Answered5 years ago
Is it still necessary to have 800,000 Baht in a Thai bank for the Non-OA visa?
So it’s no longer mandatory to have 800,000 Baht in a Thai bank according to this?
Answer summary
The discussion centers around whether it is mandatory to have 800,000 Baht in a Thai bank account for obtaining a Non-OA visa. Most comments clarify that while this amount is not needed when applying for the visa from one's home country, it is indeed required for obtaining a yearly extension of the O-A visa in Thailand. Participants also touch on recent changes to insurance requirements and strategies for obtaining long-term residency in Thailand.
66 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Joe *********
Some confusion here ladies and gents
Vincy ***************
most of the department in Immigration is currupt to the core.They want to make money in every step. If they really plan to promote tourism through this visa ,they can do so by issuing visas to anyone who has a simple bank statement. Why would someone keep 800,000 in the bank where bank not even giving you 2% per year.They can issue a 5 year visa but they dont because they want to collect money every year. I really feel pity for the farangs who spend all thier foreign earnings in Thailand but treated badly at the immigration.
Tod *********
feel better after getting that off your chest do you
Have some cheese with your whine.
@Vincy **************
?Have some cheese with your whine.
James ********
F
Shane ************
get a volunteer visa. done
Dave *******
Rob **********
You never needed to have the 800K in a Thai bank, when you first apply for the OA visa in your country of origin. But you need to have it in your own Thai bank account, when you do your yearly extinguish Thailand, or use the monthly 65K method. Good luck👍
Isabella ************
@Rob *********
NOT TRUE...I HAVE APPLY SOME YEARS AGO FOR AN OA..I HAD TO HAVE THE MONEY IN A THAI BANK.Rob **********
@Isabella ***********
for a extension in Thailand yes you need the money in a Thai bank, but you can only purchase a OA visa from your own country, where you need to show money banked in your own country, not a Thai bank.
Steve *******
It never was. It can be in a bank account in your own Country.
Andy *******
Point 6 talks 800,000 baht.... they still focussed on money in Thailand or proof in other country to get it... they never miss the money part... but yes, real relevance is for the extension after 12 months when you apply again
David *******
Who in their right mind would purchase an OA visa given the health insurance requirements now burdened on this unfortunate group of expats over the past 3yrs. For some unexplained reason they have been targeted by the thai gov.
Expats planning on settling in Thailand permanently are better of entering the country on 30 or 60 day tourist visas & converting to non O type long term visas to avoid the exhorbitant insurance premium costs now being demanded from the ever diminishing numbers of OA visa holders.
Expats planning on settling in Thailand permanently are better of entering the country on 30 or 60 day tourist visas & converting to non O type long term visas to avoid the exhorbitant insurance premium costs now being demanded from the ever diminishing numbers of OA visa holders.
Erik **********
@David ******
well said, however.. have to put yourself into the farang mind... they feel safer in their country and like to preorganise... (espacially germans) and most dont know about the o visa until its too late..Erik **********
join thai visa.. the boys there are amazing.. like ubon Joe.. what a champ
Erik **********
and added to that, often there ARE NO CLEAR RULES.... was on an EDU visa.. and the big mouth immi farang hpe told me strictly I would need leave TH and come back to start the Retired visa... total BS .... so, dont beleive anything!!! good luck
Terry ********
@Erik *********
Yes, They often do not understand or misinterpret their own rules especially when translated/mistranslated into English.Terry ********
@David ******
It only makes sense for someone who wants to get 1 year of multiple entries and/or 2 years stay in Thailand from it. Because If u re-enter Thailand just before the 1 year visa expires u r stamped in for a 2nd year.
Martin **********
@Terry *******
wrong, you have extra 90 days.Terry ********
Not necessarily if one enters for one year using UK insurance covering the Covid requirement, or say with Emirates inclusive insurance, then returns to the UK at some point and returns for the 2nd year on a new one year UK policy, or with return Emirates flight insurance. I dont know what u mean by 'levy'. The
******
k thb in/outpatient cover is acceptable for COE if subsumed within the more than adequate £****
million medical cover provided by UK or Emirates insurance.Terry ********
@David ******
Yes, you should be better off with the Non-O, and like u, I think insurance is sensible/essential to have even if not officially required. Im fortunate in being a 'Snowbird' so can return (so far) to Thailand each Autumn on UK insurance; this year Emirates. Im sure u already know that @Arawan ******
, here on Facebook, seems to be offering the best Thai insurance deals to those like u already residing in Thailand, and unlike farang insurance it is not so age limited. I hope it all works out for you David.David *******
@Terry *******
I've been living permanately here for 12 yrs on a OA...perhaps averaging one overseas return trip annually. I will be swapping to an O when my current visa is up for extension. I have the 800k & have had health insurance for the duration of my stay.Long before it became compulsory, currently complying with the *****
********
k requirement. I plan to retain this policy as i find it offers peace of mind as I age. I am not prepared to pay for the 3m tbh plus policy as i find the amount of cover & policy cost excessive. Therfore i will be hopefully transferring to a non O.Terry ********
@David ******
A Non-O must be extended after 90 days and annually renewed which means u r at the mercy of the dreaded Thai immigration gestapo who often seem to enjoy exerting their power over farang going out of their way by making the process as difficult and unpleasant as possible. No insurance requirements I know, but onerous proof of OTT *******
thb financial requirements to be obtained from Thai banks, who also take their banking monopoly, unlike the UK, for granted, with little customer service ethos despite their dependence on their customers' money. Re-entry permits r also required. Why do u assume that I hold or favour an OA visa? I am able to weigh the pros and cons of both as I have had an OA in the past and now, for convenience given the Covid situation, I favour and do hold a non-O visa.David *******
@Terry *******
each to their own opinion...l'm not a well-heeled englishman who would be regularly returning to your homeland on multi entry visas.My initial comment was referring to retirees looking to SETTLE in thailand on a OA visa Just for your info a non O visa allows you to enjoy the benefits you enjoy without purchasing any annual health insurance.Terry ********
@David ******
You asked the question: "Who in their right mind would purchase an OA visa?" And I have answered that question. You did not ask about existing long term OA visa extension holders in Thailand whom the increased 'levy' will effect when renewing their extensions. But 3m thb is only £67k cover, which is peanuts and still subsumed and well within any UK/Farang insurance purchased on visa application as I previously described. So it is in no way prohibitive for those potential OA applicants you think not in their right mind to want to come and go with multi-entries for 1 year and enjoy a 2nd year stay before applying for a new visa from their home countries. And in this way, they need only report every 90 days, avoiding the onerous, grovelling and sometimes humiliating extension renewal experience, any insurance and levy, and any financial requirements completely!David *******
@Terry *******
you've missed the whole point. The health insur premium limit is about to be raised to 3m tbh making the cost to potential & existing OA visa holders prohibitive. Replace the word levy with cost.David *******
@Terry *******
correct but ultimately a very high price to pay thks to the health insur levy.
Bill *********
@David ******
a sex pat
Chris ********
@David ******
hi, I am eligible for visa exempt but cannot see 60 tourist visa on thai embassy page in UK. What am I missing? Chris ********
Thanks
Paul *******
@Chris *******
if you do it on evisa site the option is there. Just started mineDavid *******
@Chris *******
i am not from uk so can't help you. Some countries offer 60 days. However you can usually apply for an additional 30 days from most thai immigration offices once here.
Jon *******
@David ******
agreed sir. It is targeting retirees with enforcing this mandatory insurance purchase on them and not other visa types. How is that not discriminatory ? Seems they have a definite agenda with OA visa holdersDavid *******
@Jon ******
yes they obviously have open slather to impose these mandatory requirements without explanation or justification. Wouldn't be surprised to see compulsory life insurance featuring thai benificiaries ...perhaps with a proportionate amount payable to the thai gov next on the agenda..haha
Wayne *********
@David ******
Agree 100k baht for a year is a joke
Ադամ ********
Is that updated? The insurance minima have changed from Oct 1 2021.
Bryn ********
OPDoes everyone need the insurance or only A-O? A
Peter *********
@Adam *******
Yes, just got my O-A Visa last week. Insurance B3.5m, cost me B28k for a full year. I'm 67, that represents very good value, and Insurance is full cover 
Marlene ******
@Peter ********
about a 1000 US for full year? Am I right?Peter *********
@Marlene *****
yup
Doreth *************
@Peter ********
************************
. Please send me a copie thank youDavid *******
@Peter ********
I find that premium almost ridiculously low. You say full cover so that includes covid & outpatients cover?Peter *********
@David ******
***********************************************************************************************************
%24cAAAAAFW7rn-CxlPVNl8lQ5_O6Xnf**********
*****
4587&attachment_id=*****
*****
*****
&message_id=mid.%24cAAAAAFW7rn-CxlPVNl8lQ5_O6XnfDavid *******
@Peter ********
trying to pm you but your're not coming up on my search. Not prepared to divulge my email add on this forum. I will check Axa thru my broker...thksPeter *********
@David ******
Well my policy clearly states B3.5m for inpatient and outpatient care, and obviously includes Covid. Give me your email and I'll send you a copy!David *******
@Peter ********
As the new legislation has yet to be passed( 3m inpatient,40k out patient plus covid insur has yet to be passed your new OA visa app appears to have been approved under the existing mandatory limits ie 400k inpatient,plus 40k outpatient,plus covid insurance.The conditions of your policy are a little vague & I think you may have problems meeting the new requirements when renewing your visa in 12 mths time. I have multiple discounts based on 11 yrs of no claim bonuses. I am 70 yrs old.I currently pay a 36k premium to meet the existing
******
k plus covid. I anticipate the premium for full coverage of the new 3m requirement will be between 75 -100k.Peter *********
@David ******
Medical Expense due to Accident or Sickness - up to B3.5m. Cover for Road accidents, Stroke, Heart attack, I asked Robert specifically about this.
Michael ********
@Peter ********
who did you get that off, if you dont mind me askingPeter *********
Adrian ******
@Peter ********
sounds a good price who with ?
Vernon ********
@Peter ********
Who did you get it with ? Sounds great, mind you I expect it would be dearer for an ol git like me 74 !
Brett **********
@Peter ********
that was a good price. Mine was *****
and I'm 50. Where did you get that from?Brett **********
@Peter ********
won't require for a while but if I manage to leave and re-enter for a second year could be handy Peter *********
Oor ********
F
Alessandro **********
That's not the Visa you need 800k for. That's not even a Visa, it's the annual extension of a Non O for retirement. I believe you still have to show proof of at least
*****
Euro to get the Non OASteve *******
@Alessandro *********
You need the equivalent of 800,000bt in a bank account for the Non Imm OA visa.Tod *********
You are confusing BUYING the O-A visa at a thai consulate in your country before you wing your way here
AND
Getting a year extension of stay from an O-A visa entry stamp AFTER you're already in thailand at the thai immigration office.
Those are whores from different go-go barz entirely 😮 Sorry I mean those are horses of a different color. Sometimes I mix up my metaphors 😛
AND
Getting a year extension of stay from an O-A visa entry stamp AFTER you're already in thailand at the thai immigration office.
Those are whores from different go-go barz entirely 😮 Sorry I mean those are horses of a different color. Sometimes I mix up my metaphors 😛
Tod *********
You never needed to have the 800K baht in a thai bank account to BUY the O-A visa from the consulate in your country. You could always show proof of funds using a bank in your country.
What you need to have the 800K baht banked for is when you get a year extension from the O-A visa inside the country at the immigration office. That's when you need to have the banked money or a year of 65K baht a month international transfers into your thai bank account in your name only
What you need to have the 800K baht banked for is when you get a year extension from the O-A visa inside the country at the immigration office. That's when you need to have the banked money or a year of 65K baht a month international transfers into your thai bank account in your name only
Marlene ******
@Tod ********
I have a question ..what if you have applied for a non O and have 800,000 in a Thai bank in your name ….and for some reason you passed away. Can your family have access to your bank account if that happens?Wayne *********
@Marlene *****
one would think a will in Thailand would sort the bank outTod *********
@Marlene *****
sorry I am a visa god/guru, not a "how can my thai family have my money after I die" guru. You're on your own with that. Wayne *********
@Tod ********
Correct Tod, I got mine using my AU bank account and letter of employment. But not doing it again as getting quoted 100k baht for health insurance is a rip off Michael ********
Nothings changed thats for applying for the visa from the states.
Burnard ************
@Michael *******
Yes, I believe when you extend here to an "O Visa" that is when you need 80k in a Thai Bank. Also probably speciations as to how how long the funds need to be there before you apply for the O.Last I heard.
Tod *********
@Burnard ***********
you don't get an O-A visa in your country and then extend to an O <- those are two separate visa types.You apply for a yearly extension on either of those visas and you meet the financial requirements of either banking 800K baht in a thai bank account in your name only for 2 months before you apply or by having transferred in to the country a minimum of 65K baht a month each month every month for the previous 12 months.
Michael ********
@Burnard ***********
yes read below what Tod Daniels wrote about extension of stays, not repeating it.Activity
31 joined31
people
Related
25What are the options and requirements for obtaining a Non-O visa for retirement in Thailand for expatriates over 50?
4.5k41451mo
Can I qualify for a Non-OA visa with monthly pension transfers and later switch to the 800k requirement in Thailand?
2k13277mo
Can I use the 65,000 THB per month method for my Thailand Non-Immigrant O visa from the start?
17.3k1481947mo
What are the differences between Non-O and Non-OA visas regarding the 800,000 THB requirement?
2.9k22327mo
Why is proof of an international transfer necessary for the 800,000 THB requirement for a Non-O visa extension in Thailand?
4.5k37499mo
What health checks are required for a retirement visa application in Thailand from Australia?
3.9k26511y
What happens to my Non OA visa after the first renewal in Thailand?
8072131y
Is it necessary to provide U.S. bank statements for a retirement O visa application in Thailand?
1.3k1161y
Do I need to have money in a Thai bank for the OA visa or its extension?
2k16141y
What are my options for obtaining a visa to Thailand when health insurance is a barrier?
8.3k67951y
How can I obtain a retirement visa to move to Thailand?
7.5k54861y
What steps should I follow to apply for a Non O Visa as an American retiree in Thailand, and what should I know about health insurance requirements?
3.4k19512y
What are the pros and cons of processing a retirement visa at the Thai embassy in the USA versus in Thailand for those over 60 with IRAs?
4.8k32643y
How long does the ฿800,000 need to be in my account before applying for a retirement extension in Thailand?
1.6k10163y
What are the steps to obtain a Non-Immigrant O Retirement Visa while traveling between Thailand and the Netherlands?
692353y
What are the rules regarding withdrawing funds from a Thai bank account for a retirement visa after meeting the financial requirements?
5.1k171043y
Can I apply for a Retirement Visa in Thailand using only a US bank statement?
2.4k4563y
What are the requirements for applying for a Non-OA visa while currently in Thailand?
1.7k8234y
Can I apply for a 3-month Non-O retirement visa inside Thailand with a 45-day stamp?
2.2k18134y
Is health insurance required for a Non-O visa application in Thailand?
1.7k1474y
Can I use funds from my UK bank account to obtain an O-A visa in Thailand, and what are the requirements for extending it?
3.4k28285y
Which visa should I apply for if I want to retire in Thailand with a one-way ticket?
2k17115y
What are the insurance requirements for a retirement visa in Thailand?
6.2k59426y
Can an Ed visa be converted to a Retirement visa in Thailand?
1.1k927y
Can I convert a 6-month METV to an extension based on retirement in Thailand?
851628y
Resources
Need help with your retirement visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served