Do I need to open two bank accounts for a retirement Non-O visa in Thailand?

Question

Hello,
We bought a condo in June and I went alone to renovate it using 60 day tourist visa which I got weeks before travel from Thai embassy in UK.

However when I arrived at the airport in Bangkok the immigration told me next time I visit I need a 1 year visa ?

I travel to Thailand for 2 months and go immigration to extend for 30 days, which we do twice per year over 2 trips from UK, so can’t understand why he said I need one year visa when I do it correctly.

I’ve been told I’m better with a retirement non-o visa as we both in our 50s, and I’d need to deposit 800,000THB into a Thai bank account I’d have to open.

My question is, do I need to open 2 bank accounts in both our names or would one account in my name be ok with 800,000THB to be put in. Stuck with this question

And good advice will be appreciated

Thank you 🙏🏻

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is currently on a 60-day tourist visa but has been advised by immigration to apply for a 1-year visa due to their extended stays in Thailand. They are considering a retirement Non-O visa and are uncertain whether they need to open two separate bank accounts in both their names or if one account in the user's name would suffice for the required 800,000 THB deposit. The community offers various suggestions about visa options, emphasizing that they should apply for a more appropriate visa given their time spent in Thailand.

John ******** · Answer

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Kate ******* · Answer

You’re spending half of your year in Thailand, yes you need a longer term visa now than just the brief visit, visa free entry and this is not what it’s intended for.

I would take the advice you were given.

John ******** · Answer

What is your ultimate plan?

Live in Thailand many years from now when the Condo completely renovated?

Stephen ******* · Answer

Get a 90 day non-o from your home country each. You need to meet the requirements. Then no problem and no questions asked.

Thorsten *********** · Answer

Do like before but don't stay longer than 178 days each year!

Graham ****** · Answer

If you get a Non-O for each of your visits you'll get 90 days on entry (this is what Immigration meant) then no need to go for an extension

Elías ******** · Answer

You can't live here on a tourist visa

鹰** · Answer

Only you can decide which visa is appropriate for your, not the immigration officer.

The immigration authorities simply assess whether you meet the requirements for the visa you apply for.

Farang ********* · Answer

I got pulled and told to get a "wife" visa. I needed their advice

Lynnette ******* · Answer

Each person needs the required funds of 800k tbt if doing non-O with 12 month extension. Your entries aren't really as short stay tourists, so the immigration is suggesting you get the right visa for your stay.

John ********** · Answer

2 x 90 =180. 180 days in a calendar year makes you a tax resident, so not exactly a tourist. Yes you'd be better getting a non-immigrant visa, there's different options.

Each get a 90 day Non-O visa, which can be extended for 12 months by putting 800k baht in a Thai bank for 2 months before applying for the extension and then getting a multiple re-entry permit.

Or one of you could get a 12 month Non-OA visa, which doesn't require any funds in a Thai bank but does require insurance, medical and police checks and the other could a 90 day Non-O as a dependant, no funds are required but would need an extension and re-entry permit as above.

Or you could both get 12 month Non-OA visas

Do I need to open two bank accounts for a retirement Non-O visa in Thailand?

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