What are the requirements to convert a NON-O visa to an extension of stay based on retirement in Thailand?

Sep 15, 2021
3 years ago
Ian *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I finished phuket sandbox few days ago,im here on a NON O VISA and would like to convert it to extension of stay based on retirement i know i need 800k in thai bank account in my name for two months,what else do i need to satify immigration requirments

grateful for any advice frome someone who has bèn through the process

THANX
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the process of converting a NON-O visa to an extension of stay based on retirement in Thailand. The user mentions needing 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account for two months. Comments provide additional insights, such as checking with the landlord for residency requirements, advice on hiring an agent, and experiences of other expats with the immigration process in Phuket.
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.
Garrett ***********
If you're in Phuket you DON'T need an agent to do anything for you. Bangkok, maybe. There's like 3 people a day going through Phuket immigration (compared to the 5000 a day in Bangkok).
Tod *********
@Garrett **********
i can tell you haven't been to bangkok immigration in a while. 😛 I was there last week with someone getting a retirement extension, we walked in, got a queue number and were done walking out in under 40 minutes. It's not the zombie horde you remember out there, especially for retirement/marriage extensions
Peter *********
Get agent to do your 1st one then every year after easy to do yoursef
Chester ********
Agent, 12k, job done. Next year look into doing for yourself
Tod *********
@Chester *******
near, total fail. IF you meet the requirements on your own why would you pay someone 12K baht? To hold your hand thru the process?
Chester ********
@T**
because in the first few weeks you arrive you have many other things to worry about let alone going to immigration 3 times because u filled a form in blue pen not black etc.

I found my first time an agent was excellent drop off and zero hassle answer.
Jon *********
@Chester *******
which agent is 12k?
Chester ********
@J**
I know of 3 in pattaya
Michael ********
@Chester *******
not in Phuket they have great farang volunteer staff to help
Peter *********
@Chester *******
yep fully agree
Robert *******
I have a question about COE , if you were pre-approved for Koh Samui plus , can you change to Phuket sandbox?
Robert *******
I tired to upload the hotels in Phuket but the website won't allow and keeps taking me back to Samui plus hotel website.
Robert *******
Thank you
Garrett ***********
@Rob***
Pre approval doesn't mean anything really, just creates a ticket in the system. Just submit what and where you're going for the actual COE>
Lyndon ************
I asked today in Bangkok and was given this list
Dave *******
Chris ****
Start by asking your landlord is they will do the residency requirements for you. Ifs always better to start early so you don’t back them into a corner. Everything else is pretty easy.
Garrett ***********
@Samu****
Residency requirement?
Chris ****
@Garrett **********
I don’t know the proper term but all the stuff from your landlord, photos in front of your house (inside and out) etc. I found that and the opening a bank account the most tedious because they involve outside parties.
Tod *********
@Samurais ***********
the document you are talking about from your land lord is filed with the immigration office and called a TM30 <- that's proof you are residing at the address you put on the extension application
Garrett ***********
@Samu****
The photos are for a marriage extension, not a retirement. You don't need any outside parties to open a bank account. While different branches have different requirements, a valid passport and a condo lease (even an airbnb booking) is enough to open a bank account, just saw someone last week do it in Phuket.

The only thing you're landlord needs to do is do the Tm30 and give you a signed copy of his ID card, which you should have had with your lease anyway. Remember, you can be staying in a hotel and apply for a retirement visa/extension.
Chris ****
@Garrett **********
makes sense. I think I had more hurdles because I was doing multiple entry.
Garrett ***********
@Samu****
A multiple entry bank account? Yeah I've heard those are tough.
Stuart *********
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This is the list for Phuket.
Stephan ***********
Do you know how long the passport must be valid? Must be at least one year or more? Or the validity can be shorter and you'll get an extension to the last possible day?
Stuart *********
@Stephan **********
it can be shorter, so you’d only get a stamp until it’s expiry date.
Stephan ***********
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