I have read on this forum that one of the requirements for the approval/extension of the "retirement visa" (non immigrant O-A) is to have 800K baht in a Thai bank account. However, I have also read on the Thai consulate site the following requirement:
A bank statement showing a deposit of the amount equal to no less than 800,000 Baht or an income certificate (original copy) indicating a monthly income of no less than 65,000 Baht. Alternatively, applicants can make a deposit and provide an income certificate indicating a total income of no less than 800,000 Baht a year. All financial statement must have the signature of the bank officer and stamped. Any bank statements require a letter of guarantee from the bank (original copy) as well.
What I understand from the above is that if someone has a pension income of, for example, 40000 baht then the amount you would need to "season" in the bank is 320000 baht (instead of 800000), because the pension income of 480000 makes up for the difference.
Has anyone been successful in having pension income considered so that the amount in the bank can be less than 800000 baht? If so, what document is required in order to demonstrate this income for Visa purposes? The above is requirement is referring to a bank statement, but I have read on other sites that you must get an "affidavit for proof of income" and that this affidavit must be obtained from my country's embassy in Thailand.
So, its not exactly clear to me what the requirements are and what documents are required to demonstrate proof of pension income. Is it just the bank statement, or do you also need an affidavit from your embassy?
Thanks for your help!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
To qualify for a retirement visa (NON-O) extension in Thailand, the applicant must demonstrate financial stability through either having 800,000 Baht in a Thai bank account or proof of a monthly income of at least 65,000 Baht. If using pension income to meet these requirements, a combination method can be employed where the bank balance needed is reduced based on documented pension income. An affidavit from an embassy may be necessary to validate the income, alongside a Thai bank statement. Some users advise caution and suggest finding reliable information directly from immigration offices or using consular resources for accurate documentation needs.
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.
