thailand
Ask question

Is it worthwhile to start the Thai visa process while on a 21-day vacation in Pattaya?

Thai VisaRetirement VisaPattayaBank AccountDriver's LicenseExpat ExperiencesImmigration Help
Mar 12, 2023
2 years ago
Darrald ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am coming to Pattaya for a 21 day vacation. I will be retiring @12 months later and looking for a visa.

Is there any use for me to start the visa process while on vacation?
1,711
views
3
likes
36
all likes
15
replies
0
images
12
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
While on a 21-day vacation in Pattaya, you won't be able to start the visa application process for retirement. However, you can benefit from actions such as opening a Thai bank account and obtaining a Thai driver's license, which will assist you later. It's also beneficial to connect with locals and explore different areas in Thailand to decide on your future living arrangements.
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.
Lyndon ************
Bank account is step one
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Paul *******
Yes open a bank account and driver's license. The latter will initially be valid for 2 years. By the time you have your retirement extension and your license is up for renewal, you'll be eligible to get a 5 year one.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Cliff *********
Open a bank account. Get a driver’s license.

Make some Thai friends to help with your transition.

Get Line to chat with them.

Visit several different parts of the country.

See what you like.

Plan on a few more trips before moving permanently.

Have fun!
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Stephen *******************
Change location the last place you want to retire is a dump like Pattaya

You’ll end up like those twisted bitter farangs who sit in a bar all day whining about how bad Thailand is 🤔
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Darrald ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thinking Jomtien or chiang Mai actually
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Stephen *******************
@Darrald *******
Then you will enjoy your retirement 🙏
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Stephen *******************
Reply
Bä ****
Something to read when I was going down this route….People can chime in if the info. is “right” or not….Again a lot of variation across the industry, just some info. to start with…Can’t guarantee anything it’s Thailand..Good Luck 🍀

********************************************************************************
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Dan ********
Bank account and Thai drivers license
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Chris **********
Sorry for jumping on this post . I too am hoping to open thai bank acount on my next visit is there any agents you guys might recomend in bangkok that speak good english . Please pm me with any info t.i.a
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Alistair **********
@Chris *********
 Siam legal is often recommended in Bangkok, 5000B. If your embassy will provide a residence letter then that's usually the cheaper option.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Chris **********
@Alistair *********
 ok im only visiting this time but plan on moving to thailand in 2years so want to start getting things in place so i have an account to transfer pension and funds into it
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Chris **********
Reply
Ian ************
Opening a Thai bank will be handy in the future.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Graham ******
Yes, open a Thai bank account
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
The only thing you can start is opening a bank account.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Darrald ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks for the info.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Darrald ********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
What are the best steps for obtaining a visa for a long-term stay in Thailand before moving there officially?
10 comments
2 months ago
What are the best options for obtaining a retirement visa for Thailand while living in Los Angeles?
8 comments
3 months ago
Should I apply for a retirement visa for Thailand before or after arriving in the country?
36 comments
4 months ago
Should we obtain a visa before moving to Thailand for retirement, or is it better to get one upon arrival?
53 comments
5 months ago
What steps should I take to retire in Pattaya, Thailand, regarding visas, banking, and housing?
57 comments
5 months ago
Can I apply for a Long Stay Visa or Retirement Visa while currently in Thailand on a Tourist Visa?
24 comments
5 months ago
Is a 30-day Visa on Arrival enough to open a bank account and sign a rental contract in Thailand?
40 comments
6 months ago
What steps should I take to obtain a retirement visa and open a bank account in Thailand upon arrival?
21 comments
7 months ago
Is it better to arrive in Thailand on a tourist visa and then switch to a retirement visa or to get the retirement visa beforehand?
29 comments
9 months ago
Does spending three weeks in Thailand start my retirement visa before I officially apply for it?
3 comments
a year ago
Can I apply for a retirement visa in Thailand while on a 60-day visa?
9 comments
a year ago
What is the best visa option for traveling back and forth to Thailand while considering retirement residency?
29 comments
a year ago
Can you apply for a retirement visa in Thailand during the 30-day visa-free period?
18 comments
a year ago
What type of visa should I apply for to stay 90 days in Thailand while setting up my retirement?
19 comments
a year ago
What are the recommendations for obtaining a year-long retirement visa in Thailand, particularly in Pattaya?
53 comments
2 years ago
How can I start the process for a retirement visa in Thailand while currently on a visa-exempt entry?
67 comments
2 years ago
What steps should I take to obtain a retirement visa in Thailand after arriving?
6 comments
2 years ago
Can I get a retirement visa after arriving in Thailand on a 30-day stamp?
6 comments
2 years ago
When should I start the process for a Thailand retirement visa before traveling to Chiang Mai?
2 comments
3 years ago
Can I Apply for a One-Year Retirement Visa While in Thailand on a Tourist Visa?
3 comments
4 years ago
Can I apply for a 12-month Non-Immigrant Visa in Pattaya during my short stay?
7 comments
5 years ago
Can I apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa in Pattaya as an Aussie FIFO worker?
23 comments
5 years ago
Is it easier to apply for a retirement visa in Thailand after arriving on a tourist visa?
9 comments
6 years ago
Can I apply for a retirement visa in Thailand while on a tourist visa?
6 comments
6 years ago
What are the requirements and process for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand while on a 60-day tourist visa?
34 comments
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.