#touristvisa. Hi. Im new to the group. Reading and learning. Thanks. Im aware the Thai Pass may be ending July 1.
I planned on entering visa exempt July 22, 2022. Put 800k in the bank and get a 30 day extension. Im 56. Then take a side trip on day 60 to Malaysia for 3 or 4 days.
Return exempt again and apply for an O retirement visa. With another 30 days extension, will 60 days be too close to get the visa?
The other option is applying in the US for a tourist visa. 60 days then 30 extension. I know things change often. I only have 32 days before I travel, so hopefully still time to get the E visa.
Under tourist visa (maybe I looked at STV?) It required health insurance for Covid. Trying to avoid that 90 day cost. If I have pay, that's fine. My Blue Cross covers me anywhere. I've seen reports Thai immigration doesn't accept the Blue Cross letter. Is health or Covid insurance always required on regular Tourist Visa?
I've seen other people say, they funded an account 800k in day 1 and applied retirement O on day 2. This guy said he was approved at BKK, with a retirement O within 3 weeks. He said the "money in the bank for 60 days" language was for reapplying a year later. Did he get lucky?
I plan on leaving 800k in the account year round. Ill also transfer in 70,000k once a month. Hopefully avoid the 800k sitting idle at some point.
Im leaning towards the tourist visa. Just not sure about the health insurance.
Although im always up for a side trip. I need a throw away ticket anyhow. In 7 trips, I've never been asked for a return ticket, but I've also never had 2 large suitcases.
Thanks for any advice
TLDR : Answer Summary
The individual is seeking advice on applying for a Non-O retirement visa in Thailand after entering on a tourist visa. They are concerned about the requirement to have 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account for the application and whether health insurance is mandatory for the tourist visa. Community members clarify that the 800,000 THB needs to be in the account for only one day before applying for the Non-O visa, and that health insurance is generally not required for the Non-O visa, but could be a requirement for the Non-OA visa. They suggest entering Thailand on a visa-exempt basis, then quickly opening a bank account and transferring the required funds.
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.
