Is it better to apply for a 3-month Non-O retirement visa from the UK or Thailand?

@Lindsey *********

that's my point, insurance is only good if it's paying out. Some insurers might not cover motorbike riding as standard (as with scuba diving), and many more will not pay out for any of the many usual reasons not to pay out, not having the relevant bike licence in their home country, and the corresponding international permit, or not having the Thai driving licence required after 1yr stay, lack of helmet, presence of alcohol/drugs and Having or have had a number of pre existing medical conditions. But if you fit with that criteria you hope to be paid out. I'm sure they might reject every claim for any random reason, just to dissuade the claimant proceeding - interesting to know those figures too. Anyone claim and not get an initial rejection ? Anyone claim and feel like they had the support of the insurance company, rather than feel scrutinised ?

@Miri ****

thanks! Looks like a great option for us!

@Miri ****

thanks I understood that. I was wondering if it was fine to have the policy stated in US $ vs Thai Baht but it sounds like it worked for you. Appreciate the help!

@Miri ****

thanks so much, really appreciate it!

@London ****

NL did not ask me for insurance details when applying for a visa. I only had to give that when applying for a Thaipass. But your visa is different. I asked for non O based on visiting child.

@Steve ******

On the contrary. It is extremely easy to convert from a 30-day tourist Visa exemption to a Non O and then a one-year based on retirement. And you don't have to prove the 800k came from abroad. I should know because that's what I did.

@Tony ********

Fair enough but it's still much easier to get in your home country before entering Thailand especially with the evisa up and running. No faffing about at the Immigration office. Plus not every Imm office sells the non imm O.

@Steve ******

Easy is not a word I would ever use in 25 years of dealing with Thai embassies abroad.

@Tony ********

Never had any problems in the UK and that's where OP's from. Just my opinion that it's got to be easier arriving with the non imm O already in hand than messing about getting it in Thailand. Im sure most people would be happier knowing they already got the visa before arriving. That's why I dont think it's the best advice to get it in Thailand when you can get in your home country before you arrive.

@Steve ******

if you're staying here long term you have to go to the immigration office every year anyway to renew the retirement extension. And then there are 90-day reports. Last time I renewed my extension it took about 20 minutes. So whatever way you do it you can't avoid the immigration office.

@Tony ********

Here's a shot of a Non Imm O evisa from RTE London.

@Tony ********

At least least it saves you one visit!

@Steve ******

number 1 and 3 are completely untrue. A tourist visa is easy to convert inside the country. I have many I know who have done it.

@Bim ******

Im not saying it's difficult to do but it's got to be much easier to already have it when you arrive. It's so easy to do now with the evisa up and running.

@Bim ******

Number 1 is correct, most of the 'tourist' Imm Offices sell it, not so many up country do.

@Bim ******

I agree, most of the people I know did it that way.

@Will ***********

Evisa, nothing in the passport untill you enter Thailand.

@Steve ******

got mine in August before E visa kicked off