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What are the best visa options for a 52-year-old moving to Bangkok who is not yet ready to retire?

Visa OptionsNon-O VisaTourist VisaWork VisaLong-term StayTeaching in ThailandImmigration AdviceCELTATEFL
Nov 26, 2018
6 years ago
Stephanie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you.

I would appreciate your advice on how best to enter and stay long- term.

I am moving from USA to Bangkok in February.

I am 52 years old and not yet wanting to retire.

I am looking at the difference between the Tourist Visa, cum Work Visa and the retirement/long-term, I think, " O" Visa. I can prove-up the cash needed.

I intend to take approximately 30 days idle for a perfect grill at the dentist.

Then, take another 30 days to complete my CELTA or TEFL, along with necessary days in between.

I am weighing my options.

I am asking for your experience, please.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The person is seeking advice on the best visa options for moving from the USA to Bangkok at 52 years old and not yet ready to retire. They are considering a Tourist Visa, a Work Visa, or a long-term Non-O Visa (for those over 50) as they plan to complete their CELTA or TEFL certification. Comments suggest that a Multi-Entry Tourist Visa (METV) or a Non-O Visa might be beneficial for their situation, highlighting that working on a Tourist Visa is not permitted. Additionally, some commenters pointed out the potential difficulties in finding teaching jobs at their age, while others recommended options for maintaining legal residency while pursuing job opportunities.
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Loris *********
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6 years ago
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Mark *******
There are TEFL certificatication schools that offer non-B visas. Some offer ED visas if you also take Thai language classes. When I did it, I got a 1 year multi-entry non-B from Houston by mail (LA is a little unfriendly). You probably can't get the 1 year anymore, but 3 months is enough to complete your TEFL, get a job with work permit and extension of stay. Get a certified diploma and transcript from your uni while you are in the states.
6 years ago
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Stephanie ******
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@Mark ******
 thank you so much.
6 years ago
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Sean *************
@Ma**
, but he can do the CELTA with a retirement or tourist visa too.
6 years ago
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Sean *************
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Tod *********
To go a bit further on the good idea posted by
@Ellie ******
, you could even get a year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O-A visa in the US before you wing your way here. That visa is good for a year from the date it's issued, you show proof of funds using a bank account in your country not a thai bank, and it's unlimited entry/exits for the validity of the visa (a year from the date it's issued) with EVERY entry getting you stamped in for a whole new year. (meaning you could get almost 2 years out of a one year visa.

Although you couldn't work on it, you sure wouldn't have any 'visa issues' once you had it AND if you found work you could go and get a new visa.

******************************************************************
6 years ago
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Stephanie ******
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@Tod ********
 thank you
6 years ago
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Stephanie ******
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Ellie *******
If you can qualify the requirements easily, I think one of the idea is get Non-O (over 50) single + extension to prepare for your next step. With that status or tourist visa you can not work anyway, With this, you don't have to worry about border/visa run.... You can change or get suitable visa when you find your next step.. Just humble idea since I'm not an expert. This group expert's suggestion is always better.
6 years ago
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Tod *********
STAY ON TOPIC >:( Offer out advice for her to get a VISA or don't comment. It's not a debate about whether she can or can't find work here okay?
6 years ago
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Henry *********
Ok. My comment was pointing out she is qualified to get a non-B visa which another poster had suggested she wasn't.
6 years ago
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Henry *********
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Tod *********
@Step*****
 I would say get a 6 month METV <- multi-entry tourist visa from a thai consulate in the US before you come here. That will give you almost 9 months of stay in country (IF you need it) in 60 day increments. This gives you the ability to get the things done you need to, look for a job etc without a gun to your head time wise running out of time on a single entry tourist visa.

Hands down it's the best "fit" for your situation.

You can only get a 6 month METV from the thai consulates in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and Washington DC.
6 years ago
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Stephanie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
 thNk you so much
6 years ago
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Tod *********
@Step*****
 you could use Chicago or Los Angeles, either of them will issue visas to people in Denver.

Here's the website of the thai consulate in Los Angeles

************************************************************


AND

Here's the one from Chicago

************************************************************************


The difference between the two consulates requirements are the Los Angeles consulate requires you show 6 months worth of bank statements with 7K USD in the account every month. Where as Chicago just requires you show A bank statement with 7K USD in it. <- That's a BIG difference ;)

Good Luck
6 years ago
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Stephanie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
 Thank you Tod. I appreciate you reading my post and responding. You know what I wrote. I will seek a MultiEntry TV from Chicago--they service Denver. I appreciate your straightforward, non-judgmental response. Thank you.
6 years ago
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Stephanie ******
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James ********
It looks like you are preparing to be a teacher. Do you have a four year university degree? Do you have prior teaching experience? At age 52+ there are not many teaching job opportunities as Thai schools prefer to hire much younger teachers. Ajarn.com is a helpful teacher information forum. I suggest you get at least a tourist visa before you come to Thailand....allows you 60 days on entry + 30 more with extension. Or if you really are retiring get the O-A multi-entry visa from a Thai Consulate in the US. Good for one full year and can get added 1 year extension if you leave and return to Thailand just before end of the first year. Good Luck !
6 years ago
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James ********
@Stephanie ************
 there are other Univ in Thailand. Age is not as a significant factor when teaching at the university levels.
6 years ago
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Stephanie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
 Thank you. I will look into that possibility.
6 years ago
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James ********
Stephanie Anne Fling I encourage you to pursue university level opportunities. A good friend of mine was Professor of Law at Asian University in Chonburi Province near Pattaya for many years prior to his passing in his mid 70's. Dr. Briggs was a retired former City Attorney on CA

Asian U is a fine private University which teaches in English. He was beloved by all his students and faculty.

************************
6 years ago
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Stephanie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
 Thank you. I have A Juris Doctoral in Law. I practiced for about 16 years.
6 years ago
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James ********
Stephanie Anne Fling with a Doctoral degree you may find employment opportunities in university levels - grad and post grad.

The TEFL/CELTA may not be needed at Univ level professorships. May I ask what your Doctorate is in ?
6 years ago
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Stephanie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
James Miller thank you. Yes, I have a Doctoral degree and want to retire in Thailand. I am not yet ready to really stop working. I do not intend to compete with 20something, young backpackers nor, can they compete with me. Should I come in on a tourist visa and after 60 days or so of dental and TEFL work, get a teaching or other job or just come in on an "O" Visa?
6 years ago
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Stephanie ******
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Tod *********
You can't work on a tourist visa or a visa/extension you get based on being over 50 (retirement) so with that information you need to decide your own course of action.
6 years ago
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Stephanie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
 this is why I mean should I get a Tourist Visa, find work after 60 days and then get a work Visa
6 years ago
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Stephanie ******
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