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Should I apply for a 1 month extension or do a border run before applying for a Non-O retirement visa in Thailand?

Apr 2, 2025
2 days ago
Tony *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ok.. so I arrive in Phuket in a couple of weeks( pre 1st May ).

I have accomodation for a couple of weeks and will source year long accomodation when I land.

Seeking a Non O retirement visa.

I take a TM30 with relevant docs and try to open a bank account c/w B800000.

This will take a week.

The 800k has to season for 2 months before I apply for the visa but I’m only left with 7 weeks on my visa exempt( NZer).

Do I apply for a 1 month extension or best to do a boarder run a week before my 60 days run out then I can apply for an extension if needed?

TIA
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is preparing to arrive in Phuket and seeks guidance on whether to apply for a 1-month visa extension or do a border run before their visa exempt status expires. They highlight their plan to obtain a Non-O retirement visa, which requires certain documentation, including a bank account with 800,000 baht that must be seasoned for two months. Comments suggest that applying for the Non-O visa upon arrival may be easier and clarify that the seasoning of funds applies mainly for the year extension after the initial visa is obtained.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
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Tod *********
Okay what this topic isn't gonna turn into is a "can I open an account on xxx entry stamp or visa?
@Tony ******
you misunderstand how the process works

You don't need to have the 800K baht seasoned for 2 months to apply for the initial 90 day Non-O visa at the immigration office in Phuket. You just need to have the funds transferred into a thai bank account of yours on the day you apply for the 90 day Non-O visa.

You DO need a minimum of 15 days left on your current stamp to apply for that visa at the Phuket immigration office because the application goes under review for 2 weeks before you go back to get the Non-O visa and new 90 day stamp inked in

The 2 months seasoning is only when you go to apply for the year extension AFTER you got the 90 day Non-O and let the stamp run down until you have 30 days or less left on it

SO

work on the account, get it open, get the funds in it, and go apply for the initial 90 day Non-O visa for 2000baht at the Phuket Immigration office.

If you need to take the 30 day extension so you have the minimum 15 days you need to apply for the Non-O visa, take it
Tony *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
Thanks mate.. best advice 🙂
John ********
You may have issues opening a bank account, not easy these days on a short term visa
Kevin ********
@John *******
impossible I’ve found out on this current trip

A Non O applied for in your own country is the only way to go apparently
Ellie *******
@Kevin *******
, or you van apply for Non-O (not Non-OA) in one of the neighbouring countries in SEA.
Robert *********
@Kevin *******
absolutely correct.
Lloyd ********
Far Far easier to get a Non-O before you arrive, trying to open a bank account (without an agent, who will only do it if you also do the visa/extension with them), on a visa exempt is like trying to push treacle uphill.
Tony *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lloyd *******
I’m not paying 2-3000 NZD getting it done here, most expensive Thai embassy in the world.
Robert *********
@Tony ******
simply you won't open an account without it. Yes, I know it's a catch 22, but this I Thailand, you get used to it.
Tony *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ********
I’ve spent a lot of time in Thailand and know how the system works, plus it’s good to play Tennis with the bank manager.
Rob *******
@Tony ******
... you obviously aren't up to date with how the system works now but let us know how that works out for you, I'm betting it won't!
Lloyd ********
@Tony ******
Cheaper to visit another country and get it :-)
Jim **********
@Tony ******
****************************************************************************
*****
-non-immigrant-visa

Non-immigrant type 'O' (90 days) done online through the consulate costs 800 NZD. Applying for 1 year ext. In Thailand will cost you 1900 Thai Baht.
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