Answered5 years ago

What is the best plan for an Australian retiree to stay in Thailand for an extended period?

Non-O Visa Retirement Visa 60-Day Tourist Visa Thailand Immigration Visa Extension Financial Requirements

Russell ********

asked Apr 17, 2022

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Hi all. I'm looking to travel to Thailand after all restrictions have been lifted. I'm looking for an easy,  pathway to stay in Thailand as long as possible. Being a 62 yo from Australia, I was thinking to apply for a 60 day tourist visa in Australia. Then extend for 30 days once in Thailand. Then applying for a non O visa based on retirement. I think that would give me another 90 days before extending or leaving Thailand. This would give me a theoretical 180 days in Thailand. On applying for the non O visa would I need to show 800k baht equivalent in my home bank account? Is this a valid plan? Does not extending my non O visa create issues leaving Thailand or returning?

Answer summary

The user plans to enter Thailand on a 60-day tourist visa, extend it for an additional 30 days, and then apply for a Non-O retirement visa. They are seeking advice on whether this plan is valid and the requirements, such as the need to show 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account for the Non-O visa. Community responses suggest that the plan is feasible, but emphasize the need to transfer funds to a Thai bank to meet proof of financial requirements. Alternatives such as applying for a Non-OA visa in Australia for a one-year stay with fewer financial restrictions are also discussed.

13 repliesnewest first

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Ellie *******

Please stick to the topic until OP wants to know further options.

This post is not going to be a visa fishing idea brainstorm.

@Russell *******

, please contact one of the moderators to reopen this thread for you.

5 years ago

Russell ********

Thanks 🙂

5 years ago

Kevin ***********

Or extend your non O visa for one year. You can leave Thailand and return as often as you like as long as you get a reentry permit.

5 years ago

Kevin ***********

You would have to do two “border runs” out of Thailand, but a 6-month, multiple-entry visa could give you up to 9 months in Thailand with a LOT less paperwork.

5 years ago

Colleen *********

@Kevin **********

are you referring to the special tourist visa here?

5 years ago

Kevin ***********

@Colleen ********

No. The METV or multiple entry tourist visa. The STV is another option, good for up to 9 months (if they extend the program), but is single entry and has a lot of restrictions.

5 years ago

Ellie *******

@Colleen ********

you can apply for METV only in your home country or where you have legal residency

5 years ago

Kevin ***********

@Colleen ********

I’ve used it 3 times. Good for up to 9 months in Thailand plus 2 holidays in nearby countries. 🙂

5 years ago

Colleen *********

@Kevin **********

oh yes forgot about the METV. Thanks

5 years ago

Stuart *********

You could apply for a non OA visa in Australia which is valid for a year and you get 365 days an entry (if you have insurance). That way you don’t need money in Thailand.

5 years ago

Colleen *********

@Stuart ********

I'm guessing I could open a thai bank account with this visa so at least I could transfer funds to Thailand to cover living rather than ATM's which are more costly I think

5 years ago

Stuart *********

If you leave and come back to Thailand just before the visa expires then you get stamped in for a further 365 days, again insurance permitting.

5 years ago

Ellie *******

The overall plan is workable and there is no risk of causing any problems in the process of Non-O in the future.

BUT your 800K as proof of funds has to be internationally transferred to a Thai bank account if you want to use the banked money method, and that is the only option for you as proof of funds. Unfortunately, you are from Australia, which doesn't issue an affidavit/letter to prove you have enough funds in your home country.

5 years ago