What are the options and costs for obtaining an O or OA retirement visa in Thailand?

March 8, 2023
2 years ago
Steve ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you for reading and any replies. I am looking at O or OA retirement Visa options - 1. getting OA in Australia will cost approximately 10000 baht plus the insurance requirement seems to be about 30000 baht..🤔

2. The other option is to come to Thailand on a 45 day Visa on arrival then pay somebody 20000 baht-> you get 15 months of retirement Visa, (tacked on to your 45 day free Visa entry), which includes a bank book and within that you have accident insurance(??) ... is this all I need to do..??
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is exploring options for obtaining an O or OA retirement visa. They consider getting the OA visa in Australia along with the required insurance, totaling around 40,000 baht, or arriving in Thailand on a 45-day visa and then paying for a retirement visa through an agent for approximately 20,000 baht. Comments highlight concerns about legality when paying an agent, differences between the O and OA visas, the possibility of avoiding the 800k baht bank requirement, and suggest working with reputable agents for a smoother application process.
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.
Steve ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Todd *********
Agent will cost you about 32k-36k baht for 3 months + 12 after your 45 days.

Find a reputable agent like TVC and they handle it. Added bonus is no need to tie up 800k needlessly in low/no interest account. No hassles

Check if you would qualify for O/X visa from Aus first though. Nice option. Or 65k method vs 800k.
Sean *********
@Todd ********
Hi Todd, So this must be for O Visa

How do you not need the 800k?

Is it something the agent ‘looks’ after? And if so is there any monthly costs etc or all included in
*****
+ baht

Cheers mate.
Todd *********
@Sean ********
yessir, the agent ‘looks after’ they on your behalf. No ongoing monthly costs. About 34k baht for first 15 months. But anual renewals only about 14k baht. Some agents may differ a bit. Check Thai visa centre on fb and send the a message. You will get precise answers from them. Best of luck
Khanitcha ****************
@Sean ********
you have to have 800k in sit in bank account
Sean *********
So to confirm I thoughs on OA vs O, I think from want I have been told on the site before is on the OA you don't need 800K baht in Thai bank, just show bank statement in home bank with 54k AUD or more etc?

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Steve ********
Jeff ********
Recommend coming to Thailand on visa exempt and applying at immigration office. There's not really a difference between the O and OA... not really. apply for O with multiple re-entries is my best recommendation.
Frank **********
You just asked that question the other day and was provided information already.
Steve ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Frank *********
That was for the oa Visa. I have heard for for the o visa different. Looking for consistency in answers.
Roberto *********
@Steve *******
O and OA are similar. O requires 800k permanently in Thai bank account or 65k/month income (which you can spend straight away) but no health insurance. OA requires money in Australian bank account, but requires health insurance.
John **********
@Roberto ********
you can not get a 90 day Non-O visa inside Thailand based on 65k per month as an Australian. Nor for the first annual extension
Roberto *********
@John *********
First annual extension you can, provided you have the non-O 90-day visa, not the tourist or exempt visa.
Roberto *********
I should say money in your home country bank account. I was being egocentric 😆
Steve ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Roberto ********
He knew he was replying to me I am from Australia
Frank **********
@Steve *******
then best information would be on the Thai Embassy website in your country.
Todd *********
@Frank *********
the challenge with that is that the RTE in your country will give very different answers than the answers you get in country. It’s definitely not ‘the best’ information at all
Frank **********
@Todd ********
interesting point. I had forgotten about that.
Steve ********
"Pay somebody" means you're paying a bribe to an immigration officer. If you're comfortable with that, it's all good. I wouldn't, and many others wouldn't, and you'll be told "it's perfectly legal", which it isn't and I've witnessed the effects of someone who was caught out. A 7-year ban is hard to take - but it's your call
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