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What is the process for converting a tourist visa to a Non-O visa in Thailand as a US citizen over 50?

Thai Non-O VisaVisa Application ProcessRetirement VisaBank Requirements for VisaProof of Funds for VisaExpats in ThailandThailand Immigration Rules
Mar 22, 2024
8 months ago
Karl ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
So I think I have my POA

As a US (50) citizen:

-Have ฿800,000 min in Thai account

-apply for 60 day tourist visa

-come to Thailand

-apply to convert to Non-O (retire)

-apply for extension of stay (1 yr)

Feels like I have left something out. I am just trying to get my entire plan drawn up and keep my T’s crossed and I’s dotted.

Believe me I have researched a lot. But I would rather run this by some of the few experts on here who painstakingly grade people’s plans

TIA
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A US citizen over 50 is looking to convert a tourist visa into a Non-O visa by ensuring they have ฿800,000 in a Thai bank account, applying for a 60-day tourist visa, then converting it upon arrival in Thailand. Key points discussed include the need for the initial funds to be proven as transferred from abroad, the necessity of obtaining the latest local requirements upon arrival, and the importance of quickly opening a bank account as visa-related banking can get complicated.
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.
Ellie *******
AGAIN, Be sure get the LATEST handout of the requirements when you arrive Thailand.

Unfortunately, how to proof the source of your funds in a Thai bank account is out of the scope of this group.
@Karl *******
, if you have any further question regarding to this post, contact a moderator to re-open this post or also can make another post.
8 months ago
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Russell ********
Beware: all your painstaking research can be side tracked by local interpretation of ' the rules' but in general the advice here is as good as it gets.
8 months ago
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Karl ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Russell *******
 yea I know your right, just trying to give best effort I can & this groups experience helps a lot
8 months ago
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Karl ********
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Jonas *************
If it's the first time the 800k needs to be proven to come from abroad it cannot be "local money".

The bank needs to give you a paper stating that it was transferred and it needs to prove that it was transferred from abroad which usually implies that you have to do a wire transfer of the full amount.
8 months ago
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Jonas *************
Karl Saszik

(To clarify with specigically bangkok immigration)

Here is Bangkok immigation website.

***********************************************************************


notice "Evidence of foreign currency fund transferred to Thailand"
8 months ago
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Karl ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jonas ************
 I mean all the funds came from my account in USA but does my Thai bank know that? So I could possibly have to pay to transfer it all out and back in again? I mean some of these transfers are 3 years old. Just when I thought I had a plan……🤷🏼‍♂️😂
8 months ago
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Karl ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
So all the money I’ve transferred from abroad thru wise and xe could potentially be moot if it wasn’t a wire transfer? What do I do then since I already have the money in account.
8 months ago
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Karl ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Wow ok I’ll have to look into this. Potential expensive mistake if I’ve spent money moving it in only do have to move it out and back in again.
8 months ago
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Chuck *********
@Karl *******
 does the transfers show on your BKK bank statement “international transfer?” If so, you’re good. If not, you’ll have to prove you sent the money from the U.S. I was transferring about
*****
0 bht each month through wise using my debit card and it showed “transfer from other bank”. I had to change and send from my checking acct using the reason on Wise as “long term stay in Thailand” and then it showed as International transfer.
8 months ago
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Karl ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I plan on Bangkok
8 months ago
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John **********
@Karl *******
 using wise is fine. But it does need to show on your bank statement as coming from overseas
8 months ago
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Jonas *************
@John *********
 maybe it's different in different officers? Go to immigration in the office where you plan to do it and get its rules....

Maybe somebody else can get you definite answer.

What immigration office do you plan to use? I used Bangkok.
8 months ago
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Karl ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
 ok thanks
8 months ago
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Karl ********
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Ja***
@Jonas ************
 I don't think that is correct except for 1 or 2 provinces.
8 months ago
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Jonas *************
@Ja***
 tell me more? What provinces?

I'm talking about the first time when in order to get the non-o 90...
8 months ago
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Ellie *******
@Jonas ************
, for example, Chiang Mai doesn't require international transfer for an in-country initial Non-O retirement visa application
8 months ago
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Ellie *******
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Greta *****
Where in Thailand are you planning to be based ?
8 months ago
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Karl ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Greta ****
 BKK
8 months ago
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Karl ********
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Arpit ********
Another thing is the bank account in Thailand to park the money. Now it’s becoming increasingly more difficult to open account based on tourist visa itself so your first priority after getting 90 days non-O is to open a bank account asap so you can park the money.
8 months ago
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Karl ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Arpit *******
 I’ve heard that thank you 🙏 …but I’m good. Have had an account here for 5 years.
8 months ago
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Karl ********
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Ellie *******
Your plan seems to work.

Be sure you get the latest handout for an in-country initial Non-O visa based on being over 50 from the local immigration office as soon as you arrive in Thailand and decide the province to stay.
8 months ago
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Karl ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ellie ******
 thanks. I’ve read everything I think I can & I appreciate the input from the experienced people here 🙏🏼👍🏼✌🏼
8 months ago
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Karl ********
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