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What is the best visa option for a retired expat wanting to stay in Thailand for 3-6 months?

Thailand Visa OptionsThai Retirement VisaMulti-Entry Tourist VisaVisa ExemptionsVisa RequirementsLong-Term Resident VisaForeign Fund Transfer (FFT)
Sep 23, 2023
a year ago
Sondra *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello All. 

I came to Thailand in July, stayed 2 months. I’m currently in Cambodia. I want to return to Thailand in October, but I want to stay as long as possible. I am retired. I do receive a nice pension from the US. What is the easiest way (least amount of paperwork, most cost effective ) to stay in Thailand for at least 3-6 months? Which visa? Is VOA w/ extension the only option?

I’m headed back to Thailand in early October.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user seeks advice on the best visa option to stay in Thailand for 3-6 months as a retired expat. The discussion includes recommendations for obtaining a Multi-Entry Tourist Visa (METV) for a 6-month stay or a 2-month tourist visa that is extendable for an additional 30 days. Clarifications are made regarding the lack of a Visa on Arrival (VoA) for US citizens and the importance of sending consistent funds from abroad to meet visa 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.
Mike ******
If you make the 80 k threshold

This is the one !,

******************************************************************************************
%20visa%20is%20a%20Thailand,in%20this%20post%2Dpandemic%20phase.
a year ago
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Steve **********
Start sending 65k per month to Thai bank from abroad. As long as deposit shown as FFT, you'll be fine.

Cant recall the length of time required for deposits, its been decades....good luck
a year ago
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Derek **********
@Steve *********
 ,

What is FFT ?
a year ago
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Steve **********
@Derek *********
 sorry ' Foreign Fund Transfer FFT
a year ago
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Derek **********
@Steve *********
 ,

Do you also need a certificate from your country?
a year ago
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Steve **********
@Derek *********
 don't believe so, at least not then .where the funds come from or why isn't germain, just that they are from abroad and consistent monthly.

Add a bit to cover any currency exchange fluctuation.
a year ago
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Steve **********
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Frank **********
No such thing as a VOA fir an American citizen. There is a 30 day Visa exempt.
a year ago
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Sondra *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Frank *********
 thank you
a year ago
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Sondra *******
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Steve ********
What age are you?
a year ago
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Sondra *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Steve Smythe I’m 58
a year ago
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Sondra *******
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Andi ***********
You can apply for a METV a 6 mth multi entry visa. Requires uploading several docs to the embassy site. You can get a 2 month tourist visa very easy which can be extended for 30 days.
a year ago
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Graham ******
@Andrew ********
 No he cannot, not in Cambodia. He needs a Non-O (retirement) if he is over 50 from Cambodia which gets a 90 day entry stamp or from Thailand after entering Visa Exempt and this can then be extended for 12 months by meeting the financial criteria.
a year ago
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Andi ***********
@Graham *****
 yea, I forgot about the Cambodia part,
a year ago
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Sondra *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graham *****
 I’m from the US… I just happen to be in Cambodia
a year ago
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Andi ***********
@Sondra ******
 you can get a 2 month tourist visa easy from Cambodia. Agent or DIY.
a year ago
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Sondra *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andrew ********
 thank you
a year ago
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Andi ***********
@Sondra ******
 Check Thai Embassy website in Phomn Penn has all the info and forms you need.
a year ago
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Sondra *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andrew ********
 thank you so much
a year ago
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Sondra *******
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Sondra *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andrew ********
 do I get the 2 month once I arrive or do I have to apply before hand online. When I came before I got voa for 30 days then renewed for 30 more days. I need more than 2 months.
a year ago
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Andi ***********
@Sondra ******
 2 month tourist via Embassy in Cambodia before arrival then extend for 30 days in Thailand. Are you in Phomn Penn? Easy to find agent there or can DIY. METV only from your home country or place of official residence.
a year ago
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Andi ***********
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