Answered11 days ago

Is it advisable to apply for a 60-day visa before upgrading to a Non-Imm O retirement visa in Thailand?

Thailand Visa Non-Immigrant Visa Retirement Visa Visa Extension Expat Advice

Simon **********

asked Nov 1, 2026

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Hi,

I am thinking to apply for the 60 day visa then upgrade it to non imm o when in Thailand. And extend to retirement annual. Married to Thai and previously had retirement visa.

I am having difficulty already uploading an acceptable photo. It states nothing extra or other people should be in the photo but there is no such thing. The photo with white background looks perfect and less than 3 mbs?

Additionally l am unsure what to put in the date leaving Thailand as l intend to extend beyond 60 days 

I am also flying from UK  on a return section of a flight where l left Thailand in June 2025.

I am put off the retirement visa because of difficulties envisaged in obtaining police and doctors certs as cannot get appointments easily these days.

Any thoughts please.

Answer summary

The user is considering applying for a 60-day visa and upgrading to a Non-Immigrant O visa upon arrival in Thailand for retirement purposes. They express frustration with uploading an acceptable photo for the visa application and uncertainty about the return date to Thailand, intending to stay longer than 60 days. They also mention difficulties in obtaining police and doctor certifications required for the retirement visa. Community responses advise against entering on a tourist visa and suggest applying for the Non-O visa from the UK due to simpler requirements and issues obtaining a bank account while on a tourist visa.

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Phil ******

Simon Brambles no dont enter Thailand on a tourist visa as you cant get a bank account this way.

In your home country apply for a NON O visa based on retirement. No police check insurance ertc to worry about. Enter Thailand get a bank account deposit ฿800,000 season for 2 months a nd apply for the 12-month extension.

11 days ago

Simon **********

Phil Beer Thankyou Phil.

I have a Thai bank account . Well 2 actually since 1997. I had to return to UK for 7 months and have a new passport as well. So l am starting from scratch again.

11 days ago

Phil ******

Simon Brambles ok. Get that Non O now. Good luck

11 days ago

Simon **********

Phil Beer Thanks, l,m onto it tomorrow.

11 days ago

Lynnette *******

There's no police check or insurance required for a Non-O visa obtained before you arrive.

11 days ago

Simon **********

Lynnette Munoz It wasn't insurance l was worried about but the declaration from Doctor about not having elephantitis etc l had read about. I'll revisit the Non immigration O. U

I have had them before but there are a few changes now.

11 days ago

Lynnette *******

Simon Brambles I'm sure there's no medical on non-O. What's a Non-O U?

11 days ago

Simon **********

Lynnette Munoz Sorry that was a mistype. I.ll have to make sure l don.t do that on the application :)

Still going to struggle with the photo though. Can't understand it

11 days ago

Lynnette *******

Why would you apply for a tourist visa when you want a Non-O retirement? Is there a reason?

11 days ago

Wayne *********

Do you have a thai bank account ? Its near impossible to get one on a 60 day tourist visa

11 days ago

Simon **********

Wayne Roberts Yes thanks. I have had Kasikorn and SCB for many years.

11 days ago