Should I Renew My Retirement Visa If I'm Only Staying in Thailand for 60 Days or Less?

Jan 30, 2025
2 days ago
Dae ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I'm in Thailand on a 12-month retirement visa but travel overseas about half of the time. Given that I foresee my travel pattern continuing for the foreseeable future and that I am unlikely to remain in Thailand for more than 60 consecutive days, is it even necessary to renew my retirement visa? If I can get a 60-day entry stamp every time I enter Thailand, I would be tempted to just let my retirement visa expire.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user questions whether they need to renew their retirement visa since they travel frequently and typically do not stay more than 60 consecutive days in Thailand. Comments suggest that while it's theoretically possible to re-enter on a visa-exempt basis, there are risks involved, including potential denial of entry if immigration officials think the user is living in Thailand without the appropriate visa. Other users recommend maintaining the retirement visa for peace of mind, highlighting the small cost of renewal compared to potential hassle.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
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Peter *******
I am the same as far as travel in and out so I paid for a 60 day multi entry which is valid over almost 8 months (if you enter the day before your visa expires its valid for 60 days from your arrival) as the amount of times you can enter on a standard free 60 days is discretionary it seems
Stuart ********
60 days is for tourist not if you are living here. You might get away with it for a while but you’d be playing the system and risking not being allowed in. The retirement visa is the correct visa and wouldn’t give you any issues. Always playing with fire when you try to bypass a countries immigration system. Many may do it but it doesn’t make it right or safe.
Bettina **********
DTV
Ryan ********
Immigration is being deranged lately so who knows how they will react. I got a DTV just so they will stop bothering me, but I was in Thailand for only about 3 months last year.
Mark *************
It’s 1900 baht just do it save any hassle .
James ********
You have Wise advice from
@Tod ********
. Suggest you follow it. As it's likely you will be DENIED entry into Thailand when you try to get another visa exempt entry.
Bruce *****
I work offshore and do 1 month on 1 month off for last 15 years and was using visa exempt stamp for a couple of years then got told that I would get stamped in this time but would need to get a proper non o as it was obvious I was living in Thailand so I got an non o as I'm married to a Thai and now a retirement extension as I'm over 50
Ernesto *******
@Bruce ****
going from a marriage visa to a retirement visa, did it require you to get another 90day non 0 visa before getting the retirement visa? Or did you just get a 90 day non 0 visa, then do the marriage visa extension, then just straight into the retirement visa from the marriage visa without needing another non 0?
Tod *********
@Ernesto ******
It's the mix up in terminology. IF you're on a year extension of stay based on marriage you can change the reason for the extension to one based on retirement inside the country at the immigration office next time your extension comes due
Michael ********
@Tod ********
that’s exactly what I did. Just changed from marriage to retirement. Easy for me and if, god forbid, something happens to my wife it’s not an issue.
Bruce *****
@Ernesto ******
if I remember I didn't need to get a new non o I was able to change from Marriage to Retirement, Best to ask first though in case I'm wrong
Ernesto *******
Michael ********
I’m in similar situation. I’ve had retirement extensions for last four years but never do reporting because I’m not in country long enough. I keep renewing as I know I won’t have any issues.
Bonnie *********
@Michael *******
Same here. I even get multiple re-entry, just in case.
Graham ******
@Michael *******
This post is not about 90 Day Reporting.
Michael ********
@Graham *****
correct it’s about keeping his retirement visa extension. Which is what I said I do. He also stated he’s rarely in country for 60 days. I said I’m in same boat. Sorry if the words 90 day reporting confused you
Luke ********
Given extension of stay is THB1,900 and multiple re-entry permit is THB3,800, surely this is a small price to pay for peace of mind?
Tod *********
that's a question no one can answer 😮

While there is no official limit to the number of 60 day visa exempt entries you can get in a period of time, entry on them repeatedly is totally up to the officer you're standing in front of when you stamp in.

If they think you're living here on free entry stamps you WILL have issues stamping in.

I'd say keep the retirement extension w/re-entry permit if you can because that way you KNOW you're getting back in.

Sure would be a bummer to show up and get denied entry on a free stamp and get shipped back to where you flew in from on your dime 🙁
Dae ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you for your advice. Seems sensible to renew.
Nigel **************
@Dae *******
and only costs 1900 baht
Dick ********
@Tod ********
This. Excellent advice as usual from Mr. Daniels.
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