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How do I obtain a tourist visa and apply for a retirement visa in Thailand?

Thailand Visa Tourist Visa Retirement Visa NON-O Visa DTV Visa Visa Application Process Expat Resources

May 25, 2025

10 hours ago

Robert ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

So I arrive on October 19th.  I know already I have to do the DigItal Arrival form before I depart the US.  Now if I understand this correctly I will be issued a stamp for 60 day tourist visa at the airport in Bangkok for a fee that I can then turn into a 90 day O visa and begin the process for my retirement visa?  Is that correct?

Now if I do my DTV visa and take culinary classes I have to apply before I come through the web?  Is that correct?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is seeking clarification on the process of obtaining a 60-day tourist visa upon arrival in Thailand and transitioning to a 90-day O visa to pursue a retirement visa. There is also mention of needing to apply for a DTV visa through the web before traveling. Comments suggest that it may be more advantageous to apply for the retirement visa before arriving in Thailand, as entering on a 60-day visa may complicate bank account establishment, which is necessary for the retirement visa application.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the DTV 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.

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Bob **********

If you don’t have a Thai bank account you should apply at home for the non-o visa which will help in opening a bank account and transferring the 800k which needs to be seasoned for two months before your 1 year extension and keep it there for 3 months after

7 hours ago

Lynnette *******

You won't get a stamp for a visa at the airport. They will give you an exempt entry: a no visa needed entry.

8 hours ago

Graeme ******

Why don't you just apply for your non O over 50 retirement visa in the USA before you travel? You will then get a 90 day stamp when you arrive and with this visa you will be able to open a bank account and start the process for your extension? Much simpler and easier for you

9 hours ago

John **********

You can't get a DTV inside Thailand

10 hours ago

Sylvia ********

DTV you apply outside of Thailand

10 hours ago

Bent *************

A lot of things can change before October!

10 hours ago

Paul *******

Almost impossible to open a Thai bank account if youenter this way on a 60 day visa exempt entry. Without a bank account you cannot get a retirement visa. Best to get a Retirement visa from your own country before coming to Thailand.

10 hours ago

Robert ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Paul ******

how do you do that without a bank account?

10 hours ago

Graeme ******

@Robert *******

you use your own bank account in the USA as long as you have the equivalent of 800k baht in USA dollars or 65k baht monthly equivalent. You only need the thai account for your extension if you apply before you arrive for your non O visa

9 hours ago

Graham ******

@Robert *******

You don't have a bank account in any country with 800k Baht equivalent?

9 hours ago

Paul *******

@Robert *******

Visit the Thai Embassy website in your country of passport.

10 hours ago

Reply to

Paul *******

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