What is the best strategy for obtaining a Non-O visa in Thailand for retirement?

Oct 8, 2023
a year ago
Albert *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi

I'm planning to retire in Thailand over 60,live in England deposited 800 000 bhts last week into my thai bank account... confused my self with visa application, my plan is 60 tourist visa get a 30 day extension... apply for non o at nong khai immigration, early Dec!!

any thoughts or comments

cheers
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is planning to retire in Thailand and seeks advice on the visa process. They deposited 800,000 THB into a Thai bank account and are considering first obtaining a 60-day tourist visa with a 30-day extension before applying for a Non-O visa at Nong Khai immigration. Several comments suggest that applying directly for the Non-O visa upon arrival may be more efficient, especially since the funds are already in their bank account. It is recommended to arrive on a 30-day visa exemption instead of obtaining a tourist visa, as this could simplify the process.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
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Sirinya ********
Good for stay Thai
Chattra *********
Can get retirement here

Contact me
Steve *******
Get the Non Imm O evisa from the RTE London. Much easier.
Lyndon ************
No need for a tourist visa, especially with the bank account already opened. Arrive on the 30 day visa exemption and get your application in the following week.

Note when you leave the UK, your airline may want to see a ticket out of Thailand within
*****
days, before allowing you to board. A cheap refundable ticket out of Thailand (not home) is all you'll need, cancel that and get a refund after arrival.
William ********
Nong khai immigration are friendly but best to bring your thai speaking spouse or friend with you.
Graham ******
If you already have money in your account seasoning get the Non-O before you travel?
Terry ********
@Graham *****
get the Non-O in country.
Graham ******
@Terry *******
and arrive with the three proofs, easier to get the Non-O up front
Albert *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi

thank you for such a quick reply still in London fly 28th Nov..

I just wondered if 60 days was going to be enough time...

you have put my mind at rest

many many thanks !!!
Keith ************
@Albert ********
the thing that often takes the most time is getting a back account straightened out. You're ahead of the game.
Brandon ************
@Albert ********
if your immigration office requires the money to be in the bank for 2 months before you apply, you'll still have plenty of time based on your arrival date. No worries. Go to the office after you arrive and ask them for their handout for requirements to convert to non-O visa and start working on gathering everything then apply when you get it together.
Albert *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Brandon ************
If you already have the money in the bank, is there a reason you want to apply for the 30 day extension? You're going to pay 1900b for an extra 30 days for no reason, you can just apply directly for the non-O visa for 2000 baht.

You need to apply for the 90 day non-O visa when you have between 14-21 days left on your stay, depending on the immigration office. Just go and apply about a month after you enter with a tourist visa.

Or are you already in the country? The only reason you would need to apply for the 30 day extension maybe, is if Nong Khai requires the money to be in the account for 2 months already by the time you apply for the extension. But most offices do not require this and you can apply as soon as you have the money in your Thai bank account.
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