thailand
Ask question

What should I consider for returning to Thailand with a retirement visa after being stuck in Malaysia?

ThailandRetirement VisaTravel AdviceVisa RulesCOVID-19 RegulationsImmigrationNon-Immigrant O VisaRe-Entry Permits
May 31, 2020
4 years ago
Mark ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I've lived in Thailand since 2001, have a retirement visa. Currently stuck offshore Malaysia. When it opens up here, any advice on how to get home?
2,594
views
14
likes
55
all likes
24
replies
2
images
22
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user, a long-term expatriate with a Non-Immigrant O retirement visa, seeks advice on returning to Thailand after being stranded in Malaysia due to COVID-19 restrictions. Responses emphasize the necessity of having current travel documents, including potential re-entry permits and insurance coverage for COVID-19. Many commenters suggest that when the borders reopen, a valid multi-entry visa or permit should allow return, while others recommend monitoring updates from official sources like embassies for the latest requirements. The conversation includes humorous and light-hearted remarks about the situation.
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.
Steve **********
Depends on date but if zcovid related its automatically forgiven i'm told Drivers license as well
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Drac ******
motobike
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Curry *****
Tuktuk
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Anthony *******
Worth a read for anyone traveling in July
4 years ago
Like
Reply
John **********
1st principles mate, Thailand aint home to an Aussie or any other farrang for that matter, so however your heartstrings may wish to believe you belong there, you don't you are an expendable "ALIEN" as the government would describe you, baskets and eggs....don't!!!!
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Eugene **********
@John *********
 the guy asked for advice not your opinion ... jeez!

I find that getting your info from the embassy is the best way. It may not be a fast point of contact but it will be much more reliable than anything else.

They all have Facebook pages and if you are persistent enough you will get the right answers. Good luck!
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Eugene **********
Reply
Alwyne ********
Yes swim don't get a plain if you do you will be swimming if alive
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Stanislav **********
Take a plane, what else? Unless during this time you get used to Malaysia offshores. Not so bad eh?
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Alwyne ********
How long can plane not fly for can thy sit on tamaracks and the seals in engines hot get used and the Tyre's get flats get flat spots good luck
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Alwyne ********
Reply
Steve *******
You should be ok when the borders open if you've got a valid multi entry non imm O/OA visa or a re-entry permit for an extention of stay.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Germz **********
same here...got stranded in Malaysia
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Joe ********
Build a tunnel
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Oreilly **************
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Tod *********
@Mark **********
 at this time there's nothing anyone can do but watch for the updates as far as the re-opening of the country and see what if any new requirements come into play "post covid-19" as far as getting back in. it's a waiting game.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Robert **********
Hi puggy. Start swimming mate. Ha. See you in the aussie August sometime. If i make it out if africa!!!!!!
4 years ago
Like
Reply
John ***********
I like to leave but it sure if will be let back in also does anybody have a updated list of documents needed now to renew retirement visa?
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Andy ***********
I renewed my Retirement Visa last week. Same paperwork as every other year. Nice and easy now as amnesty means few people.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Andy ***********
Reply
Mark ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Helpful thanks. I have the non immigrant O retirement and usually fly in and out. I have no problem driving in and hold a Thai license but don'y know if I would be allowed back in even with the insurance
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Li ****
I think you need a fit to fly test and insurance worth $100k, and so far it's for people with a work permit.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
James **************
@Mark **********
 i suggest waiting until the end of july, and then see what is required for entry or if entry is permitted.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
James **************
Reply
Richard *****
I'm sure there will be flights.. but be prepared for a long wait.

make sure you have insurance that covers covid-19 as a good prep to get here, because it will probably be needed.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Tom *******
I’m not 100% sure that you need it attached to your regular health insurance. For example, I took advantage of the bank insurance for COVID-19 from SCB bank. Perhaps having this in addition to your regular health insurance would be OK? Mine only cost me 1000 baht for one year from SCB. I think all the local banks are offering it at one point. Good luck.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
@Richard ****
 Do you know any insurance companys/brokers that cover you against covid19?
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
Steve *********
Are you talking transport? Then same as you would've done before (flight, boat, bus, train).

It's also helpful to mention which "retirement" visa you're on.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Steve *********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
What should I prepare before returning to Thailand after staying for several months?
12 comments
2 years ago
What is the best strategy for returning to Thailand with a business visa after leaving during COVID-19?
1 comments
3 years ago
What are the requirements for re-entering Thailand with a non-O retirement visa after traveling to the USA?
18 comments
3 years ago
What steps should I follow to travel back to Thailand from the UK after being away due to COVID-19?
27 comments
3 years ago
What steps should I take for re-entry to Thailand on a retirement visa after visiting the UK?
20 comments
4 years ago
What are the current visa options for expats returning to Thailand during Covid-19?
27 comments
4 years ago
Is there any amnesty for retirement visas in Thailand considering travel restrictions?
30 comments
4 years ago
How can I renew my retirement visa for Thailand while being stuck abroad?
25 comments
4 years ago
What are my options for returning to Thailand as a retirement visa holder while stranded in the UK?
95 comments
4 years ago
Am I allowed to re-enter Thailand on a retirement visa after leaving in July?
44 comments
4 years ago
What Are the Requirements for Returning to Thailand on a Non-O Retirement Visa?
5 comments
4 years ago
What are travel options and visa requirements for expats in Thailand during COVID-19?
45 comments
4 years ago
How can a South African with an expired Retirement visa return to Thailand?
9 comments
4 years ago
Do I need to apply for a new visa to return to Thailand after my retirement visa expired?
15 comments
4 years ago
What should I do if I'm stranded abroad and my Non-B visa and work permit are expiring due to COVID-19?
4 comments
4 years ago
What are the current visa entry requirements for returning to Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic?
48 comments
4 years ago
What should I do if my retirement visa is expiring and I can't return to Thailand due to flight restrictions?
11 comments
4 years ago
What visa options are available for UK expats looking to return to Thailand after retirement?
26 comments
4 years ago
Will I be able to extend my Retirement Visa while stranded in the Philippines?
5 comments
4 years ago
What Should I Do About My Expiring Thai O Visa While Stuck in the UK?
1 comments
5 years ago
How Can I Return to Thailand with a Non-Imm O-A Visa During Travel Restrictions?
5 comments
5 years ago
What should I do if I'm stranded in India with my Thai son and I have a retirement visa for Thailand?
22 comments
5 years ago
How Can I Extend My Stay in Thailand with a Non-O Visa Amid Travel Restrictions?
6 comments
5 years ago
What Should I Do About My Expiring Visa During Possible Lockdown in Thailand?
10 comments
5 years ago
What should I do about my OA retirement visa after leaving Thailand without a re-entry permit?
15 comments
5 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.