This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

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

6 months 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?

902

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

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.

90 DAY REPORTING RESOURCES / SERVICES

Use the trusted Thailand 90 Day Reporting Service to get your in-person report done and mailed to you for as low as 375 THB (even if the online system doesn't work for you).
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted 90 Day Reporting Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

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

6 months 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.

6 months 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

6 months ago

John **********

You can't get a DTV inside Thailand

6 months ago

Sylvia ********

DTV you apply outside of Thailand

6 months ago

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

A lot of things can change before October!

6 months 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.

6 months ago

Robert ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Paul ******

how do you do that without a bank account?

6 months 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

6 months ago

Graham ******

@Robert *******

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

6 months ago

Paul *******

@Robert *******

Visit the Thai Embassy website in your country of passport.

6 months ago

Reply to

Paul *******

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else