What are the steps to switch from a Special Tourist Visa (STV) to a retirement visa in Thailand?

Jun 16, 2021
3 years ago
Andy *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Good Day, I need some good guidance here as my 1st plan didn't work out well. Came here to retire, bought a house(fiancee's name), car, scooter, etc., BUT came on an STV and now have to leave and will go back home. Question, what is the best path/steps to take (best = quick, efficient, thought-out, etc.,) to get back here and stay? I hear the retirement route is the best way. Obviously not an expert on visa's and immigration policy. TIA
3,028
views
5
likes
87
all likes
37
replies
0
images
13
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The individual seeks guidance on transitioning from a Special Tourist Visa (STV) to a longer-term visa in Thailand after initial plans fell through. Several community members suggest options such as applying for a retirement visa (O-A) from their home country, which would require maintaining a specified amount in a Thai bank account and health insurance. Others recommend considering a marriage visa (Non-O) if married to a Thai citizen, detailing the necessary documentation and financial thresholds. There's strong advice to ensure all legal papers, including marriage documents and divorce papers, are translated and certified appropriately. The general consensus is to seek a visa in the home country to avoid complications in Thailand.
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.
Bryn ********
What is STV?
Andy *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bryn *******
Sexually Transmitted Visa
Gary **********
I have to wonder why you are not asking an expert; if you can find a reliable lawyer you may find a way to avoid all the hassle and expense of in-and-out by changing your visa status, and all for a few measliy bucks to the expert who has had the experience and knowledge to deal with it.
Tod *********
@Gary *********
and I have to wonder why you comment when you clearly don't know that a Special Tourist Visa can't be changed to ANY other visa type IN COUNTRY.

No agent, agency or lawyer can bend that rule, it's NOT an immigration rule it was a Ministry of Foreign Affairs rule when they rolled out the STV.
Andy *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Gary *********
true, BUT, I have kids in the US so not a hassle to go spend time with them.
Tod *********
with the mandatory covid insurance in effect (for as long as you're stamped in for when you arrive) AND with the BOTH the O and the O-A visa carrying the mandatory 40k/400k health insurance requirement (the O needing it for 90 days and the O-A needing it for a year) I'd say your best bet is

Go back to your country or where ever you're going to go, get a single entry tourist visa, (meaning you only need covid insurance for 60 days) then come in, get thru quarantine, and apply IN COUNTRY at the immigration office for first a 90 day Non-O and then a year extension based on retirement. It will require that you transfer into the country 800K baht in a thai bank account in your name only to get the 90 day non-O visa and then leave the money in the account for 2 months before you apply for your year extension BUT you won't need any insurance that way :)
Andy *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
sounds right on point !
Marguyvin **********
Do a Non-O while you're back home in the U.S. Thank you for your service! Hope it was truly an adventure. :)

This website below describes what's needed, but you DO NOT need to go through them to get it done. You can work directly with the Thai Embassy in the USA if you don't need expedited service. Good luck!

*********************************************************************
Andy *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@MarGuyvin **
Thank you, 38 years with Government is quite an experience
Marguyvin **********
@Andy *********
I understand from a dependent's perspective. Dad was USAF 23yrs. Lots of moving...no permanent friendships...but made me very adaptable. Drop me anywhere and I'll make it! :)
Bob **********
Get a TV change to non-o in county then extend for each year but you must meet the financial requirements
Steve *******
@Bob *********
Why get a TV? Much easier to just get the Non Imm O in your home country before you get here.
Bob **********
@Steve ******
not giving them out to easily can come on a exempt 45 days and extend for 30 more
Gunni ********
elite
Andy *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Was told my bankruptcy from 20 years ago disqualifies me
James ***********
@Andy *********
I don't think that's true...
Andy *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James **********
an agent told me that
Ole ****
@Andy *********
I am very familiar with the requirements for elite and its definitely not true. Only criminal record or overstay record could disqualify you
Andy *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ole ***
I did read that bankruptcy was disqualifying but mine was 20 years ago
George *************
@Andy *********
I don't think that's a requirement for getting the elite visa. But on the other hand, if an agent told you that he did you a favor in steering you away from the elite visa. If you qualify for another visa (retirement or marriage) I just don't see the elite visa as being something one would want to have.
Ken ***********
@Gunni *******
elite is an option for some, but if married to a Thai or 50 years or over, many find a Non O a much better option. Up to you
Kool *******
Get married right away, and register your marriage at the local Amphur. Get a Thai bank account in your name only, and put bt400,000 in it before you leave the country. Once back in your country apply for a 90 day type O visa based on marriage. You'll need both copies of your two marriage documents and a copy of her ID card. Once you get this visa and return to Thailand, go with her to immigration and get the list of documents you need to get your one year extension. It is pretty easy. For this you don't need insurance, except the covid-19 insurance to enter the country. Also while you are in your home country get vaccinated for covid-19. For your situation, and if in fact she will marry you, then get your marriage registered right away. This is the best way.
Andy *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kool ******
I'm 80% there already. I will print this out and run with it
Andy ********
@Andy *********
there arm many translation agencies that will translate and get that translation verified at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs on your behalf for a small fee. My advice would be if you have any official documents that have your name in Thai on them, along with you to your translation service. That may be business or ownership documents. Surprisingly there are multiple ways in Thai to translate a name. If you have different spellings of the same name on different documents you will have issues later down the line.
Kool *******
@Andy *********
for your marriage registration you need a "right to marry" notarized document from your embassy. If you've been married before you will also need your divorce documents, so most people do not check that divorced box. This will then need to be translated into Thai, and then officially certified and stamped by the Ministry of foreign affairs. That is the most time consuming part of getting your marriage registered, which is actually the only legal process of getting married in Thailand. Any wedding with monks, or in a church technically isn't the actual marriage. It is only legal when it is registered at the Amphur, and you get you marriage license, and certificate of registration. You should get two of each. But, also make some color copies of both.
Andy *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kool ******
have all that done. Already checked divorced, unfortunately, do I need to translate the divorce papers?
David *********
@Andy *********
and best to use the translator services at the MFA even if it costs a bit more. Less chance of them regecting the translation.

Also make sure that your wife checks the translation of your name for accuracy. That will be the official translation of your name.
Bryce ********
@David ********
hi David, do they have translation service at the MFA?
David *********
@Bryce *******
yes. You go up the escalator one level and it's right in front of you. Usually takes them about an hour or two.

I did the embassy letter, passport copy certification and translation of both, and submit to MFA all in one day. Started at 8am at the embassy and was done with the MFA by 2pm I believe. And that was even going to the wrong MFA.🤣😂

There is also a copy machine at the MFA to make copies of everything.

The MFA certification was done in three days I believe.
David *********
@Andy *********
take your Mrs with you for sure to do all the talking.
Kool *******
Steven ***************
@Andy *********
. Yes. And certified by MFA as true translation.
Anthony *********
I have been here 7 years now and was on non b before but I got married this year and I will have an extension based on marriage by next week. You need to have 400k In a Thai account for 2 months but it's a an easy thing to do
Tod *********
@Anthony ********
the O/P is NOT married to a thai, :/ they specifically said "their fiance"
Greg ********
If you do the retirement OA from home country you need to have health insurance and renew it yearly. For first year you can show the money in your home bank and not in a Thai bank. If you go home, return on a 60 day tourist visa (extendable by 30 days) you can start the process of getting O retirement extension here. Money needed to be seeded in Thai bank. There is another option which many do not advocate is come back on tourist visa or waiver. Contact an agent and they will arrange it all for you 90 day ) then 1 year extension with none of your money in bank - circa 25k +-
Nigel *********
Is your fiancê Thai?
Andy *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else