best way to travel to Thailand with purpose of getting Non O (retirement) visa

[thaisabai]

have a friend who is planning to move to Thailand for good 9retirement)

what is the best way to enter? What visa should he get?

Once here, what are the procedure to apply for the O (retirement) visa?

thanks for advise

 

thaisabai

[richard_smith237]

Enter on a Non-Imm O-A Visa.

 

https://www.mfa.go.th/en/page/non-immigrant-visa-o-a?menu=5e1ff71bc4281a00c812e8e2

 

 

[DrJack54]

Worst thing your friend could do is obtain a Non O-A visa.

He should obtain a Non O retirement, either in own country or enter on visa exempt or tourist visa and obtain Non O in Thailand.

Next step is to obtain 12 month extension. 

[richard_smith237]

Just now, DrJack54 said:

Worst thing your friend could do is obtain a Non O-A visa.

Perhaps explain why.....

 

Is it because of the insurance requirement ? 

[Peterw42]

Enter on a tourist visa, open a bank account and transfer funds, extend tourist visa stay, 2 weeks before stay ends go to immigration and convert to an O visa, the get a 1 year extension.

[DrJack54]

16 minutes ago, thaisabai said:

Once here, what are the procedure to apply for the O (retirement) visa

As I stated earlier could enter visa exempt or with tourist visa.

Once in Thailand he would need open bank account.

To obtain Non O would require 800k baht in Thai bank on day of application.

The non O gives 90 day permission of stay. In the last 30 days, with money having been in the bank account for 2 months he can apply for 12 month extension.

 

Added note: may use an agent to open bank account. 

Especially if entered visa exempt 30 days. 

Edited January 1, 2022 by DrJack54

[Peterw42]

6 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

Enter on a Non-Imm O-A Visa.

 

https://www.mfa.go.th/en/page/non-immigrant-visa-o-a?menu=5e1ff71bc4281a00c812e8e2

 

 

Why advise getting an OA when the op specifically asks about an O visa, OA means ongoing health insurance, medical and police checks etc.

[Chris.B]

13 minutes ago, Peterw42 said:

Enter on a tourist visa, open a bank account and transfer funds, extend tourist visa stay, 2 weeks before stay ends go to immigration and convert to an O visa, the get a 1 year extension.

It is easier to open a bank account with a Non-immigration 'O' type visa.

 

[DrJack54]

4 minutes ago, Chris.B said:

It is easier to open a bank account with a Non-immigration 'O' type visa.

 

That would mean obtaining non O prior to travel. Think that requires the 400/40 insurance same as non O-A. (not sure) for 90 day cover. 

If obtains non O in Thailand he could use agent to assist with bank account. Cost 4-5k.

Obtaining the non O prior to travel is good option and as you point out makes opening Bank Account less difficult. 

[Fore Man]

Gents, what would be best way to do this if I already have a bank account in my name (only) in Thailand?  I moved to the U.S. in early 2020 and plan to move back in late 2023.  Thanks.

[DrJack54]

14 minutes ago, Fore Man said:

Gents, what would be best way to do this if I already have a bank account in my name (only) in Thailand?  I moved to the U.S. in early 2020 and plan to move back in late 2023.  Thanks.

Enter visa exempt. 

In the first couple of weeks obtain Non O retirement.

Money only needs to be in bank on day of application

 

[SunsetT]

2 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Enter visa exempt. 

In the first couple of weeks obtain Non O retirement.

Money only needs to be in bank on day of application

 

Is there any insurance requirement for the Non O application within Thailand please?

 

[DrJack54]

6 minutes ago, SunsetT said:

Is there any insurance requirement for the Non O application within Thailand please?

 

No

[DrJack54]

@Fore Man

I always wonder at laugh emoji.

You ask for advice.

I reply this......

"Enter visa exempt. 

 

In the first couple of weeks obtain Non O retirement.

 

Money only needs to be in bank on day of application".

 

What's the funny bit?

So ask a question then ridicule the suggested answer. 

 

Edited January 2, 2022 by DrJack54

[RedArmy]

Dont worry Jack.

 

Just call 1669 to come and pick him up

[Fore Man]

4 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

@Fore Man

I always wonder at laugh emoji.

You ask for advice.

I reply this......

"Enter visa exempt. 

 

In the first couple of weeks obtain Non O retirement.

 

Money only needs to be in bank on day of application".

 

What's the funny bit?

So ask a question then ridicule the suggested answer. 

 

I replaced that funny symbol with a thank you…didn’t realize the meaning of each rating icon.  No need to be sore.