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

Nov 11, 2025

2 months ago

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?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

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.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
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Rick ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks for your responses. I appreciate it.

2 months ago

Marianne ********

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.

2 months ago

Jay *******

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.

2 months ago

Tom ********

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.

2 months ago

Tony **********

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.

2 months ago

Jon ********

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

2 months ago

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Jon ********

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Should I get a non-O visa again or come on a visa exemption for my next visit to Thailand?

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