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What visa should I choose for a 30-day visit to Thailand before deciding to retire?
Thailand visasVisa exemptionRetirement in ThailandVisa rulesImmigrationAmerican passport holderTravel adviceTourist visaNon-O visa
May 12, 2025
a year ago
Renaldo ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI want to retire in Thailand but now I'm thinking about going for 30 days first to see if I want to do that what visa would you recommend
TLDR : Answer Summary
If you're considering retiring in Thailand, it's advisable to start with a 30-day visit. As an American passport holder, you can enter Thailand without a visa and receive a 60-day visa exemption stamp upon arrival, which can be extended for an additional 30 days, totaling 90 days in the country. This visit will allow you to explore the country and decide if you want to retire there. Keep in mind that experiences shared by others emphasize the importance of spending sufficient time in Thailand to get a real feel for living there.
90 DAY REPORTING RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Use the trusted Thailand 90 Day Reporting Serviceto get your in-person report done and mailed to you for as low as 375 THB (even if the online system doesn't work for you).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted 90 Day Reporting Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Frangipani *******
Stop being an idiot!
Patrick ********
I recommend you stay 3 months like I did that give you better idea
Greg *********
You can always move back if it’s not for you. I live here but it’s always an option.
Andrew ********
Visa exempt 60 days, you know i said the same thing wanting to come here take a look but not what I did.. if you are looking to retire just do retire visa and get the process started you can still be here while processing on visa exempt
David *******
Do free 60 + 30 extention(90 days).
3 months will give you the feel.
3 months will give you the feel.
Todd **********
If your from America you need nothing the blue passport gets you 30 days, as do other countries passport as well
Braulio *********
5 5 5
Nick ************
Took me 5 years to make up my mind!
Vijay *****
Good idea...
Takes time to digest...
Maybe a couple of trips...different times of the year..different location etc
Takes time to digest...
Maybe a couple of trips...different times of the year..different location etc
Jim ********
Done a lot of research I see…..
Johny ******
You want to retire in Thailand 🇹🇭 🙄 you been there b4 🤣
Ivan *********
I know a guy who went to Thailand 7 days bought back a thai woman got married to her in the uk still married now 40 years ago.
Paul *******
As an American passport holder you can arrive in Thailand without having a visa. At the arrival airport the Immigration officer will give you (currently but planned to reduce at a future unknown date to 30 days) a 60 day visa exempt stamp in your passport.
Chris ******
With the stamp of your passport, go to AIS shop buy a prepay 90 days sim
Buy an 1 yr accident insurance in K or Bangkok bank (~3000 bath) and said you need to open an account, or else. with your hotel address and phone number for mobile banking
Buy an 1 yr accident insurance in K or Bangkok bank (~3000 bath) and said you need to open an account, or else. with your hotel address and phone number for mobile banking
Todd **********
@Chris *****
So Chris that’s how you got a bank acct open? I’m coming over in June and that’s my mission. What do you mean by I need to open a acct or else?? Could you explain that further? Thank youChris ******
@Todd *********
I opened account by purchasing codo there… bank need business , if you give them business , everything become more easy. I think last 2-4 weeks is difficult for account opening because Thai baht was so strong. They hardly get profit in oversea rate spread. Bank staff told me in dinner - foreigners can’t open because they put little money there
you will need a Thai bank account finally
Jesper *******
@Todd *********
it used to be easy to open a bank acct with just tourist stamp BUT not anymore in 2025Todd **********
@Jesper ******
Yes I’m probably going to have to use Siam-Legal law firm.. I’m thinking if I show them a marriage registration and a permanent address up by Roi Et of my soon to be wife, maybe they will let me? If not… here I come Siam-legal hahahaJesper *******
@Todd *********
actually u don't need agent if you have a long term visa (non O).....the banks just don't let tourist or short term visa have bank acctsReply to
Jesper *******
Reply
Graham ******
You don't state which passport you hold but the chances are you don't need a Visa
Jay *******
Visa exempt if you're staying 60 days or less
Piero *************
60 days you live same an holiday,it is not the real experience
Willem ****
You can come on visa exempt thats 60 days visa free entry. In country you can still extend that for another 30 days. So you can come for 90 days without a visa.
Andre ***********
You still get 60 days . Not enough but it's a long learning experience.
Reply to
Andre ***********
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