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Should I apply for a Thai visa under the soft power (medical) category or remote work category considering my future retirement plans?

Aug 22, 2025
3 days ago
I believe I am eligible to apply for either remote work or soft power (medical) categories. I have a job that allows me to work remotely and I am also have upcoming appointments at a hospital in Bangkok and will continue to have appointments every few months for the foreseeable future. I may retire within a year or two. Would I be better off applying under the soft power (medical) category? Does it really matter? Will the immigration officer even see any of the details? My thinking is that in two or three years if I'm retired it would be easier to show an upcoming medical appointment rather than explain that I previously worked remotely. At the same time, since my medical appointments are every 3-4 months, an immigration officer may question why I need to spend so much time in Thailand rather than just coming a week before my appointment. With remote work, I could just tell them that I'm working remotely.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The individual is considering applying for either a remote work or soft power (medical) category visa to stay in Thailand, particularly because they have remote work and ongoing medical appointments. They question whether it would be more advantageous to apply under soft power given their potential retirement in a year or two, and whether the immigration officer would consider the details of their situation. Comments suggest that a NON-O retirement visa could be more suitable for their long-term stay, while others mention that the soft power option requires less documentation.
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.
Luit *****************
When you retire within a few years and plan to live in Thailand the whole time, why not simply a non-o retirement visa?

You don't need the flexibility of the DTV when you not travel much.
Jon **********
Soft power is easier, less documentation needed.