This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
What should you do about the 65,000 THB monthly transfer for the O retirement visa if you are out of Thailand?
Non-O Retirement VisaVisa Rules ThailandMonthly Transfer RequirementBank Statements for VisaThai Immigration PoliciesExpats in ThailandFinancial Management for Expats
Jun 17, 2025
10 months ago
Oo *****
ORIGINAL POSTERHi, i am going to apply for the yearly O retirement Visa using the monthly 65.000 transfer system soon. ( Currently doing the 800.000 system.
Q- what do you guys do if you are out of Thailand as far as the 65.000 transfer every month. Do you stop the transfer while you are away, or do you have to transfer 65.000 every month regardless of where you are? Thanks.
Q- what do you guys do if you are out of Thailand as far as the 65.000 transfer every month. Do you stop the transfer while you are away, or do you have to transfer 65.000 every month regardless of where you are? Thanks.
TLDR : Answer Summary
When applying for the yearly Non-O retirement visa using the monthly 65,000 Baht transfer method, it's essential to maintain your monthly transfers regardless of your physical location. Comments from experienced expats highlight that you must document 12 consecutive monthly transfers of at least 65,000 Baht to qualify for the visa extension. Stopping these transfers while abroad could jeopardize your application, so many suggest continuing the transfers consistently. Additionally, maintaining the 800,000 Baht in your Thai bank account during this process is advisable for peace of mind and compliance with visa requirements.
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.
Pelle Erikssonâ
â
â
â
â
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.â
â
â
â
â
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Retirement Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Henrik *****
You need to document 12 monthly transfers of at least 65.000 baht all done on time and not missing any, before you can change to the monthly transfer system.
Bill *********
Therefore maintaining the 800k is the best arrangement.
Keith *******
@Bill ********
Not really. It's dead money tied up for the rest of your life. You still need to bring in money to live on. The 65k transfer method is by far the best methodBill *********
@Keith ******
Well not in my view. I can bring over money at my own discretion and use that account as my pool for covering expenses. I know it's always there to meet the visa requirements. I place a value on my peace of mind not worrying if monthly transfers happened or not. And the interest I'm giving up I consider the cost of living in Thailand. It's easily replenished in the normal course of my finance business anyway. It all works perfectly for me.Keith *******
@Bill ********
It works for you, which is great, but not necessarily "the best arrangement". To put 800,000 dead money in a Thai bank earning about 1% when I can be getting 9% tax free is not sound financial strategy. I get a monthly pension which easily covers the 65k, so for me it's by far the best arrangement. I do the monthly transfers myself at the beginning of each month so I have peace of mind!Bill *********
@Keith ******
It's kinda nice two options are available to suit people's "best" approach! Good luck. Let's enjoy ðđð. Some countries make it impossible to stay long term.Reply to
Bill *********
Reply
Rok ********
Transfer monthly without fail âĶ ideally on the same date of every month.
Keith *******
@Rok *******
Same day every month is irrelevant, provided it's within the month.Reply to
Keith *******
Reply
Mike *******
Carry on regardless
Nick ************
I am in the UK now for 6 months and I am continuing to make my monthly payments in order to get an extension stamp in February.
Oo *****
ORIGINAL POSTERI think you guys have covered the situation nicely. Never miss the transfer wherever I am physically. I will keep my 800.000 in the bank to be on the safe side. Might see you next month. C u
Kevin ***********
@Oo ****
that can drop to 400,000 after the first yearChris *******
@Kevin **********
nope. 800k 2 mths before extension , 800k 3mths after approval, never below 400k, back up to 800k 2 mths before next extension. Rinse and repeat every year.Kevin ***********
@Chris ******
but you don't need the 800,000 if you have monthly income of 65,000 according to most peopleGraham ******
@Kevin **********
that's correct after the first year but not what you said (400k)Chris *******
@Kevin **********
if you apply without 800k and you get turned down for the income method, you start over. Many including myself, just lock 800k away and never worry about it again.Reply to
Chris *******
Reply
Graham ******
@Oo ****
If you keep the 800k make sure you get documentation from the bank covering 12 months and including 12 monthly deposits of 65k and highlight these on the 12 month statement so that the IO is aware that this is the reason you are applying for the new extensionOo *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Graham *****
Right, that makes sense. I want to eventually return the 800.000 back home as it earns diddly squat in Thailand. Thanks.Reply to
Oo *****
Reply
Stephen *********
I think you mean the Non-OA visa. The Non-O requires a deposit of THB 800,000 in a Thai bank account, I believe. I have the Non-OA and use the monthly transfer into my Thai bank account. It also requires insurance.
Keith *******
@Stephen ********
non-O also uses the 65k transfers for extension of stayChris *******
@Stephen ********
non-o is correct.Reply to
Chris *******
Reply
Chris *******
If you are using income method you must NEVER miss a month
Jesper *******
65kx 12month non stop and make sure 800k first 3mths and 400k all year still follows
Thomas *******
Also, if you start with bank "A" with the 800k, do you have to stay with that same bank for the 12 65k transfers or can you transfer 65k for 12 months into bank "B" and use Bank "B" going forward? TIA for any insight.
Chris *******
@Thomas ******
anything that confuses or complicates the process is bad.Keep it as simple as you can. Use the same account if possible then move it as needed.Not saying it won't work but, keep it simple.Thomas *******
@Chris ******
@Jesper ******
, thank you guys for your replies that are much appreciated. Whether it's 800k or 65k a month it is still a stand-alone account, correct? I will ask Nong Khai Immigration if they have a problem with switching banks based on the 65k. Thank you both again for your answers. House will close June 20 and will make the leap June 25. Not necessarily nervous, just don't want to screw up.Reply to
Thomas *******
Reply
Jesper *******
@Thomas ******
after switching to 65k method yes your 800k is set free.....i use only one acct for immigration....if you are planning to use 2 accts then u will need to show both accts to immigrationReply to
Jesper *******
Reply
Thomas *******
@Jesper ******
the 800k/400k is for the first extension going into the 2nd extension, right? After the second extension is granted on the 65k monthly basis, then the 800k is free to come out of the bank?Chris *******
@Thomas ******
yes.I Also recommend having the 800k in the account for the 2nd extension in case they don't accept your income method.Jesper *******
@Chris ******
yes I do agreed you only start moving the 800k after the immigration accepted the 65k method and grant your extensionReply to
Jesper *******
Reply
Stuart *********
In order to get your next extension you have to have 12x monthly transfers of 65k or more, regardless of where you physically are.
Reply to
Stuart *********
Reply
7 comments
a year ago
12 comments
a year ago
32 comments
2 years ago
10 comments
2 years ago
3 comments
2 years ago
39 comments
2 years ago
50 comments
2 years ago
94 comments
2 years ago
10 comments
2 years ago
8 comments
2 years ago
6 comments
2 years ago
29 comments
3 years ago
4 comments
3 years ago
15 comments
3 years ago
22 comments
3 years ago
16 comments
3 years ago
32 comments
3 years ago
4 comments
3 years ago
23 comments
4 years ago
5 comments
4 years ago
6 comments
5 years ago
0 comments
7 years ago
Do I need to maintain my 65k monthly income requirement for a Thailand retirement visa while abroad?
15 comments
7 years ago
27 comments
7 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask: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.