What is the process for applying for a Non-O visa based on retirement in Thailand?

Jan 11, 2024
10 months ago
Graham ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
A case of getting organised.........

Year 2 of my initial 1 year Non - OA (long stay) visa is coming to an end in February. Instead of returning to Australia and starting again I have decided to apply for the Non - O visa here in Chiang Mai, based on retirement.

I understand that the stepping stones are:-

1) Border run (Thai - Laos) and come back on a visa exemption (30 days).

2) Apply for the 90 days Non - O visa (based on retirement) at the Immigration Office.

3) Transfer 800,000 baht from my bank account in Australia to my Kasikorn bank account here in Chiang Mai (seasoned for 2 months before applying for the 12 month extension).

4) Before the 90 days is up apply for the 12 months extension (confirmation letter from my Kasikorn bank regarding the overseas transfer).

5) At the end of the 12 months apply to renew/extend the Non - O visa and convert to the monthly transfer of 65,000 baht (minimum). I have already been transferring monies from my bank account in Australia to my bank account here in Chiang Mai for about 18 months (consistently more than the minimun of 65,000 baht).

I haven't mentioned the documentation requirements associated with the above as I will get the list of those requirements from the Immigration Office early next month. This post is mainly about the process.

Comments from the moderators would be appreciated.

Regards!

Graham
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user plans to transition from a Non-OA long stay visa to a Non-O visa based on retirement while in Thailand. The outlined process includes performing a border run to Laos for a visa exemption, applying for a 90-day Non-O visa, transferring 800,000 baht to a local Thai bank account, and applying for a 12-month extension with confirmation of the transfer. There are discussions in the comments about potential alternatives like the OX visa for Australians, timing for the funds transfer, and additional steps within the application process.
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.
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John **********
Only one thing on timing. You need the 800k baht transferred into your Thai bank before applying for the 90 day Non-O visa
Graham ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
thanks John. The seasoning time frame then comes in from the commencement of the 90 day period?
John **********
@Graham *******
the seasoning required is 2 full calendar months before you apply for the extension so just leave the money alone and you can apply in the last 30 days of the 90 day visa
Graham ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
thanks - much appreciated!
James ********
@Graham *******
I believe that you have the answers needed for your question. Thanks
@John *********
for your helpful replies.

Comments Closed
James ********
As you are an Australian, the only comment I will add is...Have you looked at the opportunity to get the OX Visa from your Sydney Thai Consulate? It's a 5 + 5 = 10 year visa for retirement AND for Australians does NOT ๐Ÿšซ require any money be deposited in a Thai bank account in your name only. Your Aussie accounts can be used to meet the requirements for the OX Visa.
James ********
Proof of adequate funds..

In any Bank account... Are NOT ๐Ÿšซ required to be in a Thai bank account. Can be in your Australian accounts.

- A bank statement in the past six months showing a deposit account with the minimum fund of AUD 150,000 or an income statement with a monthly salary of AUD 5,000
James ********
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James ********
Suggest you read this post of an Aussie couple who have obtained the OX Visa...

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James ********
Thank you for sharing your plan for the replacement of your OA based retirement to that of the Non O Visa as retiree and the One year extension of stay as retired.

Your plan looks good ๐Ÿ‘
Graham ******
3) before 2) (Not seasoned for the initial Non-O)
Graham ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
James ********
@Graham *****
thanks for sharing this ๐Ÿ‘
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