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How can I stay in Thailand long term without a pension or job?

Thailand Visa OptionsTourist VisaRetirement VisaNon-O VisaVisa ExtensionTravel to Thailand
Oct 31, 2017
7 years ago
Ken ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I'm planning to go to Thailand next June. I'd like to stay a year or more. I have no pension or income and don't plan to try to work. From what I've read, you can only get a 60 day tourist visa (US Passport). How do you stay after that? Would I need to fly out of country every 2 months to get a new visa? I know many people stay for years, just wondering how it works? Thanks for any insight.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A US citizen looking to stay in Thailand for a year or more primarily has the option of starting with a 60-day tourist visa, which can be extended for an additional 30 days once in Thailand. Some users recommend applying for a 6-month multi-entry tourist visa from your home country, which offers more flexibility. After exhausting these options, you might consider leaving the country every two months to obtain a new tourist visa. Alternatively, a retirement visa (Non-O) is a viable option for long stays, requiring proof of funds in a Thai bank account. Some members suggested looking into the Elite Visa, which is more costly but allows for longer stays without frequent renewals. It’s crucial to check your specific circumstances and possibly consult with a visa agent in Thailand for tailored advice.
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.
Ashley ********
Sorry no pension or income.
7 years ago
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David ****************
David. Maybe I’m just unlucky then. With my UK card for each withdrawal your charged

1) Thai bank fee =

200b(Aeon Bank 150b)

2) UK bank fee = min 500b approx

3) bad interest rates.
7 years ago
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David ****************
@K**
. ATM’s work out an expensive option longterm for regular transfers. Check out ‘transferwise’
7 years ago
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Ken ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Just looking at options. I'd prefer not to bring much cash and live using the ATM, but not crazy about the idea of needing to leave every few months.
7 years ago
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David ****************
@K**
. Keep your savings safe, matey. Thailand has a nasty habit of making farangs savings disappear.
7 years ago
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Ken ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
No problem, I appreciate the thought.
7 years ago
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Ken ********
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Ashley ********
@Ken *******
 if i were you I would go to China .
7 years ago
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Ken ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I never said I didn't have saving. I don't need to work.
7 years ago
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Ashley ********
No but with no savings or money that you stated the pay is lousy here. China offers far more and the climate is similar if you teach in Guangdong province which is adjacent to Hong Kong.
7 years ago
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Ken ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Why, did I make a bad first impression...lol
7 years ago
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Ken ********
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Dee *******
If you don’t mind me asking, how do you like Cuenca?
7 years ago
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Ken ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Cuenca is very nice. Smaller city, feels like a big town. People and climate are great. Lots of architecture and arts. Very safe and tranquil. Lots of expat s here.
7 years ago
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Ken ********
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Mark *******
You mentioned that you live in Equador. It may not be possible to apply for the 6 month multi-entry tourist visa there because you are not Ecuadorian. I recommend you call the consulate in Quito and see what they say: (+593) 2 2563-053 (+593) 2 2542-165. You might be limited to 60 day single entry tourist visas from that consulate (which you can extend additional 30 days in Thailand for 1900 baht)

That would limit your long term options to retirement visas (1 year or 10 year). Note that you might be able to get a letter from US Embassy in Thailand that allows you to get around the need for 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account. I'm not American so I can't say with certainty but I've heard many people do this. Hopefully someone can confirm/deny this and explain the requirements needed to get the letter.
7 years ago
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Ken ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Is the retirement visa like the Ecuador investment visa. Leave money in the bank and you don't need to Leave the country.
7 years ago
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David ****************
glad I don’t ‘own’ a property in a Thai business name. That’s got to ripe for the taking (away).
7 years ago
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Dee *******
David Broadfoot While you are correct, they have been running these visa games in Pattaya for well over a decade. I am pretty sure the higher ups are involved to some degree. But like everything else here, legit or not, it could end tomorrow.
7 years ago
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David ****************
David. Very true, so I went on a recommendation from a trusted friend.
7 years ago
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Dee *******
+1 for Pattaya visa agents.
7 years ago
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David ****************
There are agencies with in tourist areas of Thailand that will obtain you an ‘Extension of stay due to retirement’. The last time I visited my home country, I returned on a (free) 30days visa exemption, then paid 15,000b for that to be extended due to retirement for a year. No money in Bank was also needed. These places still exist as a friend recently went down that route (in Pattaya).
7 years ago
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Ken ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I presently live in Ecuador, so am not in my home country.
7 years ago
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Robert ********
David Broadfoot But for a tourist visa you must leave...
7 years ago
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Ken ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Is the retirement visa a process you can start in Country? Would it be difficult to come as a tourist and apply it I decided I wanted to stay?
7 years ago
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Robert ********
David Broadfoot Ok, I thought I read comments where folks have to leave and reapply and show mountains of documents and pictures to qualify for one or the other. The visa system here is complicated or else this forum would not be so active.
7 years ago
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Dave ********
David Broadfoot true.
7 years ago
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Robert ********
Ken, to my knowledge the Elite visa is the only option where you do not have to leave the country or show funds each year to renew. The downsize for some is it does cost more money to join and you must be willing to commit for at least 5 years, or more.
7 years ago
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Dave ********
Similar, you can leave, unlike Ecuador. But you must be sure you have a multi entry visa and a re-entry stamp at the airport.
7 years ago
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Dave ********
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Dave ********
Go for the 6 month tourist visa. Have fun catching anyone at the Thai Consulate in Quito.

If you decide to stay longer go for the retirement visa, it takes a few months to obtain that. I received just before I left and since expired. When we move back in the future I will do the same again. In the mean time, on my brief visits the tourist visa exemption works fine.

Like Ecuador, check it out before deciding to set up a more permanent home. You might decide to float amongst other Asian countries first. Keep your options open.

Just my thoughts.
7 years ago
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Mark *******
There is the retirement visa (non-o) that are good for 1 year at a time. They require some proof of funds though. But if you're going to spend a lot of time here, it's your best option (IMHO).
7 years ago
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Ken ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I appreciate all the input. I have a little better understanding now.
7 years ago
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Robert ********
As the others have suggested, come in on a tourist visa first and get a feel for the lifestyle before committing. Thailand has made it more complicated for foreigners to remain here long term due to many have abused the system over the years. I am well into my second decade here and wouldn't live anywhere else.
7 years ago
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Robert ********
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เดวิด **********
What Mark said..other options are the non OA (known as the retirement visa) if you meet the financial requirements. Or the Elite Visa which is spendy. Lastly, you could fall in love and get married 😁
7 years ago
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เดวิด **********
Yes that is correct... again seasoned for 3 months.
7 years ago
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Ken ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
But, every year when you reapply, you need to show that money in the bank, correct?
7 years ago
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เดวิด **********
You are right David. I was not clear about that. Thanks
7 years ago
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Ken ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes, if nothing else, I'll come for the 6-9 months and check it out. It's a shame they don't make it easier, but on the bright side, You get to see more countries that way.
7 years ago
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เดวิด **********
Wow nice...well do come check us out in Thailand and see what you think.
7 years ago
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Ken ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes, it's easy in Ecuador. If you have a pension, you really don't need to do anything. I have an investment visa. I just have a CD in the bank that I renew every 3 years at 9% interest.
7 years ago
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เดวิด **********
I'll be honest, Thailand is a great place to live....but they don't make it easy for forigners to do so. I have a friend who is also living in Ecuador and tells me it's pretty easy to stay there long term.

You should come and check it out and make your own informed decision. And look me when you're here 😁
7 years ago
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Ken ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I'm in my 50's too. You're option sounds a bit overwhelming, not knowing anything about it. Maybe something I could look into while I was there. Really not sure how long I will be staying. I'd like to give it a year and see how I like it, while I retain my residency in Ecuador.
7 years ago
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เดวิด **********
I am just over 50 but I still work, which actually could be another option for you as well. We Americans can open up a business here under the treaty of amnity which allows us 100% ownership and the ability to buy land. This is what I did and I have a good thing going. Or you could start a regular BOI company with Thai partners. There are law offices here that specialize in setting up both and can arrange for Thai partners and everything.
7 years ago
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เดวิด **********
First off, I don't have the OA but a friend does. His initial application was through the consulate in Los Angeles. He had to show he had the funds in his USA accounts. Then for his extension of stay each year he had to have the 800k Bhat in his thai bank account. After the application is granted you can move or spend it. The money only needs to be there for the application process.
7 years ago
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Ken ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I Read a little about the retirement visa. It said you show you have
*****
0 baht. Do you put this in a Thai bank? I'm an expat in Ecuador. I have to keep $25k in an Ecuador bank. I was wondering if the process is similiar.
7 years ago
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Ken ********
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Mark *******
Apply for a 6 month multi entry tourist visa from your country of residence. If you time it right, you can get close to 9 months out of that visa (each entey gets you 60 days). You can extend the last entry by 30 days within thailand.
7 years ago
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Mark *******
Then you can go to Laos or Malaysia and apply for a 60 day tourist visa (single entry) that can also be extended at immigration by 30 days.
7 years ago
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Mark *******
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