Answered2 years ago
What visa options are available for retirement in Thailand if I have 800,000 THB in a bank and am over 60?
Hi all. Recently purchased a house in Phuket. I’m currently back in the UK to sort a few things out, I intend to return to Thailand in November and stay permanently. I’m over 60 and receive a modest pension I also have over 800,000 in a Thai bank what do you advise for a visa? Is it better to apply before I go or when I’m there? TIA
Answer summary
The user inquires about the best visa options for retiring in Thailand, particularly given their age (over 60), financial situation (having 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account), and intent to return to Thailand permanently. Most suggestions favor applying for a NON-O visa based on age before departure to avoid airport issues and ensure a smoother arrival process. Some also discuss alternatives like using a tourist visa initially and changing to a retirement visa once in Thailand. The requirements for the NON-O visa and variants like LTR were also explored, highlighting the importance of having funds readily accessible in Thailand.
48 repliesnewest first
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Norbert ***********
LtR visa (longterm resident) 10y. Not need 800k,only 50k.
Don *********
Well done
@Kevin ******
I’ve been living in Phuket for the past 18 months, every day still feels like a holiday, and I’ve gone from an avid long haul traveller to someone who does everything possible to avoid leaving Phuket, let alone Thailand
John ***********
@Don ********
How much Russian have you learned? Is vodka now your drink of choice?Don *********
@John **********
sigh…
Terary **********
Jet ********
How did you buy a house? Foreigners are not allowed to own land are you talking about a condo maybe
Kevin *******
OP@Jet *******
I bought the house and leased the land.
Ronald *********
How are you able to purchase a house are you married to a Thai? Or is it a condo
William ******
May I ask how you were able to open a bank account without a visa?
Kevin *******
OP@William *****
I had a 90 day ME visa. But my friend opened an account as a tourist. That was this year in Karon, Bangkok bank.
John ******
Kevin, go back and get a tourist visa on entry and then change to an "O" retirement Visa.
Carman *******
Good morning
Do you have any advice on how to set up thai bank account
I am sure it's easier in person
Thank you
Do you have any advice on how to set up thai bank account
I am sure it's easier in person
Thank you
Carl ***********
Yes of course
Carlos *********
" OX" I would suggest.
Stuart *********
@Carlos ********
The OX is really only a viable option via the Sydney consulate (and that may have changed since they moved to the evisa) in that you don’t need funds IN Thailand. All other places need 3m baht in a Thai bank account.Carlos *********
Stuart *********
@Carlos ********
Sure. What percentage APR? 6000% work for you?Carlos *********
@Stuart ********
no problem 😊...Stuart, can I borrow some money?Stuart *********
@Carlos ********
Yes if they have 3m in a Thai bank account.
Brown ********
Get the non o before you come. You get 3 months and then get the extension.
Lyndon ************
You've done the hardest bit, opening the bank account.
Come here visa exemption, you'll (soon) get 60 days, extendable a further 30.
Then submit a change of visa non-o 90 days, then extend that 12 months
Come here visa exemption, you'll (soon) get 60 days, extendable a further 30.
Then submit a change of visa non-o 90 days, then extend that 12 months
Rene ********
@Lyndon ***********
but he may, or may not get pulled at the airport if he doesn't have a return ticket or an ongoing ticket
Pete **********
@Rene *******
onward flights. ComRene ********
Exactly loophole's going to get closed up soon it's already far too commented online. That's why I avoided mentioning it
Rene ********
@Pete *********
yesLyndon ************
@Rene *******
how do you think he could get around that?Rene ********
@Lyndon ***********
sure, of its cheaperLyndon ************
@Rene *******
i'd go with cheap fully refundable ticket. Cancel it after arrival, claim refund.Rene ********
@Lyndon ***********
cheap throwaway ticket to neighbouring country? I've been into Thailand dozens of times on singles but I have been pulled twice and once almost got sent back to destination. Luck of the draw
Steve *******
Non Imm O, get the evisa before you go.
Pascal ********
Get the non O visa before you go. You will be more relaxed.
Bob *******
Apply before you go on line at Thai embassy London
James *********
I applied for a Non-O based on retirement (over 50 y/o) prior to moving. Simple process for me, and received the Visa in 12 days via Email. I had one "hiccup" where the embassy e-mailed me asking me to provide a document I'd forgotten to include in the original application, but no problems 🙂
Steven *********
@James ********
thanks for the info ..I am looking to do similar.. I am unsure about the 800,000 , does it need to be in one account? And someone also said if you show a monthly income coming in it also works ?James *********
@Steven ********
I'm not a Visa expert. Just relaying my experience. I opened an account with Bangkok Bank in my name only a year and a half ago. I've since been making adequate monthly deposits that show as being sent from abroad on my bank statements, so I'll have been doing this for more than 12 months, and then ask Immigration to change my extension monetary requirements to this method at my next extension appointment.
Jeff *********
Congratulations 🎈
Peter *******
Get the O once you arrive, 800k in bank is best
Stuart *********
If you get the Non O (based on being over 50) prior to coming then you won’t have an issue with the airline.
If you intend to enter visa exempt (which is the cheaper option) you may need an onward ticket within the number of days allowed (set to be 60 as of tomorrow - but not confirmed officially).
If you intend to enter visa exempt (which is the cheaper option) you may need an onward ticket within the number of days allowed (set to be 60 as of tomorrow - but not confirmed officially).
Chris *******
@Stuart ********
spot on.
Paulus *********
It's easier in Thailand
Steve *******
@Paulus ********
Much easier to get the evisa in the UK
Nigel **************
@Steve ******
Not true, if u have a Thai bank account and *****
0 already as he does.Paulus *********
@Steve ******
he will need insurance
John ********
@Paulus ********
that’s an OA not an OPaulus *********
@John *******
if you apply from the UK they want you to have insurancesJohn ********
@Paulus ********
no you don’tNigel **************
@Paulus ********
yes
Steve **********
"O "
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