@John ********

I am unsure if that will work (not saying it won't). I would ask another question to check it is possible to do this and the moderators will confirm. Good luck.

@James *****

I agree, I have a non o visa🙂

Are you certain you want the OA visa and not the non O?

The non O requires 800,000 baht in a Thai bank for the first year, but otherwise it's a simpler option as you don't need the criminal checks or the insurance policy from one of only a few companies.

Get a non O retirement visa online from the Thai Embassy in your country before coming to Thailand.

Open a bank account in Thailand as soon as you get here and deposit 800,000 baht. Wait 2 months and extend your stay at immigration for 12 months based on retirement.

Rent don't buy.

@Graham ****

yes it should be cheaper. It's really easy to do yourself, but up to you.

I asked how much when I arrived and they wanted something like 30,000. I did it myself for 1,900.

@Graham ****

it's not illegal to use an agent, but it is illegal to circumvent the rules (things like using the agents 800,000 baht instead of your own money).

@Greg **********

I am exactly the same, so easy to do and takes an hour or so once a year.

@Pete ******

you don't need an agent it is very easy.

You need to apply for a non O visa online at the Thai Embassy in your country before coming to Thailand.

Enter Thailand using the visa.

Open a Thai bank account immediately and deposit the 800,000.

Go to immigration and ask for a list of requirements to extend your stay based on retirement.

Wait until your money has seasoned for 2 months, then go to immigration with everything on their list and pay 1,900 baht.

The form to apply is a 2 sided A4 form with about 15 questions, things like; name, passport number, date of arrival in Thailand etc.

Good luck.

@Marty ******

when did you do this, more than a few months ago?

It's virtually impossible to open a bank account without a long term visa now.

Only the non OA visa requires criminal checks and insurance.

Most people opt for the non O instead, online at the Thai Embassy in their country.

@Kristie ******

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.