Stuart **********

you need to get a non O visa before travelling to Thailand online from the Thai Embassy in your country. It used to be possible to come without a visa and open a bank account, but that's not possible now.

If you avoid the non OA visa, you don't need criminal checks and medical insurance.

6 months ago

Can I change from a free visa to a retirement visa while in Thailand, and is the process complicated?

Stuart ***********

It's more complicated than getting a non O visa before you come to Thailand, as it's virtually impossible to open a bank account without a long term visa.

6 months ago

What is the best way to apply for a retirement visa in Thailand while currently on a tourist visa?

Stuart ***********

@Tom ********

as always Brandon is the 'Oracle' as far as visa advice goes.

Another bonus of doing it in the UK before you come, is that you then do not require an onward flight.

7 months ago

What are the best options for obtaining a retirement Non-O visa in Thailand if I plan to return after several months abroad?

Stuart ***********

@Sam *****

for the first year you must deposit 800,000.

If you have 12 times 65k monthly deposits the second time you extend, you can show evidence of the 65k per month to extend the second time.

7 months ago

What are the best options for obtaining a retirement Non-O visa in Thailand if I plan to return after several months abroad?

Stuart ***********

Seems like you know the answer already, but the legal option is obviously the answer.

You could do it legally and transfer 65,000 baht each month in addition, so that the second year you can withdraw your money and put it back into your savings account in the UK.

7 months ago

Can I apply for a Non-Immigrant O Retirement Visa while I'm in Thailand on a tourist visa?

Stuart ***********

@Tore ********

okay, I had not heard of that before, but I guess 99% of people will not come to Thailand needing medical treatment.

7 months ago

Can I apply for a Non-Immigrant O Retirement Visa while I'm in Thailand on a tourist visa?

Stuart ***********

@Tore ********

do you know anybody that has opened one in the last 6 months?

I opened an account 3 years ago, but the banks are much stricter now.

7 months ago

Can I apply for a Non-Immigrant O Retirement Visa while I'm in Thailand on a tourist visa?

Stuart ***********

Do you have a Thai bank account already?

If not, it is virtually impossible to open an account on a tourist visa.

Much easier to get the non O before you come to Thailand.

7 months ago

What are some recommended UK banks for expats living in Thailand to avoid issues like those faced with Santander?

Stuart ***********

@Ray *********

you are welcome, it's really stressful, so good luck.

7 months ago

What are some recommended UK banks for expats living in Thailand to avoid issues like those faced with Santander?

Stuart ***********

I found Santander to be the worst of my accounts when I came to Thailand, they froze my card very quickly. Luckily I most of my money was in other accounts.

As Lynnette stated (and other people have said it to me previously) Nationwide seem to be the most lenient, so maybe try them.

7 months ago