Answered3 months ago
What is the current process for retirement visa entry in Thailand given the changes in visa exemption duration?
I understand that currently the easiest way for a retirement age person to enter Thailand long term is on a visa exemption, then convert to 90 day Non O visa and then apply for the 1 year extension.
Currently the initial visa exemption is 60 days + 30 day extension therefore giving you enough time to open your Thai bank account and have it season fully for 2 months.
However, with the exemption being cut back to 30 + 30 extension there will not be enough time to meet the requirement. Does anyone know if this change will this eliminate this path to entry completely?
Currently the initial visa exemption is 60 days + 30 day extension therefore giving you enough time to open your Thai bank account and have it season fully for 2 months.
However, with the exemption being cut back to 30 + 30 extension there will not be enough time to meet the requirement. Does anyone know if this change will this eliminate this path to entry completely?
Answer summary
The discussion revolves around the changes in Thailand's visa exemption period and its impact on foreign retirees seeking long-term residency. The initial method of entering Thailand on a visa exemption (60 days plus a 30-day extension) and converting to a 90-day Non-O visa is deemed problematic with recent reductions in the exemption period. Many respondents emphasize that one can no longer open a Thai bank account without first securing a Non-O visa, which complicates the process for new entrants. They suggest it's more advisable to apply for the Non-O visa in one’s home country before traveling, as trying to navigate the system from within Thailand could be more costly and difficult.
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Doc ********
Non o visa applied in your home country is the cheapest option.
You can certainly do it the way you suggested but it's going to cost you more upfront $$$.
It all depends how deep your pockets are with lots of money anything is possible!!!!
You can certainly do it the way you suggested but it's going to cost you more upfront $$$.
It all depends how deep your pockets are with lots of money anything is possible!!!!
Peter *********
Use a good agent! I do.
Simon *******
The only way you can do it the way you have described is by using an agent.
Sandy *******
You understand wrong.
Uschi *********
You can't open a bank account when you are on visa exemption.
Steven ***************
You can not open a bank account in Thailand while you're here visa exempt or on a tourist visa. You need to get the Non-O visa first open the account with that, then apply for your 12 month extension of stay.
Ingvar **********
You cant open a bankacount on visaextempt.
Jamie *******
you can apply in thailand if you have a bank account. if you don’t you need the 90 day non o visa.
Steve *******
By far the easiest way is to apply for the Non Imm O visa before you arrive in Thailand
Lynnette *******
You aren't understanding correctly. The best and correct way is to apply for Non-O before you arrive, open bank account, deposit the funds, and get 12 month extension of stay.
James *******
Apply for your visa in your home country BEFORE you leave is the easiest
John **********
That path to entry disappeared some time ago. You can't open a bank account any longer on either a visa exempt or a tourist visa entry, so unless you already have a Thai bank account (or your embassy in Thailand still issues income certificates) you would have to leave Thailand again to apply for the 90 day Non-O visa elsewhere. Much easier to just apply for the appropriate visa before you travel.
Alan **********
@John *********
He can't still enter v-e and get the Non-O there ?John **********
@Alan *********
only if he already has a Thai bank account. He won't be able to open one on a visa exempt entry
Beay ********
Alan RothwellIt's a catch-22; you are not going to get the non-O in-country without already having the 800K baht in a bank. And you are not going to open a bank account on your own without having the non-O stamp in your passport. (Although I've read reports of agents being able to get a bank account opened for folks in a situation such as that scenario we're talking about. The costs for that service is in the 50-60K baht range. Which
Alan **********
I thought the standard process was enter v-e, get Non-O, open bank account with 800K, then get the 1-year permission to stay.
All in 90 days (60-day v-e + 30-day extension), which is still possible v-e right now, and, if they DID get the Non-O, wouldn't that be good for 90 anyway ?
Is that no longer the case ? Or am I misremembering ?
All in 90 days (60-day v-e + 30-day extension), which is still possible v-e right now, and, if they DID get the Non-O, wouldn't that be good for 90 anyway ?
Is that no longer the case ? Or am I misremembering ?
Peter ********
You can apply for the 90 day non o visa online before going to Thailand.
Colin **********
Do you have a bank account?
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