Should I get a TR or an STV visa before converting to a long-term Non-Immigrant visa in Thailand?

Apr 28, 2021
4 years ago
Justin *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I'm in Kuala Lumpur and planning to come back to Thailand mid-May.

4 months after I arrive in Thailand I will be 50 years young and plan to apply for a long term non immigrant visa.

Should I get a TR or a STV right now? Ideally I would like to convert the visa without leaving Thailand.

Thanks!
1,338
views
5
likes
34
all likes
12
replies
0
images
8
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is considering traveling from Kuala Lumpur back to Thailand in mid-May and is contemplating whether to apply for a Tourist Visa (TR) or a Special Tourist Visa (STV). They are interested in applying for a long-term non-immigrant visa upon their 50th birthday, which is four months after their arrival. Commenters advise that the STV cannot be converted to another visa type while in Thailand, emphasizing the importance of entering with a single-entry tourist visa if they intend to convert their visa without leaving Thailand. The conversation also touches on health insurance considerations and financial requirements for obtaining a retirement visa.
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.
Ken ******
consider if you would need mandatory health insurance which could cost a lot each year with increase in age
Joe ***********
Ellie Takei Not with the O Visa / Extension but is still required to enter Thailand. Along with the $100,000 Covid Coverage.
Benjamin ******
@Ken *****
for a non-o visa purchase inside Thailand for being over 50, you don’t need medical insurance
James ******
remember to get your 800,000baht sorted as early as you can
Tony ********
Good luck.Ive spent a lot of time in Malaysia
Ellie *******
If you can wait a bit more, enter Thailand 2.5 months before your birthday on SETV and you wouldn't have much time-gap problem converting to a retirement visa. - if you are seeing visa/extension being over 50.
Justin *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Those with a social visit pass
Ellie *******
ouch. sorry about that. Then following
@T**
's advice is the way you go...
Justin *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ellie ******
Unfortunately, the Malaysia government suddenly decided to kick everyone out with just 8 days notice. I got a 30 days extension but have to leave by 18 May.
Monika *******
@Justin ******
all foreigners or owner of a certain visa type?
Ahjizbek **********
@Justin ******
sorry to hear that
Tod *********
You aren't gonna convert that Special Tourist Visa to ANY other visa type inside the country, it states that visa can't be changed right on the terms of the visa.

So if you're thinking to come here and eventually apply for another visa type inside the country your only choice is a single entry tourist visa.
Thai Visa Advice
... members · 40% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice