How can I transition from a marriage visa to a retirement visa in Thailand while meeting the financial requirements?

Jan 28, 2024
a year ago
Steven *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
First I want to thank any responders in advance. I also want to express my appreciation of this form, I keep learning from it.

I am a US citizen and I am 71 with several questions.

I currently have a one year multiple entry marriage visa. For complex personal reasons I will likely need to change to a retirement visa. I have 800K baht in a Thai bank account. I have monthly social security income that will more than meet Thai minimum requirements. and can be direct deposited to a Thai bank.

I do not think have the funds to apply for any of the newer higher cost visas essentially established to attract wealthier retirees. Although, if the one that costs 50K baht were for some reason strongly recommended, I could potentially save enough before a move to apply for that one.

Any suggestions or recommendations about converting from a marriage visa to a retirement visa?

Since I need my social security to live on in the US until a move here, how can I transition from the 800K baht in a Thai savings account requirement to demonstrating I have sufficient monthly deposits to meet Thai requirements?

If I have sufficient monthly income, does that eliminate the requirement of maintaining $800K baht in the bank

I am confused by insurance requirements. Is there any way to demonstrate sufficient income so that the insurance requirement is waived?

If I need the insurance, who will insure an older gent at a reasonable cost for the Thai minimum coverage?

Any information will be greatly appreciated.

Steve Mussack
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The author seeks advice on transitioning from a marriage visa to a retirement visa in Thailand due to personal reasons. They mention having 800,000 baht in a Thai bank and sufficient social security income but have questions about the financial requirements, health insurance, and how to demonstrate sufficient funds. Respondents provide insights on visa extensions, the necessity of health insurance, and taxation implications for retirees to assist in navigating this transition.
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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Chuck *********
I am 70 and just got my retirement visa in September. If applying in Thailand for non-O visa then no health required. I used an agent and it took 30 days for approval. No need to show income if you have the 800k in Thai bank. No resolution on income tax yet. Like you I pay taxes in US so treaty may help but...
Steven *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chuck ********
Thankyou. Very helpful
Steven *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks to everyone for the responses and information. Very helpful.
Ken ******
********************************************************
*****
558 thai stat
Ken ******
avoid living near easily flooded area. As regards air quality, living in the southern regions such as phuket, better than the north including chiangmai, bangkok also not free from smog or pm2.5 recently, so better wear a face mask going out
Steven *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ken *****
thanks. Very helpful
Ken ******
you probably know all the

pros including cheaper

housing, friendly people,

and culture. As to the cons, air quality,

floods, public road safety

and road/ pavement conditions

need your attention (just

look up internet for more info/details).

Air quality can be checked

real time downloading

some apps. For long

stayers, there are some

reporting requirements

such as 90days report on

residence, which is not very

convenient. Starting this

year, new tax on remitted

income earned abroad , could have some tax implication for monthly remittance
Steven *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ken *****
thanks. Tax thing disconcerting. Hope the no double tax agreement works out
Steven *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks. What you say is helpful. I am listening Being from US, Thailand has a no double tax agreement. All my retirement income will be taxed in the US. I just have to figure out if Thai tax rate to understand if it is higher than what I pay US. There are still some shoes to drop in Thailand about all of this and I do not understand what percentage tax is Thailand going to charge and wait to find out my tax bracket as I am newly retired.
Ken ******
@Steven ********
there are some info based on google search, eg

**************************************************************************************************************************


also lots of youtubers on this topic
Steven *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ken *****
thanks will read it now.
Graham *******
do not need health insurance
Steven *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Steven *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks for the information.
Graham ******
If you are on a Non-O marriage your first extension of stay must be for the reason your Non-O was granted, you cannot change to retirement. If you don't extend it you can apply for a Non-O retirement when it expires and extend that or get the first marriage extension then for the second year change to a retirement extension if your Immigration Office will allow this.
Steven *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graham *****
thank. Very helpful
Steven *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graham *****
thanks. Very clear and helpful.
Brandon ************
Steven *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
thanks. Very helpful
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