If I decide to apply for the retirement type "O" visa while already in Thailand, what type of visa is recommended to do the initial entry to Thailand? Coming from the US as a tourist we are given a 30 day visa exemption. Is that enough to allow me to then apply for the "O" retirement visa?

@Richard *******

Thanks for this valuable information!! I do have a few other questions that you may be able to answer....Once you recieved your "AO" visa approval while still in the US, does the Thai consulate provide "OA" visa for you to travel and move to Thailand? After receiving the "OA" visa and moving to Thailand, what are the final steps to complete the process? Also, when does the 12 month renewal time clock start on the "OA" visa? Does it start once it is approved while in the US or after you arrive in Thailand? Lastly, did you have any obstacles in getting the health/medical form filled out by your doctor? Thanks in advance!!

@Wannikea ********

Can you confirm where in the Thai Embassy/Consulate website it states that one cannot use the monthly deposits 65k baht from a pension for the initial "O" or "OA type visa?

I am also confused about the required renewing frequency between the Type "O" visa and the Type "OA" visa. The "O" visa is stated as being a 90 day visa, while the "OA" is 1 year visa. If I plan to retire using one of these two visas, the "O" does not makes sense if I need to renew every 90 days.

@Stuart ********

I am bit confused about the monthly Soc. Sec./pension to cover the 65k monthly income requirement alternative to the 800k option. The Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate website states that one can utilize a certified monthly pension income of no less than 65k baht.