Answered10 months ago
Is it better to apply for a Non-O retirement visa or an OA retirement visa for expats in Thailand?
I just went on the Thai embassy website. It gives you the option of filling out a Non O retirement visa. I have heard you can still open a Thai bank account in Thailand, then do the retirement visa in Thailand. Is this a good option instead of the OA retirement visa? I live in the United States
Answer summary
The conversation discusses the process of obtaining a Non-O retirement visa in Thailand and the necessity of having a long-term visa before being able to open a bank account. It highlights that individuals should apply for the 90-day Non-O visa online before arriving in Thailand, as opening a bank account is not feasible without a long-term visa. Comparisons are made between the Non-O and OA visas, with some users suggesting opting for the Non-O over the OA visa.
26 repliesnewest first
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Mike ********
I’m from USA and had a OA and now a Non-O. Forget the OA
Kyung ******
@Mike *******
Why not get an OA? Why did you switch to the non-o? It seems like a hassle to keep getting those extensions.Ron ******
@Kyung *****
Some folk might think getting a new visa every two years with all the criminal checks and mandatory insurance is a hassle. Only benefit is not having to park funds in a Thai account.
Dean *********
@Ron *****
With OA you don't need a new visa every 2 years. I'm going on my 4 extension.The advantage of the OA is I can keep the 800,000 Baht invested in the US. What it makes in interest more than covers the required insurance since, as an American, Medicare doesn't give overseas coverage. Since I have to bring in money monthly anyway for living expenses the OA is perfect for me.
Ron ******
@Mike *******
And airfares!
Jim *******
@Mike *******
And Police clearance for the Non OA visa.Mike ********
@Ron *****
…and the doctor certification
Jay ****
Don't use Bangkok Bank. Go to Kasikorn.
Ossie *********
O visa does not require medical insurance
Paul *********
OA or OX
Brandon ************
You cannot open a bank account in Thailand unless you already have a long term visa. So you cannot come to Thailand as a tourist with the plan of opening a bank account and then applying for a retirement visa, because you need a bank account to apply for the visa in Thailand.
Apply for the 90 day non-O visa online from the Thai embassy before you go to Thailand.
Apply for the 90 day non-O visa online from the Thai embassy before you go to Thailand.
Robert ********
@Brandon ***********
once you arrive in Thailand with 90 day non-O visa online from Thai embassy, will you be able to open your bank account right away? I would like to open with Bangkok Bank as soon as I arrive so the wire transfer from my USA bank will be deposited and season the 2 months prior to requesting the retirement one year extension. Any issues?
Michael *******
Avoid Bangkok Bank at the moment we use SCB very helpful and good online app and if you keep funds here for visa they pay interest (although it’s low at the moment )
Ossie *********
@Robert *******
Kasikorn bank is the best many foreigners have had their Bangkok Bank accounts frozen including a friend of mine
Ray ********
@Robert *******
too many issues with Bangkok Bank , Kasikorn is the best for foreigners
Jay *******
@Robert *******
might want to do some searching around about your choice of banks.
James ******
Robert Mohler Krungsri Bank is a better option.
Brandon ************
@Robert *******
you'll likely need to get a residence certificate from immigration. That can take around a week sometimes.
Zay *********
Thank you
@Brandon ***********
; will do.Brandon ************
@Zay ********
i don't think there is. You can always ask if there's any way to get it faster when they're asking you to pay. That's what I usually do and has worked for me in 2 other offices. But I've never gotten one from CW.Zay *********
Hello
@Brandon ***********
, is there any express service available at Chaeng Wattana for certificate of residence? Or still have to wait for a week? ThanksBrandon ************
@Rudi **********
Being well prepared has nothing to do with it. Some immigration offices tell you to come back in 1 week to pickup your residence certificate. Some send it to you in the mail. You can be prepared as you want, and that won't help you if you have an office that does not issue the residence certificate immediately.
Rudi ***********
@Brandon ***********
If you're well prepared, you can open a bank account the day after arrival. I arrived on October 16th, and on October 17th, I was able to open a bank account with Kasikornbank. The required documents: proof of immigration residence, a non-retired visa, and a Thai phone number. I was able to do this thanks to the good advice from you and other positive advisors on this site, for which I thank you.
Graham ******
@Brandon ***********
and a Thai sim registered to his passportBrandon ************
@Greg ********
you need that to get the residence certificateGreg *********
OP@Brandon ***********
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