When should I apply for a one-year extension on my non-immigrant retirement visa in Thailand?

Sep 11, 2023
a year ago
David ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I go to Thailand tomorrow on a non immigrant 90 day visa based on retirement. My visa has to be utilised by 4th October.

To get a year extension, do I have to apply on or before the 4th of October, or before my 90 days expire on 11th December.?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
You must apply for a one-year extension of stay based on your Non-O retirement visa before your current 90-day period expires on December 10th. It's advisable to begin the process and gather necessary documents as early as possible, ideally while ensuring you meet the financial criteria, such as maintaining 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account for at least two full calendar months before applying.
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.
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Michael ********
If you arrive in Thailand tomorrow, you will have to apply for a 1 year extension of stay before the 10th of December. Good luck.
David ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Can it be done then with the monthly income method of over
*****
, and not the
*****
0 in a thai account. Bit confusing
Ellie *******
@David **********
, if you want to use the monthly international transfer method to meet the financial requirements for the second year or later, you may want to start the transfer as soon as possible.
James ********
@David **********
sorry but NO. The first time requires the 800,000 Thai baht transferred internationally into a Thai bank account in your name only.
David ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
thanks, might just have to do a border run.
Graham ******
@David **********
Have you done any border runs this year (2023) as you're only allowed two Visa Exempt entries by land?
Michael ********
@David **********
Why would you do a border run? What is your thinking on this? Transfer the 800k into a Thai bank and get the extension.
John **********
@David **********
if you do a border run your Non-O is gone and you'll need to start from scratch when you return
David ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
it's finished anyway and I only need 30 or 60 days. I'll be getting another visa in uk
John **********
@David **********
no, the first extension must be 800k baht for you as the UK embassy doesn't provide income affidavit. During that first year you can transfer a minimum of 65k each and every month for the full 12 months before applying for the 2nd extension you can use the monthly income method then
Dave *********
@John *********
when then can you take out the $800k? 3 months after you receive the first extension?
John **********
@Dave ********
the rules are clear. The 800k must remain in the account for 3 months after your extension date and can't fall below 400k for the remainder of the year. If you're going to use the 800k method again next year it needs to go back up to 800k 2 months before you apply.
John **********
@Dave ********
what is your current situation are you now on an extension or the original visa? If you're already on an extension what is the date of the stamp and when did you start the 65k transfers?
Dave *********
@John *********
I am on a 90 day until November. I need to go back to immigration first week in October to finish everything up and get my retirement visa. This process started in July after I arrived. I made my first $65k deposit this month. I have had $800k in a thai bank account since July.
John **********
@Dave ********
that's great. So your 12 months extension will run from the date you are currently stamped in until. You need to keep the 800k in the bank for 3 months from that date then can drop to 400k and maintain the 65k transfers right through until you apply for the next extension
Dave *********
@John *********
thank you for your prompt reply and follow up. Much appreciated!
Graham ******
@David **********
Not for the first extension of stay (unless your Embassy still does the income Affadavit).
John **********
You must have a bank account in your name only with 800k baht in it for 2 full calendar months before applying for the extension
James ********
Stuart *********
Once used to enter Thailand your actual visa is irrelevant. It’s used. Done and dusted. What counts is the stamp in your passport that says “allowed to stay until”.

You’d need to apply for the year extension prior to that date. Don’t leave it to the last minute in case of any hiccups. Most offices allow you to apply 30 days prior to that date.
Robert *******
You can apply at some offices during the last 45 days, others 30 days of your new Admitted to Stay period which you get on entry.

Be aware that you need to meet the financials, like 60 days before application 800.000 Thb in a Thai bank account in your name
John **********
@Robert ******
a bit pedantic but it's 2 calendar months rather than 60 days
James ********
@John *********
I appreciate both your replying... thank you 👍👍
James ********
With a Non O Visa as retiree, you will be stamped in for 90 days on arrival into Thailand..

When you get into Thailand visit your local Thai Immigration office and ask for their requirements for the One year extension of stay as retired.

VERY Early on you will need to open a Thai bank account in your name only and deposit by international transfer 800,000 Thai baht.

That he has to be done within the first 30 days of your arrival.

Two months before your 90 day stamp ends, you make an application for the One year extension of stay as retired.
Davide *******
@Ja***
I've question.. I've read in this group that when you're stamped in on a non-O 90 days (visa released from your home country embassy) and you ask for the one year extension of stay being over 50 at thai immigration, there is no written requirement about international transfer on 800.000฿.

Correct or I've wronged my understanding?

Thank you 🙏
Tod *********
@Davide ******
totally correct, I don't know any offices that require proof of funds origin when applying for the year extension based on retirement using banked money. It can be transferred in domestically as long as you meet the 2 months seasoning requirements
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