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What is the best visa option for retiring in Thailand for UK citizens?
Retirement VisaNon-O VisaThai Elite VisaLTR Visa90-Day ReportingThai bank account requirementsVisa processesExpat life in ThailandInternational Driving Permit
Mar 1, 2023
3 years ago
Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTERPlease be gentle, my head is banging 😵💫
Yes, I am sure we have asked for suggestions in the past and yes I am sure you have offered meaningful guidance
We’ve looked and read as much as we possibly can from numerous sources to the point we have now totally confused ourselves
How the heck does one chose the best visa to retire to Thailand for the long term?
Seriously the more we research the more confused we seem to get, yes, I’m sure we are and have over complicated it but we’ve overcomplicated it to the point we now feel totally bewildered
We’ve read numerous accounts that it’s best to get the relevant visa in our home country (UK) before landing in Thailand
We’ve then read it’s easier to arrive as a tourist and then sort the appropriate visa once in Thailand which totally contradicts the above
Seriously can someone on here please, in clear/ simple/ uncomplicated terms help us by directing us to a suitable visa with the below possibly helping
Me and my wife are thinking it will be best if we both get our own visa so if/ when something should happen to one of us, there should be no issues with the surviving persons visa
Having and leaving 800,000 Thb in a Thai bank account each is ok
Within the next month we will be upgrading our UK driving licences to International Driving Permit so we can then convert to a Thai Driving Licence once we are settled
Thai Elite Visa is an option (but numerous people have said no need as we are over 55 with a private pension as income so there are better alternatives)
As little hassle/ agro/ bureaucracy as possible, happy for an agent to take care of our 90 day reporting
Thank you
Yes, I am sure we have asked for suggestions in the past and yes I am sure you have offered meaningful guidance
We’ve looked and read as much as we possibly can from numerous sources to the point we have now totally confused ourselves
How the heck does one chose the best visa to retire to Thailand for the long term?
Seriously the more we research the more confused we seem to get, yes, I’m sure we are and have over complicated it but we’ve overcomplicated it to the point we now feel totally bewildered
We’ve read numerous accounts that it’s best to get the relevant visa in our home country (UK) before landing in Thailand
We’ve then read it’s easier to arrive as a tourist and then sort the appropriate visa once in Thailand which totally contradicts the above
Seriously can someone on here please, in clear/ simple/ uncomplicated terms help us by directing us to a suitable visa with the below possibly helping
Me and my wife are thinking it will be best if we both get our own visa so if/ when something should happen to one of us, there should be no issues with the surviving persons visa
Having and leaving 800,000 Thb in a Thai bank account each is ok
Within the next month we will be upgrading our UK driving licences to International Driving Permit so we can then convert to a Thai Driving Licence once we are settled
Thai Elite Visa is an option (but numerous people have said no need as we are over 55 with a private pension as income so there are better alternatives)
As little hassle/ agro/ bureaucracy as possible, happy for an agent to take care of our 90 day reporting
Thank you
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post outlines the confusion surrounding the best visa options for British expats looking to retire in Thailand. The main advice shared in the comments advocates for the Non-O visa as a straightforward option, whether obtained in the UK or upon arrival in Thailand. There is also mention of the LTR (Long Term Resident) visa, which offers a longer stay but requires higher income qualifications. Common themes highlighted include maintaining financial independence through personal vises, the necessity of having a Thai bank account, and the process of 90-day reporting. Several commenters recommend enlisting the help of a visa agent to navigate any complexities.
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- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Klaus ***********
Not sure what’s complicated? Also you left out where you want to retire? Not all immigration offices ask the same.
So having turned 50 I arrived on 30 day visa exempt stamp - was told by my agency to have at least 3 weeks left on my stamp - put the 800k into a fixed savings account went to my agency in Chiang Mai paid 14.900 Baht the first time and they took care of everything - change from visa exempt stamp to non immigrant O - and then finally the retirement extension - done. Only 2 short visits to the agency and immigration to have my picture taken.
You also need a TM30 which you should have anyway from your landlord or hotel.
Yearly extension now for 5200 Baht - one short visit to the bank to get bank letter and update bank book - visit to agency hand over everything and meet next day at immigration to take picture and pick up passport with 1 year extension - done for another year .
So having turned 50 I arrived on 30 day visa exempt stamp - was told by my agency to have at least 3 weeks left on my stamp - put the 800k into a fixed savings account went to my agency in Chiang Mai paid 14.900 Baht the first time and they took care of everything - change from visa exempt stamp to non immigrant O - and then finally the retirement extension - done. Only 2 short visits to the agency and immigration to have my picture taken.
You also need a TM30 which you should have anyway from your landlord or hotel.
Yearly extension now for 5200 Baht - one short visit to the bank to get bank letter and update bank book - visit to agency hand over everything and meet next day at immigration to take picture and pick up passport with 1 year extension - done for another year .
Steve ********
@Paul ******
Non-immigrant visa, but yeah I'm a tourist. We've established thatPaul *******
@Steve *******
OK then. I assume that means you're on some sort of tourist visa.Steve ********
@Paul ******
I'm a temporary visitor. But I guess mostly what I do here is tourism. I don't work and I do travel a lot, so yeah, tourism is itPaul *******
@Steve *******
But but I thought you were just a tourist? Or are you referring to a tourist visa extension? Those only allow 30 days extra, not one year for the same 1900 Baht fee.Steve ********
@Klaus **********
It's a very simple process I agree. But funny, it only costs me 1900 baht each year! ,🤣🤣🤣Reply to
Steve ********
Reply
Chris *****
You will have to learn the process for retirement visa anyway, so until something happens, bring one 800,000 baht over. That way you are not throwing away the interest on a second 800,000.
I don't think you are saving any complexity by both being on independent visas. The surviving partner will have to do the retirement visa process either way.
I don't think you are saving any complexity by both being on independent visas. The surviving partner will have to do the retirement visa process either way.
Lee ******
O Visa. Come on tourist visa then go to immigration office in your Provence. It’s mountains of paperwork but you can do yourself. You need 800,000 bhat in your account, letter from the bank signed that day by the bank manager, copy of your bank book with a transaction dated the same day you go to immigration, a bank statement printed that day, your TM 30 ( proof of residence/permanent Thai address ), your Passport and $. They will also have you hand draw a map of your neighborhood in front of them. Google can help with all the requirements. Then, every 90 days you must report to immigration. Best of luck.
Steve *******
@Lee *****
Why buy a Tourist visa? Just get the Non Imm O in your home Country, much easier and cheaper.Lee ******
@Steve ******
I’m from Kauai. The nearest embassy was on Oahu and it was closed during Covid. I tried.Steve *******
@Lee *****
The OP is from the UK, easy to apply for the Non Imm O evisa at the RTE London.Lee ******
@Steve ******
sounds like a plan. AlohaLinz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Lee *****
certainly does and I do like plans,Reply to
Linz ************
Reply
Chris ********
I retired here from UK last year, came on visitor's visa, opened bank account, transferred the 800,000 baht and seasoned. Took Thai fiancee to immigration to check what was required. Then returned with all required documents and photocopies for Non O retirement visa on date they gave me. Very easy to do. Usually go in person for 90 day reporting but used on-line reporting last time, 10 minutes finished. No need for agent, make a cuppa and do it yourself (i think the 1st 90 day has to be in person). Good luck and enjoy your new life
Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Chris *******
thank you 👍🏼Jo **********
@Chris *******
this is a good positive storyReply to
Jo **********
Reply
Terry ********
Addition to my post above: No need to send your passport to London for a visa anymore. U just download an evisa and take it with u to present on entry.
Terry ********
You r obviously a worrier so the sooner u get things sorted u will have peace of mind. Also entering visa exempt means the hassle of showing a flight ticket to leave the country which u do not need. So I would obtain from UK a 90 day single-entry non-imm. O visa based on retirement. Check with the Thai embassy what u need to show in your UK bank before applying. It was £10k or £20k balance on your latest current account bank statement when I last applied. Their website is a mess so I recommend that u email them for the current financial requirements for this visa:
*************************
They usually reply within a couple of days and, unlike pre-Covid days, are very helpful when u ask for help. U then apply for the visa on the Thai e-visa website which is a bit fiddly but Im sure u can do it. Any upload demanded which is irrelevant to your application simply upload a blank A4 with N/A written on it. When u arrive in Thailand u then have the luxury of 60 days to get sorted before applying at your nearest Thai imm. office within the last 30 days of your visa for a 1 yr extension of stay. After 60 days because 800k THB needs to be in a Thai bank account before u apply. Go to that office to check the requirements before u apply. Good Luck!Geoff ********
*****
55Chris *****
Thanks both
Terry ********
Not required if you pay for and use an (illegal but tolerated) agent for extension.
Chris *****
So applying in UK still requires the 800k in Thailand for the extension? (Someone suggested not above, but then linked to Oz consulate.)
Steve *******
@Chris ***************
Yep. 800k required for the 1 year extention of stay but unlike applying in Thailand for the non imm O visa it's not needed in the UK.Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
Dana *******
@Terry *******
we have just got our 90 single entry non imm O visas based on retirement. The only bank information required was a bank statement showing we received monthly pensions, did not have to show the £10k or £20k balance. We are in the UK and did the e-visa application.Terry ********
@Dana ******
yes I had forgotten given it was 3 or 4 years ago when I applied, that it was pension proof or money in the Bank. Even easier if you have a pension. All sorted. Now you can relax.Reply to
Terry ********
Reply
Falcon *******
In short None!
Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Falcon ******
helpful 🤔 Not! 😕Jo **********
@Falcon ******
none what?Jo **********
@Falcon ******
none what?Reply to
Jo **********
Reply
Tulip ********
Sorry to rain on anyone's parade but the air here is disgusting for at least 4 months every year. Nov to march I am in Cyprus. At the moment, have to be here for a week BKK is just under 200 today. That's lethal. It's worse in the countryside because of the burning season. It even hit 500 in the north last week. Who guide is 15. Phuket is awful now, air is bad and will shorten your life. All the international schools have bad air. There is a big rise in Thai kids with lung cancer. It's paradise for 8 months a year. But that's it.
Paul *******
The air quality on Phuket is far better than anywhere in upper Thailand, while Bangkok is just OKish but a lot better than Lampang, Chiang Mai and other parts of the north.
Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul ******
good to know, thanks for posting 👍🏼Reply to
Linz ************
Reply
Jo **********
@Tulip *******
then leaveJo **********
@Tulip *******
your a selfish inconsiderate brat. I watched my best friend’s house burn 🔥 in California. And you complain about smoke. Wake up be responsibleTulip ********
It's a real concern. I use 2 air purifiers in a room and it's still only getting the air quality down to about 6 times the WHO guidelines. The particles are so small they even cross the blood brain barrier and end up in every organ. I have had a sore throat the entire time here and the entire house and garden are covered in fine ash. last week, officially in real time it was the most polluted country in the world. You would have been better off in the most polluted Chinese or Indian industrial estates.
Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tulip *******
without being specific, which area do you live?Jo **********
@Linz ***********
people like to complain when there overloaded with entitlementsReply to
Jo **********
Reply
Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tulip *******
this is a concern for us, especially with grandchildren visiting and staying with us 😕Reply to
Linz ************
Reply
Deanna *******
We have always done our retirement visas by ourselves. Go to immigration, and they will give you a list of the documents you need. Do this step first, because it can vary from office to office.
You will need a Thai bank account, and may be told to get a retirement visa first, (which is impossible). So, just keep trying different banks. We got our bank accounts at Kasikorn on Samui. Big tourist areas are accustomed to foreigners, and are easier.
You will need
- Passport & copies of every page.
- Extra passport photos (2 each I think(
- TM30 (document registering where you live)
- Certification from bank proving you have the 800k in the bank,
- Bank book (updated within the last 24 hours.
- Not sure if insurance is required now or not, but you might need that.
- I believe you need to go out of the country to get your visa changed to non 0. No big deal though. Flights are cheap to various places.
If you do it this way, it's way cheaper and you're in control.
Good luck!
You will need a Thai bank account, and may be told to get a retirement visa first, (which is impossible). So, just keep trying different banks. We got our bank accounts at Kasikorn on Samui. Big tourist areas are accustomed to foreigners, and are easier.
You will need
- Passport & copies of every page.
- Extra passport photos (2 each I think(
- TM30 (document registering where you live)
- Certification from bank proving you have the 800k in the bank,
- Bank book (updated within the last 24 hours.
- Not sure if insurance is required now or not, but you might need that.
- I believe you need to go out of the country to get your visa changed to non 0. No big deal though. Flights are cheap to various places.
If you do it this way, it's way cheaper and you're in control.
Good luck!
Geoff ********
@Deanna ******
you can have proof of 66,000 baht in your bank account x 2 I think?! Or 800,000 for one person...son2 please ask.A Thai bank account is very important to set ASAP.
Geoff ********
Thank you have a nice day
Deanna *******
@Geoff *******
For retirement visa, if you can show 65 k coming in to your Thai bank EVERY month, or 800k deposited (long term) in your Thai bank PER PERSON.The 65k method didn't work for us because one payment in the year was late coming in, but got double payment the following month. Uhhg.
But yes. Must have a Thai bank account.
Reply to
Deanna *******
Reply
Paul *******
You can easily get a 90 day NON-O from abroad, which will make getting a bank account easier than on just a tourist visa.
Chris ********
@Deanna ******
i didn't have to leave January 2022 to change visitors visa to Non ODeanna *******
@Chris *******
Must have changed. We had to for our first non O in 2015.Reply to
Deanna *******
Reply
Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Deanna ******
thank you, you’ve raised a decent point but to us, this sounds like hassle, we don’t want to ‘have’ to leave the country just to stay in Thailand, even if it is only for a night or two, irrespective of the cost. We’ve had 30+ years of hassle etc during our working careers, we now want as little hassle as possible (yes I appreciate one persons hassle is another’s adventure) But I do appreciate your response so thank you 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Frank **********
@Linz ***********
maybe you should just stay home since you cannot fathom the process. Not trying to be mean but it seems you are going to have a hard time over here.Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Frank *********
thank you, fathom the process is easy, get an agent to do it, I am asking for guidance on the most appropriate visa to use from people on here who are happy to make their recommendations and or experiencesReply to
Linz ************
Reply
Deanna *******
@Linz ***********
I get it, but if on a tourist visa, you'll have to leave the country for non O. We've been in Thailand full time for almost 8 years now. If you find another way, please post.Reply to
Deanna *******
Reply
Steve *******
Non Imm O visa based on being over 50, easily obtained in the UK(Evisa from RTE London). No need for an IDP to get a Thai Driving License.
Eric *******
Just by reading you, I understand that over thinking things and turning them into over complicated ones for no reason, is something you do naturally.
But, I still have good news for you, asThailand is without a doubt the easiest country in the world to settle down to and for the cheapest (especially at 50 and more).
In your specific case and as a couple from the UK, the simplest and cheapest way to have your visa situation sorted out .nice and smooth, IS to just come to Thailand with no visa, on a 30 days visa exemption that you get automatically FOR FREE just by landing in the country.
You'll be able to easily extend that initial 30 days visa exemption of 30 more days later (giving you a total of 60 days of time to work things out) for 1.900 Thb each, directly at the immigration here.
Once you're there, just use an agent to do all the visa procedures for both of you. if you contact him from the jump, he will probably also take care of your visa exemptions himself, before starting your retirement visas paperwork.
Your initial 30 days visa exemption soon to be 60 days visa exemption, will be plenty of time to find and use a visa agent to do the work.
It will still be cheap, smooth and headaches free, as your situation as expats is one of the easiest that can be.
Just pick a well talked about agency to do the job (you'll find a plethora of them just right here on facebook).
Take care and relax, your position is definitely the easiest one to become an expat and retire in Thailand.
But, I still have good news for you, asThailand is without a doubt the easiest country in the world to settle down to and for the cheapest (especially at 50 and more).
In your specific case and as a couple from the UK, the simplest and cheapest way to have your visa situation sorted out .nice and smooth, IS to just come to Thailand with no visa, on a 30 days visa exemption that you get automatically FOR FREE just by landing in the country.
You'll be able to easily extend that initial 30 days visa exemption of 30 more days later (giving you a total of 60 days of time to work things out) for 1.900 Thb each, directly at the immigration here.
Once you're there, just use an agent to do all the visa procedures for both of you. if you contact him from the jump, he will probably also take care of your visa exemptions himself, before starting your retirement visas paperwork.
Your initial 30 days visa exemption soon to be 60 days visa exemption, will be plenty of time to find and use a visa agent to do the work.
It will still be cheap, smooth and headaches free, as your situation as expats is one of the easiest that can be.
Just pick a well talked about agency to do the job (you'll find a plethora of them just right here on facebook).
Take care and relax, your position is definitely the easiest one to become an expat and retire in Thailand.
Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Eric ******
this sounds perfect and bordering on the brilliant, and then @Steve ******
replies and adds confusion. I know you can both be right, oooh this makes my head spin 😵💫😕Eric *******
@Linz ***********
You didn't ask how many ways there were, you asked for the best and easiest one according to your situation. At the end of the day, you always have to make a choice.
It's like having several different roads to get to the same destination, one way is always bumpier, longer or more nerves breaking than the others.
What would you do, keep on contemplating the different roads indefinitely and go nowhere or finally pick one to get to where you wanna go ?
Knowing oneself is always a good thing (overthinker), but only if one act on it.
Steve *******
@Linz ***********
No confusion, so much easier and cheaper to get the visa in the UK before you arrive. I dont understand why people advise to get it in Thailand.Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
Steve *******
@Eric ******
Much easier to get the Non Imm O visa in the UK.Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
Richard ******
Don't waste your money on the elite visa, no need.
MJ *********
@Linz ***********
we have two Elite visas. One for each of us, so neither one of us are dependent on the other one’s visa. If something happens to one of us, the other person’s visa is not cancelled. There are many benefits to the Elite visa. I definitely recommend you each have your own separate visa for each of you whatever visa you decide on.John-Paul ******
Why not contact the Admin of this site? They are an agent and can stear you in the right direction with information that you can either use.... or hand over to them to do.
Mark ********
Thaivisacentre.com
Dawn **********
If you have a guaranteed income of 80k dollars you can qualify for the new LTR visa. 10 years at about $1,500 visa fee
Geoff ********
I've had enough of visa problems. Looking over my shoulder. I'm 50 this year and I'm going to do my own retirement visa as I have the time to do it.
I suggest you come in on a tourist visa and extend and do your own. Other than that use an agent. I'd rather not give more money away for something I can do myself.
If you prefer an agent, Siam legal give free advice before you commit to their services. There based in Bankock and Pattaya. High end professional service from my experience.
I suggest you come in on a tourist visa and extend and do your own. Other than that use an agent. I'd rather not give more money away for something I can do myself.
If you prefer an agent, Siam legal give free advice before you commit to their services. There based in Bankock and Pattaya. High end professional service from my experience.
Geoff ********
@Dawn *********
you also need proof of assets of 1million usdGeoff ********
There are 4 different types of LTR visa, currently being put in place.
Look at Siam legal website.
Also happy you had a good process, congratulations 🎊 👏 💐
Look at Siam legal website.
Also happy you had a good process, congratulations 🎊 👏 💐
Dawn **********
@Geoff *******
nope, not for the retirement LTR. I did it own my own, no agent. Quite simple actually.Reply to
Dawn **********
Reply
Frank **********
If you are confused now wait until you get to Thailand, you will be more confused.
Chris ****
The LTR is the newest. Non-O is a classic. Elite is not a retirement visa.
Tulip ********
@Tea **********
neither is ltr, despite the name it's 5 plus 5Chris ****
Who said it was a residency visa? I just say LTR because that’s what it is called.
Reply to
Chris ****
Reply
Bobby ********
@Tea **********
Not forgetting the other two!Reply to
Bobby ********
Reply
Richard *********
FYI: if ur legally married, you put the 800,000 in the bank< ur wife applies for a non o visa and she can get her extension as she is a dependent of you< No need for her to also have 800,000 in the bank 🙂
Richard *********
my best friend here is Canadian an has an Australian wife, He has the 800,000 in his account, she is a dependent of his thru marriage.
you both get non O visas< than he gets the retirement extension based on the 800,000< she gets her extension cause of marriage to him>
you both get non O visas< than he gets the retirement extension based on the 800,000< she gets her extension cause of marriage to him>
Sean *********
@Richard ********
So can I confirm please if your wife is not a Thai lady (Australian both of us) then my wife does not need to have the 800k in bank as dependent? So only 1 x 800K?Cheers
John *****
@Richard ********
Is this correct? Does not need 2x800k?Richard *********
@John ****
nope, got many married friends, only 1 needs the 800,000, the other is a dependent.Reply to
Richard *********
Reply
John *****
Consider non O. Its easy, you can do it yourself.
Bobby ********
@John ****
You can do any of the four retirement visas yourself.Reply to
Bobby ********
Reply
Bobby ********
Probably the Long Term Resident visa is the way to go. Seek out
@Todd ********
in this group for an overview of the benefits.Jo **********
@Bobby *******
Did Todd get an LTR?Bobby ********
@Jo *********
I believe he has. He's certainly got a wealth of knowledge of it.Jo **********
@Bobby *******
i got mine based on working remotely but that’s very different than the retirement one so I can’t help.Bobby ********
@Jo *********
Thars why I suggested @Todd ********
. He's been here before with a good rundown of how to apply for itReply to
Bobby ********
Reply
Patrick ******
Non O
Easier and economical
Easier and economical
John ********
You have to look at what you can afford frist
You can download the forms before you travel
I would not do anything until I have come to Thailand for a few months go to immigration and talk to them or a agent but you don't need any agent you can do it yourself and save money
You can download the forms before you travel
I would not do anything until I have come to Thailand for a few months go to immigration and talk to them or a agent but you don't need any agent you can do it yourself and save money
Justine *********
Please look into LTR-Wealthy Pensioner Visa (LTR-P). If you can meet the financial requirement, this is a pretty good deal for a 10 year visa. You can be the applicant and your wife can apply as a dependent. The cost is 50,000 thb for 10 years per applicant. You can search on this site for more info as there’s been some people with LTR-P Visa approved. We’ve considered O/A and non-O visa and decided LTR-P was a better deal for us overall.
Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Justine ********
thank you, yes we have looked at this visa, alas, I would struggle to maintain the equivalent of $80,000usd per year income and I would not to be able to invest the required sums so this is sadly not an option for usReply to
Linz ************
Reply
Jo **********
would strongly suggest you look at LTR based on pension. This is a 10 year visa. I know of a few people that were able to get this visa and were surprised how easy it is to get. You need to check if you can meet the requirements. You don’t have to report every 90 days. To check if you can meet the requirements see here
**********************
Paul *******
@Andrew *******
while not the same thing, I've had no issues selling both cars and motorcycles in Thailand. Property is another thing thoughMichelle ******
@Jo *********
I would like to piggyback off this if I may. We qualify for wealthy global citizen, except for the investment part - we will purchase a condo that will cover the $500k requirement, but want to first get to see all the areas and condo options in person when we fly to Phuket in person at the end of July. My main question is around the best way to enter Thailand (we are US citizens, have 2 kids that we will enroll in school once we are there, we have flights to Thailand, no return as we plan to stay for at least 2 years). So do we enter on a tourist visa first, extend if necessary and then select our property after which we qualify, OR enter as tourists, apply for the guardian visas, followed by the LTR once property is purchased. Even with all of that, will immigration have an issue if we don’t have return flights?Tulip ********
@Michelle *****
according to tnt, prices are up four fold in Phuket and 40% of all condos are owned by Russians. Also Russian mafia are all over the place. Personally I would not touch Phuket with the proverbialAndrew ********
@Michelle *****
if you’re only planning staying 2years don’t buy property?? It’s easy to purchase anything here in Thailand but to sell mere impossibleJo **********
@Michelle *****
you could enter visa exempt which is currently 45 days and then extend 30 days. it takes at least 20 working days to get the LTR so keep that in mindMichelle ******
Does immigration want to see return flights upon entry?
Reply to
Michelle ******
Reply
Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jo *********
thank you, yes we have looked at this visa, alas, I would struggle to maintain the equivalent of $80,000usd per year income and I would not to be able to invest the required sums so this is sadly not an option for usJo **********
@Linz ***********
ok just wanted to make sure it was not overlookedReply to
Jo **********
Reply
Phil ********
Linz Gelsthorpe
No need for an agent at all; mate--- you easily qualify with 800k each. Transfer from your separate UK banks (account in her name, another account in your name) to the 2 individual Thai bank accounts you'll need to open separately in your own names, respectively)
Bangkok bank inside EmaemQuartier, Phrom Pong BTS SkyTrain station--
is easiest these days...
Get here on 60 day tourist visas; extend for 30 days in Thailand (cost 1,900 baht)
You'll have plenty of time to get everything sorted. No insurance requirement but please do get good, comprehensive insurance anyway.
No need for an agent at all; mate--- you easily qualify with 800k each. Transfer from your separate UK banks (account in her name, another account in your name) to the 2 individual Thai bank accounts you'll need to open separately in your own names, respectively)
Bangkok bank inside EmaemQuartier, Phrom Pong BTS SkyTrain station--
is easiest these days...
Get here on 60 day tourist visas; extend for 30 days in Thailand (cost 1,900 baht)
You'll have plenty of time to get everything sorted. No insurance requirement but please do get good, comprehensive insurance anyway.
****************************
Ellen **********
Following
Mike ********
@Brandon ***********
Brandon’s “THE” man !…Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
wow, I never knew that either 👍🏼Ellen **********
@Brandon ***********
ha ha.... I never knew that. ThanksReply to
Ellen **********
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Alistair **********
You're over thinking it, there isn't a best. They're all pretty much the same, just slight variations in requirements. Whichever one you pick will be fine
You can do most 90 day reports online, it's very simple. If you don't report the worst fine you can get is 2000B.
You can do most 90 day reports online, it's very simple. If you don't report the worst fine you can get is 2000B.
Paul *******
@Michael ******
yes that is correct.Michael *******
@Alistair *********
so basically if one is to spend less than three months at a go, there is no need to do the report at all. Only the annual ext would be required.Reply to
Michael *******
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Nate ******
If you’re having that much of a hard time with it, just hire a visa agent to do everything for you .
Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nate *****
happy to do that Nate, but we feel more comfortable knowing which is the best option for us and then having the agent arrange it as opposed to having what they suggest and not know if it is the best option for usBobby ********
@Linz ***********
The agent will advise you to get the visa that they get the best return from. Great decision to do it yourself.Reply to
Bobby ********
Reply
Brandon ************
You want a Non-O visa.
You'll either get it before you come to Thailand, or get it once you're here.
If you get it before you come, the embassy may require you to show 3 months of insurance, or they may not. You'll be stamped into Thailand for 90 days.
It will be easier for you to open a Thai bank account if you already have a non-O visa so you can get your 800,000 in the bank quickly because it has to be in there for 2 months before you apply for the 1 year extension.
Or you come as a tourist and try to open a bank account (not that easy on a tourist visa, you'll probably need to pay an agent or pay at the bank). Then you transfer the money and apply for the non-O visa here.
This method assures no requirement for insurance. After you've had your non-O for 60 days then you can go apply for the 1 year extension.
You'll either get it before you come to Thailand, or get it once you're here.
If you get it before you come, the embassy may require you to show 3 months of insurance, or they may not. You'll be stamped into Thailand for 90 days.
It will be easier for you to open a Thai bank account if you already have a non-O visa so you can get your 800,000 in the bank quickly because it has to be in there for 2 months before you apply for the 1 year extension.
Or you come as a tourist and try to open a bank account (not that easy on a tourist visa, you'll probably need to pay an agent or pay at the bank). Then you transfer the money and apply for the non-O visa here.
This method assures no requirement for insurance. After you've had your non-O for 60 days then you can go apply for the 1 year extension.
Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
thank you, that makes good sense 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼Bob *******
@Linz ***********
Bangkok Bank is probably the most Farang friendly, they even have a US routing number. Maybe less useful if not from US************************************************************************
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Bob *******
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