What type of visa should I get initially to move to Thailand while transitioning to a Non-Immigrant OA retirement visa?

Non-Immigrant OA Visa Thailand Retirement Visa Expats in Thailand Visa Requirements Thai Bank Account Non-O Visa Visa Application Process

April 27, 2021

3 years ago

Bob ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi. My wife & I, both 50+ are interested in getting Thai retirement visas. We have US passports and are currently in the US. We plan to travel to Thailand in mid-July. My understanding is that to get a  Non-Immigrant OA one needs to have a Thai bank account already in place and funded. We will begin that process once we arrive.

My question is - what type of visa should we get initially to get into the country and one which gives us enough time to do what needs to be done for the Non-Immigrant OA? Thanks!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user and their wife, both over 50, plan to obtain Thai retirement visas (Non-Immigrant OA) after traveling to Thailand. They seek initial visa advice for their entry into the country, while clarifying requirements around having a Thai bank account for funding. Comments provide insights on alternative visa options, clarifying misconceptions regarding bank account requirements for the OA visa, and discussing the feasibility of joint account funds.

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Mike ******

For an OA there is not a requirement to have a Thai Bank account. I currently hold an OA and had several in the past.

3 years ago

Bob ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks for the info and help everyone!

3 years ago

Bob ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks. You who've been doing this for some time seem clear on the requirements, but honestly, I'm still confused (or thick headed). The D.C. Consulate,

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*******

/30/nonimmigrantoaox/ says that 800K in a Thai bank is required for an "OA" but not for an "O." Also, I've not seen any documentation that a spouse can be "trailing" allowing for a single bank account.

3 years ago

Bobby ********

Bob Winterson. You have to get used to Thai embassy and immigration websites not being totally clear. The 800k baht is the equivalent in your local currency (whichever country you are applying from). This is a screenshot from the US Embassy webpage, about halfway down you will see the OA visa criteria which states "US or Thai bank statement....."

3 years ago

Reply to

Bobby ********

James ********

@Mike *****

but must be obtained from your home country.

3 years ago

Reply to

James ********

Why not get the Non O for retirement with one 800,000 Thai baht in a Thai bank account with the other spouse trailing on the Non O...one banked amount for the two married expats.

3 years ago

Bob ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks Tod. One other question. Does a single joint account with 1.6M THB qualify or must it be 2 separate accounts? Thanks!

3 years ago

Ellie *******

double amount in a joint account would work for you both, but better to check with local immigration office if joint account is okay for you two.

3 years ago

Reply to

Ellie *******

Tod *********

These aare the requirements to get an O-A visa from a thai consulate in the USA before you wing your way here

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3 years ago

Tod *********

You are confusing two separate things entirely

You can't get a year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O-A (Long Stay) visa INSIDE of thailand :O You apply for that from a thai consulate in the US before you wing your way here you can show proof of funds in YOUR country.

I think you're talking about coming here on a visa exempt or tourist visa entry, opening a bank account, transferring in the required funds (you BOTH would need separate accounts with 800K baht in each one) then applying for a 90 day Non-O visa <-(note there is no A after the O), then applying for a yearly extension after that

3 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

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What is the best plan for opening a Thai bank account and transitioning to a retirement visa upon my return to Thailand?

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