Well getting caught in the U.S. Federal Government downsizing so will be retiring this year versus next year. Right now I'm planning on landing along the coast between Bangkok and Pattaya and will be applying for the 90 day "O" visa (I think versus the OA) to enter and then doing the one year extension after I get a bank account sorted out. So a few questions for anyone willing to provide any guidance or thoughts to the following:

1) Not 100% sure this is where I want to end up, but would it be better to stay in the same area until after the first 12 month Visa extension is completed or isn't this an issue (I keep reading there are slight differences in different immigration offices).

2) Anyone have a recommendation on an agency to assist with the opening a bank account, getting Thai license, and 12 month extension either in Pattaya or Bangkok?

I expect to arrive in Thailand sometime late Oct or early mid November (just completed a two week vacation there a couple of weeks ago. Any other thoughts or tidbits someone wants to share will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

I'm Belgian and I live in Belgium. Because I often go to my girlfriend in Thailand, I want to apply for a visa OA. Where can I best apply for this type of visa.

Should I get health insurance in Thailand, or is a Belgian health insurance good too?

Can I open bank account in Thailand if I get my visa?

What should I do if I return to Belgium after, for example, 5 months? Should I share that somewhere?

Who can advise me about my case? Thank you in advance.

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Ik ben Belg en woon in België. Omdat ik dikwijls naar mijn vriendin in Thailand ga, wil ik een visum OA aanvragen. Waar vraag ik dit type visum het beste aan.

Moet ik een ziekteverzekering in Thailand aangaan, of is een Belgische ziekteverzekering ook goed?

Kan ik een bankrekening openen in Thailand als ik mijn visum heb?

Wat moet ik doen als ik na bijvoorbeeld 5 maanden even terugkeer naar België? Moet ik dat ergens doorgeven?

Wie kan me raad geven omtrent mijn geval? Alvast dank u wel.

Hi guys,

I’m so pleased I found this forum, it’s been a big help reading a lot of posts. I’ve decided that I wish to retire in Thailand. I’m currently in Thailand on an extended 90 day tourist visa, which expires shortly.

I’m a little confused over the best way to proceed. When I return to UK, should I start the visa process at the Thai embassy to enable me to open a bank account here ? Is it easier to apply in the UK, or to return here and apply ?

Many thanks for the advice.

How do you go about getting An O visa when you’re back in the uk.

Help needed please, I am a UK citizen before I apply for the retirement or marriage visa what visa should I apply for to get the ball rolling.

I am planning to get married to my Thai girlfriend in the next few months. I will be going to Thailand in April 2025 for a month or so. But might stay longer, as I want to open bank account etc any help appreciated 🙏

Hello everyone.

I am an American. I am planning my retirement and will marry a Thai national soon. My question is, is it possible to have my retirement income deposited into a Thai bank account? Also when I'm eligable, the same for Social security? Is it easy to open a bank account in Thailand, Hua Hin? Any advise or exerience is welcome.

Do I remember reading that if you get health insurance once in the visa process that you are stuck with it and can’t get rid of it?

I am here on 60 day bisa exempt. I want to get a non-O immigrant visa and end up with a retirement visa. First I need to get a bank account and one bank is saying they will give it to me if I buy a ฿5000 health insurance policy. If I get that policy, is it going to cause a problem for me down the road? (I do NOT want Non-OA)

Hello everyone,

I’m thrilled to share that my DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) was approved today by the Hanoi embassy! It’s such a relief, and I’m still in awe that such a visa exists—it feels absolutely amazing. I applied as a remote worker, and this opens up so many exciting possibilities for me.

A huge thank you to everyone in this group for the invaluable information and support. It’s been incredibly helpful throughout this process.

Next on my list is finding a great place to live and opening a Thai bank account. A new chapter is beginning, and I’m so excited for what’s ahead. I wish the same success for all of you pursuing this visa!

If anyone has questions or needs advice, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to help!

Hi, I’m a French citizen and in December 2024 I married with my Thai wife. For the moment I only have a multiple touriste visa but in June I would like to change my visa for a non-o visa. Can I open a Thai bank account with my non-o visa and which documents should I have. Thanks a lot and have a great day. 🙂

Hello. I am currently in Thailand 60 day tourist visa with a 30 day extension. Would possibly like to open a bank account. Possibly with Kasikornbank. Have been told by members of staff that I need work permit to open one. Am I able to obtain a Work Permit with regards to my current status. My passport is stamped until 31st March 2025. Thanks for any advice and help that is coming forward…