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Answered8 years ago

Should I apply for a retirement visa or continue using a 60-day tourist visa to stay in Thailand?

Carl ***********
asked Nov 5, 2018
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Hi, I have travelled to Thailand 4 times now, 1 month 2 months 3 months three months, I intend to retire in Thailand, I live UK, if I keep going on 60 day visa will I get bounced? Only reason I go 60day visa is to be with girlfriend and to take my things over, cloths shoes personal belongings, am I best applying for 1 year retirement or can I continue to go 60days and extend?? I don't work in Thailand at all, how do I go on about this as I'm worried now I might get bounced and have to leave???? Thanks
Answer summary
The user is considering whether to continue using a 60-day tourist visa to stay in Thailand or to apply for a retirement visa, as they intend to retire there. They are concerned about potentially being denied entry after multiple back-to-back visa extensions. Community comments suggest that applying for a Non-Immigrant Type O-A (Long Stay) retirement visa may be a better option, especially since the user meets the age and financial requirements. They are advised to prepare documentation like proof of funds and onward travel, and caution against relying on immigration officers for definitive visa information.
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Tod *********
Tod *********
@Carl **********
you might want to apply for the year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O-A (Long Stay) visa from the thai consulate in the UK..

It's far superior to any visa and year long extension you can get inside the country AND you use the money in your bank in the UK to meet the funds (no need to bank any money in thailand)

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-Non-Immigrant-visas.html#7
Tod *********
Tod *********
@Carl **********
Pro-Tip: NEVER EVER trust an immigration officer INSIDE the country about anything to do with thai visas sold outside the country

AND

NEVER EVER trust a thai consulate offficer OUTSIDE the country about anything to do with entering the country or getting visas inside the country.

The consulates are run by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and they sell visas outside the country. They have NOTHING at all to do with the entry requirements OR what the immigration rules are INSIDE the country.

With that being said, you should be okay BUT there are no guarantees. Be prepared when you stamp into the country with your proof of funds and proof of onward travel. Remember just because you have a visa in your passport doesn't mean you get stamped into the country. It just means IF you get in you get stamped for the days that visa gives you

Good Luck
Carl ***********
Carl ***********
OP
@Tod ********
I know mate, after this visa I'm applying for a 1 year one
Tod *********
Tod *********
@Carl **********
Good Luck (y) I wasn't tryin' to scare you in the least I was just pointing out that consulates don't know their arse from their elbow about entry requirements :O
Carl ***********
Carl ***********
OP
I will have 5k in cash on me so I can prove I have funds for the 3 months I intend to stay many thanks
Tod *********
Tod *********
Sorry I deleted your post with the link that had not up to date information..

You run a HIGH risk of being denied entry trying to live here on back-2-back visa exempt or tourist visa entries

I would say check with your local immgiration office and see if they can issue a 90 day Non-Immigrant Type O visa based on being over 50 (retirement) and then get the year extension from them.

If they can't issue you a 90 day Non-O visa visa you need to get it at a thai consulate in a neighboring country and then apply for the yearly extension once you're back here
Carl ***********
Carl ***********
OP
Just an update spoken to Liverpool Consulate they said if there's a gap 3-4months is no problem they just don't like back to back visas so I'm going up to get 60 day visa
Carl ***********
Carl ***********
OP
Hi Tod I had an email from London thai consulate they said if I apply for 60 day visa and they issue it then they have already granted me to use it?? I'm only using 60 day to basically take my things to Thailand clothes used personal belongings etc, I then intend to apply for retirement visa I only need this next 60 day then I will be applying for 1 year visa, this time I travel looking for builder etc to start house then when finished I'm off on 1 year! Hope you understand this lol
Carl ***********
Carl ***********
OP
At the moment I'm just preparing to retire, was hoping another 2 visas then I would apply to retire
James ********
James ********
@Jennifer ***
you are correct. If 50+ get the O-A one year so called retirement visa. No need to worry anymore...IF he is age 50+
Jennifer ****
Jennifer ****
I’m pretty sure You don’t need to “retire” to get the “retirement” visa. You just have to be over 50 and have the financial requirements. I think you can just get it now and not have to use the tourist visa.
James ********
James ********
@Carl **********
Carl you are playing the tourist visa game. Its clear those days are ending ...you see the reports. Its Up to You! Good luck. BTW...if you get the so called retirement O-A one year visa...you still can come and go under it with multiple entry permit. Why Worry... If you are 50+... ???
James ********
James ********
If age 50+ retire now...why worry?
Robert ********
Robert ********
What is your age now?
Robert ********
Robert ********
I would recommend the visa for those over 50 :-) OR it you can meet the requirements, the Thai Elite visa.
Carl ***********
Carl ***********
OP
51 I meet all the requirements too

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