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Should I apply for an LTR Visa before arriving in Thailand?

May 12, 2025
a month ago
Sam *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am starting "the process" to live full-time in Thailand.

I plan to:

1. arrive in Thailand from the US in June,

2. stay two months with a friend near Udon Thani,

3. Go back to US for August to finish up with getting a house caretaker.

4.In September, Return to Thailand for a long time.

Question?......

For step 1 should I still arrive in a US Pasport and apply for an LTRVisa while Im there?๐Ÿ‘€

OR Apply now for ?something? on their website before step 1?๐Ÿ‘€

I don't have the 800k yet, but pull over 100k baht/mo pension. They should let me open an account right? Ill have the 800k easily in less than a year.

I appreciate any information on this. Thanks.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The poster is planning to move to Thailand and is seeking guidance on the visa application process. They can apply for an LTR Visa upon arrival in Thailand or consider alternative options. Requirements for a retirement visa include proof of income and bank deposits, which may affect their ability to open a bank account. Commenters highlight income requirements and suggest the retirement visa might be feasible if the poster meets certain criteria.
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.
Paul *******
You cannot get the retirement visa based on income until you can show 12 months of deposits into a Thai bank account 65,000 baht per month).
Sam *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ******
What visa do I use during the 12 consecutive months of 65,000+baht/mo deposits?
Dana *******
@Sam ********
Non-O visa + 800k on a Thai account + 1 year extension...
Paul *******
@Sam ********
*******************************************************************


Based on my personal experience I would NOT use an agent.
Tom ********
Why Udon Thani and have you met this 'Friend' in person before, there are many visa options, if you are over 50 then a retirement visa would probably be the easy way if you meet the requirements. opening bank accounts is no longer easy so maybe use the services of an agent.
Sam *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tom *******
Thank you.

69, on u.s. social security + savings

+ house w.no mtg.

Yes, retirement visa

My question..

Apply retirement visa BEFORE I VISIT in June? OR. Arrive in bkk on regular u.s. passport and THEN apply for retirement visa?

And...

Is it accepted all over Thailand, and never a legal hassle to use an agent to assist re:bank accounts, etcetera?

Thank you very much for your time.
Pete *******
To retire on the LTR you need passive income of 80k USD.
Soeren **********
@Pete ******
*****
THB in income or 800,000 baht in a thai bank
Marc *****************
@Soeren *********
Iโ€™m confused? Is a direct deposit of 3500 usd social security money sufficient? Other sources say in addition to the 800k Thai baht account?
Sam *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Marc ****************
If you have 800k.baht in bank, then I think you only need $1900usd/mo. I have also heard if you have more monthly, they might let you slide on having the whole 800k.baht in bank. Maybe just 400k with 3k monthly? I don't know. I hope someone can sort us out and confirm or not.
Sam *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Soeren *********
Yes, for 69 on soc.securoty US. About 100k baht/mo but only about 10k for the 800k baht in a Thai bank.

Which visa to stay long term and get married?

and...

It's accepted?... and not a hassle to use an agent for the 800k baht?

Thank you for any info.
Pete *******
@Soeren *********
nope, he is talking about the wealthy pensioner LTR visa and NOT a Non O based on retirement.
Ruud ******************
@Pete ******
correct ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘
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