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Does spending three weeks in Thailand start my retirement visa before I officially apply for it?

Retirement Visa Thailand Visa Rules Non-Immigrant O Visa Visa Application Process Entry Points to Thailand Expat Life in Thailand

Dec 21, 2023

2 years ago

Nathalie *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello,

I'm writing to you because I have a small question about the visa.

I'm going to apply in early 2024 for a retirement visa with multiple entries. My husband and I are thinking of moving to Samui in July 2024.

However, we plan to spend three weeks there on vacation in May. 

Will staying there start our retirement visa?

Do we have to pass through Bangkok in transit, or is it possible via Phuket? 

I need this information to book the plane tickets for May. 

Thank you very much for your feedback.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user inquires about applying for a retirement visa while planning a vacation in Thailand before the official application. They want to know if their vacation stay will affect their retirement visa status and if they need to transit through Bangkok or can enter via Phuket. Commenters clarify that a visa does not start until issued and that they may enter Thailand via any port, including Phuket.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
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Robert *******

Be aware that the visa is valid from the moment it is issued, please check what kind of visa you are going to apply for.

Retirement Visa is a short cut name used for the

1, Non Immigrant O visa, single entry

2, Non Immigrant O visa, no entry

3. Non Immigrant O visa Multiple Entry

4. Non Immigrant O-A visa

5. Non Immigrant O-X visa

6. Long Term Visa, short LTR visa

7. Extension of Stay.

All these have different requirements, rules and regulations, so it is very difficult to give proper advice on request about retirement visa.

2 years ago

Ellie *******

If you have valid visas as of entering Thailand, you will be stamped into Thailand on that visa, if that means by your saying "Will staying there start our retirement visa".

There is no restriction on which port of entry you have to go through to enter Thailand. You can fly into Phuet directly.

2 years ago

Nathalie *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ellie ******

Thank you very much for your reply, the content of which I have taken careful note of.

2 years ago

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Nathalie *************

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