Answereda year ago

What are the best visa options for a 90-day stay in Thailand for a 71-year-old expat?

Thailand Visa Options Thai Immigration Tourist Visa Non-O Visa Visa Exempt Entry Retirement Visa

Mike ********

asked Oct 11, 2025

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Im landing in BKK on the 1-12-25, I want to stay a minimum of 90 days in TH, I’m 71 y/o I’ll have travel/health insurance,. I’ve got 3 options,1- enter visa exempt and extend it by 30 days to give me 90 days,.2-enter with a TR visa from uk giving me the same options,.3-entering with an o retirement visa giving me 90 days, what would you recommend ?. My last visit to TH was for 222 days in 2022/2023, came in on a TR visa from uk and extended and border bounced, I’m concerned this could be an issue if I arrive on 1-12-25 and imo pick up on it.

Answer summary

A 71-year-old expat plans to stay in Thailand for a minimum of 90 days and is considering three visa options: 1) enter visa exempt with a possible 30-day extension, 2) obtain a TR visa prior to arrival for similar duration, or 3) apply for an O retirement visa. Community feedback suggests both the Non-O visa or the TR visa could be the best options, offering fewer complications and avoiding the need to show onward travel or re-visit Immigration for extensions. Advice includes ensuring proof of onward travel and checking the arrival stamp carefully to avoid potential issues.

14 repliesnewest first

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Todd ********

Always check the arrival stamp especially if arriving early am. Last trip i noticed on the bus to pattaya immigration stamped wrong date. Day prior. Lesson learned

a year ago

Russell ********

If you buy a Tourist Visa before you come then all bases are covered and no need to any stress

a year ago

Anthony ******

If you are not intending to stay has retired just enter exempt and get the 30 day extension.

a year ago

Graham ******

Personally I'd do the Non-O so no need to visit Immigration and no requirement for proof of onward travel

a year ago

Mike ********

@Graham *****

Can the non o be extended or not ? Or is it 90 days only and non extendable or have to border bounce ?

a year ago

Russell ********

@Mike *******

its designed to be a long term visa and is extendable by a year at a time. People dont retire for 3 months!

a year ago

Vin *********

@Russell *******

never said anything about short/long. Stated non O was for many things.

a year ago

Russell ********

@Vin ********

its designed to be long term is my point. People dont marry for 3 months either.

a year ago

Vin *********

@Russell *******

the non O is for a wide variety of things; visiting family, marriage, retirement, etc.

a year ago

Graham ******

@Mike *******

The extension is 12 months by meeting the financial requirements or maybe 60 days for those with Thai family (wife or child)

a year ago

Graham ******

@Mike *******

The first year it's either funds in the bank or income affidavit where still available

a year ago

Mike ********

@Graham *****

I’m ok meeting the monthly income requirements, but do I still have to put 400 or 800k into Thai bank,,

a year ago

Peter **********

You might clear up with your airline before you decide, some airlines don't let you do boarding without a flight out or a visa

a year ago

James ********

You should not have a problem entering Thailand as Visa Exempt Entry. Getting 60 days on arrival Plus one 30 day extension of stay at your local Thai Immigration office for 1900 Thai baht.

A border bounce will get you another 60 days STAMP on arrival Plus one 30 day extension.

Your day of arrival into Thailand counts as Day #1.

Have the address of where you will be staying during the first week of your stay in Thailand.

Have a ticket departing Thailand within the 90 days from your date of arrival to show...if asked...by your airline on airport check-in and on arrival into Thailand with Thai Immigration Officers.

a year ago