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What are the financial requirements for my dad's Thai Non-O visa and how does it affect his bank account?
Thai Non-O Visafinancial requirements for visaVivoCaredementia care in Thailandbank account balanceinternational money transfersretirement visamedical services for veteransforeign medical program
Jun 3, 2025
a year ago
Jovan *******
ORIGINAL POSTERHey guys! I have a question. I hope it doesn't come across as confusing to you as it is in my head: I placed my dad in VivoCare, a dementia care facility, here in Thailand at the beginning of February. He's an 82 yo Army vet with a full pension and disability. Once at VivoCare, they helped him open up a bank account with Bangkok bank with 800,000 baht that I provided. That month, I started sending 70,000 baht into the bank account via Wise from his US bank account every month, and will continue as long as he's there.
They keep telling me that after his visa (not LTV) gets approved tomorrow at immigration, I must continue to deposit 70,000 baht into his BBK account every month (which I knew), but that I can withdraw the 800,000 baht or spend it on his monthly rent at the facility. That makes me nervous: Can I draw the 800,000 down entirely? Or does at least 400,000 baht need to stay in that account? What about the thing where 800,000 (400,000?) needs to stay in the account 3 months after approval? Or is that a different visa route?
I'm trying to figure out what Visa he's getting. But more importantly, I don't want to draw the money too far down below the 400,000 baht or draw it too soon if it'll mess him up.
Please explain it to me because I keep asking them and they keep saying I can, but his immigration money isn't something I want to play with.
They keep telling me that after his visa (not LTV) gets approved tomorrow at immigration, I must continue to deposit 70,000 baht into his BBK account every month (which I knew), but that I can withdraw the 800,000 baht or spend it on his monthly rent at the facility. That makes me nervous: Can I draw the 800,000 down entirely? Or does at least 400,000 baht need to stay in that account? What about the thing where 800,000 (400,000?) needs to stay in the account 3 months after approval? Or is that a different visa route?
I'm trying to figure out what Visa he's getting. But more importantly, I don't want to draw the money too far down below the 400,000 baht or draw it too soon if it'll mess him up.
Please explain it to me because I keep asking them and they keep saying I can, but his immigration money isn't something I want to play with.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking clarification on the financial requirements for their father's Non-O visa in Thailand, particularly regarding maintaining a bank account balance of 800,000 baht for an extended period, withdrawing funds, and the implications of monthly money transfers from the US. Various community members provided insights about the terms of the Non-O visa, emphasizing that funds must remain intact for a specified duration while highlighting the option to replace bank balance proof with monthly transfers after the initial visa approval. Concerns about fund transfers and the coding of transactions were also discussed.
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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Phil ******
@Jovan ******
you have lots of information and advice. You also need a living and upon death power of attorney as it will make things simpler if your father becomes really sick or becomes incoherent. Sorry ifI sound very bad and good luckJovan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Phil *****
It's OK. It's better to have these things in order before it's too late. I have all forms of POA, medical, legal, and financial, medical directives, etc. since 2017. These documents were created by his lawyer. I took copies to the VA and his bank when we were in the states And I recently had a lawyer double check it, and he said it was thorough. VivoCare also has a copy of everything.Phil ******
@Jovan ******
excellent so you have a living POA as well as death POA? Also the documents are needed to be translated to ThaiJovan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Phil *****
Isn't a death POA the executor in the will? I have POA and I'm the executor in his will. I need to get everything translated and get it to his bank.Phil ******
@Jovan ******
yes but you will need the English versions translated to Thai and notoriety.Reply to
Phil ******
Reply
Hayes *******
After reading the comments I have a question in regards to the FTT code. I use Western Union for my transfers to BKB and they don’t use the code, I was planning on using the 65,000 method for my next non O extension will this present a problem with this method?
Brandon ************
@Hayes ******
If it doesn't code correctly, you will need to go to your bank branch and ask them for a credit advice which clearly shows the transfers as international.Brandon ************
@Jovan ******
@Hayes ******
I've also heard reports that some people see the correct code on the Thai language statement but not on the English statement for some banks, as odd as that sounds.Hayes *******
@Brandon ***********
Thank you Brandon never heard of this before now.Jovan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
Ahhh! I'd heard about this but in bits and pieces. I will let the Center know to do this if it doesn't ever code correctly. So far it's been showing FTT.Reply to
Jovan *******
Reply
Jovan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Hayes ******
Good question because if Wise fails me, I'll have to use another route.Hayes *******
@Jovan ******
I have the greatest respect for for you and what you are doing for your father, not many children would do that these days🙏There are many good transfer companies out there don’t worry.
Jovan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Hayes ******
Thank you! He's been a great father. This person, who he is now with the disease, isn't him. But... he's very happy! And that makes me glad.Reply to
Jovan *******
Reply
Dan *****
I have a question here. Do you need to wire
*****
baht every month in order to waive *****
0 deposit for second year extension? Can you wire once for several months, but yearly accumulated up to *****
0 baht?Brandon ************
@Dan ****
you absolutely cannot do this. It must be AT LEAST 65,000 baht as an international transfer into your account EVERY MONTH for at least 12 months before you can apply for an extension. You should send your transfer early in the month so no delays or problems cause the transfer to slip into the following month, or you'll have lost the entire thing.Jovan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
Ooooo! I may send sooner than the 15th. The process started on the 14th, so I used that as the anniversary. But...I don't want any problems, sending sooner starting this monthReply to
Jovan *******
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Jovan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dan ****
The center where my dad stays said I had to submit it monthly without fail. I send on the 15th.Reply to
Jovan *******
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Olivier ************
Keep the 800k in there all year long if you can afford to .
Please read up about the current issues transferring funds to Thailand via wise .
Too many people I know have had issue over the last couple of weeks with money being sent back .
I have had myself 2 wise transfer canceled .
Used revolute and remitly and it worked ( uk to krungsri ) .
Not saying it doesnot work anymore. Just that they are some in going issues so you don't get caught of guard
Please read up about the current issues transferring funds to Thailand via wise .
Too many people I know have had issue over the last couple of weeks with money being sent back .
I have had myself 2 wise transfer canceled .
Used revolute and remitly and it worked ( uk to krungsri ) .
Not saying it doesnot work anymore. Just that they are some in going issues so you don't get caught of guard
Jovan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Olivier ***********
my thoughts too : just keep the 800,000 there. As for Wise, I've seen the articles, and last month when I sent, they sent me a list of banks they wouldn't service, but my funds went through. I have Remitly and some others as back up, but they won't put "FTT" with it. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that Wise keeps working so that I can have that label on the draft.Reply to
Jovan *******
Reply
Angun *******
I need to have my 'visa money' in my That bank a/c two months BEFORE I apply for the visa extension. Once I have been granted the visa, I can withdraw it for ten months. The amount is 400k for a married person or 800k for a person not married to a Thai. If you don't have that amount, then you can show that you have sufficient monthly income. You don't need both. There are variations between provinces but they are not massive.
Brandon ************
@Angun ******
The money rules for marriage and retirement are very, very different.Angun *******
@Brandon ***********
Didn't I make that clear enough for you in my post?Reply to
Angun *******
Reply
Tohksic ******
I just wanna say, I respect what you're doing. I'll be in the same boat soon (elderly dad and we both live here).
Jovan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tohksic *****
Thank you! It's been rough! What I thought would be that last final family trip turned into a nightmare and a desperate need for dementia care. VivoCare really saved us. He loves it there too!Reply to
Jovan *******
Reply
Ellen *************
I don’t have an answer, but I thought you did a perfect job of explaining your question. Best of luck with everything.
Jovan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ellen ************
Thank you!Reply to
Jovan *******
Reply
Bob **********
Make sure the monthly transfers are showing the FTT code meaning a foreign transfer
Jovan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bob *********
They do. Wise is the only transfer I've found that will put that code. I designate that is for long-term stay. I've also tried Remitly, Western Union, Xe, and Xoom - they have no foreign funds designation.Reply to
Jovan *******
Reply
Jeremy ********
You need to have your dad/you put in a claim to the VA for care and assistance it’s extra money on a SMC (special monthly compensation). it’s lucrative and will make your and his life easier as you can be his caretaker
SMC R1 is what you want to put in for
If you haven’t done this already
SMC R1 is what you want to put in for
If you haven’t done this already
Jovan *******
ORIGINAL POSTERWhaaaa...?! I didn't know that Tricare will help out like that!
Jeremy ********
@Jovan ******
retired military get tricare as part of their pension after doing 20+ yearsJovan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeremy *******
Jeremy! You are a goldmine of information! Thank you! I've been nosing around in his tricare for a while now, even in the states. Does he need to file FMP first and thenwhat doesn't get paid for, send it to tricare?Jeremy ********
@Jovan ******
This is what I would do…I would contact tricare and give them the entire backstory of events that happened…then would let them know of all the medical bills that have accumulated thus far and ask what their timeline is on reimbursement for services rendered already…then I would ask them about ongoing care for his dementia in a care facility in Thailand and how or if they will pay for it.
I would even Mention the plane ride over any all extras you had to pay for from medicine to medical Help on the journey etc to see how I could maximize the entire claim.
Because my Philosophy is this…never tell yourself NO let them tell you NO…then you ask what do I have to do to get you to say YES.. but that is me
Jovan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeremy *******
Love this!! I didn't even think about this!! I absolutely will reach out to them and tell them everythingReply to
Jovan *******
Reply
Jeremy ********
@Jovan ******
it’s health insurance **************************************************************************************
Reply to
Jeremy ********
Reply
Jovan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeremy *******
I haven't heard anything about this but I'm going to look into it pronto. My 25 yo son and I applied with the VA as his care providers and my son to get paid for it, when we were still in the states, and they rejected it. Said he was independent - even though he couldn't drive, blind in one eye, difficulty walking, dementia. I'll apply for this. Does it have anything to do with living overseas or in a facility?Jeremy ********
@Jovan ******
one more thing…go into the VA website and sign up for the Foreign Medical Program (FMP) with his current Thai address…this will cover all his medical needs and prescriptions for his VA disabilities that he has and any secondaries Secondaries are anything a Dr can link to his service connected disability (hypertension even if 0% has as a secondary: dialysis, stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, etc as long as the Dr says it happened because of hypertension)
Jovan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeremy *******
Thank you! I did sign him up for FMP. I sent the registration in in February and again a couple of weeks ago. I'm readying a whole bunch of medical bills to send in this week since they said we can send in before approval arrives. He has A WHOLE LOT of stuff that's service related - actually almost all of it.Jeremy ********
@Jovan ******
go all in for the SMC…you can do it all yourself or you can hire a law firm in the states to help Hill and Ponton is one of many
Jovan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeremy *******
Totally looking into this!!Reply to
Jovan *******
Reply
Jeremy ********
@Jovan ******
or he can do a tele-health Dr appointment with his primary care Dr in the states or other Dr as needed There is also the VFW’s in Thailand and they have VSO’s that can help with the claim
Jovan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeremy *******
His VA in the states in a mess. When he was there, he couldn't ever get in to see him. And then they moved my dad to a VA that was 90 miles away. Can he use his doctor here?Jeremy ********
@Jovan ******
yes he can because the FMP is reimbursable so you can use any Dr or hospital in your budget Bangkok Hospital (any branch in Thailand) actually direct bills the VA for any in patient treatment (surgeries ICU etc)
The VA is horrible in the states and the FMP reimbursement moves at VA speed so don’t get discouraged if it takes 4-8 months to get reimbursement back
Jovan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeremy *******
Ugh about the reimbursement! But the services have been so cheap, so I'm not too upset. Interestingly, Bangkok Hospital in Chiang Mai was the one who told me about FMP, the first time he went there. I think of he doesn't get reimbursed by FMP, I can send it into his Tricare, right?Jeremy ********
@Jovan ******
tricare covers all so use that as well because that’s his health insurance. Just contact tricare so they know he’s overseas and they can recommend a primary Dr to help out
Reply to
Jeremy ********
Reply
Jeremy ********
@Jovan ******
it’s a disability claim so you will need a current evaluation by a Dr and nexus letter…if he has a current Dr they can write it up or (language barrier is a problem in Thailand) Or contact this company in Pattaya they do VA related medical services
@https://www.facebook.com/shar*****************************
Reply to
Jeremy ********
Reply
Cris ******
If he's on a retirement visa. Which it sounds like he is. He needs proof of funds for the "first visa" then the following years. The deposits will replace the "proof of funds" if that makes sense.
Jovan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Cris *****
Yes, that does make sense. Safe and easy: 800,000 for one year with the 65,000 monthly, then only 65,000 monthly.Tony **********
@Jovan ******
it is "first extension", there is no 2nd visaJovan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tony *********
Yes, I understand. I'm just going to keep the money in the account untouched.Reply to
Jovan *******
Reply
Terary **********
Sounds like they know what they are talking about, which is kinda rare.
I couldn't speak to your father's case and it sounds like there is some confusion.
The rule is, pretty much. You must have 800,000 in the bank year round OR show income of 65K+/month. The funds MUST come from overseas (that gets some people but I think not a concern in your case). You do not have to do both.
I recently got my first retirement visa (800 for one year required). Next year when I renew, I should be able to get the visa by showing that I have income of 65K+/month, from overseas.
You should be aware, every immigration office is a little different. If you're working with someone to get the visa, they likely "have a friend". Although, in your case, it sounds like they do not, and you're doing every thing by the book and the book is confusing (by design no doubt).
Best of luck to you
I couldn't speak to your father's case and it sounds like there is some confusion.
The rule is, pretty much. You must have 800,000 in the bank year round OR show income of 65K+/month. The funds MUST come from overseas (that gets some people but I think not a concern in your case). You do not have to do both.
I recently got my first retirement visa (800 for one year required). Next year when I renew, I should be able to get the visa by showing that I have income of 65K+/month, from overseas.
You should be aware, every immigration office is a little different. If you're working with someone to get the visa, they likely "have a friend". Although, in your case, it sounds like they do not, and you're doing every thing by the book and the book is confusing (by design no doubt).
Best of luck to you
Jovan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Terary *********
Yeah, they have many other foreigners, so I'm sure they know what they're talking about. I just like to really understand what's going on and make sure I don't ruin something inadvertently. If I understand, you did one year with 800,000 along with the 65,000, and with proof of a year of 65,000 monthly, you switched to that?Terary **********
@Jovan ******
"I just like to really understand what's going on" Good luck with that, this is Thailand and I am pretty sure nobody knows what is going on.To answer your question. What I was told was, I MUST use the 800K method to get the visa (year 1), To renew the visa I could do the 65K method.
However, I use the Pattaya immigration office, which may implement policies differently than your father's immigration office.
I use an agent (because I didn't have the 800K, agents can provided that for you).
Pattaya's immigration office is known to be openly crooked so it could be the case that I had to use the 800K only because the agent would make more money. Or the immigration office would make more money (bribes).
So I wouldn't say your father's situation is exactly the same.
That will be the case with most advice you get from Facebook.
Different immigration offices - different rules
Different nationality - different rules
Different "friends" - different rules.
The Thai immigration site is probably a good place to get "guidance" but in the end, its up to the immigration office which/how rules get applied.
Reply to
Terary **********
Reply
Brandon ************
There's no such thing as an LTV so it's not possible to accurately answer your question. If your father is getting a normal non-O visa with a 1 year retirement extension, the account will need to stay at 800,000 for the entire 90 day duration of the non-O visa, and then remain at 800,000 for 3 months after the extension date as well. After that it can never drop below 400,000 the rest of the year of the extension. Next year, instead of 800,000 in the bank, you can show the 12 monthly transfers of at least 65,000 baht to meet the extension requirements. Once that extension is issued, you won't even need the 400,000 anymore as long as you continue the monthly transfers.
If the visa is an LTR visa, none of the money in a Thai bank is relevant because that visa has nothing to do with funds in Thailand.
If the visa is an LTR visa, none of the money in a Thai bank is relevant because that visa has nothing to do with funds in Thailand.
Kjetil **********
@Brandon ***********
Hello Brandon. I Will start my Non O visa 23.august. Can I Just transfer 65k every month, starting from August and Just show this when I apply for extension in november ? I have paper from the goverment in Norway where they confirm my pension that is more than 65k pr.monthBrandon ************
@Kjetil *********
Yes, start the monthly transfers immediately because Norway will stop issuing the papers soon. You need the paper trail to be completed for 12 months already for next year's extension. But you can just use the paper from the embassy for this year.Kjetil **********
@Brandon ***********
Okey. But then I dont need the 800k yes ?Brandon ************
@Kjetil *********
correct. You're in a lucky position that you can get an embassy letter until your embassy stops next year. Many embassies stopped long agoReply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Phil *******
@Brandon ***********
just a quick side question, the 3 months after the extension, where you must keep 800,000, is it 3 complete months or is it a period of 90 days?Brandon ************
@Phil ******
It is not 90 days, it is 3 calendar months.Phil *******
@Brandon ***********
so have I fucked up, extension 4th Feb, went below 800,000 28th May.Brandon ************
@Phil ******
I've always been unclear if it's 3 months after the extension is issued, or if it's 3 months after the date of the extension. I always say date of the extension to be safe. But if they take it 3 months from the date the extension is issued, you might be okay.Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Cris ******
@Brandon ***********
I thought he can take out the entire 800k. Then the deposits take over as the "proof of funds" so the next year for renewal. They show the deposits instead. I've never heard of the 400k minimum thing before.Wannikea *********
@Cris *****
what you can do is take out the 65K monthly transfers when using that method, but the 400k can never be touched when using lump sum.Cris ******
@Brandon ***********
ahhhh OK. I thought you were saying it's monthly deposits AND keeping 400k.Reply to
Cris ******
Reply
Brandon ************
@Cris *****
this year's requirement is 800,000 for 2 months before the the extension and 800,000 for 3 months after, then the balance can never drop below 400,000. Those requirements must be maintained or technically the extension is invalid as of the moment the bank account drops below the required balance since those are requirements of the the current extension. If they were to withdraw all the money, when they check the 12 month bank statement to verify they met the requirements for the previous year, they would deny the next extension for failing to meet the previous extension requirements.Michelle *****************
@Brandon ***********
can I ask does this mean if a husband and wife went over as a couple to retire do we both have to have separate bank accounts showing 800K each in it or can we have a joint account with the one amount of 800K ?Brandon ************
@Michelle ****************
they would both need their own account. Most embassies stopped issuing the trailing spouse visa.Michelle *****************
@Brandon ***********
so they want each of us to have 65K coming in each month that’s $3000 Aud each is that correct ?David *******
@Michelle ****************
you can also get a "dependency " visa which all you have to do is get your marriage certificate verified by your embassy, then translated into Thai and verified by the ministry of foreign affairs. This way only 1 of you (the visa holder) can attach a dependent and only have to deposit 800K or show the 65K (for a full 12 months).This is what myself and my wife do successfully for the past 6 years.
I don't know if this is different for different countries (we are British).
Michelle *****************
@David ******
Thankyou for this informationBrandon ************
@David ******
All but impossible to get now.Michelle *****************
@Brandon ***********
well that makes it hard when only 1 of us has super to live offReply to
Michelle *****************
Reply
Jovan *******
ORIGINAL POSTERAnd...so basically, the 800,000 needs to sit in the account another 3 months, then not go below 400,000 between months 4-12. Then next year, the monthly transfers of 65,000 is all that's needed?
Brandon ************
@Jovan ******
exactly right. You're switching from banked money to monthly transfers, so you'll need to meet this year's requirements while preparing for next year.Jovan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
Soooo...according to your chart, he can go down to 400,000 starting month 7, and then month 16, it can all be removed? If really seems safer just to keep it all there until month 15...Reply to
Jovan *******
Reply
Wannikea *********
@Jovan ******
if you're trying to switch over to the monthly income method, you still need to top up the 400K to 800K two months before applying for the next extension, during the time you are making the 65+k depositsBrandon ************
@Wannikea ********
that's incorrect and would very likely cause the immigration office to issue the extension using banked money again because it's easier for them.Wannikea *********
@Brandon ***********
possibly I mistook Tod's advice that it's a good idea to top up in case the monthly method fails, you wouldn't be at square one. I also thought you had to fulfill the 800k method which meant top up 2 months before applying. Confuffled.Reply to
Wannikea *********
Reply
Jovan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
Thank you! And, I put in the "LTV"...I think they said non-O visa. I correspond with them so much about what's going on with him, the fault is with me, I'm sure. I may change the wording around the visa in my post. What you're describing does sound like what they're working on for him.Reply to
Jovan *******
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