Can some one kindly advise the best steps to follow to apply for a retirement visa in Thailand please

I'm currently on vacation here and wish to move to Jomtien for the first year, I am from New Zealand.

I intend to rent a condo for first year then go from there 😊

If possible best actions and any pit holes to look for thanks.

All replies gratefully received.

I just want to let you know, I did my first 90day report today.

I have seen some people tried online and it worked, I tried also online and it worked out, was my first 90day report on the DTV!

Good luck for all and hope you don’t have to go to the immigration 💪🏻

UPDATE

Got the mail that the report got rejected, first time have to be present in person!

Has anyone heard of or gotten a “Thailand elite” visa or is this a scam? Looking to retire there in the next 6 months and trying to figure out the best way to go about it. Thanks

11/Apr/2025 I just went to Bangkok Bank in Ratchaburi province to attempt to open a bank account. The bank employee had 100 reasons for denying me and no reasons to help me. The biggest hurdle I was unable to jump over. It was…my visa had to state “retirement” in my passport. Well, I have a Non-O marriage visa and it doesn’t state “retirement”. My Thai wife and I both looked at each other and decided it was hopeless.

We went to Krungthai bank and they rolled out the red carpet for us. They were looking for reasons to help us. Smooth sailing at Krungthai.

having delays in getting my marriage visa extension, because my property owner is procrastinating in providing documents.

Specifically, the proof of purchase or chanote for the property I'm living in. We provided everything else, tabien baan Ids etc. but IO (jomtien) said we need this too, was otherwise happy with my application.

A bit concerned as owner/agent is not responsive to me after days. Wondering what my options are if they don't provide it before my visa expiry in start of may, obviously songkran means immigration is closed next week too.

If i leave the country in May can I get another non-o 90 day (thai spouse) then re-enter?

My lease expires soon so could potentially move to another property that's could be more helpful. A bit stressful overall, any help appreciated thanks.

Hi team, I am brand new to the group. Appreciate you allowing me to join.

I retired in the UK recently at 60 and came over here on the visa on arrival. I already have a house with my Thai wife in Bang Saray. I now need to apply for my retirement visa.

I have had a Thai bank account for a few years and can show I have enough funds. We have taken some pictures together in different rooms in our house, the garden and in front of the house number. I believe I also need a pinned google map showing the house location. That’s as far as I have got.

Can I please ask what else I need ?

Cheers,

Paul

Hey all!

I’m planning on moving to Thailand permanently from the US in 2-3 months and starting to think about which visa is the best to get.

I’ve been thinking about the Education Visa. Has anybody here done that? I heard it’s possible they might not let me extend it to a different visa after that year is up. True/false?

DTV visa - pros/cons?

Retirement visa - I am not pulling social security yet so I don’t have passive income. Is this still even an option? (I’m 50 years old.)

Tourist visa runs every 60/90 days. Is this really sustainable over years?

Thank you so much for any insight!

Non O retirement visa requires 800,000 baht in a Thai bank. How difficult (or not) is it getting your money out and back to their home country if they decide to return home? Is it just a matter of a bank transfer? Any penalties?

DTV

For freelancers: Business registration and Introducing Normad if you are a new freelancer.

What does the consulate in Frankfurt want?

I have a business registration but new open.

Introducing Normad if you are a new freelancer.

What does that mean?

The consulate does not answer the phone !!!

Thank you for help

Update 10/04/2025 opening a bank account

Recap

Yesterday I went to Bangkok Bank with my Passport, Ninety Day Non O Visa, issued in the UK,UK driving licence, Stamped TM30 and Immigration Letter addressed to Bangkok Bank and was refused an account.

Today after returning to immigration and collecting a new letter addressed to KrungThai bank and having the same documents, I managed to open an account. I did approach the bank first to make sure that they would accept them.

Costings As Follows:

£60 for 90 day Non O issued in the UK

500 baht for immigration letter

500 baht for one years fees on bank account

40 baht on coffees

Time taken in total

Approximately 4 hours over two days

The problem is, is that what has happened to me may not happen to the next person, as you learn quite quickly that processes are very rarely followed in Thailand and the outcome can be very much dependant on who you speak to and on which day.

As I’ve said in my earlier posts, I have only wanted to give my experience and highlight the pitfalls of trying to do things by yourself in Thailand and I hope that my posts help people, rather than encourage ridicule and negativity.