I am in the process of doing the Thai non-immigrant retirement visa O. The guides that I have read (Siam Legal, Thai Embassy- Los Angeles) says that you can EITHER have a deposit of 800,000 baht for two months in a thai bank or show proof of 65,000 pension income. If I choose the latter, will they accept twelve months of deposit records of my social security to my US bank account (or will they accept a social security benefit statement) as proof of the income? Or, do I have to have the 65,000 baht deposited monthly to a thai bank and can only use the 65,000 baht requirement once I have been in the country and made twelve monthly deposits to a Thai bank? In other words, do I have to maintain 800,000 baht in a thai bank account for the first year then I can switch to the 65,000 baht income scheme?

My thanks for any serious responses to my question.

After reading the Tax Treaty between the US and Thailand, it specifically states that social security income and govt pensions can only be taxed by the US unless you become a resident AND a Thai national. A tax resident who lives in Thailand greater than 180 days is not a Thai National. See Article 20 and 21.

Please advise... I am over 50 years old and in the USA now and planning for a stay of up to a year in Thailand and I am a bit confused on what my visa plan should be. Should I do a 90 day STV or a NON O-A. Here's my question on the STV 90 day will I be able to renew and stay for a year without leaving the country or for the NON O-A will my social security income which will exceed 65,000 baht monthly eliminate the requirement for a 800,00 baht deposit in a Thai bank? Thanks for the help!