Changes to "Long Term" Non-IMM Visas - 5 Year "Non-OA" Retirement Visa? (PURE SPECULATION).

[Mike Teavee]

When the changes to Visa Exempt and the new DTV were announced in June, they also said that they would announce changes to the "Long Term" & Non Immigration Visas in September (i.e. This month) so whilst doing a search for news on any changes I came across this website which claims to offer a 5 year Non-IMM "O-A" Retirement Visa... 

https://www.thailandimmigration.org/thailand-5-year-retirement-visa/

 

NB This is not a typo & being confused with the existing Non-IM "O-X" Visa as the requirements are very different & don't match any existing Visa type so if it's real it is a new kind of Visa... 

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the 5-Year Retirement Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Age: Be at least 50 years old.
• Income: Demonstrate a monthly income of at least 50,000 Thai Baht (approximately $1,500 USD) or its equivalent from a reliable source, such as pensions, investments, or rental income.
• Proof of funds: Provide evidence of sufficient funds to support your stay in Thailand. This typically involves bank statements or other financial documents.

   

Benefits of the 5-Year Retirement Visa

• Extended Stay: Enjoy a continuous stay of up to five years in Thailand without the need for frequent visa extensions.
• Multiple Entries: Benefit from multiple entries into the country, allowing for travel to neighboring countries and returns to Thailand without applying for a new visa.
• Easy Renewals: The renewal process for the 5-Year Retirement Visa is relatively straightforward, requiring you to submit the necessary documents and pay the renewal fee.
• Access to Healthcare: Enjoy access to Thailand’s affordable healthcare system, which offers a wide range of medical services and facilities.
• Quality of Life: Experience a high quality of life in Thailand, with its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and friendly people.

 

Have to say it looks very sensible to me (so probably won't happen) & would be a welcome change/addition to the current 1 year Non-IMM O/OA "Retirement" Visas...

 

[howerde]

I was at CW a few months ago to renew my O-X visa, i was told by one of the supervisors, just to wait, as the retirement visa system was being changed and will be made simpler in  early 2025, she also suggested that i would not be able to get health insurance for the visa, i have no doubt that this particular visa will no longer be available

[DrJack54]

That's an article from an agent.

I believe things when they land in gazette. 

[Liquorice]

1 hour ago, Mike Teavee said:

When the changes to Visa Exempt and the new DTV were announced in June, they also said that they would announce changes to the "Long Term" & Non Immigration Visas in September

They announced changes to the Non Imm O-A visa, known as the 'long stay retirement' visa.

The change was to reduce the mandatory Health Insurance from the current 3M BHT requirement, to 400K inpatient, 40K outpatient between September - December.

 

If it's not from an official Immigration website, treat it with a pinch of salt.

[Mike Teavee]

46 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

They announced changes to the Non Imm O-A visa, known as the 'long stay retirement' visa.

The change was to reduce the mandatory Health Insurance from the current 3M BHT requirement, to 400K inpatient, 40K outpatient between September - December.

 

If it's not from an official Immigration website, treat it with a pinch of salt.

They also announced a reduction in the number of Non-IMM visas (IIRC from 17 to 7) so there should be another update coming (allegedly this month). 

 

Totally agree with treating any non-official sources with a pinch of salt until it's confirmed by Immigration, just thought this was interesting as it seems to be dated 17th September so is a relatively new thing & got me thinking about what possible changes they could make.

 

It wouldn't surprise me if they did announce a new 5 year Retirement/Marriage Visa when you consider people can get a 5 year Visa for simply having a Dental appointment nowadays.

[Liquorice]

28 minutes ago, Mike Teavee said:

They also announced a reduction in the number of Non-IMM visas (IIRC from 17 to 7) so there should be another update coming (allegedly this month). 

Only 9 different types of Non Imm visas listed on the Thai Embassy DC site.
I suspect for each type of visa, there will still remain multiple options for the purposes of your visit.
https://washingtondc.thaiembassy.org/en/page/visa-fees-validity?menu=64ef5ba41986b07d37326263

 

33 minutes ago, Mike Teavee said:

It wouldn't surprise me if they did announce a new 5 year Retirement/Marriage Visa when you consider people can get a 5 year Visa for simply having a Dental appointment nowadays.

Subject to either 180 day extensions, or border bounces for new entries and no doubt for the softer options, proof of booking a class or course.

 

I'll stick with my annual extensions @1,900 BHT per annum, thanks.

[Mike Teavee]

8 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

Only 9 different types of Non Imm visas listed on the Thai Embassy DC site.
I suspect for each type of visa, there will still remain multiple options for the purposes of your visit.
https://washingtondc.thaiembassy.org/en/page/visa-fees-validity?menu=64ef5ba41986b07d37326263

 

I knew I'd read somewhere that they were reducing from 17 to 7 & a quick Google suggests that they've already made the announcement...

 

8 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

I'll stick with my annual extensions @1,900 BHT per annum, thanks.

 

I've no choice this year as I've recently done my annual extension (am good to 25/12/25) but would happily pay more to only have to jump through the hoops once every 5 years...

 

1,900 for extension, 3,800 for multi re-entry then add on another 300 in bank letters, travel to immigration etc... & you're at 25K for the 5 years, in my case I pay an agent 12K to do the extension/Multi Re-Entry permit so am at > 60K for the 5 years & would be happy to pay that).

[oldcpu]

It can be interesting to speculate on such. 

 

I believe both immigration and the foreigners would appreciate not having to process/do yearly extensions, with the required time and paperwork.  

 

I am a bit skeptical thou such would come to pass with only a demonstrated monthly income of 50,000 THB/month.  That is a big drop over the current 80,000 THB for only 1 year for reason of retirement (for a current Type-O/OA).  Also, in addition to the proof of monthly income, there is no amount written in that link as to what qualifies as "proof of funds".  

 

I also don't believe such until it appears in the Gazette, ... I do though also believe it would be nice to see such. 

 

Further I suspect if it comes to pass, the eligibility criteria will be larger than that in the noted OPs link.

[DrJack54]

7 minutes ago, Mike Teavee said:

....in my case I pay an agent 12K to do the extension/Multi Re-Entry permit so am at > 60K for the 5 years & would be happy to pay that).

Guessing 8k extension using your own financials + 4k multi reentry permit.

Had interesting chat yesterday with agent regarding DTV.

Big bucks but 5 yr, requires trip to Savannakhet. 

[Mike Teavee]

13 minutes ago, oldcpu said:

It can be interesting to speculate on such. 

 

I believe both immigration and the foreigners would appreciate not having to process/do yearly extensions, with the required time and paperwork.  

 

I am a bit skeptical thou such would come to pass with only a demonstrated monthly income of 50,000 THB/month.  That is a big drop over the current 80,000 THB for only 1 year for reason of retirement (for a current Type-O/OA).  Also, in addition to the proof of monthly income, there is no amount written in that link as to what qualifies as "proof of funds".  

 

I also don't believe such until it appears in the Gazette, ... I do though also believe it would be nice to see such. 

 

Further I suspect if it comes to pass, the eligibility criteria will be larger than that in the noted OPs link.

 

Pure speculation but I could see a requirement to have 50K pm income & maintain a minimum balance in your Account (E.g. 800K but cannot go below this). 

[NoDisplayName]

3 hours ago, Mike Teavee said:

so whilst doing a search for news on any changes I came across this website which claims to offer a 5 year Non-IMM "O-A" Retirement Visa..

 

This site claims this OA visa already exists, and apparently has been in place long enough to become popular.

 

Thailand 5-Year Retirement Visa, officially known as the O-A Visa, has become a popular choice for retirees

[Liquorice]

30 minutes ago, Mike Teavee said:

I've no choice this year as I've recently done my annual extension (am good to 25/12/25) but would happily pay more to only have to jump through the hoops once every 5 years...

It's Sept 2024, how are good until December 2025?

[Mike Teavee]

Just now, Liquorice said:

It's Sept 2024, how are good until December 2025?

Sorry brain fart.... 25/09/25 (25th September 2025)... 

[mfd101]

6 minutes ago, NoDisplayName said:

Thailand 5-Year Retirement Visa, officially known as the O-A Visa, has become a popular choice for retirees

That is of course rubbish. Mixing up 2 different things.

[NoDisplayName]

4 minutes ago, mfd101 said:

That is of course rubbish. Mixing up 2 different things.

 

Really?  Another agent also has similar information but different financials.

 

The Thai government offers several visa options for retirees, among which the 5-Year Retirement Visa (also known as the Non-Immigrant OA Visa) stands out for its convenience and extended duration.

 

https://www.thaiimmigration.net/5-year-retirement-visa-thailand.html

 

 

 

[Liquorice]

5 minutes ago, NoDisplayName said:

Really?  Another agent also has similar information.

 

The Thai government offers several visa options for retirees, among which the 5-Year Retirement Visa (also known as the Non-Immigrant OA Visa) stands out for its convenience and extended duration.

No official announcement from a credible source, and no mention on any of the Thai Embassy websites I just perused through.

[mfd101]

2 minutes ago, NoDisplayName said:

 

Really?  Another agent also has similar information but different financials.

 

The Thai government offers several visa options for retirees, among which the 5-Year Retirement Visa (also known as the Non-Immigrant OA Visa) stands out for its convenience and extended duration.

 

https://www.thaiimmigration.net/5-year-retirement-visa-thailand.html

 

 

 

Well, unless that represents a major change in the setup for long-term stays? No announcement that I've seen.

 

My O/A retirement visa hasn't changed in the 8 years I've had it and there's nothing there about '5 years'! Just an annual renewal (for me next month), involving trudging around from bank to medical office and on & on. And, in my case, minimum 65K฿ imported every month.

[Mike Teavee]

3 minutes ago, NoDisplayName said:

 

Really?  Another agent also has similar information but different financials.

 

The Thai government offers several visa options for retirees, among which the 5-Year Retirement Visa (also known as the Non-Immigrant OA Visa) stands out for its convenience and extended duration.

 

https://www.thaiimmigration.net/5-year-retirement-visa-thailand.html

 

 

 

 

That looks like the existing Non-IMM O-X Visa...  

[Liquorice]

2 minutes ago, mfd101 said:

My O/A retirement visa hasn't changed in the 8 years I've had it and there's nothing there about '5 years'! Just an annual renewal (for me next month), involving trudging around from bank to medical office and on & on. And, in my case, minimum 65K฿ imported every month.

Your Non Imm O-A visa expired a year after it was issued.

You extend your permission of stay each year, not the visa.

[TigerandDog]

12 minutes ago, NoDisplayName said:

 

Really?  Another agent also has similar information but different financials.

 

The Thai government offers several visa options for retirees, among which the 5-Year Retirement Visa (also known as the Non-Immigrant OA Visa) stands out for its convenience and extended duration.

 

https://www.thaiimmigration.net/5-year-retirement-visa-thailand.html

 

 

 

I agree that there is already a 5 year Non-Imm O-A visa for retirement in existence. The main differences that I can see between the 5 year visa and the 1 year visa is the funds. The 5 year visa requires 3 million THB in the bank compared to 800kTHB for the 1 year visa OR a monthly income of 100kTHB compared to 65KTHB and the mandatory health insurance is at the 400k/40k level.

 

The question I'd be asking Immigration, if you have the 3 million, is would be possible to transfer from the annual extensions to the 5 year extensions and if so can it be done at the next annual extension?

[NoDisplayName]

3 minutes ago, Mike Teavee said:

 

That looks like the existing Non-IMM O-X Visa...  

 

Not a good look for an agent.

 

One is mixing up visa types, and the other just making it up.

[howerde]

5 minutes ago, TigerandDog said:

I agree that there is already a 5 year Non-Imm O-A visa for retirement in existence. The main differences that II can see between the 5 year visa and the 1 year visa is the funds. The 5 year visa requires 3 million THB in the bank compared to 800kTHB for the 1 year visa and a monthly income of 100kTHB compared to 65KTHB and mandatory health insurance is at the 400k/40k level.

 

The question I'd be asking Immigration, if you have the 3 million, would be is it possible to transfer from the annual extensions to the 5 year extensions and if so can it be done at the next annual extension?

The 3 million in the bank is what is required for an O-X visa, and it is not available inside Thailand

[Pattaya57]

I emailed the company in the OP as I thought it would be funny to hear what they say. I immediately got this response:

 

Welcome to Siam Legal! Your ticket #[xxxxxx] has been created.

 

So Siam Legal advertise this on another site they created but don't advertise it on their main site? I'm guessing whoever they got to update the page on 17 Sept just really stuffed it up

 

[Smokin Joe]

The Thai government Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has a website with this information. The Thai embassies and consulates are subordinate to the MFA.

 

MFA - Visa Types

 

 

[JamesPhuket10]

2 hours ago, Mike Teavee said:

 

I knew I'd read somewhere that they were reducing from 17 to 7 & a quick Google suggests that they've already made the announcement...

 

 

I've no choice this year as I've recently done my annual extension (am good to 25/12/25) but would happily pay more to only have to jump through the hoops once every 5 years...

 

1,900 for extension, 3,800 for multi re-entry then add on another 300 in bank letters, travel to immigration etc... & you're at 25K for the 5 years, in my case I pay an agent 12K to do the extension/Multi Re-Entry permit so am at > 60K for the 5 years & would be happy to pay that).

 

I need a bit of information from you if you do not mind.

 

You said, "I've no choice this year as I've recently done my annual extension (am good to 25/12/25) but would happily pay more to only have to jump through the hoops once every 5 years..."

 

Just a question, it is now September 2024, how did you manage to extend your visa to December 2025.

 

I have the visa extension based on retirement plus 800k baht in the bank, my next visa extension is due on the 22nd Feb 2025.

 

So is there a way to extend the visa a few months in advance or do you have a different type of visa?

[JamesPhuket10]

@Mike Teavee

 

No need to reply, I saw your earlier reply to your comment, oh is is horrible getting older, all sorts of strange happens to us. 🤪 🤣

[Mike Teavee]

13 minutes ago, JamesPhuket10 said:

So is there a way to extend the visa a few months in advance or do you have a different type of visa?

You can extend up to 45 days in advance at most Immigration offices (certainly Bangkok & Pattaya) and a good agent can get your extension up to 3 months in advance. 

[Upnotover]

42 minutes ago, JamesPhuket10 said:

Just a question, it is now September 2024, how did you manage to extend your visa to December 2025.

 

2 hours ago, Mike Teavee said:

Sorry brain fart.... 25/09/25 (25th September 2025)... 

 

[TigerandDog]

2 hours ago, howerde said:

The 3 million in the bank is what is required for an O-X visa, and it is not available inside Thailand

According to Siam legal it's also what is required for a 5 year O-A visa based on retirement.

 

see this link from Siam legal.  5-Year Retirement Visa Thailand | Thai Immigration.

 

However, after doing some more in depth research it would appear that Siam Legal are incorrect with their post with regards to the O-A based on retirement also being available for 5 years as the Thai Immigration website only makes mention of the O-A for retirement being for 1 year.

 

Although I also telephoned my local IO with regards to this and they did say when doing my next annual extension that I could change from O-A to O-X as long as I had the insurance and 3 million in the bank. I'm not entirely convinced that this is correct though.

[Tod Daniels]

Looks a LOT like CLICK BAIT to me 😮