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What are the best options for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand as a UK citizen?

Thailand VisaRetirement VisaO-A VisaO VisaBank Account RequirementsCriminal Record CheckFinancial RequirementsMarriage Visa Conversion
May 25, 2023
2 years ago
Hathaway *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi thanks for the add, I plan to retire to Chumphon and live together with my Thai gf, I've asked questions to visa agencies and Thai embassy but cannot seem to get concise answers, maybe you can help.

Poss easiest way is 90 visa, get bank a/c, begin transferring funds then extension for a year prior to application for O-A visa?

Application from UK reqs criminal check, proof of funds etc, does Thai embassy require these come from specific agencies and does Thai Embassy require the same certificates when applications are made in Thailand?

I hope I am not being too anal about this, but I'm an engineer, I like to know the nut & bolt of everything if I can.😊
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TLDR : Answer Summary
An expat planning to retire in Chumphon seeks advice on obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand. Various commenters provide insights on the O-A and O visa processes, requirements for criminal checks, proof of funds, and bank account specifics. There are discussions on whether to apply from the UK or Thailand and the option to use agencies for assistance in securing the necessary documentation. Additionally, there are considerations regarding potential conversion to a marriage visa if the expat marries his Thai girlfriend.
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.
Brett **********
If you don't want to tie the cash up and are happy to pay for the year insurance get the o-a (which, with a multi entry you can get almost 2 years out of, with a timely border bounce), open your account and then start doing the monthly transfer. When your o-a expires you then have the proof required to to get the o on monthly payments. Criminal check and medical check are simple and will set you back maybe £100. Only issue I guess is of you're worried the criminal check won't come back clean
2 years ago
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Hathaway *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brett *********
 Thanks Brett, after advice elsewhere and a bit of looking I was thinking A-O might be best bet, I can do it but I must have my £ working for me when I stop working for £ 😊, and I'm sure a criminal check will be fine.😇
2 years ago
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Brett **********
@Hathaway ************
 you'll see a lot of people grumble on here about the o-a because of the health insurance part but it worked well for me but I'd only just hit 50 so the premiums weren't too high. Opening a bank account was dead easy as well as I had the long term visa in hand. Many people seem stuck in a catch 22 of wanting to open an account to get the long term visa but get refused because they don't have a long term visa. Bangkok Bank actually have a branch in London. You may even be able to get the account open before you leave, although I've not seen anyone post on here they've done such a thing but their website does mention savings accounts and current accounts
2 years ago
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Hathaway *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brett *********
 I admit that I am a little worried Abt the health insurance, though In good health I'm 63 and suffered a stroke 7yrs ago, I guess I will soon see how tricky it is.
2 years ago
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Brett **********
@Hathaway ************
 if you can find decent insurance at a good price then maybe just get the cheapest authorised one with the biggest excess and just see it as a visa surcharge. If you've no intention of using it then I guess it doesn't matter if you don't fully disclose your history
2 years ago
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Brett **********
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Hathaway *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
As an afterthought, should my gf and I marry does anyone know if it is straightforward to convert a retirement to marriage visa, and would financial obligations change accordingly?
2 years ago
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Greg ********
@Hathaway ************
 if you marry then you don't change your visa as such just what your next extension is based on at renewal time. 400K for marriage versus 800K for retirement, more paper work for marriage. If you are on an OA visa and extend based on marriage you don't need health insurance.
2 years ago
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Greg ********
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Anthony ********
I got my retirement visa today, agency does everything for you, open bank account, transfer funds for you, you don't need to have the 800,000.takes 3 weeks, they do everything. I paid
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baht.

Key visa pattaya
2 years ago
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Anthony ********
No it's legitimate, my brother who is 73 has been doing it for 8 years now no problems
2 years ago
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Anthony ********
I only can presume that they use there own money, they open a bank account for you the money is shown in bank book, I used the agency called key visa in pattaya.
2 years ago
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Hathaway *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Anthony *******
 I'm in talks with another company that does the same, I'm left wondering if it is legit, will it come back to bite one day 🤔
2 years ago
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Hathaway *************
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Hathaway *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Anthony *******
Can you please explain why you don't need to have 800,000, how does agent transfer money " you don't need to have"?
2 years ago
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Paul *******
Hey
@Anthony *******
 , not sure what you mean by, you don't need to have the 800,000bt...did the agent use his money to open the account for you?
2 years ago
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Paul *******
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Thomas *********
You are in the UK? So, the process is very easy. I take it you have the appropriate funds behind you in the UK? Within 60 days I believe you need to go to the Official Royal Thai Embassy Online Portal:
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Fill the application in online for a Non-O multi entry or single entry whatever you prefer. There's no Police check on this application. You need to upload a photo, passport, bank statement as a JPEG. You don't even send in your originals. If you fill it in on a Sunday send on a Monday you will be approved within 10 working days.

They will send your visa approval online just print off. You can then buy your flight and health insurance.

When you arrive in Thailand eg BKK port immigration will stamp your passport for 90 days. This will give you and your GF time to get the paperwork needed in Thailand to convert your Visa to a Non O. When you arrive where you are going to stay. Go to immigration and register your address. This is really important for your visa application.

DM if you get stuck but The Royal Thai Embassy London has top staff and is always willing to help. Good luck
2 years ago
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Hathaway *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Thomas ********
Thankyou very much Thomas.
2 years ago
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Thomas *********
@Hathaway ************
 This is a video I did at the height of the Wuhan. On a Non-O visa. It's not perfect now because they have changed a few things but not far off:
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2 years ago
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Thomas *********
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Cassandra ******
My mom got her retirement visa the agency provide all necessary documents including bank proof of 800,000 I just pay 45,000 at first, then the yearly renewal is 20,000 hassle free, I don't need to worry for anything. If you want to inquire with them you can contact them in WhataApp 0983323103.
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2 years ago
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Roberto *********
@Cassandra *****
 Bribery is everywhere in the world, which is fine until you're caught
2 years ago
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Roberto *********
@Cassandra *****
 That's fine. But please do not kid yourself that your mother's visa is totally legal. A bribe has been paid by the agent on your behalf to bypass the standard criteria to obtain the retirement visa. That is a pure simple fact.
2 years ago
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Cassandra ******
@Roberto ********
 remember you are in Thailand. They always have other options.. if ever clients can't afford to comply the requirements that's also a simple fact. Bribe is everywhere in Thailand.
2 years ago
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Cassandra ******
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Roberto *********
@Cassandra *****
 I live in Thailand very hassle free and don't have to look over my shoulder. The case I'm familiar with, the guy had been here for eight years on bogus visas before he got caught out. He's now on year 4 of his five year ban! 😆
2 years ago
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Cassandra ******
@Roberto ********
 sorry for this guy, so far this agency has zero case of this bogus visa because they did it properly, they knew better than us.., helping client like lending money for visa thing they have proper system on that and they do it legally. I also knew some friends here they borrow money just for retirement visa requirements purposes. I respect others experiences but not all people have money like you that is able to live here hassle free. It's a good thing that there are few agencies here who can process retirement visas and help clients to comply with the requirements.
2 years ago
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Cassandra ******
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Hathaway *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Cassandra *****
 are they based in Thailand Cassandra?
2 years ago
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Cassandra ******
@Hathaway ************
 yes I already drop their contact number you can check for your self or you can visit their office their agency is more than 10 years already
2 years ago
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Cassandra ******
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Steve *******
@Cassandra *****
 I'd worry that your Mum's extention of stay has been fraudulently obtained!
2 years ago
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Cassandra ******
@Steve ******
 nope, it's been 3year renewal already of my mom's retirement visa
2 years ago
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Steve *******
@Cassandra *****
 If the agent is providing proof of the 800k then the extention is being obtained fraudulently.
2 years ago
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Steve *******
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Mitchell *******
@Cassandra *****
 when you say "they provided the bank proof", do you mean the proof of YOUR MOM'S account with the 800,000 in it? Or they provided "proof of some sort" to immigration.
2 years ago
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Cassandra ******
@Mitchell ******
 the agency helped my mom to open bank account, they kept the passbook and put money there in and out transaction, they just make sure that the account name is lock and can not withdraw the money, everything is legally process, the only not legal is the money is not our own money it was agency money. It's been 3rd time renewal of my mom with same agency we don't have any problem at all.
2 years ago
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Roberto *********
@Cassandra *****
 You're obviously not aware that the 800k must be maintained in the bank account for three months after renewal, and 400k for the next seven months, and then two months before next renewal back to 800k. Can I just ask you what would your mother do if immigration request to see her bank book? My suggestion would be to start packing ready to leave.
2 years ago
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Cassandra ******
@Roberto ********
 of course I'm aware, but with Some Thai agency who has a connection don't be surprised. They are operating their agency for over 10years. And we are availing their services for 3years already, without a headache. The important thing for us is they can help their clients to live in Thailand Hussle free.
2 years ago
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Cassandra ******
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Roberto *********
@Cassandra *****
 A requirement of the visa is that the money is held in a bank account in the applicants name. Your mother's visa has been obtained by paying a bribe. This can backfire and she could end up being deported. Probably might never happen, but it's best to advise all the facts
2 years ago
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Cassandra ******
@Roberto ********
 nope it's been 3year already we never encountered any problem with my mom's retirement visa.
2 years ago
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Roberto *********
@Cassandra *****
 And that's good for you. The point I'm making is the process is illegal because it involves paying a government official a bribe. People should be aware of it, and the few cases which do come up results in deportation and 5-year ban. All for the sake of a measly 65k per month.
2 years ago
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Roberto *********
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Henry *********
@Cassandra *****
 Or do it yourself and pay 1,900 per year.
2 years ago
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Henry *********
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John ********
It's much easier for you to come over to do the retirement visa here in Thailand but you will need a bank account and the money in the bank account in your name
*****
0thb

Get a 60 day visa from the embassy in England then you can have some more time to sort it out
2 years ago
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Steve *******
@John *******
 Nope! It's much easier to get the Non Imm O in the UK. Why bother with the TR visa? Just get the Non Imm O, it makes life a lot easier when you arrive in Thailand.
2 years ago
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Steve **********
Just get Visa (nonO) at home, sort things out once here.

You get so many opinions on fb many are self serving.
2 years ago
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Steve *******
@Steve *********
 Exactly, just get the visa you need. Why do people advise to get a TR visa when you can just get the visa you actually need.
2 years ago
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Steve **********
@Steve ******
 agree
2 years ago
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Steve **********
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Steve **********
Also, if retired, no need to tie up funds in bank (800k), just have pension DD' d from foreign sources

( 65k+ ) per month.
2 years ago
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Steve **********
@Steve ******
 agree, otherwise would have to leave, then reenter.
2 years ago
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John ********
@Steve ******
 that's your opinion

For me I simply come to Thailand on a 60 day

And open the bank account put in the money and then go to immigration to go through the process for my retirement visa application all done

No need to worry about health insurance or police clearance
2 years ago
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Steve *******
@John *******
 No need for insurance and police clearance in the UK, no need to buy a TR visa, no need for onward travel, easier to open a bank account and no extra trip to Immigration. It's a no brainer getting the Non Imm O in the UK.
2 years ago
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Steve **********
@John *******
 No need for Insur. dont know of anyone who had problems w/ police clearance. But it's been awhile since I first arrived.
2 years ago
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Steve **********
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Brandon ************
Can only get an OA visa from your home country. The insurance, health check and criminal check are all part of the OA Visa but you get to show the money at home and it doesn't require you to send money to Thailand as part of the process.

If you are in Thailand you apply for an O visa, not an OA visa. Inside Thailand it does not require insurance, criminal check, or health check, but you have to have the 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account in order to get the 1 year extension after the 90 day visa period.
2 years ago
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Hathaway *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
That sounds good Brandon, can I assume that once I have a bank account I need to make regular monthly deposits (65,000)?
2 years ago
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Brandon ************
@Hathaway ************
 if you're trying to use the monthly income method for your second year instead of the 800,000 then yes
2 years ago
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Brandon ************
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Hathaway *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
Is that 800,000b OR 65,000 per month?
2 years ago
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John **********
@Hathaway ************
 you can't use the 65,000 per month option for the first annual extension. Either get the 90 day Non-O in the UK or in Thailand, there's no difference. Once you arrive in Thailand open a bank account in your own name and place 800k baht in it. If applying for the Non-O in Thailand this must come from overseas. For the first 12 months extension you need 800k baht in a Thai bank account in your name for 2 full months before applying for the extension, it needs to stay there for 3 full months after and can't drop below 400k at any point in the year. If you simultaneously start transferring a minimum of 65k each and every month for that first year you can use that method to get your second extension. Note you can't miss a month, you can't average months out, it has to be a minimum of 65k baht each and every month
2 years ago
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Dianne *****
@John *********
 well explained. Just to add, every 65K transfer needs to be correctly coded in your Thai bank account as an international transfer
2 years ago
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Dianne *****
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Graham ******
@Hathaway ************
 First year it's 800k then you can use 65k/month in subsequent extensions
2 years ago
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Mark ******
@Hathaway ************
 Either/or
2 years ago
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Mark ******
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