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

Jan 20, 2026
3 months ago
Dogma *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
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
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TLDR : 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.
90 DAY REPORTING RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Use the trusted Thailand 90 Day Reporting Serviceto get your in-person report done and mailed to you for as low as 375 THB (even if the online system doesn't work for you).
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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?
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Lynnette *******
Non-O doesn't require insurance. He can get the non-O before he arrives. Then use it to open a bank account.
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Nigel **************
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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
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Brian *********
@John *********
do Thai banks pay interest on the deposit? If yes, what is the rate?
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John **********
@Brian ********
they do but it's not great. Maybe around 0.25%
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John **********
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Dogma *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
Thank you.
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Dogma *******
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Greg *********
Do an non O evisa in your country
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Jim ********
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d12f1
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Jim ********
Michael Dawson ChatGBT isn’t 100% but it’s strange people ask questions without doing any research.
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Dogma *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
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.
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Dogma *******
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Michael ********
Jim Ramsey thats accurate enough
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Michael ********
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