thailand
Ask question

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.
1,011
views
2
likes
31
all likes
22
replies
0
images
8
users
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.
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.
Loris *********
Following
6 years ago
Like
Reply
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
Like
Reply
Stephanie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mark ******
 thank you so much.
6 years ago
Like
Reply
Sean *************
@Ma**
, but he can do the CELTA with a retirement or tourist visa too.
6 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Sean *************
Reply
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
Like
Reply
Stephanie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
 thank you
6 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Stephanie ******
Reply
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
Like
Reply
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
Like
Reply
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
Like
Reply
Reply to
Henry *********
Reply
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
Like
Reply
Stephanie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
 thNk you so much
6 years ago
Like
Reply
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
Like
Reply
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
Like
Reply
Reply to
Stephanie ******
Reply
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
Like
Reply
James ********
@Stephanie ************
 there are other Univ in Thailand. Age is not as a significant factor when teaching at the university levels.
6 years ago
Like
Reply
Stephanie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
 Thank you. I will look into that possibility.
6 years ago
Like
Reply
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
Like
Reply
Stephanie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
 Thank you. I have A Juris Doctoral in Law. I practiced for about 16 years.
6 years ago
Like
Reply
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
Like
Reply
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
Like
Reply
Reply to
Stephanie ******
Reply
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
Like
Reply
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
Like
Reply
Reply to
Stephanie ******
Reply
Thai Visa Advice
... members ยท 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
What is the easiest visa option for a 52-year-old expat moving to Thailand?
65 comments
7 months ago
What are the best visa options for living in Thailand before retirement at age 50?
63 comments
7 months ago
What visa options are available for someone under 50 looking to stay in Thailand for a year?
35 comments
8 months ago
What are the best visa options for moving to Thailand if I'm under 50 and not looking to retire?
10 comments
10 months ago
What are the best visa options for expats over 50 planning to split their time between Thailand, the US, and the UK?
3 comments
a year ago
What is the best visa option for semi-retirement in Thailand while working remotely?
61 comments
a year ago
What are the best visa options and services for moving to Thailand from the USA at age 49?
37 comments
a year ago
What is the best visa option for a 54-year-old planning to retire in Thailand?
15 comments
a year ago
What is the best visa option for UK retirees planning to stay in Thailand for an extended period?
15 comments
a year ago
What are the visa and work permit options for a 68-year-old expat in Thailand looking to teach?
12 comments
2 years ago
What are my options for visas after my Tourist TR Visa expires in Thailand?
19 comments
2 years ago
What visa options are available for long-term stays in Thailand under 50 years of age?
10 comments
2 years ago
What are the visa options for staying in Thailand for one more year at age 50, considering I am currently on an ED visa?
146 comments
2 years ago
What is the best visa strategy for moving to Thailand before qualifying for a retirement visa?
22 comments
3 years ago
What are the best options for securing long-term residency in Thailand for a couple with an age difference and approaching retirement age?
13 comments
3 years ago
What is the best visa approach for working part-time while retiring in Thailand?
2 comments
3 years ago
What are the best visa options for a 48-year-old US citizen moving to Pattaya?
8 comments
5 years ago
What is the best visa option for a 53-year-old moving to Chiang Mai, Thailand?
8 comments
5 years ago
What is the best visa option for a year-long stay in Thailand for an online worker?
9 comments
5 years ago
What Visa Options Are Available for a Retiree Under 50 Moving to Bangkok?
12 comments
5 years ago
What type of visa should I get when moving to Thailand, considering long-term stay and potential volunteer work?
67 comments
6 years ago
What is the best visa option for retiring and teaching English in Thailand?
50 comments
6 years ago
What visa should I apply for to live and possibly teach in Chiang Mai, Thailand for 6-9 months?
28 comments
7 years ago
What are the best options for staying longer in Thailand if I'm under 50 and retired?
45 comments
7 years ago
What are my visa options for retiring in Thailand without being married?
5 comments
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.