I have been searching and evaluating all of the requirements and strategies for obtaining a Non-O Visa based on Retirement and I have one question that I cannot resolve. Some of the info gets me close to understanding but I am missing something.
I am a US citizen who has visited Thailand once and am currently back in the US working and saving money. I met a Thai citizen and we have developed a relationship but we are not ready to marry yet. She has been unable to get a tourist visa to the US so our only option for now is for me to return to Thailand eventually - most likely this coming summer. My goal is to work and save money and outline a strategy so I can stay long term. I have looked into starting with visa exempt entry or a Tourist Visa. I might seriously consider taking Thai language classes and try for an ED visa, but also might start with a Non-O Retirement visa after I arrive. I am working on options and will have questions later but for now I have just one question. I will have 800K when I finally travel to Thailand but have to use it to pay expenses so I cannot put it in a bank account and leave it. The 65K monthly transfer is more attractive but I am not understanding something. Can I use this money after I transfer it? So if I initially deposit at least 65k, can I pay my monthly expenses and therefore draw my account down theoretically to zero or does this have to eventually accumulate to 800K? In short, is there a path to obtaining a Non-O Retirement visa by depositing 65k monthly from my US account and using it for expenses and therefore never having much money in my Thai bank account or is the sum of 800k still required before I can do anything. I can't tell if I can really apply for the initial Non-O or the extension if I don't have 800k but do have the 65k/month transferred in. Thank you for any clarifications that you can provide
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user seeks clarification on the process of obtaining a Non-O Retirement Visa in Thailand, particularly regarding the financial requirements. They have $800,000 but need to use it for expenses and are considering using the monthly transfer method of 65,000 baht. Several commenters explain that while the monthly transfers can be used as proof for a future visa extension, the initial application for a Non-O Visa requires having $800,000 in a Thai bank account, which must remain at that level for three months after the visa is granted. Alternative options like using an educational visa or employing an agent are also discussed.
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.
