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What visa should my 70-year-old dad apply for to stay long-term in Thailand?

Thailand Visa Retirement Visa D Visa Long-term Stay Expat Guidance Retired Expats Visa Application Process Financial Requirements Health Insurance for Expats

May 19, 2025

a month ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Looking for advice. 

My dad is 70 and planing to travel back to Thailand for long term stay. Which category of visa he needs to go with it? 

He is retired, pretty healthy, no income but 6 of his children in US can support him financially. I heard retirement visa is hard to get for him and I just curious if DTV is a little bit more flexible and easy for him. 

Thanks for reading my message!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The best visa option for a 70-year-old retired individual planning to stay long-term in Thailand is the Retirement Visa (non-immigrant O visa category), which is generally seen as easier to obtain than the DTV (Digital Nomad Visa). While there are concerns regarding health insurance costs and requirements for individuals over 70, many comments support the idea that the Retirement Visa is straightforward, especially if he applies in Thailand. There are also discussions on alternative methods and the importance of having financial support.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the DTV 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.

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Sylvia ********

Any idea what his location maybe. Then I can recommend an agent in that area

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Bob **********

What happened to his Social Security??

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Robert *********

Best friend Visa, as economical as they get. He will need to put 800,000 in the bank in his name only. Organising a bank account is not easy, but possible.

And as he ages, a friend lives in a retirement village, without care, for only

*****

bht a month. Later in his life, full care,

****

, is available, and cheap.

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Sylvia ********

Robert Connell that's the correct way if doing the application yourself. But now need an agent first to open bank account and agent can assist even without the necessary funds

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Robert *********

@Sylvia *******

the agent doing it without the necessary funds is breaking the law, as you, and everyone going this route, should be fully aware. I know it's been happening forever, but one day, the curtain will fall, and there will be a lot a disappointed expats deported, and a few agents in jail. Not the way I want to travel, thanks.

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Robert *********

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Anonymous ******************

Retirement. Pay an agent 10-15k and it’s done

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Sylvia ********

Anonymous participant 228 that is cost for renewal, the first setting up fee is around 35,000 baht

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Anonymous ******************

@Sylvia *******

you’re right, I was thinking of the extension. First time cost is closer to 30k. My bad!

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Anonymous ******************

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Bob **********

Anonymous participant 228 25-35k where you been

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Benny *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Anonymous participant 228 Thank you so much. By any chance, do you know any agent?

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Greg ********

Tik Tok Services Thailand are great. Used them for years and so have many I know

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Peter **************

@Robert ********

always mentioned a company ..maybe he will come in on this

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Peter **************

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Dany ********

retirement visa obviously

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Benny *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks a lot!

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Benny *****

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Expat ******

Retirement Visa but health insurance expensive and most companies don’t issue new policies after 71

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Expat ******

At 70 plus, for sure INPATIENT hospital bills soon. Self pay on OUTPATIENT is ok

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Sylvia ********

health insurance is mot necessary if visa issued in Thailand

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Expat ******

@Sylvia *******

- i know. I didn’t say it was, but anyone with a brain or has responsibility makes sure they have health insurance to pay for medical claims. Unless you are a Democrat and expect everything free

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Sylvia ********

agree but make plans of self funding is often cheaper and easier if your on medication, have high blood pressure for instance immediately many health issues aren't included in the policy. But certainly something the family need to be aware of

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Sylvia ********

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Benny *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

thank you so much for the information.

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Benny *****

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Greg ********

As Pete says above. Retirement is easy to get. I would advise him to get the "O" based on Retirement in Thailand though rather than O-A" he could get in the USA. He would come to Thailand on 60 Day Visa exempt. Apply for the "O" - he would get 90 days then a 1 year so first application gives him 15 months.

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Benny *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you so much for the information.

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Benny *****

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Pete *******

Retirement all the way, the simplest visa to get.

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Benny *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you so much!

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Benny *****

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