Is it acceptable to enter Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption to obtain a Retirement visa later?

Thailand visa rules Non-O retirement visa visa exemption immigration questions onward travel requirements

Nov 25, 2021

3 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Fly December 3. Thailand pass approved. Stay in Thailand 117 days. Told by my Visa company to  go in on 30 day visa exemption & then obtain Retirement visa which I have had before: Will this be ok  with airline & immigration ?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user plans to enter Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption and then apply for a Retirement visa. There are indications that while this should not pose a problem, it is essential to demonstrate proof of onward travel both to the airline and immigration upon entry. Recommendations include booking a cheap flight to a nearby country that can be canceled after entering Thailand.

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.

Tom **********

I booked cheap flight to KL, will cancel in country and apply Non-O within 30 days.

3 years ago

Christopher *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tom *********

Thank you

3 years ago

Reply to

Christopher *******

Bä ****

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3 years ago

Richard *****

Who you flying with !

3 years ago

Christopher *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Richard ****

Thai Airways

3 years ago

Reply to

Christopher *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you

3 years ago

Terry **********

Google ‘online forward ticket’

3 years ago

Christopher *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks! 👍

3 years ago

Reply to

Christopher *******

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

Getting the Non-O retirement Visa in Thailand shouldn't be a problem, but you may be required to show onward travel within the 30 days of your entry stamp. Most likely your airline will require this before allowing you to board, but immigration can ask you as well before allowing you entry into Thailand.

Your intensions don't matter, because the rules say if you are entering on a 30 day stamp you must be able to show you are ready to leave within that time.

3 years ago

Reply to

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

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Do I need an exit flight and accommodation proof when applying for a retirement visa in Thailand?

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