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Why do Thai embassies require flight details for the Non-Immigrant Visa if I plan to apply for a Retirement Visa?

Thai visa rulesNon-Immigrant VisaRetirement VisaThai embassy policiesImmigration proceduresVisa application requirements
Mar 21, 2024
9 months ago
Simon *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Advice please

Why do thai embassy's ask for flights in and out of Thailand when you apply for the non immigrant visa if you have the intention of remaining in Thailand on a Retirement visa?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Thai embassies ask for flight details during Non-Immigrant Visa applications as part of their protocol. Each embassy operates under specific policies regarding visas and extensions, which are handled by different government departments (Ministry of Foreign Affairs for visas and Immigration for extensions). Despite the intention to switch to a Retirement Visa, embassies require proof of exit as a precaution in case the visa application is not granted. Furthermore, the Non-Immigrant O visa typically only allows for a stay of 90 days, necessitating proof of travel plans during the visa application process.
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.
Brandon ************
Most embassies don't require a flight out of Thailand if you're applying for a long term visa, as those are for living in Thailand. But for a tourist visa they do. But it's the same form for every visa.
9 months ago
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Steve *******
Because the Non Imm O visa only gives you 90 days, they don't know you're applying for an extention of stay and if you do apply its a different Government Department, ie extentions are from RTP and visas from Embassy/Consulate are MFA.
9 months ago
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Mac *********
You are doomed already!! "Why" is the most used word by expats" Erase that word from your memory or cancel your flight!!!!
9 months ago
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John *********
@Mac ********
 yep! What makes sense to you has nothing in common with what makes sense in Thailand and Thai culture. It took me 35 years of getting bashed to learn this lesson. Now every day all the Thai people give me the Keys to the Kingdom. Hope you can learn more quickly than myself.
9 months ago
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Mac *********
Im already there; I moved to WhyLand about 9 months ago.... life is much easier
9 months ago
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Mac *********
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Simon *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mac ********
9 months ago
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Simon *******
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Ian *********
Because it’s an intention. You have no retirement visa as yet (I assume). Therefore Immigration have to consider that you might need to leave the country if you don’t get your visa. Unlikely, but possible. So their requirements are logical.
9 months ago
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Darren ******
Because U have to leave within one year so why not have a flight ready on Ur initial visa app.
9 months ago
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Kev *********
@Darren *****
 are you sure you have to leave? You can simply apply for a year's extension
9 months ago
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Darren ******
@Kev ********
 yes U just apply.

I do a single entry / exit to see my kids in UK yearly.
9 months ago
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Kev *********
No return ticket needed
9 months ago
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Kev *********
@Darren *****
 thats only because you want to return home. You can get year extension and re entry permit as an alternaltive
9 months ago
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Darren ******
@Kev ********
 ok I'm not that much up on this but the way I was told U do it and the way I did do it 4 years ago.

U can't get the bkk bank acc or retirement visa outside the country so ...

I was told to book a 30 day trip and before the 30 days run out I would have to sort out a bkk bank acc and a retirement visa all of which I did.

So I bought a one way to Thailand and a one way Cambodia ( 4000b at the time )

I knew I wasn't going to Cambodia so I didn't care what their laws were and all Thailand wanted was a flight out in 30 days so I just threw the flight away once I got my visa
9 months ago
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Darren ******
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Tullio *******
Visa and extension of stay are two different documents issued by two different departments (MOFA and Immigration) the embassy issues a visa for a determined period of time and within that period you have to leave the country, the fact that you may be able to extended it is not a factor in giving the visa in the first place.
9 months ago
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Stuart *********
Each embassy or consulate has their own polices on this.
9 months ago
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Stuart *********
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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