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What visa do I need to retire in Thailand and do I need a Thai bank account for my retirement?

Non-O VisaRetirement VisaVisa ExtensionThai Bank AccountImmigration RulesProof of FundsMarried to Thai National
Feb 28, 2021
4 years ago
Bob *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi asking for some information. I am looking to retire to Thailand next year with my wife who is Thai from the uk. What visa do I require and do I need a bank account in Thailand in my name.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
To retire in Thailand, you can apply for a Non-O visa based on your marriage to a Thai national. Initially, you will receive a 90-day visa, which can be extended annually by proving financial stability—specifically, needing a Thai bank account with a minimum balance of 400,000 THB or using your existing foreign account as proof during the first extension as required. It's advised to get information directly from the Thai embassy since visa rules can frequently change.
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.
Paul *****************
Next Year many Things Change until this Time
4 years ago
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Bob *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ****************
 that’s true will check next year
4 years ago
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Bob *******
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Alessandro **********
3 months Non O Visa for Thai spouse. If you are not legally married in Thailand, you must register the marriage at the local Thai embassy first. Then, in Thailand: open a bank account with a balance if 400k+ THB and extend Visa every year (1900 baht extensions fee)
4 years ago
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Stephenie **********
Don't bring sand to a desert. Come alone and enjoy your retirement in pattaya
4 years ago
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Jeff **********
@Stephenie *********
 I'm guessing you're not a licensed therapist
4 years ago
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Stephenie **********
@Jeff *********
 more of an agony uncle
4 years ago
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Stephenie **********
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Jon ********
The first question is how old are you
4 years ago
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Bob *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jon *******
 62 when I come to Thailand
4 years ago
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Paul *******
@Bob ******
 apply for retire visa you ony have to be 50 but get it in thailand
4 years ago
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Bob *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ******
 thank you
4 years ago
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Paul *******
@Bob ******
 any time i live here in thailand if you want to no more just msg me
4 years ago
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Paul *******
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Ian *****
Next year - as in 2022. No one can advise, rules may have changed by then. Google and embassy website give you most info you need now. Non-O with no insurance not likely to be possible ongoing. Assume you will need full insurance unless you go Elite Visa route.
4 years ago
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Alessandro **********
@Ian ****
 Non O Visa for being married to a Thai national: no insurance needed
4 years ago
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Ian *****
@Alessandro *********
 ...ah missed the married bit
4 years ago
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Ian *****
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Wilkes ***********
Welcome to Thailand 🇹🇭
4 years ago
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Arron *********
50 + retirement Visa. Everything else can be done once you are here. There are many agents over here to assist you.
4 years ago
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Daniel ************
Non O - 3 months - then make an extension on a yearly base - based on marriage or retirement - need to open bank account with 400k - thb
4 years ago
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Ken ********
You'll need proof of residence and and another form from Immagration to open a bank account
4 years ago
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Kim ******
@Ken *******
 proof of residence from immigration was sufficient enough Bangkok Bank . Other branches might require less or different demands
4 years ago
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Kim ******
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Tony *******
4 years ago
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Tony *******
Phone the Thai Embassy in London as it changes constantly.that way you can record the conversation also ask them to send it to you by email.straigh from the horse's mouth so to say
4 years ago
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Lisa ********************
@Tony ******
 hard to contact RTE London by phone. Email is better.
4 years ago
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Lisa ********************
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Sammy *******
Google is your friend!
4 years ago
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Ernesto ********
Can you not read Thai embassy website in England lazy ass.
4 years ago
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Oliver ********
@Ernesto *******
 Keeping this answer to yourself is not a good option either
4 years ago
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Oliver ********
@Ernesto *******
 idiot
4 years ago
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Jared **********
he’s a trumper what do you expect 🤷‍♂️
4 years ago
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Martin *******
@Jared *********
 ridiculous
4 years ago
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Jared **********
@Martin ******
 I know right? The group should have some moderation and trolls like him kicked out 🤷‍♂️
4 years ago
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Jared **********
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Ruth *******
@Ernesto *******
 He has multiple visas for which he qualifies. He’s asking for help navigating the options, which IS the purpose of this group. If you don’t want to be helpful, perhaps you are lost.
4 years ago
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Janin ******
@Ernesto *******
 , why you are so impolite? If you don’t like the question...don’t reply on it!
4 years ago
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Janin ******
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Tony *********
Don't go for anything other than Non Immigrant O...most of the others you must have expensive health insurance...you may want this in due course anyway but you don't need that pressure initially...they range a lot in price and benefits and your age and health will massively affect availability...be careful what you do 👍🏼
4 years ago
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Ian *********
Hi bob i wish you luck im looking to move there this year i hope

Btw im from south london

Feel frre to meesage me ian
4 years ago
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Stephen *******
Oh n transferwise or wise as it mayb known now is your buddy.
4 years ago
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Stephen *******
David Broadfoot Lol whats all this about
4 years ago
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Garrett ***********
@Ste****
 Mate
4 years ago
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Garrett ***********
@Ste****
 Really good advice
4 years ago
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Garrett ***********
@Ste****
 Is some
4 years ago
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Garrett ***********
@Ste****
 That
4 years ago
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Stephen *******
@Garrett **********
 my pleasure
4 years ago
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Stephen *******
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Stephen *******
If you have a rental agreement bank account is easy to get.. bangkok bank is prob ur best bet.
4 years ago
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Stephen *******
And extend every year with the funds.. it was 5 year O nX but cause covid they only issue 1 year for the moment
4 years ago
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John ******
Thanks
4 years ago
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Stephen *******
@John *****
 welcome
4 years ago
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Stephen *******
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John ******
@Stephen ******
 a OX is 5 +5. Years. A Non immigration O fi retirement and non OA retirement are one year. So in your country they do not issue Non OX is that what you are saying?
4 years ago
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Stephen *******
@John *****
 when i applied throw my agent for it i was told that cause of covid they were not doing 5 years ones at present n to reapply for extension every year also covid test too.
4 years ago
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Stephen *******
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Stephen *******
You can get a 1 year O n A retirement visa too
4 years ago
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Ekkehard *******
From other FB groups, I heard that some people selected the Non-O based on retirement even though were also qualified to apply for Non-O based on marriage with Thai national. Reason: for the latter, more paperwork required and maybe house visit.
4 years ago
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Ekkehard *******
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Michael ********
Non immigrant O based on marriage.

You dont need the bank account in your name until you go for extension of stay in Thailand you can use your British account for proof of funds.

You will get 90 days on visa and you will need open a bank account and transfer money in two months before applying for extension of stay.
4 years ago
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Michael ********
Singapore we had to show proof of funds to get the Non O. As usual all different.
4 years ago
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Ken ********
@Michael *******
 I wasnt aware of being able to use your British account Micheal. Is this for the first application ?
4 years ago
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Michael ********
@Ken *******
 if planning to do the visa and then carry on staying in Thailand with extensions. Gives you a month or now two weeks to set up bank account.
4 years ago
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Ken ********
@Michael *******
 go to know. I thought they'd stopped using British bank accounts when the embassy stopped doing the letter of confirmation.
4 years ago
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Tod *********
@Ken *******
 The O/P was told to buy the 90 day Non-O VISA based on marriage to a thai at the consulate in their country before they wing their way here (and for that they can use proof of funds in their foreign bank account).

Once they get here they'd get stamped in for 90 days and then they would need to open a thai bank account in their name and deposit the 400k baht so it would be in the account for 2 months before they apply for their yearly extension.
4 years ago
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Tod *********
@Ken *******
 you are confusing getting the visa or a year extension INSIDE the country (where you cannot use your brit bank account) and getting the VISA from a thai consulate OUTSIDE the country (where you CAN use your foreign bank account)
4 years ago
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Ken ********
@Tod ********
 I didn't know you need proof of funds in your own country. Long time ago since I got my non o now. Cheers Tod, all good Info, thank you
4 years ago
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Tod *********
@Ken *******
 you don't NEED to show proof of funds in your country to buy a Non-O visa from the consulate there but you CAN do that if you don't have a bank account here yet. :) It's a definite option when you buy a visa at a thai consulate in another country.

Then you can come in on the Non-O, get stamped in for 90 days, open a thai bank account and deposit the 400K baht so you can apply for the year extension when your 90 day stamp runs down.
4 years ago
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Ken ********
@Tod ********
 all confusing stuff these visas and extensions. Were very fortunate you share your knowledge with us. Very much appreciated
4 years ago
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Ken ********
@Tod ********
 excellent stuff. Cheers
4 years ago
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Ken ********
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Michael ********
@Ken *******
 yes
4 years ago
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Ken ********
@Michael *******
 cheers Michael
4 years ago
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Ken ********
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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