hullmonkey1

On 5/29/2025 at 10:15 AM, DrJack54 said:

Yes for obtaining inside of Thailand for a Non O retirement the funds need to be shown came from abroad.

 

For application for Non O retirement outside of Thailand then the funds can be in a non Thai bank.

Also for extensions funds do not need to come from abroad if using money in bank method.

Income method monthly transfers need to be from abroad

Thanks for the confirmation, much appreciated 

3 minutes ago, hullmonkey1 said:

Dr Jack when you say that "for extension money in bank account does not need to be shown to have come from abroad". Does this apply  on the initial application for a 90-day Non Imm O Visa for reason of retirement? 

Sorry I see you have already answered this question. Thanks anyway

On 5/16/2025 at 5:07 AM, DrJack54 said:

OP, you can you WISE no problem. 

Good option. 

As indicated choose reason "funds for long term stay" 

Be aware that for extension money in bank account does not need to be shown to have come from abroad. 

 

 Note to others: Kasikorn and BBL have limit of 2 mill babt per transaction. Better choice of bank imo

Dr Jack when you say that "for extension money in bank account does not need to be shown to have come from abroad". Does this apply  on the initial application for a 90-day Non Imm O Visa for reason of retirement? 

On 5/17/2025 at 11:42 PM, Guderian said:

 

I've used Expat Car Rental a few times in the past and they were fine, though the cars had seen better days (it was many years ago and their fleet may have improved now). You can also have a look at Mak's Car Rent on Soi Wat Bun:

 

https://thai-rent-car.com/

 

A Toyota Fortuner for 1,000 Baht a day for long-term rental is pretty good value.

Thanks For the info Guderian. Mak's looks a good option price-wise. Cheers

20 hours ago, LespaulAN said:

When I came to Pattaya last year, I rented a car for almost 4 months from Expat Car Rent at the junction of Thepprasit and Thappraya road. Their service is alright and their fleet are quite new and clean compare to others that I saw. They have long term rates. 

Thanks for the information LespaulAN. I have just found their site and the rates looks good.

Cheers

I realise there are loads of sites on the internet but would appreciate any recommendations for long term car hire. I am looking for a 6 month hire starting sometime in August.

Thanks

7 hours ago, Digitalbanana said:

I have opened several, and in each case an existing account with your address in Thailand on the statement is enough.

Thanks for the info, much appreciated

8 hours ago, topt said:

Why not open before you leave? 

Which bank are you looking at?

Not decided on which bank yet and I don't want to use my UK address due to CRS (common reporting standards) as I am going through a divorce and my soon to become ex-wife's solicitor may  get hold of my tax records.

16 hours ago, NoDisplayName said:

You would use some standard document showing your Thai address.  What is acceptable would be at discretion of each financial institution.  Best to contact the bank you want to open an account with.

 

Schwab will accept ID cards, utility bills, bank statements with your name and local address, and will have the document translated if not in English.

 

With Schwab, my wifi used her Thai ID card, I used a bank statement from a US credit union.

Thanks for the info, Much apreciated

Not sure if this is the correct forum for this question, but does anyone have any experience of opening an offshore account using their Thai retirement visa documentation to prove place of residence? I am a UK citizen but will have no connections to the UK property-wise in a month or so and plan to retire in Thailand. 

Thanks in advance

Thanks for the information everyone, Much appreciated

4 hours ago, flexomike said:

No insurance requirements when applying in Thailand 

Thanks Mike

1 hour ago, Red Phoenix said:

When I applied in Belgium (my home-country) 4-5 years ago for the Non Imm O-A visa, the Police check was just a print-out from my local municipality showing that I had no criminal record, and it was provided on the spot at no cost. For the medical check, I simply asked my brother MD to write a statement that I did not have any prohibitive diseases.  Simple as that, and both accepted. 

Due to the upped Health-Insurance policy coverage requirements (and corresponding higher fees) it was not beneficial anymore for me to apply every 1-2 year for a new Non Imm O-A Visa, and so I switched to a Non Imm O Visa for reason of retirement.

NOTE: I did PM you a comprehensive document "Guideline for long-stay in Thailand on a Non Imm O-A Visa or a Non Imm O Visa for reason of retirement" outlining all the steps (and the available options) to apply for one of those Visas and subsequent extensions, as well as how to switch from a Non Imm O-A Visa to a Non Imm O Visa for reason of retirement (or vice versa).

Red Phoenix, Thanks for the info and the guidelines doc. Much appreciated.

45 minutes ago, Pattaya57 said:

Quick summary based on Aus requirements which should be same as UK

 

As you said an O-A visa requires a Police name check and medical check, plus also 12 month health insurance and 800k baht equivalent in home bank. If you leave and return just before 12 months is up you will get another 12 months free (if have 12 month insurance)

 

An O visa (issued in Aus) requires 90 days health insurance and A$2000 in home bank. It can then be extended for 12 months in Thailand with 800k baht deposited in Thai bank for 2 months (I think without health insurance?)

 

An O visa issued in Thailand just requires 800k baht in Thai bank (extend for 12 months once 800k in bank for 2 months)

 

Note: for the o visa extension you need a re-entry permit to return (1900 baht single, 3800 multi). O-A visa you can leave and return anytime no charge

 

Thanks for the info Pattaya57.

On the point below:

Note: for the o visa extension you need a re-entry permit to return (1900 baht single, 3800

Does this mean the re-entry permit is required to travel outside Thailand?

Dr Jack, can you please confirm whether the O visa applied for in Thailand requires medical insurance

51 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Non O does not require medical also no police check etc.

 

IMO good option is to enter Thailand visa exempt and obtain your non O in Thailand.

 

Forget the non O-A option unless it's for a one/two year visit. 

Non O-A also requires insurance.

Non O does not. 

 

Best option is to some extent dependant on if it's ongoing stay or just an extended visit. 

 

@Red Phoenix has instructions to enter visa exempt to non O pathway. 

 

Thanks for the Info Dr Jack. Plan is to move back to Thailand indefinitely. Can a O be obtained in the UK before travel?

Hi

I am a UK citizen

62 year of age

Married to a Thai.

I have sufficient funds for the 800k bank deposit requirement

We left Thailand a few years ago but are now looking to return so I am looking at Visa options and I am not up to speed (even after reading through numerous threads). I was looking at Non Im OA visa requirements and see it requires a police and medical check. Cut and paste below from Thai Ministry of foreign affairs website

1. Eligibility

            1.1 Applicant must be aged 50 years and over (on the day of submitting application).

            1.2 Applicant not prohibited from entering the Kingdom as provided by the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979).

            1.3 Having no criminal record in Thailand and the country of the applicant’s nationality or residence.

            1.4 Having the nationality of or permanent residence in the country where application is submitted.

            1.5 Not having prohibitive diseases ( Leprosy, Tuberculosis, drug addiction, Elephantiasis, third phase of Syphilis) as indicated in the Ministerial Regulation No. 14  B.E. 2535.

Are the same items required for a Non im O visa and I correct in my understanding that the O visa can be obtained in Thailand

Any advise on best options would be appreciated

Thanks

2 hours ago, vinny41 said:

There are people that have sucessfully import household belongings here the problem you will find is timeline Most imported 10-15 years ago and the rules have changed since then if you ask the question has anyone imported household belongings recently you will find the answer is zero unless they were married to a Thai that had lived overseas and now returning back to Thailand or they had a work permit

Thanks for the clear concise info (and link) Vinny. I am married to a Thai so its worth me looking into shipping our household goods. 

4 hours ago, blackshadow said:

most household goods can be classed as personal effects and therefore NO duty payable......

I brought loads of stuff here and did not pay duty.....golf clubs fishing tackle....mountain bike comp. microwave etc

Thanks for the reply, very good info! How did you ship your stuff?

4 hours ago, bigupandchill said:

Because the answer to this question is unknowable in advance the consensus is selling everything and buying new here is the way to go. Plus stuff from colder dryer countries generally doesn't last here in the tropics.

Thanks for the reply. I have considered selling everything and buying new in Thailand, just need to work out the best option.

I searched the forum for a similar topic but couldn't find anything. My question is; What percentage of value can I expect to pay when importing my household goods to Thailand. The goods are typical house contents, sofa's, beds,Table/chairs TV's, Refridgerator etc.

Thanks in advance

Hi

I have a case pending in the Thai courts and my lawyers have asked for a translation fee of 46 USD per page for documents that are to be submitted. Can anyone give me some idea of the going rates.

Thanks

HM

My place is on the dark side near the croc farm. They have the use of a car and can get into town but around the lake would be easier.

Thanks

Hi

My mum and dad have arrived in Pattaya with the intention of escaping the british winter. My dad is happy enough as he is a golfer but my mum is starting to feel a bit isolated. I am working overseas so not much help on that front. Has anyone got any tips on quiz night etc where expat couples hang out.

They are both in their sixties but very active and enjoy a beer and good company.

Are , KDF, mamanoodles, HWRWS and co still doing the rounds

Thanks

Jim