What Visa Options Are Available for Expats Only Visiting Thailand for Two Months a Year?

Jul 1, 2019
5 years ago
David ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Presently I have a current retirement visa that expires August 19, 2019. And am permitted to stay until August 19, 2019.

Since 2016, along with my Thai wife and son, we have been residing in the US due to a serious injury suffered there on our annual holiday trip and also cancer treatment.

Because of the necessary medical treatments (I could not walk) and my sons education, we decided to reverse our routine and stayed in the US since late 2016 for ten-months and return to Thailand where I still own a condo, for only two-months each year (2017-2019 so far).

For many years I have been using the income affidavit provided by the US Embassy to renew my retirement visa. That is no longer an option.

I am here in Thailand until July 31 and can put 800,000 THB in my Thai bank but that would not be seasoned for the required two-months prior to the renewal date and because I don’t plan on returning every year and then when I do, only plan to stay here for two-months each year, I don’t know if I should continue to try to keep my retirement visa anymore? If I skip a year, as planned , it will expire anyway.

Are there better options that anyone can think of or recommend?

Thank you in advance for your suggestions.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster (OP) is currently on a retirement visa in Thailand but is considering options as they plan to only stay two months a year due to medical treatment and family responsibilities in the US. Since the income affidavit used for previous renewals is no longer valid, the OP seeks advice on what visa option to pursue going forward. Responses suggest considering a Single Entry Tourist Visa for quick visits or a Non-Immigrant O Visa based on marriage or age. Some recommend obtaining an O-A visa while still in the US, highlighting the ease of application and lack of financial deposit requirements with Thai banks.
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.
David ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you everyone for the helpful information.
James ********
David Colt... You are welcome! We wish you all the best. Take good care! I close commenting.
**
I used to use tourist visa enter DMK and immigration officials asked about my travel plan.
Benjamin ******
I think a 2 month tourist visa meets your needs. This can be extended by another month if needed. It's 1,900THB, and easy to get.
Marty *********
Or a tourist visa
James ********
Or do as
@Robert ******
suggested.
James ********
Enter words : " O-A visa USA " in search box on top of this forum. Many helpful posts from others will appear.
Robert *******
For a two month a year visit, a visa that is more expensive, getting medical statements, police records, need of financial statements, just to have the useless benefit of getting a one year stamp on entry inside Thailand. Are you guys sure the Non Immigrant O-A is the solution on every question?
James ********
@Robert ******
agreed. The SETV is best for him now.
Robert *******
@James *******
I read due to medical reasons and education of son, we changed, now staying 10 months a year in the US and only 2 months a year in Thailand. Why spending money on a 1 year visa if you only stay 2 months a year?
James ********
@Robert ******
the OP has been on Extension of Stays annually using Income Affidavit from US Embassy. My suggestion of the O-A is a viable choice IF he wants a visa to replace what was getting annually.
Robert *******
Or the Single entry Non Immigrant O visa based on marriage to a Thai OR based on being over 50 years of age. Much more easy to apply for and will perfectly fits their agenda of visits for max 2 months.
James ********
@Robert ******
agreed. The Single Entry Tourist Visa is good for them under their current plans of staying in Thailand two months each year.
Marty *********
As long as you are in the US I would think you should get another O-A visa.
James ********
Do yourself a favor and obtain the O-A Non-immigrant multi-entry visa when in the USA. NO money needs to be deposited in a Thai bank. Keep your money in your US bank.

Easy to obtain. I got mine last November from the Thai Consulate in Los Angeles.

******************************************************************
Robert *******
If you only plan to visit Thailand once a year for 2 or 3 months at the time I would say get a Single Entry Tourist Visa, good for 60 days of stay and could be extended with another 30 days or get the Single Entry Non Immigrant O Visa, good for a 90 day stay on entry. And just apply every time you wish to visit Thailand.
Robert *******
You can not buy any visa at the airport on arrival as US passport holder. You need to get the visa at a Thai Consulate of Embassy before you make your way to Thailand.
David ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you! Is the SETV obtainable at airport upon arrival? Or obtained from the Thai Consulate in the US?
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