What is the best visa for a 70-year-old planning to move permanently to Thailand?

Have you been to Thailand before and have you actually spent a significant amount of time here?

The reason I'm saying that is that a lot of people come on holidays to Thailand and park themselves at a nice resort or hotel at the usual tourist traps and think that living in Thailand is just one big resort lifestyle then decide to make a decision to live here.

Unfortunately for a lot of expats the reality doesn't always meet their expectations and run into problems.

What you need to do is actually come and spend time here have a look at areas that tickle your fancy.

Also what are your hobbies and interests when you get here.

Maybe good to look at areas that cater for that and it's also a good way to network and make new friends.

If you want to hangout at bars chasing skirts then go for it you do you.

You also need to come to Thailand during the good weather and also the crappy weather to see if you can handle the humidity and rainy season.

Go do a long-term accommodation like a Airbnb and try to live like a local.

Go to the local supermarkets and buy consumables like you are actually living here and take a note of the prices of everyday items.

I did a budget planner for Thailand and I travelled here twice a year like I said during the good weather and not so good weather.

Also another thing I think people over look what is your worst case scenario plan.

I mean if shit hits the fan do you have a back up plan to extricate yourself out of a tricky situation if you have to.

It took me about three years of planning and travelling here a fair bit to finally work out where I wanted to live and to get all my ducks in a row before finally moving here.

Remember it's really easy to get seduced by people on the internet talking up about how great it is to live in Thailand blah blah it's an easy trap to fall into.

Have friends back home asking me about moving to Thailand and I say to them don't listen to me you do your due diligence and crunch the numbers to see if it works for you.

Sorry for the long reply I hope it all works out for you if you do decide to live in the land of smiles.

Good luck with it all!

Common sense

Non-OA or Non-OX are very nice visas if you want a health insurance anyway.

Non Imm O visa based on being 50 or over

The best visa is the LTR.

The easiest is the Thai Elite

Make sure you have enough cash for medical bills in Thailand and also start checking into whether anyone will insure you as a 70 year old new customer. Or do you have tricare for life? Or some other plan in your home country?

I recommend getting marriage out of your mind. Happiness is staying single if you want to keep your pension and social security intact.

Rent both condo and GF.

If your pension, social security and any other passive income exceeds $80K then the LTR visa is the best option. Otherwise the Non-O visa and doing annual extensions is the best option.

Have a look at the Non-O Visa

As there no up front insurance requirements

For over 50 years of age 100% easier & cheaper to apply for a Suitable retirement Visa from your home country through the Thai Embassy website ( All done online )

When you are ready to come - Apply for a Non-O 90 day single Visa from the Thai Embassy in your home country about 30-45 days before departure.

When applying online you will need to show the required funds in any bank account , some personal details & Flight details & proof of first weeks accommodation .

Once approved & arrive in Thailand you have 90 days to organise for the 12 month extension

No.1 requirement is

Within 2 weeks of arrival You need to set up a Thai bank account & deposit 800K Baht , per person , for at least 60 days to satisfy the extension

Go to the bank of choice & ask them what they require to open a bank account

You can also come to Thailand on a tourist Visa & get it converted to a Non-O retirement Visa for a much higher cost