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
Thanks Tod, much appreciated.
Tod *********
@Charles **********
best thing you can do is when you get to Chiang Mai you head on over to the immigration office by the airport and ask them. I am pretty sure I gave you accurate info
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