Convert Visa free to Non O Retirement

[Aussie999]

How can the 60 day, extended to 90day, visa free, converted to Non O on retirement. In case nationality makes a difference, this is for an Aussie male.

[Upnotover]

There are many thread on this, but this should help to start.

 

[DrJack54]

Which immigration office 

How many days remaining on permission of stay? 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1311886-visa-exempt-to-retirement-extension-process-and-cost/#elControls_18494711_menu 

 

This thread has several links to other threads. 

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1331945-documents-for-changing-visa-exempt-to-non-immig-o-at-cw/

 

[Aussie999]

1 hour ago, DrJack54 said:

Which immigration office 

How many days remaining on permission of stay? 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1311886-visa-exempt-to-retirement-extension-process-and-cost/#elControls_18494711_menu 

 

This thread has several links to other threads. 

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1331945-documents-for-changing-visa-exempt-to-non-immig-o-at-cw/

 

Hua Hin, still have 30, then get 30 extension 

[DrJack54]

14 minutes ago, Aussie999 said:

Hua Hin, still have 30, then get 30 extension 

If you still have 30 days why do you need 30 day extension. 

For the application for Non Of retirement you require 800k in Thai Bank account in your name only on day of application. 

Do you have Thai Bank account. 

 

[Aussie999]

14 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

If you still have 30 days why do you need 30 day extension. 

For the application for Non Of retirement you require 800k in Thai Bank account in your name only on day of application. 

Do you have Thai Bank account. 

 

As for bank account, both Kasikorn, and Bank of Bangkok, in Hua Hin, will not open an account when on visa free.

[Liquorice]

23 minutes ago, Aussie999 said:

As for bank account, both Kasikorn, and Bank of Bangkok, in Hua Hin, will not open an account when on visa free.

Catch 22.

To apply for the Non O at Immigration, the financial proof is 800K THB deposited in a Thai bank account on the day of application.

 

Options are to find an agent that can assist, or obtain a COR from Immigration and an existing influential customer of the bank as a referral.

[DrJack54]

31 minutes ago, Aussie999 said:

As for bank account, both Kasikorn, and Bank of Bangkok, in Hua Hin, will not open an account when on visa free.

In hindsight you should have obtained the Non O retirement prior to entering Thailand.

The funds for that do not need to be in Thai bank. Any bank is fine. 

The process time for that is few days via e-Visa platform.

With the Non O you would be able to open a bank account. 

 

Would also require a certificate of residence from immigration but not a big deal.

 

Where are you located in Thailand? 

An agent may help with opening a bank account however more than likely not unless you use their services for Non O + extension. 

[kuzie57]

3 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

In hindsight you should have obtained the Non O retirement prior to entering Thailand.

Not possible in Australia, they will only issue "OA" through the Thai Embassy in Canberra. Easiest way is to come in visa exempt and optain an "O" Visa whilst in Thailand. As stated an agent will be very helpful for this initial "O" Visa.

[ozfarang]

5 minutes ago, kuzie57 said:

Not possible in Australia, they will only issue "OA" through the Thai Embassy in Canberra. Easiest way is to come in visa exempt and optain an "O" Visa whilst in Thailand. As stated an agent will be very helpful for this initial "O" Visa.

Yeah, it is possible to get a Non O retirement prior to entering Thailand from Canberra embassy. I did online and entered Thailand in mid February 2025.

 

[emptypockets]

22 minutes ago, ozfarang said:

Yeah, it is possible to get a Non O retirement prior to entering Thailand from Canberra embassy. I did online and entered Thailand in mid February 2025.

 

Agree. I got a non o evisa based on marriage from Canberra. Had to show 400,000 baht equivalent in an Aussie bank.

Evisa for 60 days but stamped in at Swampy for 90 days.

Go figure.

[DrJack54]

47 minutes ago, kuzie57 said:

Not possible in Australia, they will only issue "OA" through the Thai Embassy in Canberra.

https://aseannow.com/topic/1322787-non-imm-o-from-australia/ 

 

Link to Thai embassy Canberra.

 

https://canberra.thaiembassy.org/en/content/non-immigrant-retirement-90days?cate=642fb12c44fe613bb8009303

[Aussie999]

4 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

In hindsight you should have obtained the Non O retirement prior to entering Thailand.

The funds for that do not need to be in Thai bank. Any bank is fine. 

The process time for that is few days via e-Visa platform.

With the Non O you would be able to open a bank account. 

 

Would also require a certificate of residence from immigration but not a big deal.

 

Where are you located in Thailand? 

An agent may help with opening a bank account however more than likely not unless you use their services for Non O + extension. 

True, in hindsight things could have been done differently if these problems were known.

Am in Hua Hin 

[emptypockets]

9 minutes ago, emptypockets said:

Agree. I got a non o evisa based on marriage from Canberra. Had to show 400,000 baht equivalent in an Aussie bank.

Evisa for 60 days but stamped in at Swampy for 90 days.

Go figure.

I should add that I only got a visa to be able to get a certificate of residence to renew my Thai driving licences. Since the visa was for less than a year I only got another 2 year temporary licence. Bugger!

[DrJack54]

13 minutes ago, Aussie999 said:

True, in hindsight things could have been done differently if these problems were known

Out of interest....if the bank account is a dead end what's plan B.

Not ideal however you could consider a break to nearby country and obtain the Non O retirement e-Visa there 

Try Siam Legal for bank account in Bangkok, however thinking they stopped with assisting with bank accounts. 

Try suggesting to Bank that you would be happy to buy insurance..

Depending on age insurance varies however ~4k would cover it.

Good luck. 

[Aussie999]

1 minute ago, DrJack54 said:

Out of interest....if the bank account is a dead end what's plan B.

Not ideal however you could consider a break to nearby country and obtain the Non O retirement e-Visa there 

Try Siam Legal for bank account in Bangkok, however thinking they stopped with assisting with bank accounts. 

Try suggesting to Bank that you would be happy to buy insurance..

Depending on age insurance varies however ~4k would cover it.

Good luck. 

Thanks the advise, was considering a quick border run and getting a non O, that is if all else fails.

[DrJack54]

4 minutes ago, Aussie999 said:

Thanks the advise, was considering a quick border run and getting a non O, that is if all else fails.

Look into best place to apply.

I haven't read any reports re Laos however expect that to take some time.

Saigon would be nice option (I'm biased). Still would take 5 business days + 

 

If you call an agent (even ones in Pattaya) make it clear you only require their services for the bank account and not the Non O + 12 month extension.

Many will say No as no money in assisting with bank account.

Most of the charge is Insurance policy. 

Try Maneerat or Thai Visa Centre in Bangkok.