What are the requirements to switch from a volunteer visa to a retirement visa in Chiang Mai?

May 31, 2023
a year ago
Gregor *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am looking to apply or better put change to a retirement visa. I have a volunteer visa and work permit now. 800k in bank for 3 months. Wondering what's needed in Chiang Mai to switch from volunteer to retirement visa. Thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking guidance on switching from a volunteer visa to a retirement visa in Chiang Mai, indicating they have 800k in the bank for 3 months. Responses highlight concerns about scrutiny of volunteer visas, the potential difficulty in making the switch, and suggestions to consult immigration with the details of their volunteer work.
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.
Mikkel *******
If it's an extension you got from immigration in Thailand, and if it's for a reputable organization (the volunteer work). It is possible to just change the reason for your extension. They will cancel your current extension and immediately stamp the new reason (retirement) extension in your passport for 1900 baht. You will lose any remaining days on your current extension and the new year extension starts the day they do it.

If you are on still on a visa, that you got outside Thailand, or the initial 90 day visa gotten inside Thailand (no extensions yet) it is not possible to change the reason for extension until you have had at least one extension for the same reason as the visa was given for (volunteer)
Mikkel *******
I would go ask immigration with your details of your volunteer work and see what they say, before you plan the change.
Graham *******
go out come back as a bloody tourist, put 800k in the bankl, get an agent to help u with the rest to get a 12 month extension of stay!
Ron *******
Unless you have a volunteer visa 'Extension' you cannot 'switch' to anything.

It's even debatable if they will allow it from an extension right now.
Jeremy ********
Volunteer visas are being scrutinized right now…it might hold up a retirement visa
Will ************
800k is from overseas and can be seen on your bank statement as such ?
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