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Will my retirement visa be canceled if I visit Thailand for 10 days before moving permanently?

Mar 19, 2025
15 days ago
Shai ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I have a question that may sound a bit odd:

I've just received approval for the retirement eVisa from the Thai embassy in my country. I have a slight change in my schedule and plan to move in only about two months (the visa will still be valid). Despite all this, I would like to come at the end of this month for a 10-day visit. Will this visit cancel my retirement visa? TIA
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user has received approval for a retirement eVisa from the Thai embassy but plans a short visit to Thailand before moving permanently. They are concerned whether this visit will affect their retirement visa. Based on comments, it is clarified that as long as the user enters Thailand within the validity of the visa, their retirement visa should remain unaffected. To ensure they do not lose the visa during their visit, it is advised to obtain a re-entry permit.
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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Graham ******
If you don't already have a Thai bank account open one during your 10 day stay and transfer the 800k so that when you return the funds will be seasoning ready for your first 12 month Extension of Stay (assuming that your Embassy does not provide the income affidavit).
Paul ***********
Best of luck opening a bank account.
Shai ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graham *****
Right. I didn't think about it. Thanks a lot.
Tod *********
If you got a single entry Non-O visa from the thai consulate in your country you have 3 months from the date it was issued to ENTER thailand and get stamped in for 90 days.

If you come here at the end of the month you'll get stamped in for 90 days,

If you're going to leave after 10 days and don't want to lose that visa you would need to buy a reentry permit before you flew out. That would let you get back in to the country while that 90 day stamp was still valid (don't know if that will help you or not)
Wylie *******
@Tod ********
just curious. Is it possible for him to enter visa exempt and not use the visa? Or since it's already approved and in the system they'll know and make him use it?
Tod *********
@Wylie ******
there were reports of people who didn't even show their PDF print out of the visa getting stamped in on it (so it must be in the system)

AND

there was a report where someone didn't show it, stamped in visa exempt, THEN went to use it at a later date and it was already voided in the system.
Shai ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
Thanks. Where can I buy the reentry permit? At any immigration office? or at the airport?
Tod *********
@Shai *******
the immigration office where you have a TM30 filed showing you live/stay in the area where that office is OR at the airport before you fly out
Shai ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
During these 10 days, I don't plan to open a bank account and transfer the 800K. I gonna leave it to my move-in. Will that make it a problem to get the re-entry permit?
Bob **********
@Shai *******
as long as it’s two months before applying for your one year extension
John **********
@Shai *******
it won't be a problem for the re-entry permit BUT it will be a problem for obtaining a 12 month extension of stay as the 800k baht has to be in your Thai bank account for 2 full calendar months before you apply for that extension of stay. Open the bank account on your 10 day visit and transfer the money leaving enough time to apply for the extension when you return
Shai ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
Good point. I didn't think about it. Thanks.
James ********
@Shai *******
not a problem.
Shai ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
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