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What are the options for extending my stay in Thailand as an unmarried 51-year-old currently using a COVID extension?

Thailand visa NON-O visa long-term stay visa extension expat advice

Jan 19, 2022

3 years ago

Paolo ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello I am currently in Thailand, I am 51 years old unmarried, and I would like to stay for a long time such as years, I currently use the 2 month covid extension, what is the best solution? but I have heard that I might apply for a 3 month non-O visa and repeat it consecutively instead of the covid extension?  has anyone experience like that?  is it possible without agency and how much does it cost?  I would not like to deposit the 800k now due to the currency exchange risk and bank failure risk, thanks to everyone

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A 51-year-old unmarried individual currently in Thailand using a 2-month COVID extension seeks advice on long-term stay options. There's a suggestion to apply for a 3-month NON-O visa, which can be extended for an additional year. However, this typically requires a deposit of 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account, necessitating specific procedures related to the fund's duration in the account. The cost for the 3-month NON-O visa is around 2,000 baht, with a subsequent 1-year extension costing 1,900 baht. There are concerns about using agents due to cost and risks associated with 'under the table' transactions.

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.
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Stuart *********

You can apply for a 3 month non O visa based on being over 50, but you will need to deposit 800k from overseas. Cost is 2,000 baht. When it runs down you can apply for an extension of stay for one year. The funds need to be in your account for 2 months prior and 3 months after. To get the next year extension the balance can’t go below 400k and needs to be back up to 800k 2 months prior. That extension costs 1,900 baht. Bank failure risk is absolutely zero, currency exchange may be an issue. If you use an agent then cost will be somewhere between 35-55k and you take on the risk of it being a “under the table” visa. Your call.

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Zap **********

Thank you

@Stuart ********

do you know if we can you apply for non O visa though when we arrived visa exempt?

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Stuart *********

@Michelle ***********

yes you can. You will need at least 15 days (21 in Chiang Mai) on your current stamp to apply.

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Stuart *********

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Zap **********

Danny yes Canadian but retired no income through employment or pension

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Danny ********

Been here over four years and have never came close to

*****

0 baht in my account.

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Danny ********

NON -O extension of stay....get letter of income from Canadian Embassy to guarantee

*****

TBH, receive pension in my TD bank.

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Steve *******

On what extention of stay? Or do you pay an agent?

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Steve *******

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Danny ********

Michelle...are you from Canada and get the letter of guarantee imcome from the embassy

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Zap **********

Thanks

@Stuart ********

do you know if there is any way to go about a retirement visa when here visa exempt? We arrived before Christmas and have done the 30 day extension until just past mid Feb and thinking to do the Covid extension before Jan 25 (or later if extended). We do not have a bank account set up. Not sure if we would have enough time. Have heard it's not easy to set up a bank account without long term rental contract, is this true? And understand you need the funds in account 2 months prior? We contacted a reputable visa agent that has yet to respond but would prefer to do ourselves. Any thoughts or knowledge greatly appreciated.

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Stuart *********

@Michelle ***********

you don’t need funds in an account for 2 months for the initial application for a non O visa. You do when it gets to the extension of that visa. It’s certainly not easy to get a bank account here but you just have to keep trying. Each branch of each bank will have its own rules. No rhyme or reason.

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Stuart *********

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Zap **********

@Stuart ********

, may I ask you a few questions about the retirement visa?

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Stuart *********

@Michelle ***********

sure

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Stuart *********

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Paolo ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks Stuart

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Paolo ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks Stuart, so is not possible to repeat many times consecutively the 3 months Non -o visa, without 800k,right?

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Stuart *********

@Paolo ***********

no. A non O visa can only be extended for a year at a time.

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Stuart *********

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Danny ********

You have less risk of currency exchange rate and bank failure then getting screwed with a greedy agent.

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Danny ********

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