What are the requirements for applying for a Non-O 'Retirement visa' at Jomtien Immigration?

Non-O Visa Retirement Visa Jomtien Immigration Visa Application Process Bank Account Requirements Visa Seasoning Immigration Office Rules

May 24, 2024

7 months ago

Ron ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Well heck, I have run across another confusing aspect to me regarding my initial application for a Non-O 'Retirement visa' (the 90 day initial visa).

I have read and read dozens of sources and watched all kinds of You Tube videos, plus read  the form given to me by immigration regarding the specific requirements for WHEN to present 800K baht in my bank book, along with a bank letter.

About half of what I see is that there is no need to present the bank account papers for the initial 90 day visa. ONLY when you apply for the one year extension near the end of the 90 day period are the bank papers needed.

Obviously only one of those suppositions is correct. 

BUT, my immigration application instructions from Jomtien says I DO need to present my bank papers during this initial application for the 90 day visa (Non-O).

I am dizzy with trying to get the straight scoop on this matter. 

Naturally I would lean towards what the immigration instructions spells out.  If those instructions are accurate, why is there so many sources saying otherwise?

I ask not for speculation, but rather an answer related to your informed knowledge or your experience.

THANKS for your valuable input!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user seeks clarification on the requirements for applying for a Non-O 'Retirement visa' in Thailand, particularly regarding the necessity of showing 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account at the time of the initial 90-day visa application. Conflicting advice is noted, as some sources indicate that showing bank documents is only required when applying for a one-year extension, while instructions from Jomtien Immigration state otherwise. Community responses emphasize that different immigration offices may have varying requirements and that Jomtien is known for a stricter stance requiring the funds to be in the account for at least two months prior to the application. Practical advice and personal experiences are shared regarding the application process and potential next steps for the user.

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.

Ron ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Well, here it is Thursday the 24th. I went to the Bangkok Bank and got the paperwork and updates there in order to go to Jomtien Immigration office and apply for the Non-O visa, taking my astute Thai GF with me to help.

It did not work out at all. As many folks here said, they would not process my application due to my 800k deposit not being in the bank for 2 months. Plus the lady looking at my application got real shitty and very loud with me.

When I realized she was turning me down in speaking to my GF, I mentioned to her that only the Jomtien office requires that seasoning before the initial application, and that the rest of the immigration offices require it when the one year extension is applied for at a later date. That the 90 da visa is what gives a applicant the time needed to season the bank account. I could be wrong in that, but that is what I told her.

She then started practically screaming at me that all immigration offices require that when the visa is first applied for. Then she hollered at me that I must cross a border and come back in. I then responded that I could not get a 90 day visa on a border bounce, and then I adked her if she sees I am barely able to walk (due to my recent double knee replacement), and how does she expect me to do that make such a trip? She acted like I just shot her dog in front of her. Hollering at me in English and my Thai GF in Thai (who did not deserve such abuse).

She put on a helluva scene, while during the entire time I spoke at normal volume levels and with a neutral tone. So much for the old saw about Thais not showing their asses in public, especially in regards to not dipaying high levels of anger with a very loud voice.

She then (while fuming) made a big display of making another copy of my passport and taking it and writing on it some large letters in Thai and uderlining it twice with about 400 lbs of pressure on her pen.

She then told us to go and she left he office practically running over my crippled ass and I see she ran to a young clerk and started gestering wildly at that copy of my passport and giving her forceful instructions in Thai. I would guess she put me on some kind of blacklist of falongs that are troublemakers. Who knows? What a B*TCH in my book in any case.

SO, can you offer some advice as to what to do now? My 30 day medical extension expires on June 18th.

What would you say about my going to Bangkok and rent a place and get a appropriate TM3O and certificate of residency and or landlord ownership form, and apply at a Bangkok Immigration office? Should they not give me the 90 day Non O visa, and THEN let me present my bank papers having the 2 month money seasoning with my application for the one year extension?

Is that an option?

If not, I am inclined to go to the Thai embassy at Vientiane, Laos and apply there for the 90 day Non O visa. How us that for an option? They would not require 2 months bank deposit seasoning, right? Then obtain my one year extension at some point later in Thailand at a some other place other than Jomtien? Think that is a workable option?

If not, what may be another option?

Thanks a bunch!@