Dear All, I had had a retirement visa for 3 years during and after COVID, provided at the cost of 15.000 THB/year by an agency. They put 800.000 THB in my bank, I refunded after 1 hour, in a week it was ready.

Then for 2 years I stopped, as I was in Thailand in and out for no more than 4-5 months in a year, often traveling to neighbouring countries. Now, with the new regulations, it may be wise to get a retirement visa again.

My question is: is it possible to enter on a 60 days stamp in January and get the visa while in Thailand? Or, since I can meet all requirements about money, flights etc,  would be better to apply at  https://www.thaievisa.go.th/?

I'm sure applying while in Thailand is less trouble and paperwork, expecially with the help of an agent. But if it's not allowed, then I'm screwed. Hence the question.

Thank you or your attention,

Lusty

As the saying goes "up to you" 

You can obtain a Non O from a visa exempt entry. OR

You can obtain a Non O on the eVisa platform from outside of Thailand. 

 

The latter is needed for those without a thai bank account. 

 

Where would you be located in Thailand. 

Is the intention to use agent again as previously

If you enter Thailand VE, then you'll require a Non O visa prior to the 1 year extension.

Agent fees are now circa 35K for such services.
If you need a bank account, round that figure up to circa 50K.
You'll then be stuck reliant on an agent for at least 2 years.

 

Obtain a Non O prior to entering Thailand (evisa)
You can then open a bank account, deposit 800K THB and apply for the extension yourself for 1,900 BHT.

@lusty you started thread May and did not add one post. 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1359452-50-100k-eur-transfer/

 

Seems you already have existing Thai bank account as indicated in that thread. 

You have 2 options. 

 

1. Enter visa exempt and obtain Non O + subsequent extension with or without Agent. 

 

2. Obtain Non O via eVisa platform outside of Thailand and obtain subsequent 12 month extension with or without Agent. 

 

Seriously what do you want to know given that you are aware of the options. 

you started thread May and did not add one post. 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1359452-50-100k-eur-transfer/

 

Is it compulsory to write posts every day just to become an advanced member or something similar? I write when I need forum members' opinions and wisdom. Not just for fun.

I believe my question was very clear. I'm aware of the options but not sure all will work once in Thailand. Thank you for the useful answers, now the options are clearer.

All the best,

Lusty

 

 

41 minutes ago, lusty said:

I'm aware of the options but not sure all will work once in Thailand

As stated Non O can be obtained in Thailand from visa exempt entry. 

Also can be obtained outside of Thailand on eVisa platform. 

 

For those without a Thai bank bank account it's necessary to obtain the Non O from outside of Thailand. 

This is because it's needed to open bank account. 

 

The other difference is that for Non O obtained at local immigration the funds in bank need to be shown as international transfer. 

That not the case for Non O obtained outside of Thailand. 

 

Note: Jomitien one office that was requiring seasoning of funds for Non O application. 

That's actually not correct however as usual some offices play games. 

On 12/14/2025 at 11:26 AM, lusty said:

I'm aware of the options but not sure all will work once in Thailand.

 

The following link sets out the official procedures to be followed when seeking a 90-day non-O visa for retirement in-country based on a 60-day visa-exempt entry:

 

https://www.immigration.go.th/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/9.FOR-RETIREMENT-PURPOSES-50-YEARS-OLD-NON-O.pdf

 

Just beware, though, that, if your immigration office is Chiang Mai, I believe that all documents will need to be submitted no later than 25 (not 15, as stated in the heading) days before your visa-exempt permission to stay expires.

 

Also, if your immigration office is Jomtien, please note that the 800k deposit referred to under heading 7 will need to have been seasoned for 2 months, as required for a regular annual retirement extension (no seasoning should be needed in the case of other offices).

 

In any event, it would, I think, be well worth your while checking with whatever immigration office you plan to use whether they have their own particular quirky requirements for this process.

 

36 minutes ago, OJAS said:

 

Just beware, though, that, if your immigration office is Chiang Mai, I believe that all documents will need to be submitted no later than 25

Your post is sound advice. 

Not nit picking but for the Non O application CM requires 21 days

 

A further piece of trivia on this, ... according to the Phuket volunteers web site

 

https://piv-phuket.com/retirement/

 

In Phuket, like other immigration offices, one must apply for the Type-O at least 15-days before the visa exempt permission to stay expires.  In the case of Phuket thou, one can also apply for the type-O as early as 45 days before the visa exempt permission to stay expires - where that 45 day down to 15 day timeframe window (before the Permission to Stay expires) gives one more flexibility as to when they can go to the Immigration office.    

 

I don't believe all other Immigration offices allow one to apply for the Type-O as 'far away' in time as 45-days before the initial Visa exempt permission to stay expires.

7 minutes ago, oldcpu said:

I don't believe all other Immigration offices allow one to apply for the Type-O as 'far away' in time as 45-days before the initial Visa exempt permission to stay expires.

Don't follow. 

Other large offices such as CW and CM allow application for Non O up to 45 days prior to expiry of permission of stay stamp. 

The minimum requirement to apply is 15 days remaining on permission of stay. 

Some offices eg CM require 21.

BTW my understanding is Phuket is min 15 business days so effectively same as CM. 

5 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

 

Other large offices such as CW and CM allow application for Non O up to 45 days prior to expiry of permission of stay stamp. 

 

Excellent.  I didn’t know that ( I mistakenly thought otherwise). Thanks for the clarification. 

On 12/15/2025 at 8:54 PM, DrJack54 said:

for the Non O application CM requires 21 days

 

Thanks for the clarification!

 

Actually, if you are converting from tourist to non-O visa, there should not exist a "too early" time to apply. The 45 day thing is for extensions, which are added onto the end of your existing stamp.  But a conversion does not add on, it starts from the day they issue it and you lose any days you had on your original stamp. But each office can interpret it however they like.

On 12/13/2025 at 11:05 AM, lusty said:

Dear All, I had had a retirement visa for 3 years during and after COVID, provided at the cost of 15.000 THB/year by an agency. They put 800.000 THB in my bank, I refunded after 1 hour, in a week it was ready.

Then for 2 years I stopped, as I was in Thailand in and out for no more than 4-5 months in a year, often traveling to neighbouring countries. Now, with the new regulations, it may be wise to get a retirement visa again.

My question is: is it possible to enter on a 60 days stamp in January and get the visa while in Thailand? Or, since I can meet all requirements about money, flights etc,  would be better to apply at  https://www.thaievisa.go.th/?

I'm sure applying while in Thailand is less trouble and paperwork, expecially with the help of an agent. But if it's not allowed, then I'm screwed. Hence the question.

Thank you or your attention,

Lusty

When you had your retirement VISA why didn't you buy the "Multi Entry Stamp" to come in and out of Thailand without any issues.

For years I had and have a Retirement VISA and paid extra money for the Multi Entry Stamp TM-8. I have never used an Agent.

6 minutes ago, cdulaney said:

When you had your retirement VISA why didn't you buy the "Multi Entry Stamp" to come in and out of Thailand without any issues.

No such thing as a retirement visa. 

There is a Non O that provides a 90 day permit. 

Prior to expiry you can obtain a 12 month extension to your permission of stay. 

When you have the extension you can obtain reentry permit. 

Single or Multiple. 

 

10 minutes ago, cdulaney said:

When you had your retirement VISA why didn't you buy the "Multi Entry Stamp" to come in and out of Thailand without any issues.

For years I had and have a Retirement VISA and paid extra money for the Multi Entry Stamp TM-8. I have never used an Agent.

You aren't making any sense.  He stopped coming to Thailand for 2 years.  A re-entry permit would have been a waste. The re-entry permit does not add any time to the extension, it simply prevents it from being cancelled when you leave Thailand.  It still expires as usual if you're not back in time to apply for an extension.

7 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

No such thing as a retirement visa. 

There is a Non O that provides a 90 day permit. 

Prior to expiry you can obtain a 12 month extension to your permission of stay. 

When you have the extension you can obtain reentry permit. 

Single or Multiple. 

 

OK, however you want to talk about as the article states, retirement VISA. How about filling out the TM-7 Form.

9 minutes ago, BrandonJT said:

You aren't making any sense.  He stopped coming to Thailand for 2 years.  A re-entry permit would have been a waste. The re-entry permit does not add any time to the extension, it simply prevents it from being cancelled when you leave Thailand.  It still expires as usual if you're not back in time to apply for an extension.

"Then for 2 years I stopped, as I was in Thailand in and out for no more than 4-5 months in a year, often traveling to neighboring countries." The way I read his comment, he stopped having a retirement VISA. That makes sense to me but maybe not how you read it. To each his own way to comprehend. Have a Nice Day.

10 minutes ago, cdulaney said:

OK, however you want to talk about as the article states, retirement VISA. How about filling out the TM-7 Form.

 

The TM7 form is not the one which you should be completing if it's a real genuine McCoy visa of the non-O variety for retirement that you're after from your local immigration office. Instead it's the TM86 or TM87: 

 

https://www.immigration.go.th/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/9.FOR-RETIREMENT-PURPOSES-50-YEARS-OLD-NON-O.pdf

 

8 minutes ago, OJAS said:

 

The TM7 form is not the one which you should be completing if it's a real genuine McCoy visa of the non-O variety for retirement that you're after from your local immigration office. Instead it's the TM86 or TM87: 

 

https://www.immigration.go.th/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/9.FOR-RETIREMENT-PURPOSES-50-YEARS-OLD-NON-O.pdf

 

OJ, for 20 years I have used the TM-7 with no issues at several different Immigration offices. Maybe it is different for you but not for me.

19 minutes ago, cdulaney said:

OJ, for 20 years I have used the TM-7 with no issues at several different Immigration offices. Maybe it is different for you but not for me.

Presumably you have used it as part of your annual extension of stay.  Not applying for a visa.

21 minutes ago, cdulaney said:

for 20 years I have used the TM-7 with no issues at several different Immigration offices.

This is at top of TM7 form

 

"APPLICATION FOR EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY STAY IN THE KINGDOM"

 

You are not obtaining Retirement Visas for 20 yrs. You are simply obtaining 12 month extensions to your temporary permission of stay. 

And yes you need to also purchase a reentry permit if you wish to exit Thailand and reenter. 

The expiry on the Reentry Permit is same as expiry on your extension. 

 

Post making off topic and non factual claims removed. @brian69 the OP is seeking advice, not incorrect information about 4x90 days

1 hour ago, cdulaney said:

How about filling out the TM-7 Form.

How about it?

 

At some point you entered Thailand with a Non Imm O visa for the reason of retirement.
That Non O visa was 'used' on entry, or 'expired' on the 'enter before date', but your Immigration status is as a 'Non Immigrant'.

You were permitted to stay for 90 days on entry.

 

Subject to a criteria you then applied to extend that 90 day temporary permission of stay for a further 365 days based on retirement.

TM7 > "APPLICATION FOR EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY STAY IN THE KINGDOM"

When applying for the 1 year extension, you are also requested to complete some other forms, namely an STM2 form, which is an 'acknowledgement of the terms and conditions for permit of temporary stay in the Kingdom of Thailand'. The last sentence of that form that you sign to acknowledge states;
"I do hereby acknowledge the terms and conditions applicable to this permit ............"

 

An extension of temporary permission of stay is a 'permit', not a visa.
Even your stamp reads 'Extension of stay permitted up to ......'.

2 hours ago, Upnotover said:

Presumably you have used it as part of your annual extension of stay.  Not applying for a visa.

20 Years must have triggered that response from you. 

2 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

This is at top of TM7 form

 

"APPLICATION FOR EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY STAY IN THE KINGDOM"

 

You are not obtaining Retirement Visas for 20 yrs. You are simply obtaining 12 month extensions to your temporary permission of stay. 

And yes you need to also purchase a reentry permit if you wish to exit Thailand and reenter. 

The expiry on the Reentry Permit is same as expiry on your extension. 

 

Tell me something I do not know, Jack. The TM-7 form has that listed at the top of the form, so I do not see your point as TM-7 Form is what is listed when picking up the form at the Immigration office and the file does not state Temporary Stay in Kingdom for the blank form. Have a nice day, Doc.

55 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

How about it?

 

At some point you entered Thailand with a Non Imm O visa for the reason of retirement.
That Non O visa was 'used' on entry, or 'expired' on the 'enter before date', but your Immigration status is as a 'Non Immigrant'.

You were permitted to stay for 90 days on entry.

 

Subject to a criteria you then applied to extend that 90 day temporary permission of stay for a further 365 days based on retirement.

TM7 > "APPLICATION FOR EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY STAY IN THE KINGDOM"

When applying for the 1 year extension, you are also requested to complete some other forms, namely an STM2 form, which is an 'acknowledgement of the terms and conditions for permit of temporary stay in the Kingdom of Thailand'. The last sentence of that form that you sign to acknowledge states;
"I do hereby acknowledge the terms and conditions applicable to this permit ............"

 

An extension of temporary permission of stay is a 'permit', not a visa.
Even your stamp reads 'Extension of stay permitted up to ......'.

Before you get to the STM-2 form you have to fill out the TM-7 Form along with a recent picture and other copies that are required as you obviously know. How about it now as I am not here to argue over such trivial talk.

In over 60 years of visiting, working, and now, at 84, retired to Thailand I have never once used an agent regarding visa issues. I  prefer to communicate with the Immigration Authority myself  rather than with 3d parties. Given your problems the cost to you of using an agent could well be in the region of 50k baht.

I strongly suggest you talk directly with Thai Immigration on this issue. If you are well turned out and polite you will find them more helpful than you may imagine.

4 minutes ago, cdulaney said:

Before you get to the STM-2 form you have to fill out the TM-7 Form along with a recent picture and other copies that are required as you obviously know. How about it now as I am not here to argue over such trivial talk.

And the TM7 clearly states you are applying to extend your temporary permission of stay, not applying for a visa.
The STM2 form which you sign in acknowledgement makes it clear the application is for a 'permit' of stay, not a visa.