@James *******

if somebody enters on a "90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa", he gets a 90-days stay permit stamped, and the visa will expire and become invalid for another use

@James *******

correct wording is important! . . . . . you cannot request a re-entry permit for a visa that doesn't exist. You can only get a re-entry permit for an existing STAY PERMIT, not for a "visa"

@Archit ********

you would be surprised when you find out that ChatGPT comes up with a truckload of WRONG information regarding Thai visa and related matters. The problem is that way to many people post wrong advice in all those Facebook groups, and ChatGPT is fishing in a pond full of bad advice. NEVER trust anything ChatGPT says about Thai laws and Thai visa rules. Better rely on the few experts that are maintaining the visa advice groups like Tod Daniels or

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

or

@John *********

@Kirk *********

with all the banking rules tightened since February 2025, I reckon that many banks would now not accept a hotel address if you tried to open a bank account, regardless which longterm visa you are on.

@Mike ******

is about to find out. Mainly in the deep South (where he is in Hat Yai) that are not touristy areas, he might find it difficult to get a bank account opened on a hotel address

@Jim *******

The bank will want an address and may even ask to see his lease. He should get the condo lease first, visit Immigration accompanied by the agent, get the TM30. Then get a Thai mobile SIM card, registered also on the address of the lease. After this he can get the bank account opened

@Mike ******

yes, a multi re-entry permit is 3800 THB and it will enable you unlimited exits and re-entries for the full duration of your "1-year Extension of Stay"

@Jim *******

it's not easy any more to open a bank account on a touristic entry and with a hotel address

Arrive, show your visa and the TDAC, and get stamped in for a 90-days stay permit.

*** immediately meet the agent.

*** first, rent the condo.

With the agent and the rental contract, visit Immigration and register your name in the premises per TM30

*** get a “certificate of residence” from Immigration. Get a Thai mobile SIM-card and number.

***visit a bank (preferably Kasikorn, SCB or Bangkok Bank) and get your bank account opened. If you meet incompetent and unwilling staff, use an agent to get the bank account opened.

In Pattaya this service costs around 5000 THB. I don’t know about Hat Yai, maybe your condo agent can help

***once your account is opened, transfer a minimum of 800,000 THB onto it from your home bank. You can use a direct transfer or use WISE or Revolut for this transfer.

***visit Immigration and ask them for the handout list of requirements needed for the “extension of temporary stay permit based on retirement”

*** once the money has “seasoned” in your account for 2 months, and you are in the last 30 days of your 90-days stay permit, you can apply for the “1-year Extension of the Stay Permit based on Retirement” (EOS). The fee is 1900 THB.

Always buy a single re-entry permit for 1000 THB on top of the 1-year EOS

You will need the “bank letter of guarantee” – a statement that the deposit has been in your account for the required 2 months. A freshly updated bankbook, a fresh receipt from a small withdrawal at an ATM from the same day. Some passport pictures (some Immigrations do them digitally). Your passport, filled out forms for the applications (can be had at the Immigration office) Have all documents listed on the handout list of requirements ready

Good Luck and happy days in Thailand

for your own safety I would say keep the 800,000 THB in your account from up to 2 months before you next application. After you have switched to the 12-months transfers method and been issued the next 1-year extension, you are safe to take the money out