What are the steps for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand if I have 800k baht in a bank account?

Feb 1, 2025
3 days ago
Kyle *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am a 60- something in the US. I used to live in Roi-et, and am just starting to look into retiring there. I have a couple of basic questions: 1) from reading the info on the LA consulate page, I gather that if I have the 800k banked, I do not need to document monthly income. Correct? 2)since the bank account is required, this should mean I have to come to Thailand on the visa exemption first, then apply? and 3) if I were to start with a non-immigrant type O, can that be renewed or do I just start with O-A? Thank you for any information.
1,182
views
2
likes
31
all likes
10
replies
0
images
4
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is considering retiring in Roi-et, Thailand, and has questions about the requirements for obtaining a retirement visa. They seek confirmation on whether maintaining 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account negates the need to prove monthly income, the process of applying for a visa after entering Thailand, and whether starting with a non-immigrant O visa allows for renewal or necessitates starting with an O-A visa. Responses clarify the process for obtaining the Non-O visa and highlight the use of bank funds, both in Thailand and potentially in the U.S., to meet the financial requirements.
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.
Wayne ********
My non OA extension started at LA consulate in 2007. Still extending annually. I just have a separate account where the 800k stays here. In USA applying at consulate could use funds in bank there. Once here opened accounts.
Frank ********
56
Tod *********
Get the 90 day Non-O visa from the thai consulate in your country before you come here, get here get stamped in for 90 days, get the 800K baht in a thai bank account in your name only, wait two months and then apply for the year "extension of stay" at the immigration office for 1900baht by showing the proof of funds and turning in the required documentation.

OR

Come here on a 60 day free entry stamp (visa exempt) get the 800K baht ina thai bank account in your name only, go apply for the 90 day Non-O visa at the immigration office where you live for 2000baht, wait the 2 week under consideration period, go back get the Non-O visa and new 90 day stamp inked in, wait two months until you have 30 days or less left on the 90 day stamp, go apply for the year "extension of stay" at the immigration office for 1900baht by showing the proof of funds and turning in the required documentation.

Those are the two ways it can be done wtih the Non-O visa
Kyle *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you for the quick reply, I appreciate it. My question then is don't I have to have the money in a Thai account before applying to the consulate here?
Tod *********
@Kyle ******
no in your country you can show the funds in a bank account there
Kyle *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Great, thank you again.
Kevin *******
@Kyle ******
you may find some banks in Thailand decline to open an account for you if you are on a visa-exempt stamp. Some banks will turm you away even with a 90-day Non-O visa. So upon arrival, start bank-shopping right away.
Graham ******
@Kevin ******
with a Certificate of Residence from Immigration
Dick ********
@Graham *****
this. Get the residence certificate from Immigration. Most banks require it along with the visa.
Tod *********
once you have a yearly extension from that O visa you get a new year extension every year, one after the other, year after year at the immigration office where you stay
Thai Visa Advice
... members ยท 40% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice