This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

What are the challenges and solutions for navigating the Thai visa application process?

Visa Process NON-O Visa Visa Extension Thai Immigration Expat Life Bureaucracy in Thailand

Jul 7, 2025

7 days ago

Charles *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

The Visa galaxy in Thailand is a nightmare. One cannot know exactly what to do since procedures change depending on region/office/Clerk ……. For me, this is the one and only stone in the shoe for Thailand

2,635

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

Navigating the visa process in Thailand can be quite challenging due to varying regional procedures and bureaucratic intricacies. While experiences differ—some find the NON-O retirement visa stable over time—others express frustration with the ever-changing requirements. Tips for managing these complexities include visiting your local immigration office for specific requirements, being patient with the process, and ensuring compliance with immigration rules. Furthermore, some commenters noted the importance of preparing documentation in advance, particularly regarding financial statements and bank accounts needed for visa extensions.

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.

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted Retirement Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Bent *************

TiT

6 days ago

David *******

Not changed changed much in 20 yrs.

*******

,000b in a Thai bank acc. before app.

6 days ago

Paul ********

It's cultural. The Thais love to tinker; always trying on new things. Two steps forward, one step back. And consistency and uniformity - values highly prized in the west - are not part of the governing culture here. In fact, the exact opposite.

But in the end, it really is NOT that complicated or difficult.

If you find Thailand's visa process a "nightmare," perhaps you should look into Cambodia. Much simpler, more uniform, and far less impactful on your daily life.

6 days ago

Jeremy ********

I’ve Been dealing with Thai visas since 2006 and every 1-3 years you have to learn a whole new system

And forget everything that you knew or know

6 days ago

Bob **********

The BIG DEAL right now is opening a bank account you’ll need to apply for the non-o out of country then come back open an account get your 800k in there at least two months before your extension the immediately start bringing in the 65 k a month for your next extension now if your from a country that issues a financial statement then you can use that

6 days ago

Sylvia ********

@Bob *********

correct get accommodation with a lease registered TM30 then go to immigration for certificate of residence and tge bank will accept this

6 days ago

Reply to

Sylvia ********

Mark ********

I got my Non-O through Los Angeles Consul online. Not hard, took 2 weeks. Immigration Office in Blue Port Mall was very helpful. If you do what they ask and don't try to cheat or game the system it is simple.

But DO watch your stamp when when you enter. My IO in BKK stamped me in 60 days exempt while looking at my visa.

Enjoy your stay 😎

7 days ago

Marianne ********

The amount of change is vastly exaggerated by media and influencers.

7 days ago

Mark ********

@Marianne *******

Correct! Rumours are started by the media, but sadly these days there are armies of "content creators" who are nothing more than "rumour creators" who will push the agenda for nothing more than fear-mongering

7 days ago

Reply to

Mark ********

Michael ********

7 days ago

Rok ********

Bureaucracy is never straightforward, a necessary evil - try Italy.

7 days ago

Nongnuch ********

@Rok *******

Italy . . .the most hellish place, a bureaucracy which rules are defined on the words spouting from a bureaucrats mouth. A random delivery

7 days ago

Reply to

Nongnuch ********

Bradford ******

33 years VISA's are no concern.

7 days ago

Garrett ***********

I don't have any problems

7 days ago

Alan *******

Take solice, it really is not - follow the steps on the thai immigration site and as you do, you will find your self at a regional office with perhaps it's own idiosyncratcies but none that they won't prepare you for. Practice zen, it's your own path :)

7 days ago

Nongnuch ********

@Charles ******

that's why we recommend to visit "your" Immigration and ask for the handout list of requirements you need for your specific extension of the stay permit. It with clear the path and remove all uncertainties

7 days ago

Ray *******

@Nongnuch *******

I did exactly that. First on the list of local I O requirements was to set up a bank account - refused everywhere. The new policy apparently.

7 days ago

Anna *********

@Ray ******

thank you None taken 😀

6 days ago

Anna *********

@Ray ******

and what visa do you have cos that seems to the general sticking point

And yes it was easy for me as I have had my acct for years but that doesn’t mean I don’t know what’s going on now

6 days ago

Doug ********

@Anna ********

non o 90:day retirement....exactly as immigration in Udon Thani advised was what is needed. Plus passport,obviously, tenancy agreement and even residents certificate letter from immigration office. I don't doubt you have knowledge and keep up, but factually,your statement that it is not a problem to open an account if all is in order is wrong. I just wanted the person you are advising to know that. No insult intended.

6 days ago

Reply to

Doug ********

Anna *********

@Ray ******

opening a bank account is only difficult if you don’t have the appropriate Visa. A tourist Visa even a DTV is not considered appropriate

6 days ago

Doug ********

@Anna ********

I'm sorry but that simply is not true in every city and every bank.

I took absolutely everything necessary to the three big banks in udon Thani a month ago, Bangkok Bank,SCB and krasokorn all refused.

Krungsri opened an account for me with exact same paper that I took to the other three banks. So whilst for you it may have been simple it's not the case now, certainly not where I am. If it is simple with the right paperwork etc then all three banks that refuse would have opened an account for me and not just the fourth bank I tried.

6 days ago

Thomas *******

@Doug *******

same thing I went through in Nong Khai. Krungthai finally opened one for me after denials from all the others.

6 days ago

Reply to

Thomas *******

Mark ********

I don't know. I'm on non-O retirement visa/extension. Hasn't changed for the ten years I've had it! 👍👍👍✅✅✅

7 days ago

Charles *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Mark *******

Hi ! You mean 12 months which you renew annually ? That is what I want

7 days ago

Andy ********

@Charles ******

I have exactly the same experience as Mark. I have lived in Thailand for 9 years, best decision I have made.

6 days ago

Mark ********

@Charles ******

No I don't renew. A visa cannot be renewed. Each year I get a 12-month extension of stay. There's been no changes to this process in the last ten years

7 days ago

Reply to

Mark ********

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Join the Group

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

What are the key tips for successfully applying for a visa to Thailand?

6 comments