What are the options for obtaining a TR Visa for Thailand without visiting a consulate in the US?

Jun 22, 2022
3 years ago
Gary *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am going to be booking travel to Chiang Mai in August. Hoping to be coming in with a TR Visa and once in Thailand I am pretty confident about the steps for the Retirement Visa BUT I am becoming confused as how to obtain the initial TR Visa without having to go to a Consulate here in the states. Are there any other options? I live in Wyoming and my Consulate is in Los Angeles. Thanks in advance. Maybe I am missing something simple.

Edit to Add. I am willing to travel to another country and go to the consulate there as I have been considering a trip to Malaysia prior to Thailand.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user seeks guidance on obtaining a TR Visa for Thailand without having to travel to the Los Angeles consulate, as they reside in Wyoming. They are considering a preliminary trip to Malaysia for the visa application. Responses suggest options like applying for a Single/Multiple Entry Tourist Visa through the eVisa online system or entering Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption, which can be extended. There are also mentions of applying for the visa in person in Malaysia.
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.
Ellie *******
I believe OP already get enough information to consider his way. Gary James, if you need to ask anything related to Original Topic, please contact one of the moderator to reopen this post.

Thank you everyone for your help.
Chris *******
What I would say, if not said already, apply online for the TR 60 day, if it does not come in time just wing in and get 30 days.

It doesn't matter that you applied or affect entry in anyway.

An extra 30 days will help to allow some breathing room.
Gary *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I was actually wondering if applying would affect the 30 days so you read my mind. Tks.
Pete *******
Why don’t you just enter on 30 day visa exemption which you can extend for another 30 days. That will give you 60 days to sort out the retirement retirements.
Gary *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
That sounds like the best plan for me. Thanks. I had a feeling it was not that complicated and I don't have the worry about these consulates and the time it takes to process.
Ellie *******
You can apply for a Single/Multiple Entry Tourist Visa through eVisa online system when in the US.

Check the eVisa system:
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Or you may go to the Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate-General to apply for Single Entry Tourist Visa in person in Malaysia or other neighboring countries.

Be aware, your tourist visa is valid for only 3 months to enter Thailand using that visa.
Gary *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Understood. I have to get some passport photos to upload tomorrow. I will see how it goes.
Gary *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks. I am doing that. I will get to work right away once I arrive.
Ellie *******
@Gary ******
, as Kevin says, you need to be quick enough to be settled in CM be able to apply for in-country visa.

You need Thai bank account and transfer money, to find solid place to live and have long-term lease contract, etc, within 38 days maximum.

Do your research well in advance.
Gary *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kevin **********
Understood.
Kevin ***********
@Gary ******
A TR visa gives you an extra 30 days breathing room.
Gary *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks Kevin. I will do that.
Kevin ***********
@Gary ******
That’s exactly what I did. But you need to get started right away as it may take a while to open a bank account and get money transferred. Chiangmai requires a minimum of 21 days left when you apply for your non O visa.
Gary *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
OK. I am posting this if this helps anyone else reading this thread. At the same time I joined this group I have also been in contact with a VISA assistance group and this was the reply. " If requesting a tourist visa seems not convenient for you, no problem. Alternatively, you can enter Thailand with a 30-day visa exemption, which is a stamp you will receive upon arrival at the airport in Thailand. Then you have an option to extend another 30 days visa at Chiang Mai immigration office. To ensure enough processing time, you should get started as soon as you arrive." That seems like it might be my best option.
Gary *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
That last question was for Ellie. I think I am going to do some research on the Malaysian consulate and the time involved. Thanks again.
Ellie *******
@Gary ******
, Check KL site. And contact them in advance if you want to make things sure

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Gary *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I have started the online process and they say it may take up to a month and I am leaving this address in five weeks. I may consider the Malaysia avenue. Just to clarify, I can go to the embassy there even though I am a US citizen? I can see KL and it should be quicker...hopefully.
Ellie *******
@Bobby *******
And I gave the info on how to apply for a visa from the US, too

Wasn't it enough to start?
Gary *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Bobby. I had mentioned I might go to Malaysia first prior to Thailand. 😁
Bobby ********
@Ellie ******
this man is sitting in Wyoming and asking for help and you are talking about possibilities in Malaysia. where's the logic in your answer
Gary *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Great. Thanks. I will start there. Appreciate the quick response.
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