Is medical insurance required for converting a visa exempt to a retirement visa in Thailand?

Jul 28, 2023
a year ago
Jeffrey *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Is proof of medical insurance mandatory when converting visa exempt to retirement?

Me:

USA passport holder

Funds are available

Bangkok Bank account holder

Meets age requirement

Arriving visa expempt

Thank you.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A medical insurance policy is not mandatory for converting from a visa-exempt status to a retirement visa in Thailand. However, it is recommended as a precaution, especially if considering an O-A visa from a home country which does have insurance requirements.
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Phil ******
@Jeffrey ******
No but it's a good idea
Mike ******
Only for oa visa from home country
Mike ******
No
Chris *******
What
@Stu***
said.
Stuart *********
No insurance is required.
Mark ********
@Stuart ********
Cheers. I've got a rental in Phuket so I'll go that way. Thanks mate.
Mark ********
@Stuart ********
I've got 2 choices..Phuket or Bangkok. Any suggestions?
Stuart *********
@Mark *******
Not really. Either will allow you to apply as soon as you land (figuratively). You’ll need a filed TM30 in which ever province and a rental contract or ownership details for either place.

Here’s the requirements for Phuket. I don’t have a similar list for Bangkok but I guess it will be pretty similar.

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Mark ********
@Stuart ********
Mate would you mind running past me the correct procedure and requirements for landing in Thailand visa-exempt and then applying for a Non O. I meet the age criteria and I have funds. Aussie p/p. (slowly now😉)
Mark ********
I'll do Phuket.
Stuart *********
@Mark *******
You enter visa exempt and find some way to open a bank account asap. If you don’t have an account already an agent my be your best bet. Transfer in 800k and apply for an in country Non O for 2,000 baht. You’ll need at least 15 days (21 in Chiang Mai) left on your current stamp so depending on timeframe you may need to get an extension first. Once those 90 days are winding down you apply for the year extension of stay. The 800k needs to be in your bank for 2 months prior and remain for 3 month after. It can’t go below 400k for the rest of the year.
Mark ********
@Stuart ********
Thanks champ. I've got a Thai b/a set up already with 800k+ sitting in there. 🙏
Stuart *********
@Mark *******
ok makes life much easier then. What office are you going to use?
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