Answered9 months ago

What is the process for obtaining a Non-O visa in Thailand, and can a stepson open a bank account for it?

Non-O Visa Thailand Visa Process Bank Deposit Requirement Health Insurance Exemption Long-term Visa Expats in Thailand

asked Jan 20, 2026

views

replies

likes

Dad is unable to secure Thai health insurance and needs to go the Non-O route. Can anyone tell me the process?  I know there is a bank deposit and money has to stay, but I am not sure if he goes in a 90 day tourist, then changes over or?? Can my stepson open a bank acct for him ? Do I need an agent?

Thanks

Answer summary

To secure a Non-O visa for Thailand, it's recommended for your dad to apply for a 90-day Non-O visa prior to traveling. Upon arrival, he should open a Thai bank account and deposit the required minimum of 800,000 baht for at least two months before he applies for a one-year extension of stay. This deposit must be maintained for three months after obtaining the extension and cannot fall below 400,000 baht at any time. It's not necessary to obtain health insurance for the Non-O visa. Agents may not be required, as he can handle the visa application and banking process himself.

12 repliesnewest first

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Steve ********

If someone already has another longterm visa and a Thai bank account, can they just deposit the $800,000 TB and apply for the Retirement-O while already in Thailand or will they have to fly back halfway around the world to start the process fresh from their home country?

9 months ago

Lynnette *******

Non-O doesn't require insurance. He can get the non-O before he arrives. Then use it to open a bank account.

9 months ago

Nigel **************

9 months ago

John **********

He should get a 90 day Non-O visa before travelling to Thailand. Once he arrives he needs to open a bank account (himself) and transfer in a minimum of 800k baht to apply for the 12 months extension of stay. The 800k baht must be in the bank 2 calendar months before applying for the extension, remain there for 3 months after receiving the extension and never drop below 400k baht. Rinse and repeat every year

9 months ago

Brian *********

@John *********

do Thai banks pay interest on the deposit? If yes, what is the rate?

9 months ago

John **********

@Brian ********

they do but it's not great. Maybe around 0.25%

9 months ago

Dogma *******

@John *********

Thank you.

9 months ago

Greg *********

Do an non O evisa in your country

9 months ago

Jim ********

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

*****

d12f1

9 months ago

Jim ********

Michael Dawson ChatGBT isn’t 100% but it’s strange people ask questions without doing any research.

9 months ago

Dogma *******

Jim Ramsey I think people do research, then come to the group that was literally created to ask questions like this to verify that this is the correct info. If I am not mistaken, this group was made for those who have gone through this experience to share their information.

9 months ago