What are the income requirements for a Retirement Visa in Thailand for a UK passport holder?

Question

Retirement Visa: Income Requirements (UK passport)

I intend to set up a separate Thai bank account to receive my monthly income payment (65,000 thb). I then intend to transfer those funds out each month to my existing Thai bank account to spend and budget as usual.

My question is...
Is this a good way to organise my finances for visa reporting and can I transfer the entire 65,000 thb out each month and still stay within the visa requirements? (I guess that's two questions!!)

Thanks in advance for any guidance

Ask Thailand · Answer

The original poster is seeking advice on organizing their finances for a Thai Retirement Visa, particularly whether they can transfer their monthly income of 65,000 THB from one Thai bank account to another and still comply with visa requirements. Respondents clarify that during the first year of Retirement under the Non-O Visa, it's necessary to show proof of 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account, which cannot be substituted with monthly income. However, for subsequent years, the income method can be used, and transferring funds is permissible as long as proof of the transfer into the account is shown.

David ******** · Answer

In Australia, I used the surrender value of my ANZ Bank superannuation retirement fund as evidence that I had more than equal to Bht 800,000 in my Australian ANZ bank which I could have used if required.  The lady at the Thai Embassy in Canberra said using this was the simplest method for her" The visa only took a few days.  She said, "All the Australian pension and money you have in the bank is too much information for Thai Immigration and is not needed".  That would only confuse Thailand's Immigration.  Just provide that bank statement as to the surrender value on the bank's original statement letterhead. (they will not accept downloads or copies it must be the original document only

I now only go regularly to Thailand on a 90-day tourist visa, as being 82 y/o it is almost impossible to get insurance.  The O visa which is issued inside Thailand does not require insurance.  Three months at a time in Thailand often is quite enough for me as I do own a house in Australia and that preserves my Australian residency.  Being in Thailand for only 3 months at a time the Australian SS (Centrelink almost restores my  Australian pension supplement which almost pays my fare to and from Thailand.  (please don't tell Centrelink that)

Louise ****************** · Answer

Thank you, [mention redacted] for your helpful reply.

Stuart ********* · Answer

As [mention redacted] mentioned you can’t use the income method for the first year extension. For other years you can. You can certainly transfer funds in and move them out the same day if you want. Immigration only want to see proof of international transfer into your account. They don’t care what you do with those after.

James ******** · Answer

Are you now in Thailand?

Sorry but for the First year of your retirement under the Non O Visa as retiree and the One year extension of stay as retired, you will need to show PROOF of 800,000 Thai baht in a Thai bank account in your name only.

It's not possible to use the income transfer of 65,000 Thai baht or more monthly to obtain the Non O Visa as retiree and the One year extension of stay as retired.

What are the income requirements for a Retirement Visa in Thailand for a UK passport holder?

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