What are the financial requirements for a retirement visa or Non-O visa in Thailand if I want to live in Korat?

Jan 19, 2025
a day ago
Liam ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello, I want to retire in Thailand in the korat area at the end of this year, looking at the financial requirements for a retirement visa or I believe the other option is a non o visa for a year and then extend it for another year and in that time deposit 65,000 or more into a Thai bank account, would this work or do I have to stump up the 800,000 , no intention of getting married at the moment, have friends in Korat who have married and built their own houses, love the area and the friendly people

I don’t know whether to go and use an agent to simplify the process and I’m not sure if this is hundred percent legal, is there any comeback on using an agent, Thai government websites say that if you can prove from your pension provider that you have over 65,000 baht per month paid into a Thai bank account then this negate the need for the 800,000, I’m not sure what to believe because my friends are telling me that no bank or pension provider in the UK will certify this, confused
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking information about retiring in Thailand, specifically in the Korat area, and wants to understand the financial requirements for obtaining a retirement or Non-O visa. They express confusion over needing to provide 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account versus the possibility of using a monthly income affidavit or bank transfers. Comments suggest that the initial Non-O visa requires 800,000 baht, but for subsequent years, a monthly income transfer of 65,000 baht could suffice. Recommendations include possibly using an agent to navigate the visa process and to ensure compliance with the 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.
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Chuck **********
Thai national site! I’ve been here 27 years now, I guess I know a little about the system. Some people are too lazy to read the site!
Rod *********
@Chuck *********
and some are to lazy to help right. ?
Pierre ********
Same for me
Henrik *****
Have you ever stayed for months in Thailand ?

if not you should make a several month long testrun, before burning bridges to you homecountry.

Everyday life may be very different from holiday life.
Luit *****************
@Henrik ****
I agree, testing first, but even a few months will not give the same experience.

For a few months it is unlikely to have the accomodation you want.

Just keep the possibility open to go back, unless you are absolutely sure.
Todd *********
@Henrik ****
no bridges ever need to be burned. It's quite easy. Just move and get a dependable agent like
@THAI *****************************
to facilitate EVERYTHING if you don't want to go thru the whole aggravation of DIY process. Which is cheap and any fool can do it. But an annoying waste of time
Henrik *****
Some people start selling house and everything before moving, and if they have only been on short holidays, they may experience everyday life is quite different.
Steve *******
The Non Imm O visa based on being 50 or over IS a retirement visa. This is the best option if you have 800k Baht or
*****
Baht monthly income for the yearly extensions
Pygo ********
@Steve ******
yep, and if you find a 'tame' immigration officer (there are plenty running this scam) you don't need the 800k yourself...
Chuck **********
Look at the website
Todd *********
@Chuck *********
lol, here we have it, the stupid must always come out. Good work Chuck. Thanks Stuart for offering the smart response.
Chuck **********
@Todd ********
no wonder, a stupid Canuck!
Chuck **********
@Todd ********
your a idiot!
Todd *********
@Chuck *********
lol. Check the you absolute sack of hammers 😂😂😂
Stuart *********
@Chuck *********
What website would that be? Thai embassy websites are notoriously bad in information that they give out as they are operated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (who run the embassy and sell visas), but it’s immigration who set the policy for getting in country visas or extensions. Probably better to ask a FB group who specialise in visa situations and are up to date with current policies.
Stuart *********
Conflicting information all over the web about this as it entirely depends on your nationality as to whether you can use an affidavit of income (issued by your embassy) or have to use banked money or monthly transfers.

The UK embassy won’t issue that affidavit so you’re stuck with the banked money option.

For the initial Non O visa (90 days) and the first year extension from that your only option is 800k in a Thai bank. Some offices will want to see that it was an international transfer for the initial Non O (if applying in country).

For the second year you could switch to the 12x monthly international transfer of 65k or more per month method. Works for some but can be a real PITA for others if they use a service like Wise to send money over.
Henrik *****
To be able to switch to monthly transfers year 2, you should make transfers of at least 65.000 Baht every month in year 1

Be prepared that it may be very difficult to get a Thai bankaccount, if you haven't stayed in Thailand for a longer period, even when depositing 800.000 Baht.
Pygo ********
@Stuart ********
just use an agent, they bypass the corrupt immigration service by charging you for their corrupt 'handling' of the Thai scams...
Stuart *********
@Pygo *******
That’s an option. For the first “year” they normally charge around 35-40k for the Non O plus the 12 month extension (so 15 months) and then around 20k for yearly after that.

Some prefer to pay 1,900 baht and DIY.
Paul **********
If unsure use an agent. 800k in a Thai bank or 65k monthly that must be evidenced coming into the Kingdom.

Getting a Thai bank account will be your first challenge but an agent will get it sorted.
Luit *****************
@Paul *******
getting a Thsi bankaccount is not a real challenge as you follow the procedure as intended.

Get the non-o in your home country, then travel to Thailand, and arrange the bank account in the 3 months the visa will give you.

Arrange the funds or if you country has possibility, get the affidavit. Then apply for 1 year extension at immigration in Thailand.
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