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What are the challenges and options for renewing a retirement visa in Thailand after a bank balance issue?

Feb 10, 2026
3 months ago
Johnn ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
A friend has just been refused renewal of his retirement Visa because 15 months previously the 800,000 was not in the bank for more than one day. This is because it was arranged by an agent in the pataya. I'm surprised that the government officer would think this was a problem. I would have thought they would only be interested in what money has been in your account for the previous 12 months. Can anyone offer advice on this?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A friend faced challenges in renewing their retirement visa due to not maintaining the required 800,000 baht in their bank account for the necessary duration. Community members emphasize the importance of adhering to Thai immigration rules, including the requirement for consistent bank balances, and the pitfalls of using agents for visa applications. They suggest two main courses of action: continue using an agent or leave Thailand to reapply for a new Non-O visa. Additionally, discussions highlight that a history of fluctuating bank balances could lead to issues at renewal.
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.
Brandon ************
Advice:

1) use an agent again this year. Come NEXT year he'll be able to show two years of money and can probably do it himself

2) leave Thailand, get a new non-O from a Thai embassy in a neighboring country. Start fresh and do it himself from now on.
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Geraldine **************
I always do my own retirement visa direct with immigration. They are very helpful and a darn sight cheaper than the so called agents
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Michael *********
Yeah put the damn money in the account & stop trying to cheat the system.
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THAI ******************************
We assist with cases like this.

Also if a client plans to submit on their own make sure to always inform your agency so they can help you plan for this.

LINE:
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Jeff *************
Don’t use a agent, do it the right way
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Damon *******
Jeff Hoffmeister or use an agent but don't use the agents money.
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Jeff *************
Damon Stone if you have the money why use an agent? Most people use it because they don’t have 800,00 to sit for 15 months while they start the
*****
a month
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Jeff *************
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Frankie *******
U can always reapply it's not the end keep trying
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Phil ********
I'm beginning to think that accredited Agent's outrank IOs
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Stephen ********
Phil Corbin No such thing as an "accredited" agent! Anyone can be an "agent"! 😂😂
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Stephen ********
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John **********
The problem is likely to be the method many agents follow to get an initial visa and a subsequent 12 month extension of stay. They do this in one move, so they put 800k baht into the person's bank account get both a 3 month Non-O visa and the 12 month extension simultaneously from the 800k being in the account for a short period of time. One of the drawbacks of using an agent I'm afraid. So when he actually received the extension there would have been no money in the account to meet the criteria for the next extension. The 800k must be in the account for 3 months after receiving the extension and not fall below 400k at any point so even if your friend subsequently put 800k into his account it still fails the test
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ชุติกาญจน์ *************
Peasant farang please go back to your country
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Nigel ********
Good, glad they are looking at those using agents because they don’t meet the requirements.
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Tom ********
The reason the 800,000 baht is a requirement is to show that the applicant can sustain themselves for the duration of their stay, If it's only in for one day then that is not fulfilling that part of the requirement.
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John **********
Yes I understand the 2 month before and 3 month after rule and not to drop below 400K etc etc. My agent sorted mine out but I have applied the 65K every month as well.
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Dimitris ************
Obviously you didn't have your money 800,000 in the bank. So no one to blame but you. Start over
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James *********
Easy, just follow the rules. Alternately find a Reliable Agent
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Michael *******
Only needs to drop one baht below the 800k and will get turned down.
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John *********
Many agents it's no problem
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John **********
The trouble is as usual there are 100 answers to one question. Go to an agent who first applied your non o and let him sort it.
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Pete **********
Good -

another cheat without the required money bites the dust.
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ชุติกาญจน์ *************
Pete Williams decent man always have at least 10 million baht in bank account. Peasant farang cheats to show 800k should just go back to Europe.
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Johny *****
ชุติกาญจน์ สุขประเสริฐ “Decent men” what a Bizzare comment up make.
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Billy ********
ชุติกาญจน์ สุขประเสริฐ Your understanding of economics is zero. Stop trolling and get a girlfriend or boyfriend
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Pete **********
ชุติกาญจน์ สุขประเสริฐ one million is enough. No interest for money in a Thai bank account - it is dead money. Just leave it there and forget about it.
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Pete **********
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Jan ******************
Jomtien immigration requires two months seasoning also for the initial 90 days Non O visa prior to the requirements for the one year extension of stay. So requirements are obviously not fulfilled. Two options, continue to use an agent to bypass formal requirements and get a illegitimate stay or leave the country and apply for a new Non O visa/enter on a visa exemption and apply in country from scratch.
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Wannikea *********
There are a few extra T's to cross and i's to dot when you're moving from an agent sponsored funding to self funded.
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David ******
Because he cheated the system originally.
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Mma *******
David Kemp It bring s in massive revenue for Immigration where as, the retiree funded doesn’t bring in Billions.
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Graham ******
Mma Droog bribes you mean
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Graham ******
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Todd *********
David Kemp like thousands and thousands of others. That's how it works
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David ******
Todd McGowan until it doesn't, like in this case.
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David ******
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Aki ************
Once using Ahent, don't change because of the renew fee !!
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Paul *********
Agent.....
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Ricky *******
Sounds like he isn’t following the clearly outlined rules
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Liam ***********
Ricky Beard neither is the agent
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Liam ***********
Ricky Beard I agree 100%
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Stephen ********
Liam O'connell The agent doesn't have the power to grant the extension. When people choose to use an agent they have to accept the pitfalls
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Stephen ********
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