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Should I apply for a Retirement Visa or extend my stay with a tourist visa in Thailand?

Jun 12, 2025
a month ago
Bill ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Retired Visa or 60 Days with a 30 Day extension???

Costs 120 Baht through an agent

I rent a condo annually in North Pattaya.

Too old to purchase.

I think i know the answer, but would like to hear opinions.

I do go back and forth 2-3 times a year.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around whether to pursue a Retirement Visa or a short-term 60-day visa with a possible extension for individuals frequently traveling to Thailand. Community members suggest obtaining a Retirement Visa due to regulatory benefits and ease of living, whereas others discuss the potential of visa-exempt entry options for longer visits. Some commenters raise concerns about overstaying short-term visas and advocate for applying for the Non-O visa from one's home country if certain financial conditions are met.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Michelle *****************
I was thinking the exact same thing today
Jesper *******
60days with 30days extension until you are being told to get proper visa.......next step put in 800k thai bank acct and apply 90days nonO......not sure what your 120baht agent fees is for?
Graham ******
@Jesper ******
Why wait and risk a possible entry denial? You don't need a Thai bank account to get the Non-O from an Embassy or Consulate.
Jesper *******
@Graham *****
most will get a warning and one last chance to enter thailand and while he is in thailand he do need a thai bank acct to apply at immigration office
Graham ******
@Jesper ******
but you cannot now get a bank account on a tourist entry stamp so be done with it and get the Non-O
Jesper *******
@Graham *****
OP says he rents a condo annually....assuming he already have a thai bank acct
Sean *********
More than 6 months on exemption visa and you have a very good chance of being questioned at immigration. The retirement visa would be your best bet
Graham ******
@Sean ********
Getting to 6 months on VE is now becoming a stretch goal
Ant ***********
Apply in home country for

Non-O visa if you have 800K or more to show
Connor **********
F
Wannikea *********
Visa exempt entry stamp if your passport qualifies and you're visiting for 2-3 months 2 or 3 times per year.
Pete *******
Get a retirement visa without using an agent. 2k baht.
Jack ********
@Pete ******
2K baht is only for 90 days. The one year extension is 1900 baht
Pete *******
@Jack *******
correct for which he would also have to buy a multiple re-entry permit for 3800 baht but his question was about the visa.
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