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How can I convert my marriage visa to a retirement visa in Thailand after my divorce?

Retirement Visa NON-O Visa Thai Immigration Visa Conversion Thai Bank Account Health Insurance Expat Advice

Apr 20, 2024

2 years ago

Steven *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I currently have a multiple entry marriage visa that will end in September.  Unfortunately my Thai wife and I have since divorced so I need to convert to a retirement visa as I still plan to live in Thailand, at least much of the year.

I am 71, in good health and have no criminal rcord. have the requisite 800K baht in a Thai bank and it has been there for 9 months.  I cam from the US and can have my social security payment transferred there after I move which will free up the 800K 

What I am wanting to understand is how to change to a retirement visa and how to do it from the US, if possible.  Marriage visa ends in late September.  

Thanks for any and all direction, ideas, etc.

Kind Regards

Steve Mussack

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user seeks guidance on converting a marriage visa to a retirement visa in Thailand after a divorce. They plan to live in Thailand, have sufficient funds in a Thai bank, and are looking to apply from the US. Comments suggest applying for a 90-day NON-O visa from a Thai embassy, then applying for a one-year extension based on retirement after arrival in Thailand. Important considerations include maintaining the required bank balance, potential issues with health insurance, and the need for valid immigration status post-divorce.

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Peter ********

Talk to an agent. You don’t have to use them but you will get ideas and maybe you will use them. If you have any sense that is.

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Steven *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks for the encouragement in that direction. I am going to look for an agent in Khon Kaen. Blessings to you kind sir.

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Peter ********

@Steven ********

People will tell you every reason not to use one. Expect that.

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Steven *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Got it. I hear you.

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Steven *********

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Chris ******

Immigration Lawyer would be my choice

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Steven *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I have been thinking that. I know of one agency I used to help get my ex wife to the US. I will contact them.

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Colin *********

@Steven ********

based on many comments I've read in the past 12-18 months, getting a visa based on retirement is fairly straightforward and should need an agent to do it. If you've already got a Thai bank account in your name only, that's a step that is getting harder to achieve that you wouldn't need to worry about.

EDIT: mis-type, I meant to say that using an agent SHOULDN'T be needed

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Colin *********

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Lee ***********

Which are the 16 approved medical insurance providers

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Graham ******

@Lee **********

Check the RTE website serving the country you will be applying in

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Graham ******

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Jan ******************

@Steven ********

How long time have you stayed in Thailand on Non O visa and further extension of stay based on marriage?

I ask because it’s possible to change just your extension of stay based on marriage to an extension of stay based on retirement just at the immigration in Thailand, but this can only be done from your second and subsequent extension of stay.

Then you don’t need to apply for new a Non O in the US first, and you can just get a re-enter permit if you take a trip back to the states.

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Steven *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jan *****************

I received one extension earlier this year via going to Cambodia and back. I am now back in the US. I am planning a trip back to Thailand in August or September. I have determined I desire to retire there, or at last live most of the year there.

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Jan ******************

@Steven ********

Ok I understand, then I guess it’s best for you as already mentioned to apply for a regular 90 days Non O visa at home before you leave and extension of stays in Thailand. If you get multiple entries on your extension of stay, you can more or less come and go as you wish as long as you’re back in time to apply for a new one before it expires. No mandatory health insurance is required.

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Steven *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Jan, Thank you so very much

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Steven *********

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Graham ******

@Jan *****************

The OP may not be able to enter on his current Non-O as it ceased to be valid on the day of his divorce. Therefore the Immigration system may have already cancelled his Visa.

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

a visa would still stay in effect. It's extensions that become invalid.

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Jan ******************

ok, thank you.

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Jan ******************

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Brook ********

Your extension based on marriage and associated reentry permit was extinguished the moment your divorce was granted.

Since you are 71 and Thai health insurance may not be available to you (from the 16 approved Thai providers) I suggest you apply for a 90 day Non O visa from the Thai Embassy in DC, then apply for an extension based on retirement in Thailand.

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Steven *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Do I need insurance if I keep the 800K in the bank and have monthly income of ovr $100k per month?

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Brook ********

@Steven ********

Health insurance is currently not required with the Non O visa from the US Thai Embassy.

Insurance is only required with the Non OA visa.

I highly recommend the non O over the OA for most people.

Research them both.

Get a one year travel health insurance policy the day you book your flight.

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Steven *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks

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Steven *********

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Steven *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks

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Steven *********

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Nick ************

Please be aware that getting your ss paid into your Thai account does not free up the

*****

0 baht immediately. You still have to leave it there for three months and not go below

*****

0 for the rest of the year until you get your extension based on monthly income.

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

You just use the evisa system to apply for a 90 day non-O visa based on retirement from the Thai embassy while you're in the US. In the evisa system you would choose the consulate that serves the state you live in.

Once you arrive in Thailand you'll wait about 60 days then go to your local immigration office to apply for the 1 year extension based on retirement.

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Steven *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

Thank you. Very clear and helpful.

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Graham ******

@Brandon ***********

Can he apply for a new Visa with an existing Non-O, doesn't this need to be voided somehow following his divorce?

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Steven *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Great question. Does anyone on this for know the answer to this?

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Robin ********

@Steven ********

I've heard of people leaving the country without having a re-entry permit and this in effect cancels the existing O visa on their re-entry.

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Steven *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Good information for me to further investigate. Thanks.

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Steven *********

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

don't know

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

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