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What Are the Current Options for Obtaining a Visa to Thailand for Long Stays as an Expat?

Visa Requirements NON-O Visa Tourist Visa

Jun 5, 2020

6 years ago

Tony *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Well I have a question  .. PLEASE read this right through and only answer if you know the correct one...and No shortcut via an agent OK.... Right.... I have been coming on a visitors visa (£30 I think) it was from the London Embassy (By email only was the last one) I plan to spend three months at a time having to come home to renew the visa each time (This is what I want to do at this moment in time) I thought that I must get a visa for two months and extend it for one month... now I have been told that I can get a straight NON O 90 day visa each time.....and now I am told that these are not issued anymore........ Please note that I cannot afford Health insurance at my age of 74 and I have NOT got the money for retirement or anything else OK... SO I have to renew a trip insurance policy each time I return to the UK.... any legal information would be a great help to me and I thank you in advance..

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is seeking information about obtaining a long-term visa for Thailand, specifically regarding the possibility of using a NON-O visa or a tourist visa with extensions. The answers provided explain that due to constraints such as lack of proof of funds and current travel restrictions, the user may only be eligible for a single-entry tourist visa that can be extended for 30 days after an initial 60-day stay. There are concerns about the risks associated with repeated visa runs and the necessity to keep updated on changing regulations.

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.

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Tod *********

and I'd say that Tony has more than a few options to explore

Good Luck, (y)

we're done

6 years ago

Tony *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you all so much, sorry I was out walking the dog, very interesting

@Jon *********

I can probably show a pension of around £180 a week plus there will be another rental income of £300 a week (less fees) I think I need proper advice on what I can do and where from etc etc ... thank you all again...

6 years ago

Jon **********

@To**

in this case I’d say its best to call the embassy directly, and see how they interpret the requirements. Good luck 👍🏻

6 years ago

Reply to

Jon **********

James ********

How long each year are you planning to be in Thailand?

For only 3 months? Or ???

Pardon me but IF your going to use back to back tourist visas or visa exempt entries ....that places you at risk of denied entry by Thai Immigration upon arrival.

6 years ago

Tony *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you both for your answers... I understand about the closed borders, it was just about the visa requirements that I wanted explanations on and I agree that in any case I will have to wait to see what the new requirements will be... Thank you again.

6 years ago

Bobby ********

@Benjamin *****

has said, all borders are closed and the reopenings will be a gradual process. Before making any plans you are best advised to wait until restrictions are lifted to examine the landscape. Things may change post-covid, and at this stage, no-one not even the PM can tell you what will happen in VisaWorld

6 years ago

Benjamin ******

First, the borders are closed, and it's unknown when they would reopen.

>now I have been told that I can get a straight NON O 90 day visa each time....

I don't think you can. According to

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*****

**********

-Non-Immigrant-visas.html#6,

You need 10,000 British Pounds before they issue you that Non-O visa in a bank account.

> I plan to spend three months at a time having to come home to renew the visa each time

Acquiring single entry tourist visas to live in Thailand is a *VERY BAD* plan. Having a visa is no promise that you will be allowed entry. IF you are denied entry by air, you will have to stay at an immigration detention center UNTIL you can buy the next flight home. I've seen pictures of these centers, they don't look nice at all.

6 years ago

Jon **********

@Benjamin *****

it seems for a 90 day non O, theres a

*****

gbp requirement, or proof of a state pension. As the OP is of pensionable age, is this not an option??

“Non-Immigrant Type O (Retirement (pensioner aged 50 or above with a state pension who wants to stay in Thailand for no longer than 90 days) - single entry only)

Financial evidence e.g. A copy of pension statement if the applicant is a pensioner, or a copy of 1-month bank statement showing your income from pension, or 3-month bank statement of at least £10,000

Confirmation of legal residence in the UK or Ireland”

6 years ago

Darren ********

@Benjamin *****

Is that £10,000 a new thing?

When I came here 2 years ago on a non O (for a retirement extension)

The embassy in london didn’t even want my bank statements

6 years ago

Reply to

Darren ********

Tod *********

It's the same answer as I gave you on the other group.

You said you don't have proof of funds and that means you can't get a 90 day single entry Non-O based on retirement from the thai consulate in London. :(

GET a single entry tourist visa and that will get you stamped in for 60 days and then you can extend that for 30 days at the immigration office for 1900baht.

6 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

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What are the options for a long-term retirement visa in Thailand for a 73-year-old expat?

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