An applicant needs to show $30,000US cash on three most recent months of bank statements.   Fair enough.

 

Question:   Does anyone know if the Thai Embassy (Wash DC) will accept money market assets (cash equivalent) at a bank to meet this requirement?     

 

I don't know if the authorities only consider "checking or savings accounts" as proof.   Technically a money market account is a savings account just with a couple of minor distinctions.  Still it's not a plain vanilla checking or savings account.   I read in a couple of threads elsewhere that some applicants for LTV visa specifically have run into problems applying with money market assets while others did not cite issues.   

 

I wrote to the Embassy for guidance and all they did was reply they wanted bank statements and put the two words in bold.   

3 hours ago, SeeAyOh said:

I read in a couple of threads elsewhere that some applicants for LTV visa specifically have run into problems applying with money market assets while others did not cite issues.   

Just bumping your thread as no one replied (so far)

I looked LTV. Things may have changed however my Oz super account was not acceptable. 

That account is serious amount held in shares. 

I can withdraw any amount (even all)  and that would only take few days. 

Nor is it acceptable for a Non O application. 

Thinking you require a bank account. 

For the Non O eVisa does not need to be a Thai bank however if obtained in Thailand funds in Thai bank required as is the case for extensions

17 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Just bumping your thread as no one replied (so far)

I looked LTV. Things may have changed however my Oz super account was not acceptable. 

That account is serious amount held in shares. 

I can withdraw any amount (even all)  and that would only take few days. 

Nor is it acceptable for a Non O application. 

Thinking you require a bank account. 

For the Non O eVisa does not need to be a Thai bank however if obtained in Thailand funds in Thai bank required as is the case for extensions

 

Thanks for reply.   

 

Im not familiar with an OZ Super Acc't but based on your description it sounds like the assets in that account are stocks/securities.    

 

In the US a "money market" account is just an account in which the "cash" is invested in very short term instruments.  You can withdraw from it using an ATM, write checks from it, etc.     You can liquify assets in seconds.   The advantage of a money market is that your cash generates more interest than sitting in a simple checking account.     Still, it is at best a "cash equivalent" account and I don't know if the authorities will note that distinction even though it literally has nothing but cash in it.   I hope they do because I simply wont have time to move assets to a checking account because I am applying in November.   

FWIW, I am trying to obtain the O-Visa from outside Thailand so as to cut the costs of using a Thai agent, prices of which are very high to me.   

12 minutes ago, SeeAyOh said:

FWIW, I am trying to obtain the O-Visa from outside Thailand so as to cut the costs of using a Thai agent, prices of which are very high to me. 

First up the account you describe that you have in us is nothing like my Oz super. So disregard my post. 

However thinking it will need to be a, Bank account. 

Do you have a Thai bank account? 

If not you need to obtain a Non O in the states. 

You will not be able to open a Thai bank account from a tourist visa or visa exempt entry without an agent. 

 

Yes you are correct agents are expensive. For the bank account + Non O + 12 month extension (without your funds in bank) cost approx 50k +

 

Note: if you plan to do the extension yourself then suggest you move the required funds out of current fund into a bank account then once in Thailand and have an account transfer the funds (suggest WISE) for the extension. 

On other hand if intention is to use agent ongoing then just bite the bullet and order one with the lot. 

Which immigration office would you use in Thailand

47 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

First up the account you describe that you have in us is nothing like my Oz super. So disregard my post. 

However thinking it will need to be a, Bank account. 

Do you have a Thai bank account? 

If not you need to obtain a Non O in the states. 

You will not be able to open a Thai bank account from a tourist visa or visa exempt entry without an agent. 

 

Yes you are correct agents are expensive. For the bank account + Non O + 12 month extension (without your funds in bank) cost approx 50k +

 

Note: if you plan to do the extension yourself then suggest you move the required funds out of current fund into a bank account then once in Thailand and have an account transfer the funds (suggest WISE) for the extension. 

On other hand if intention is to use agent ongoing then just bite the bullet and order one with the lot. 

Which immigration office would you use in Thailand

 Yeah, I've been seeing north of 50k baht consistently for the whole visa agent package.

 

One agent had told me that getting the O visa from outside Thailand, entering Thailand with it, and then opening the bank account on your own cuts the cost of using an agent substantially.   (as you mentioned, one cannot open a bank account with a tourist visa.)  So I am trying to do that route.  

 

Unfortunately, at this rate even if I moved assets tomorrow, I wouldnt be able to generate three months of statements with it as I am applying soon.  I just didnt think it would be an issue because I didnt think it mattered what kind of bank account the cash had to be in.    Just that it had to be in a bank for the requisite amount of time, etc. and that I could get official bank statements, etc.     

 

I'd prob use Chonburi office.   

33 minutes ago, SeeAyOh said:

 Yeah, I've been seeing north of 50k baht consistently for the whole visa agent package.

 

One agent had told me that getting the O visa from outside Thailand, entering Thailand with it, and then opening the bank account on your own cuts the cost of using an agent substantially.   (as you mentioned, one cannot open a bank account with a tourist visa.)  So I am trying to do that route.  

 

Unfortunately, at this rate even if I moved assets tomorrow, I wouldnt be able to generate three months of statements with it as I am applying soon.  I just didnt think it would be an issue because I didnt think it mattered what kind of bank account the cash had to be in.    Just that it had to be in a bank for the requisite amount of time, etc. and that I could get official bank statements, etc.     

 

I'd prob use Chonburi office.   

 

Bit to unpack there. 

If you obtain the non O outside of Thailand then when you enter Thailand you would be stamped in for 90 days

That's provides time to open bank account and transfer the funds to the Thai bank account and season the 800k for 2 months (it's not 3) 

 

Of course Chonburi (Pattaya) has many good agents. 

BTW, agents won't do the bank account as a stand alone service. 

39 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

 

Bit to unpack there. 

If you obtain the non O outside of Thailand then when you enter Thailand you would be stamped in for 90 days

That's provides time to open bank account and transfer the funds to the Thai bank account and season the 800k for 2 months (it's not 3) 

 

Of course Chonburi (Pattaya) has many good agents. 

BTW, agents won't do the bank account as a stand alone service. 

Thx again

 

Now I know that some of these threads take on lives of their own and become he said she saids, but to your last statement re: agents and bank acc't as a stand alone service---I spoke to a well known visa service and they specifically told me that yes, they would do the bank acc't seasoning as a stand alone service.  Even quoted me a price.   I also had assumed that they couldnt do that so I made them repeat it to me.   That's the agent I referred to above who advised me to get the visa outside Thailand and the bank a/c on my own in the first place.   Not trying to start an argument or anything, but that is what they told me in writing.     It is entirely possible that something was lost in translation but that was my understanding.  

 

Valid point re: Wise, etc., but I'd lose less sleep if I didnt wire money to and fro Thailand.   If there is an economic way to use an agent, I'd prefer that, but I will look into your suggestion.

 

Still, this can all be moot if the Thai embassy shoots down my application ha.

6 hours ago, SeeAyOh said:

I wrote to the Embassy for guidance and all they did was reply they wanted bank statements and put the two words in bold.   

Therein lies the answer to your question.

I entered on a tourist visa, no Thai bank account at that time, about 10 years ago, and had the IO at Jomtien do mine for 19k baht which included a multiple entry stamp. It was obviously a "questionable" transaction as she took me back to a private office where we negotiated and the only receipt I got was the stamps in my passport. I'm sure the price has gone up since then, but not 50k.

55 minutes ago, SeeAyOh said:

Not trying to start an argument or anything, but that is what they told me in writing.     It is entirely possible that something was lost in translation but that was my understanding.  

You misunderstood me. 

I meant agent will not do the bank account without you using them to obtain the 12 month extension. 

 

In any event obtaining the Non O outside of Thailand as, step 1.

Then opening a Thai bank account yourself is my standard suggestion. 

 

For final step of obtaining the 12 month extension that's up to the individual. 

Its either agent or transfer the 800k yourself and lock it up in a Thai bank. 

You should be able to obtain the extension for 15-17k 

 

Edit: just started now similar thread. 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1374151-experience-with-getting-a-non-o-e-visa-with-the-la-consulate/

 

1 hour ago, DrJack54 said:

You misunderstood me. 

I meant agent will not do the bank account without you using them to obtain the 12 month extension. 

 

In any event obtaining the Non O outside of Thailand as, step 1.

Then opening a Thai bank account yourself is my standard suggestion. 

 

For final step of obtaining the 12 month extension that's up to the individual. 

Its either agent or transfer the 800k yourself and lock it up in a Thai bank. 

You should be able to obtain the extension for 15-17k 

 

Edit: just started now similar thread. 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1374151-experience-with-getting-a-non-o-e-visa-with-the-la-consulate/

 

Ah...gotcha.    Yes, that makes sense.   

 

That link was helpful too.  The OP said he used his Charles Schwab brokerage statements.   Schwab is not a commercial bank, so that suggests he used securities accounts, etc.   If so, I don't see why a money market account would be an issue.   I'll ask him.   TY for your help.   

8 minutes ago, SeeAyOh said:

 If so, I don't see why a money market account would be an issue.   I'll ask him.

You would be aware that you can PM him. 

@kyron any advice? 

 

If I apply for a non o in the uk I have to have a certain bank balance for 3 months before application?

2 hours ago, ian carman said:

If I apply for a non o in the uk I have to have a certain bank balance for 3 months before application?

 

I am not sure about this. The way the requirement is worded, it could also be interpreted to mean that the balance on the date of application must meet the required amount, but the account as such must have existed for at least three months.

 

For my own non-O applications, the account I used has always had the required minimum balance for the entire three-month period and therefore I have not been able to put it to the test.

 

Could an email enquiry to the consulate perhaps bring clarification?

7 hours ago, ian carman said:

If I apply for a non o in the uk I have to have a certain bank balance for 3 months before application?

From the Thai Embassy website, London.

Non O retirement.

4. Financial evidence showing monthly income of no less than 65,000 THB (£1,500) or having the current balance of 800,000 THB (£18,000), e.g. bank statements, proof of earnings
- Applicant’s recent official UK/Ireland bank statement shows your name, address (Screenshots are not accepted). For monthly income of last 3 months no less than £1,500/ month. 

 

https://london.thaiembassy.org/en/page/retirement-visa 

32 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

From the Thai Embassy website, London.

Non O retirement.

4. Financial evidence showing monthly income of no less than 65,000 THB (£1,500) or having the current balance of 800,000 THB (£18,000), e.g. bank statements, proof of earnings
- Applicant’s recent official UK/Ireland bank statement shows your name, address (Screenshots are not accepted). For monthly income of last 3 months no less than £1,500/ month. 

 

https://london.thaiembassy.org/en/page/retirement-visa 

32 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

From the Thai Embassy website, London.

Non O retirement.

4. Financial evidence showing monthly income of no less than 65,000 THB (£1,500) or having the current balance of 800,000 THB (£18,000), e.g. bank statements, proof of earnings
- Applicant’s recent official UK/Ireland bank statement shows your name, address (Screenshots are not accepted). For monthly income of last 3 months no less than £1,500/ month. 

 

https://london.thaiembassy.org/en/page/retirement-visa 

I should be ok as I’m selling my house and will have the required amount in the bank at the time of application 

In Australia it is simply a matter of going to a bank and showing the equivalent amount of 400,000 baht in a savings account. I got a statement from the bank showing this amount along with a stamped letter saying this is my account. Dead easy. Got a 90 day non o based on marriage.

 

I initially tried to use a CamScanner pdf of my bank statement but this was rejected.

I applied for the Evisa non -O and just gave them a pic of the current balance ( 800 k bt ) printed out ( can`t be a screen shot ) . 18 days since I submitted and still waiting ( account says " pending document check " ) so can`t say whether this will be accepted . Not sure why the response is slow , unless it`s due to seasonal demand + the new DTV s .

28 minutes ago, persimmon said:

Not sure why the response is slow , unless it`s due to seasonal demand + the new DTV s .

It's beyond slow. Your application will be rejected. 

Which country are you applying from. 

The post from @emptypockets is on the money. 

A Non O eVisa application should take few days. 

Also money does not require seasoning

 

8 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

It's beyond slow. Your application will be rejected. 

Which country are you applying from. 

The post from @emptypockets is on the money. 

A Non O eVisa application should take few days. 

 

It still says " pending " , no message about being rejected yet . I might try and contact them in the next day or two , although I don`t know if they will bother to reply or not .Applying form the UK , so that would be the London Embassy ?

1 minute ago, persimmon said:

It still says " pending " , no message about being rejected yet . I might try and contact them in the next day or two , although I don`t know if they will bother to reply or not .

Which country are you applying from. 

Many reports Non O retirement eg Au process time 3 days. 

At nearby consulates eg Savannahket even less. 

18 days is ridiculous 

Applying from the UK .

3 minutes ago, persimmon said:

Applying from the UK .

Indeed. Just read your previous threads. 

You application will be rejected. 

Does not take 18 days. 

3-5 more on the money. 

Be aware that you can obtain a Non O in Thailand from visa exempt entry. 

The important factor moving forward is if you have existing Thai Bank account

3 hours ago, persimmon said:

I applied for the Evisa non -O and just gave them a pic of the current balance ( 800 k bt ) printed out ( can`t be a screen shot ) . 18 days since I submitted and still waiting ( account says " pending document check " ) so can`t say whether this will be accepted . Not sure why the response is slow , unless it`s due to seasonal demand + the new DTV s .

Friend just obtained his Non O from the UK, took 6 working days.

Bank statements should be downloaded and uploaded as a PDF, not a photo.

Therein lies your problem.

As far as I understand the law excludes anything held in a brokerage account as they they are Not banks. And Money Markets can be cash accounts, they can hold government securities and or other ultra short assets or actually be Mutual Funds. As an example, if your Money Market was on the banking side of Ally Bank and all cash I would think it's acceptable whereas CDs are not. Ultra short brokerage Money Markets are not

12 hours ago, ian carman said:

 

I got a non O evisa via London last month. Just one months statement required

On 10/1/2025 at 4:09 AM, Richard5 said:

As far as I understand the law excludes anything held in a brokerage account as they they are Not banks. And Money Markets can be cash accounts, they can hold government securities and or other ultra short assets or actually be Mutual Funds. As an example, if your Money Market was on the banking side of Ally Bank and all cash I would think it's acceptable whereas CDs are not. Ultra short brokerage Money Markets are not

 

What you wrote could be true, yet in another thread linked above an applicant specifically mentioned that he used brokerage account statements as proof of his financial means.  His application went through without issue.   Obviously the devil is in the details etc, and the information is imperfect, but still.  It seems some people squeak by while others encounter problems.

 

At this point I am resigned to just submit the application and hope for the best.  

On 9/25/2025 at 9:54 AM, DrJack54 said:

 

Bit to unpack there. 

If you obtain the non O outside of Thailand then when you enter Thailand you would be stamped in for 90 days

That's provides time to open bank account and transfer the funds to the Thai bank account and season the 800k for 2 months (it's not 3) 

 

Of course Chonburi (Pattaya) has many good agents. 

BTW, agents won't do the bank account as a stand alone service. 

Why not enter Thailand on a visa exemption and then apply for a Non-O visa while you’re there?
That’s what I did — much less paperwork.
I then applied for a one-year extension, but I didn’t have the problem of keeping 800,000 baht in my bank account, since I’m French and a revenue statement issued by my embassy was sufficient — something U.S. citizens can’t get from theirs.

 

I never used an agent for anything related to visas, extensions of stay, or opening a bank account.
As for opening a bank account — which I did nine years ago — here are the requirements that a Spanish guy got from Bangkok Bank earlier this year.

17 minutes ago, daejung said:

Why not enter Thailand on a visa exemption and then apply for a Non-O visa while you’re here?
That’s what I did — much less paperwork.

Read the thread and my post again. 

It's more about being able to open a Thai Bank account from visa exempt entry. 

Currently even French will not be able to open Thai Bank account from visa exempt entry. 

 

17 minutes ago, daejung said:

I then applied for a one-year extension, but I didn’t have the problem of keeping 800,000 baht in my bank account, since I’m French and a revenue statement issued by my embassy was sufficient — something U.S. citizens can’t get from theirs.

So ain't you clever. Everyone is not French and can obtain embassy income letter. 

Not only USA but include UK, AU, and more recently Canadian and many others do not provide that doc. 

The OP is USA. 

Your post is smug and off topic

2 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Read the thread and my post again. 

It's more about being able to open a Thai Bank account from visa exempt entry. 

Currently even French will not be able to open Thai Bank account from visa exempt entry. 

 

 

Yes I know, I just explained that there would be less paperwork to get a Non-O Visa after entering visa exempt.
Opening an account is another thing

2 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Read the thread and my post again. 

It's more about being able to open a Thai Bank account from visa exempt entry. 

Currently even French will not be able to open Thai Bank account from visa exempt entry. 

 

So ain't you clever. Everyone is not French and can obtain embassy income letter. 

Not only USA but include UK, AU, and more recently Canadian and many others do not provide that doc. 

The OP is USA. 

Your post is smug and off topic

 

Sorry if my post bothered you. I wrote "something U.S. citizens can’t get from theirs."

 

2 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Not only USA but include UK, AU, and more recently Canadian and many others do not provide that doc

 

 

Off topic too then