Is it worth keeping 800,000 baht in a Thai bank for a Non-O Retirement Visa?

Question

Parking 800K baht for a Non-O Retirement Visa at around 0% APY — is it really worth it?

With Thailand's requirements to keep 800,000 baht in the bank for several months before and after renewal, and to never let the balance fall below half that amount, the money is essentially sitting idle.

Even if you've never invested before, you could open one of the many online savings accounts in the U.S. and deposit the equivalent of 800,000 baht (about $25,000 USD). At 4% interest, that would generate roughly $1,000 per year in passive income.

More experienced traders and investors could potentially earn significantly higher returns. But even if we use the missed $1,000 as a conservative estimate, wouldn't it make more sense to get an ED visa for that unearned $1K instead and avoid all the hastle with Non-O? Besides, learning the language of the country you live in is always a valuable investment.

Ask Thailand · Answer

The discussion centers around the necessity of maintaining 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account for a Non-O Retirement Visa, questioning its worth given the lack of interest and the opportunity cost of potential investment returns. Some argue that while this amount sits idly, the overall benefits of living in Thailand, such as lower living costs and quality of life, outweigh the loss of interest income. Others suggest alternatives like the ED visa or using agents to bypass the requirement. Responses emphasize the trade-off between security and potential lost earnings, and the cultural and lifestyle advantages of residing in Thailand.

TaupeRasp********* · Answer

I would argue that being in Thailand has value, and if you are flapping over a few dollars (always dollars as the Americans shout the loudest), then stay in Kansas Dorothy.

The alleged lost interest is a small price to pay for the lifestyle, weather, fun, community, lower cost of living and many other things Pattaya has to offer.

And the currency here is baht ... leave the bucks where they belong.

Cara ********* · Answer

I think this is a legit conversation.  I always think about if my money is working for me and not just sitting idle.  I have the DTV but geesh some of yall are always mean

Michael ****** · Answer

No, it's not. Why not try the 65k/month method. For a "newbie" I would commend a NON OA visa (only available in your home country ) which actually gives you two years in Thailand, you just have to cross the Thai border after one year. You just have to buy health insurance and contrary to the general expat tendency towards spending this money for alcohol and whores I would advise you to try the Non OA track.

James ************ · Answer

You can pull the money out after the visa. And use it however. Then put it back in more than 60 days before you need to renew

Nongnuch ******** · Answer

The 800,000 THB in your Thai bank account are a good emergency fund. They are instantly accessible. Many people rant against parking so much money into a Thai bank account that offers almost no interest.

My opinion is: these 800,000 THB are your parking ticket for a country where you can live for less than half the money you would need for paying living expenses in your home country.

This opportunity comes at minimal costs, and the interest people who use agents claim they would lose, is peanuts compared to the advantages.

Ant *********** · Answer

Yes it is worth it !

Being in Thailand

The lifestyle

The affordable living

Mental & physical health benefits

Compared to costs in the west

Outweighs any small $ % wins

Bob ********** · Answer

After the first you can pull it if you brought in your monthly transfers so if you would loose $1000 but you’ll pay about $2000 for an agent to do everything the first time around so your down $1000 as an investor and then you’re stuck using the agent every year

Allison ********* · Answer

Losing the ~$1k potential income is just the cost of doing the thing by the rules.

If you're that worried about $1k USD a year, are you really ready to be retired?

Bill ********* · Answer

I have seen an option  of getting an OA and leave before the first year and return before expiry and get an extra year for free, but it comes with the expense of health insurance for both years and re-entery permit but allows you to keep your money in your own country

Marianne ******** · Answer

Keep it in the bank for 1 year, and when you get your 2nd extension of stay change to the 65k a month method instead and release the 800k funds.

School is a good idea either way, but ED-visa it's not a good way to keep living long term, and there is a lot of scrutiny if you leave the country a lot for travel during your studies.

And a regular Non-ED visa will need to be extended ever 90 days or so, afaik.

Is it worth keeping 800,000 baht in a Thai bank for a Non-O Retirement Visa?

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