I applied for my non-OA retirement visa in the US using my Social Security income to meet the 65k baht income minimum, background check ordered online, health insurance purchased through a Thai company and a simple health certificate. Done in less than ten days time. No agent required.

I leave it in my US bank account and transfer it every month using WISE. I can't imagine trying to change anything at SSA right now given the choas created by Musk and DOGE...

@Stuart ********

You do not need an embassy verification letter for the 65k baht if you are applying from within the US. I applied for my OA in December using my SSA benefit letter. No questions asked, no problem getting my Visa. Opened my bank account once here but did need residence letter, etc. I have a multiple entry visa. I will extend my insurance before I leave and when I return, I will get another 12 months on the OA before I need to extend.

@Lynnette ******

Exactly what I recently did. Used my income for qualifying and got a multi-entry O-A visa. Arrived here, got my residence certificate, yellow book and pink ID and was then able to open the bank account.

I too, was unable to open a bank account while there and refused to pay an agent. I have a retirement income of more than ฿65,000.

I returned to the US in December. Before leaving Thailand, I had my 'Medical Exam' completed at a hospital in Ubon. Went online and paid 10,000 baht for a medical insurance policy and $20USD to the State of Alaska for my background check.

Once back in the US submitted everything required online for a multi-entry OA Visa (12 mo) to the Thai embassy in LA (Alaska resident) along with $200 US for the application. Visa approved in 10 business days...

I just paid ฿10,600 for a bare-bones minimum policy through CheckDi. I'm 67, and in excellent health with no pre-existing conditions. I'm doing this for the O-A visa.

Never

@Brandon ***********

Thank you for your reply. I have to return to the US soon anyway. I think I'll just go through the application process there. The Thai Immigration website states "or overseas Embassy or Councilate" but no official here is willing to confirm that...

@Jeffrey ***********

Interesting... and they dont hit you with a daily charge? I'm w/ATT and it's now $12/day if I roam international outside of N & S America.

Is that a Greenland stamp that I see there???