What is the best way to transition from a 60-day tourist visa to a Non-Immigrant O retirement visa in Thailand?

@John *********

the 0 b has to be in the Thai bank for 2 months before applying for visa. I think

@John *********

ok good luck John. I thought the 5 years and once a year reporting would be good

@John *********

you will find that in Pattaya, Immigration used slightly different (more difficult to achieve!) requirements for a "change of visa type" from the tourist visa to the 90-days Non-Imm-O visa, than Immigration wants to see in Chiang Rai. If I were you, I would get my bank account with the help of an agent in Pattaya, then move to Chiang Rai and register your TM30 there, visit Immigration in Chiang Rai to get their list of requirements for the "change". For the application to the 90 days visa, you must be able to prove that the 800,000.- THB deposit came from abroad. For the application to the "1-year extension of stay permit" the money must have seasoned for two months.

@John *********

shouldn't be a lot different there but good luck.

In your shoes I'd start a conversation with that Thai Embassy as they all seem to have slightly different rules and procedures

@John *********

OK sorry about that. From UK I was able to apply, and was given, a 90 day visa

@John *********

Nope, you can apply for either. Non Imm O or Non Imm OA.