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

90-day Non-Imm-O visaretirement visaThai immigration processTM30 formbank account requirementsvisa extension800,000 THB depositlong-term stay in ThailandOX visa considerationsPattaya vs Chiang Rai immigration
Mar 7, 2024
9 months ago
John **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I'm getting to the age where I really don't want to be doing visa runs and border bounces. Planning to enter Thailand on a 60 day tourist visa. 1, Open bank account and transfer 800,000 2, Find Somewhere to live, that will lodge a TM30. 3, Apply for a non immigrant O, 90 day (retirement) visa. 4, Extending it for 12 months. 5, Certificate of residence. 6, Purchase long term Insurance. I'm not sure about the timeframe to start the process considering I will have a 60 day tourist visa. Any input would be appreciated.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user plans to transition from a 60-day tourist visa to a Non-Immigrant O visa in Thailand, with various steps including securing a bank account and living situation that complies with TM30 regulations, followed by applying for the retirement visa and its extension. Community members provide feedback suggesting applying for the Non-Imm O visa beforehand to avoid complications, with additional tips regarding bank account seasoning requirements, choosing the right location for immigration services, and considering alternative visa options.
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.
John **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
More to life than breathing 😂
9 months ago
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Tulip ********
Pick somewhere you can breathe. That means forget asia
9 months ago
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Phil ******
@John *********
 if you an Australian passport holder have you considered the OX visa? 5 years extendable to 10 years

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9 months ago
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John **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Phil *****
 Yes I have considered it . But I would use the suck it and see approach. Although I have spent a lot of time in Thailand it might not work out.
9 months ago
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Richard *******
@John *********
 the
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0 b has to be in the Thai bank for 2 months before applying for visa. I think
9 months ago
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Phil ******
@John *********
 ok good luck John. I thought the 5 years and once a year reporting would be good
9 months ago
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John **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Phil *****
 It would be fantastic
9 months ago
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John **********
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Steve **********
Can do in a short time, get your non-O 'before' you come.

Step by step...do yourself, learn to participate in the process rather than agent.

Start your 'income method ' at once, so you can use your 800k after a year.

Get to know the IO and staff in province you settle in.

Take deep breath and enjoy.

Check into this site with any obstacles.
9 months ago
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Nick ************
Your plan gives you 90 days to open a Thai bank account in your name and deposit the required
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0 baht. Next, go to you immigration office and ask them for their requirements to apply for 90 day non o and subsequently the 12 month extension. Offices vary in their requirements so you can get misleading information here.
9 months ago
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John **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nick ***********
 Even though I have a interest and normally live near Chiang Rai with a friend so to speak😊. Ive decided to take the hit and do everything in Pattaya . I believe it's just easier
9 months ago
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Nongnuch ********
@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.
9 months ago
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Nick ************
@John *********
 shouldn't be a lot different there but good luck.
9 months ago
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Nongnuch ********
@Nick ***********
 it's different in Pattaya. Check with Thai Visa Advice, there people report that Jomtien Immigration wants to see THREE months seasoning of the funds when applying for the one-year extension out of the initial 90-days Non-Imm-O visa. Be warned - they make it more difficult for applicants in Pattaya, because they want you to use an agent
9 months ago
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Nick ************
@Nongnuch *******
 it is the same at my office in Nakhon Phanom even for second and third applications. That is why I suggested the op check with his office.
9 months ago
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John **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nick ***********
 Easier from the perspective that I don't want to live in the jungle. 😂 Gym and a pool are essential. Thank you one again
9 months ago
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John **********
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Tim *********
Before you leave apply for a 90-day Non-Imm O visa. Then extend by 12 months. You avoid an extra step that also has an extra fee. Also easier to open the bank account straight away
9 months ago
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Kace *******
@Tim ********
 i am living in phnom penh cambodia now hoping to move to krabi or phuket next september. can i / should i start the application here in cambodia. i actually live very close to the thai embassy here.
9 months ago
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Tim *********
In your shoes I'd start a conversation with that Thai Embassy as they all seem to have slightly different rules and procedures
9 months ago
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Tim *********
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John **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tim ********
9 months ago
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Tim *********
@John *********
 OK sorry about that. From UK I was able to apply, and was given, a 90 day visa
9 months ago
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Tim *********
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John **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tim ********
 I was under the impression you could only apply for For an OA visa, medical report and insurance needed before i leave Australia.
9 months ago
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Steve *******
@John *********
 Nope, you can apply for either. Non Imm O or Non Imm OA.
9 months ago
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John **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
9 months ago
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Steve *******
@John *********
 The equivalent of 800k Thai Baht in your home bank account.
9 months ago
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John **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve ******
 Just a quick question on the e-visa site it appears I need proof of 800,000 . I haven't got an active bank account until I enter Thailand. It's on the list first thing to do
9 months ago
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Steve *******
@John *********
 You dont need the money in a Thai bank if you're applying in your home Country. Use a bank statement from your home bank account.
9 months ago
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Chris *******
@John *********
 you just have to prove you have the money at your home country and then when you enter transfer it.
9 months ago
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John **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve ******
 Fantastic thank you🙏
9 months ago
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John **********
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Steve *******
Why not get the Non Imm O visa before you come rather than the Tourist visa?

So much easier.
9 months ago
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Ken ***********
The first time you go through the process, it can be confusing, but once you get through it, the subsequent extensions get easier.

This community is a great resource to ask questions and to see other issues that people post.
9 months ago
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Reply to
Ken ***********
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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