Hi All,

Sorry if this has been covered before, did a search but couldn't find a definitive answer.

After 5 months in Chiang Mai (60 day exemption x2 + one 30 day extension) I'll be returning to the UK early May 2025, coming back to CM early December. While here I got my bike license & Thai bank account (Bangkok Bank). My intention on my return is to apply for a retirement Non O visa (I'm over 50) but not sure which route to take.

1/ Put 800K Bht into the bank account 60 days before I return and apply for the retirement visa on my return, or perhaps apply for the Non O visa in advance at the London Thai consulate.

2/ Use the services of an agent who for around 29-35K give or take (for the first year, 16K approx there after) will supply the visa using their money so I do not have such a large amount earning almost nothing in a Thai bank account (0.6% interest rate).

The second option allows me to keep my money in a safe high interest UK bank account (at present earning 4.45%) which more than pays for the agents fees & is easily recoverable should anything happen to me while abroad. Also should there be a regime change or policy changes about foreigners & what we can or cannot do with money etc the money would be safe.

Do I play safe (option 2) or just bite the bullet & put 800K into the Thai bank?

Your opinions & suggestions will be much appreciated

Experience with extension of stay Non O Retirement Visa

Has anyone experience with the year extension when using proof of money from abroad? Is it easy accepted? Specially in Pattaya immigration

EDIT: My wife and I are retiring together. We are both US citizens. We are both over 50. She is a veteran. She has enough income, mine is a little shy on the monthly amount required. We plan to apply individually.

When your comments mention that rules can depend on the immigration office, are you referring to offices inside Thailand or one of the 5 Thailand Embassies in the US? Thank you all for your valuable input and feedback. 🎉💛

Good day. Husband and myself are in Thailand on Tourist visa. Want to apply for retirement visa. Have the 800 000k, older than 50, not working at all anymore... how is easiest to do this, please

I successfully opened a bank account with a DTV visa without incurring any extra charges or needing an agent.

You can also open a bank account at most TTB Bank branches with the following documents.

1. Passport

2. DTV Visa

3. Thai Driving License or other gov ID card

4. Residential house registration

5. lease agreement

6. TM30

Did someone with DTV open a Bank account ?

Any suggestions?

Hi, ok I will be arriving in October from the UK I have over 800kbht in a Thai bank a pension of around £2K and have a Thai residence. I have previously done a 90 day multi entry Non O. I have been back in the UK since May, This trip I will be retiring to Thailand full time except for a three day back to the UK in late February for my daughters wedding. What are my best options? TIA

Came in on Non O 3 months visa (Syd).

How long does money need to be in Thai bank to apply for marriage visa?

If it is 2 months, is that 56 days or 60 days?

Thanks in advance.

Hi i would like to apply for a retirement O visa. I am arriving on a tourist visa in a few weeks. I believe i can use an agent or can i do it myself applying for a retirement O visa when i am in thailand. I have the money required in thailand. What else would i need. I will be staying at a friends place. I am South African and will be staying in Koh Phangan can i arrange this from the island or do i have to travel to Phuket or Bangkok to do this. I have travel insurance for the whole year through AiG will that be good enough.Any advice will be appreciated thanks.

Hello. Currently living in Thailand on a Non Imm ED visa. I’d like to change to a retirement visa next month. I have the required funds in a Thai bank account.

1. Will I have to leave the country to apply? (Maybe I need to have a non imm O before I can apply?

2. If so, anyone with experience of foreign Thai embassies abroad that can recommend where I might go?

I ask because I’ve heard so much contradictory information and the odd horror story. I’m told it is possible to do without leaving the country too?

It’s all a bit confusing to me…

Thanks in advance for any suggestions and advice you can offer.