What is the process and requirements for a retirement visa in Thailand, especially for those changing their plans?

Feb 18, 2024
9 months ago
Chom ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Update for [members only].

Came to the thai border. Chinese, Indians and maybe some other countries have a separate screening room which seemed much better 😀. There was no queue or anything. Only 1 man sitting inside the office.

The IO was very relaxed. Asked me why I did not come early when I already had my visa issued 2 days ago and why I only want to stay 3 weeks instead of 2 months 😀

Seems like he already knew it was a visa run. Lol.

Overall, it was a very smooth entry. He didn’t even check the computer screen. The whole process took like 45-60 seconds after filling the tm6 form.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user shared their experience at a Thai border crossing, reporting a smooth entry process for a visa run, particularly noting a relaxed immigration officer. This led to comments focused on border crossing choices, personal visa experiences, and inquiries about applying for a retirement visa in Thailand under changing circumstances. Key requirements for the Non-Immigrant O (retirement) visa include proof of income or sufficient bank savings, as discussed in the comments.
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.
Darin ********
I was coming to Thailand to live later this year but plans have changed I’m moving in ten days. Can l apply for retirement visa in Thailand due to change in plans
Darin ********
I can also provide proof of income from my pension fund is that excepted
Nongnuch ********
@Darin *******
you can apply for a "change of visa type" from a tourist visa or a visa-exempt entry, to the "90-days Non-Imm-O retirement visa" on Immigration.

You must be able to prove

EITHER

an income of a minimum of 65,000.- THB monthly,

OR

have a minimum of 800,000.- THB sitting in your Thai bank account on the day you apply.

Also there must be a minimum of 15 work days left on your stay permit stamp.

The 90-days Non-Imm-O visa will be issued "under consideration" for 14 days. As soon as 30 days are left of the 90 days and the money has been seasoning in your account for two months, you can apply for the "1-year Extension of Stay Permit" based on being over 50 years/retirement
Darin ********
@Nongnuch *******
can l give 12 months of Australian bank statements as proof of income
Nongnuch ********
@Darin *******
no, it must be Thai bank statement of 12 months incoming from Australia month for month
Darin ********
@Nongnuch *******
thanks very much
Nongnuch ********
@Darin *******
In the first year there is no way around the 800.000.- THB deposit for Australian citizen.

After that for all following applications for an Extension of Stay, you could use a 12-months statement from your Thai bank of incoming each and every month, month for month of a minimum of 65,000 THB coming in from abroad.

You cannot use statements from your AUS bank as proof of income on Thai Immigration. You could only use these for application to a “90-days Non-Imm-O retirement visa” in your home country, but NOT inside Thailand once you apply for the 1-year EOS
Darin ********
@Nongnuch *******
l was trying to use Thai e visa site but it not working. I have an Australian self funded pension of $ 120.000 baht monthly just wasn’t sure if l can do in country and am over 50. Cheers for the heads up
Nongnuch ********
@Darin *******
the Australian embassy does not hand out income affidavits any more. So for the first year you need the 800,000.- THB deposit in a Thai bank account for proof of funds. After that for the follow up applications for an Extension of Stay you could use a 12-months statement from your Thai bank of incoming each and every month for month of a minimum of 65,000 THB coming in from abroad.
Tom *********
The Friendship Bridge #1 crossing @Nong Khai is my 1st choice. Always a painless experience.
Chom ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tom ********
thats what I have read usually for this border.

My worry was that the immigration lady had asked me to fly in and not come back through the border when I was exiting thailand through nong khai.
Chom ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Haha. She was ticked off when she saw that I had maximized my extension and commented about it.

She even asked me what was I going to Laos for.
Jan ******************
@Chom *****
period?😉
Alphonso ********
WHAT BIRDER DID YOU GO TO FOR THIS TYPE OF SERVICE

SO WHAT COUNTRY DID YOU COME FROM AND HOW DID YOU KNOW TO GET THIS TYPE OF SERVICE

AGAIN FROM WHAT COUNTRY

DID YOU FLY DIRECT FROM YOU COUNTRY TO THIS COUNTRY WHERE IT TOOK SUCH A SHORT TIME TO RECEIVE YOUR VISA

WELL DONE AND A GOOD COMPLIMENT FOR THE SERVICE YOU RECEIVED

WHY IM ASKING THIS IS BECAUSE ILL BE LEAVING AT THE END OF MAY

YOUR ASSISTANCE WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED
Jan ******************
Congratulations, good to know.
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