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What is the correct order and requirements for retiring to Thailand from the UK?

Feb 26, 2026
2 months ago
Steven *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi everyone

We are becoming confused by the order in which we do things before retiring to Thailand from the UK.

Such as getting a bank account before having an address in Thailand.

Which visa should we start with ?

And the rest such as health check and insurance.

Translating legal documents.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Expats planning retirement in Thailand from the UK should consider applying for a Non-O visa, specifically for those over 50. This visa can often be obtained online from the Thai embassy and grants a 90-day stay. It’s important to gather required documentation, including proof of funds. Upon arrival, opening a Thai bank account is essential for managing funds (800,000 baht) needed for a one-year extension. Some commenters recommend considering e-visa options or consulting visa agencies for clarity. Health checks and insurance are not always necessary for the Non-O visa, simplifying the process.
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Fred **********
The people here mean it all very well. But there are different opinions and many are wrong. I follow immigration closely because I find it interesting. What I really advise you, use e-visa directly through the embassy or have it arranged by a visa agency. Then you are always sure of your case.
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Lynnette *******
Non-O you don't need health check or insurance. Apply for it online at Thai embassy. Valid 90 days to use it to enter. Gives you a 90 day stay so you can open bank account then apply for 12 month extension of stay based on retirement..
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Fred **********
Lynnette Munoz what a waste....if you apply for a non OA right away and you meet the requirements, you don't need a bank account at all in advance. You can request it afterwards. Just read the rules as they are now mentioned in immigration.
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Lynnette *******
Fred Wijnands what is a "waste"?
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John **********
@Fred *********
while it's true you don't need to get the 12 months extension in the 1st year of a Non-OA visa you do need to have insurance, criminal record checks, etc and thus can only apply for it in your home country.
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John **********
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Brandon ************
I'm assuming you are talking about the non-O based on retirement (being over 50) and not the marriage visa.

You apply for the 90-day non-O visa from the Thai embassy in your home country, using funds in your home country as proof.

When you arrive in Thailand, you go to your immigration office to apply for a certificate of residence. While at immigration, ask them for their handout showing requirements for the 1-year extension.

With this certificate of residence and your non-O visa, you should be able to open a Thai bank account. You will likely also need a Thai phone number for this.

As soon as you get the bank account, you transfer 800,000 Thai baht into the account, as you need to show this money in your account for 2 months when you apply for your 1-year extension. This means you only have about 1 month to get the account open and the money transferred.

Gather the rest of the documents from the list you received from immigration so you can apply for your extension once your funds have been properly seasoned.

This method has no requirement for insurance, no health check, no need to translate any documents.
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Kevin ***********
@Brandon ***********
Brandon wick question regarding the depositing 800,000. I plan to use the 65,000 method the following year so should I deposit this the same day as the 800,000. My plan is to use my Bkk bank for the monthly deposits and open a separate one to keep the 800,000 seperate.
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Brandon ************
@Kevin **********
it doesn't necessarily have to be the same day as the 800k. I would actually do it separately just so it's a distinct line item on your bank statement. But I would also avoid using Bangkok Bank in general
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Kevin ***********
@Brandon ***********
Ok thanks Brandon tbh I've not had any problems with Bkk bank in two years but I will do in different bank for visa purposes only. One more question, when making these deposits I can use the 65,000 for essentials etc
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Stuart ***********
Brandon's advice is superb. One thing to suggest. Use your Bangkok Bank for the 800,000, but open a Kasikorn bank to transfer the 65,000 monthly deposits. Kasikorn is the clearing bank for deposits from Wise, so it should show automatically as an international transfer.
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Kevin ***********
Stuart Chiverton thanks Stuart after one year and using the 65,000 method would I be able to withdraw the 800,000 back to UK bank
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Brandon ************
@Kevin **********
there's no requirement to keep the money in the bank after the monthly transfer
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Brandon ************
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Paul *********
@Brandon ***********
can you get resident certificate if staying in a hotel?
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Brandon ************
@Paul ********
depends on your immigration office, but most don't care where you're staying, they just want the TM30
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Brandon ************
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