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Is it realistic to come to Thailand on a 60-day visa and later extend it for a retirement visa?
Visa TypesNON-O VisaRetirement VisaThai Bank AccountVisa ExtensionTourist VisaVisa Regulations in Thailand
Apr 15, 2026
15 days ago
Harry ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI am planning to come to Thailand on a 60 day visa and to later extend it to 90 days.
This is because on arrival I plan to sign up to a condo, then open a bank account with k bank, deposit 800000 tbh then apply for a non O visa, with the hope I can extend for one year, as a "retirement visa"
Does that sound sensible and realistic?
This is because on arrival I plan to sign up to a condo, then open a bank account with k bank, deposit 800000 tbh then apply for a non O visa, with the hope I can extend for one year, as a "retirement visa"
Does that sound sensible and realistic?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The poster plans to enter Thailand on a 60-day tourist visa, sign a condo lease, open a bank account, and deposit 800,000 THB to apply for a NON-O retirement visa, hoping to extend it for one year. However, numerous comments indicate that this approach is problematic, as tourists cannot open Thai bank accounts and they must apply for the NON-O visa from outside Thailand. Opening a bank account requires a specific type of visa, and it's advised to apply for the NON-O visa before traveling to avoid complications.
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.
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Brandon ************
Harry Harris it says you need money in Thai bank account, same as we've all told you. So what about it?
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Brandon ************
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Melissa *******
The 60 then 90 is actually visa exempt. You don’t need a visa. But when you enter on the 60. You need a depart ticket and accommodations within the 60. Then you extend the extra 30 there.
I am Canadian and the airline will not allow you to board without an exit ticket and immigration in Thailand wants the same and accommodations.
Research or you’ll waste a lot of money.
You’ll need a visa to get a bank account. To open to make the deposit to got further in the process.
I am Canadian and the airline will not allow you to board without an exit ticket and immigration in Thailand wants the same and accommodations.
Research or you’ll waste a lot of money.
You’ll need a visa to get a bank account. To open to make the deposit to got further in the process.
Melissa *******
You can’t open a bank acct without a visa and you need to apply from outside the country.
Then you get 3 months and can open acct and make deposit and requirements. Then extend it.
If you come visa exempt you can’t apply for visa from Thailand.
Go to the embassy site it is step by step.
They won’t let you leave without a return ticket and a places to stay.
Then you get 3 months and can open acct and make deposit and requirements. Then extend it.
If you come visa exempt you can’t apply for visa from Thailand.
Go to the embassy site it is step by step.
They won’t let you leave without a return ticket and a places to stay.
Oo *****
No, open a bank account on a tourist visa. I want to see that.
Majin ******
First of all you don't need an agent for any visa in Thailand, it's just easier but you just pay to not do your research.
You won't be able to open a bank account with that visa. Unless there's a particular branch you know is breaking the rules, then get the nong o first and then sign up for your visa. If the 90 days isn't enough time then border bounce and apply for the long term visa in Laos or something
You won't be able to open a bank account with that visa. Unless there's a particular branch you know is breaking the rules, then get the nong o first and then sign up for your visa. If the 90 days isn't enough time then border bounce and apply for the long term visa in Laos or something
John ********
Come on a non o 90 day ...you van not open a bank account on a 60 day tourist entry
Malcolm **********
You can't open a bank account on a tourist visa
Patricia **************
Please copy and paste your plan and question to one of the AIs ChatGpt, Claude, or Perplexity, and take notes. Good Luck on your journey and Adventure!!
Darren *******
Sensible but the wrong way around
Thrilling*********
You can only apply for a non O visa outside of the kingdom, e.g your own country. Buy a mobile phone, Then apply for your extension after bank account established with 800k matured over 2 months, (Pattaya) that may vary with IO.
Andreas ********
There is no 60 day Visa. 60 days are Visa free
Atrustwor*********
Andreas Knautz Yes there is its the TR60. 60 day tourist visa you buy before arrival via evisa website.
Andreas ********
AtrustworthyJaguar but Harry is coming from England and has 60 days Visa exemt. He doesn't need a tourist Visa
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Andreas ********
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Bent *************
No!👎🏿
Peter **********
No.
Firstly, please explain this…”60 day visa and later extend it to 90 days”….
Does it have a Type number or ad hoc description?
Firstly, please explain this…”60 day visa and later extend it to 90 days”….
Does it have a Type number or ad hoc description?
Atrustwor*********
Peter H Bates 60 day visa is TR60 then pay 1900baht to get 30 days extension.
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Atrustwor*********
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Lynnette *******
No. Get the non-O before you come.. then you can open a bank account. No point getting a 60 day tourist visa then having to leave to go get the Non-O, then come back to open a bank account.
Peter **********
Lynnette Munoz Is there a ‘60 day tourist visa’. We hear a lot about 60 day visa EXEMPT. If it is EXEMPT it indicates non-existant.
Lynnette *******
Peter H Bates exempt means you get to enter with no visa for 60 days. There is also a tourist visa of 60 days that you can apply for if needed. It's all on Thai embassy website.
BC ********
Peter H Bates yes. A tourist visa is 60 days.
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BC ********
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Alisa ********
You should come to Thailand on a retirement visa to open a bank account. The new visa type also allows you to open a bank account.
Pat *******
It's not a retirement visa and there are "NO" new visa types. Don't spread misinformation.
Alisa ********
Pat Trick Didn't you know there's a new type of visa that just came out yesterday?
CoolBun*******
@Alisa *******
and what is this magical mystery visa then?Alisa ********
CoolBunny_7244 Try to find out more details because I only listened to it briefly last night.
Alisa ********
CoolBunny_7244 5-year long-term visa
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Alisa ********
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Reply to
Atrustwor*********
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Brandon ************
You cannot open a Thai bank account as a tourist. And you cannot convert to non-O visa inside of Thailand without a bank account.
Your plan doesn't make sense. Do it the way you're supposed to do it. Apply for the non-O visa from your Thai embassy before you travel to Thailand, and then you can open the required bank account after you arrive. With that bank account you can deposit the funds required to apply for the 1-year extension.
Your plan doesn't make sense. Do it the way you're supposed to do it. Apply for the non-O visa from your Thai embassy before you travel to Thailand, and then you can open the required bank account after you arrive. With that bank account you can deposit the funds required to apply for the 1-year extension.
Peter **********
@Brandon ***********
Where does the OP indicate he would be a ‘tourist’ ?Brandon ************
@Peter *********
60 days extended to 90. The only option to do that is with a tourist visa or visa exempt entry. Those are both tourists.BC ********
Peter H Bates in his post. The 60 days visa is a tourist visa. It doesn't matter if the intention is to try to live here. Entering on a 60 day visa ( = tourist visa) OR visa exempt giving 60 days stay makes OP fall in the tourist category. Even if the intention is to try to change it later on.
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BC ********
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Harry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
a good Thai friend said it was possible that's why I asked on here to see if this is correctFloyd ******
Harry Harris it used to be done that way quite frequently if you wish to pay an agent and they manipulate the system and make it work but they're very watching this very closely now please do the EVS online non-o retirement when you get to Thailand deposit your $800,000 baht let it set for the proper amount of time and then go apply for the extension
Floyd ******
That is EVISA on line
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Floyd ******
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Brandon ************
@Harry *******
it used to be easy for tourists to open bank accounts and do the conversion. That's no longer the case. No visa, no bank account now.Harry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
that's what I thoughtReply to
Harry ********
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Michael *********
I asked similar questions, and was told two useful rhings;
1. Get the non-o 90 days on your home country.
2. Once you open the bank and deposit the 800k, you must wait 2 months before can apply for the 1 year extension. So, time is tight.
1. Get the non-o 90 days on your home country.
2. Once you open the bank and deposit the 800k, you must wait 2 months before can apply for the 1 year extension. So, time is tight.
Roger *********
The first hurdle to your plan is that holders of a Tourist visa are no longer permitted to open a Thai bank account, you need to get a Non Immigrant visa first, by whatever means are available to you 😉
Good luck 👍
Good luck 👍
Ant ***********
The only way you can do that is using a Visa agent
Cannot transfer a TV to a long term Visa within Thailand
Cheaper & easier to apply for the Non-O single entry in your home country
Do you have the money for the 800 K ?
Cannot transfer a TV to a long term Visa within Thailand
Cheaper & easier to apply for the Non-O single entry in your home country
Do you have the money for the 800 K ?
Harry ********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnt W Tailor yes but so far they aren't giving me a visa and don't explain why
Nongnuch ********
Harry Harris if the Thai embassy declined your visa application, there must be a reason. Did you supply the correct and required financial statement with your e-visa application? Do you have equivalent of 800,000 THB in your home bank account?
Ant ***********
Harry Harris
Who is they ?
Who is they ?
Harry ********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnt W Tailor embassy
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Harry ********
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Wim ************
Harry Harris better contact them by phone for the reason. You might not get your visa in Thailand too.
Ian ********
Is it still pending or have they refused it?
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Ian ********
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Brandon ************
@Ant **********
you can convert to non-O inside of Thailand, but only if you already have a Thai bank account. Since this person does not, they will be unable to open a bank account as a tourist.Reply to
Brandon ************
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