Should I apply for a Non-Immigrant Type “O” Retirement visa or a visa exempt with extension for my first trip to Thailand?

Question

Should I get a Non-Immigrant Type “O” Retirement visa valid for 90 days if I what to open a Thai bank account and will be in Thailand for 80-90 days visiting then returning to the USA then coming back to Thailand on Non-Immigrant “O” visa six months later to retire or should I just do visa exempt with extension for the first trip?

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is considering whether to apply for a Non-Immigrant Type "O" Retirement visa or a visa exempt entry for their initial trip to Thailand, where they plan to open a bank account. The consensus from comments suggests that obtaining the Non-Immigrant O visa in their home country is advisable, as it allows for bank account access, whereas a visa exempt entry typically does not provide this capability. Furthermore, the Non-O visa would enable the user to conduct their banking needs more smoothly in the future, particularly as they prepare for retirement.

Rick ****** · Answer

Thanks for your responses. I appreciate it.

Marianne ******** · Answer

Getting a Non-O sorted before you come on your first trip will enable you to get your bank account sorted early so you don't have to rush it at the start of your retirement.

And getting a Non-O on your first visit lets you avoid going to Immigration during this visit. 🙂

Just travel around, find your pace, enjoy your life, no extensions needed.

And then in 6 months come back armed with a Thai bank account seasoned with the required amount of money for the upcoming yearly extensions, without having to stress to arrange it all out on arrival.

Jay ******* · Answer

Getting a non O is easy.  If you plan to open a bank account on the first trip you need the non O, not visa exempt or tourist visa.

Tom ******** · Answer

You can not open a bank account on anything other than a long term visa so best get it in your own Country to save a wasted trip.

Tony ********** · Answer

Sounds like you're doing an exploratory trip first.  Just go with exempt.  When you run and have plans for your move, get a non-o through the evisa system.  You can then rent a place, open bank account, etc.

Jon ******** · Answer

You should apply for the non I'm on visa in your home country, the you will be able to open a bank account. Without the correct visa a bank account is not possible nowadays

Should I apply for a Non-Immigrant Type “O” Retirement visa or a visa exempt with extension for my first trip to Thailand?

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