I’ve lived in Thailand for over 20 years. I used to do my long-term visa extensions based on Marriage, but about 5 years ago switched to Retirement because there is much less paperwork required for a yearly extension. I now extend my stay based on Retirement and monthly deposits to my Thai bank account, totaling over THB 65k. That significantly reduced the paperwork requirements.

21 hours ago, hotandsticky said:

Immigration certainly think so - and they can approve retirement extensions locally.

Personally, I am not prepared to lose circa THB 30k in lost interest for the sake of a slight inconvenience.

Bring over 65000 baht a month and you don't have to keep any money in the bank

17 hours ago, LivingNThailand said:

I just renewed my retirement visa extension for the 10th time 2 weeks ago. Very easy. I always go to immigration about 2-3 weeks early to check with them to make sure nothing (it does a little every year) has changed. It was super easy and took about 15 minutes.

I just realized I can do the income method. Two years ago, I changed the way my retirement money comes in every month. Direct from my USA bank account to a Thailand bank account. Showing international transfer monthly. So next year I'm going to immigration and confirm i can do that. If so, I can free up my 800,000.

Just make sure your monthly income comes into your Thailand bank as an international deposit.

If it doesn't have the correct code for international transfer you can get a credit advice from the bank, I get these automatically from Bangkok Bank.

No way you get 30k interest on 800k. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 <deleted>

To each his own I say, plus getting 30,000 baht interest on a 800,000 baht balance I think someone better do their math again on this one!

I married here but use the 800,000 method for as long as I can remember, never did the marriage since it was easy prior to just go to the Embassy and get a letter when they stop I used the bank book.

My brother on the other hand, going on 22 years living here year after year I hear the same stuff in March when he does the process again. After all these years he has been running around for days getting the paperwork in order total this year JOMTIEN 23 pages of nonsense!

For two years they stopped coming to his house but his year they had his wife scan some code on the desk, that they will communicate through this code, when they decide to make a visit they will notify her when that happens he has to run to the bank and update his bank book.

This year told him he must untouch the 400,000 baht 4 months after his date, and must be intact 4 months prior to application! On top this year they wanted the I.D. of his two youngest kids, of course he had to bring the house book with him this is on top of yearly going to the Ampur to get a document they are still married.

I heard this during Breakfast this morning it never gets tiring does it, said the IO, noted to him and his wife the reason for all this stuff is because of the Chinese, he being on American Chinese born and raise is treated as 22 years upstanding as far as they know LOL, like he is some communist MF who came yesterday.

This mess is because of one bank BB located on Sukhumvit, and Klang, Pattaya handling out saving account to tourist like candy for large commission under the table! The own goddamn doing like always.

Being the brother I am, I going to loan him 800,000 baht slowly up his account not to raise a red flag to his account by next year time. The guy had an heart attack in May of last year this government is NUTS! they need to all look in the mirror and see where the problems is! 😂

1 hour ago, flexomike said:

Bring over 65000 baht a month and you don't have to keep any money in the bank

1 hour ago, flexomike said:

Bring over 65000 baht a month and you don't have to keep any money in the bank

1 hour ago, flexomike said:

Bring over 65000 baht a month and you don't have to keep any money in the bank

Apart from the 800k for the first extension...............................or did you miss that bit.

1 hour ago, J Branche said:

Are you going to Work.

Marriage Visa allows you to Work something Few mention.

Retirement Visa you can Not Work.

Regarding a Prenuptial in Thailand.

Yes that is why I had a marriage visa back in 2012 I thought maybe I might do business but I didn't & do not plan to do any now. But as you say it is good folks know that distinction of having a marriage visa does allow you to work.

About Prenups & such a non starter for my wife & I have been married 20 years & act as one.

2 minutes ago, hotandsticky said:

Apart from the 800k for the first extension...............................or did you miss that bit.

I think that is common knowledge, no I didn't miss that bit

8 minutes ago, flexomike said:

I think that is common knowledge, no I didn't miss that bit

12 minutes ago, hotandsticky said:

Apart from the 800k for the first extension...............................or did you miss that bit.

If you are applying for an O based on Retirement within Thailand than you would need the 800,000 in the bank, when applying for your first extension on that O you could use the monthly method if you already had 12 deposits in the bank, if not you would have to have the 800,000 in the bank. Speaking from personal experience at Rayong Immigration.

3 minutes ago, flexomike said:

If you are applying for an O based on Retirement within Thailand than you would need the 800,000 in the bank, when applying for your first extension on that O you could use the monthly method if you already had 12 deposits in the bank, if not you would have to have the 800,000 in the bank. Speaking from personal experience at Rayong Immigration.

You cannot use monthly transfers for the first extension. Even if you can show 10 years of monthly transfer, you cannot use them. The first extension can ONLY be done with embassy certified income, or 800,000 baht in your Thai bank account.

The immigration official line is that the monthly transfers must be done while you are on the status you are trying to extend, which is impossible to show for the first 1-year extension.

24 minutes ago, BrandonJT said:

You cannot use monthly transfers for the first extension. Even if you can show 10 years of monthly transfer, you cannot use them. The first extension can ONLY be done with embassy certified income, or 800,000 baht in your Thai bank account.

The immigration official line is that the monthly transfers must be done while you are on the status you are trying to extend, which is impossible to show for the first 1-year extension.

24 minutes ago, BrandonJT said:

You cannot use monthly transfers for the first extension. Even if you can show 10 years of monthly transfer, you cannot use them. The first extension can ONLY be done with embassy certified income, or 800,000 baht in your Thai bank account.

The immigration official line is that the monthly transfers must be done while you are on the status you are trying to extend, which is impossible to show for the first 1-year extension.

24 minutes ago, BrandonJT said:

You cannot use monthly transfers for the first extension. Even if you can show 10 years of monthly transfer, you cannot use them. The first extension can ONLY be done with embassy certified income, or 800,000 baht in your Thai bank account.

The immigration official line is that the monthly transfers must be done while you are on the status you are trying to extend, which is impossible to show for the first 1-year extension.

24 minutes ago, BrandonJT said:

That may be true for visa that was obtained outside of Thailand, but in 2022 I left Thailand without a re entry permit so that when I came back my OA would be canceled. Upon return I went to my Immigration office and obtained a 90 day O visa, for which I needed the 800,000 in the bank. With 30 days left on my permission to stay I applied for an extension based on retirement and they allowed me to do the extension with 12 months proof of transfers. Maybe the rules have changed but I know what I did. Just like everything here in Thailand up to the Immigration office. Not trying to start a pissing contest just posting my personal experience.

35 minutes ago, flexomike said:

If you are applying for an O based on Retirement within Thailand than you would need the 800,000 in the bank, when applying for your first extension on that O you could use the monthly method if you already had 12 deposits in the bank, if not you would have to have the 800,000 in the bank. Speaking from personal experience at Rayong Immigration.

Indeed. But I want the marriage based extension so I will only need 400k AND I can take it out the day after.

I don't think you are correct about a FIRST extension (based on what I think I remember about a Dr Jack post) - I believe you need 400/800k for the initial extension but can do monthly income next time if you meet the 12 monthly payments criteria.

I don't want to tie up 800K in a bureaucratic dog & pony show. The marriage extension over the last few years takes me an afternoon to put the paperwork together (I'm good at it now), and an hour at our rural Thailand Immigration office where my wife knows about half of the IO's. IF I ever decide to work again, I can obtain a work permit. It's really not that much of a hassle. Many people here make the process of applying for an extension based on marriage more difficult then it really is. However, I understand that some Immigration Offices purposefully make it a PITA. Thankfully I go to an Immigration office where they have a really good-hearted, decent staff of IOs, and I truly appreciate their professionalism.

22 hours ago, davb said:

With a marriage visa, your wife can kick you out of Thailand at any time.

On a serious note, one issue is that if the wife passes away before you, and you stay in Thailand in long term, you then need to put another 400,000 into the bank for a retirement extension. Though getting it done by an agent with no funds is only something like 25k baht.

Just now, Packer said:

On a serious note, one issue is that if the wife passes away before you, and you stay in Thailand in long term, you then need to put another 400,000 into the bank for a retirement extension. Though getting it done by an agent with no funds is only something like 25k baht.

It used to be 12,500? with Maneerat (before the Bangkok bank debacle.

1 minute ago, hotandsticky said:

Indeed. But I want the marriage based extension so I will only need 400k AND I can take it out the day after.

I don't think you are correct about a FIRST extension (based on what I think I remember about a Dr Jack post) - I believe you need 400/800k for the initial extension but can do monthly income next time if you meet the 12 monthly payments criteria.

1 minute ago, hotandsticky said:

Indeed. But I want the marriage based extension so I will only need 400k AND I can take it out the day after.

I don't think you are correct about a FIRST extension (based on what I think I remember about a Dr Jack post) - I believe you need 400/800k for the initial extension but can do monthly income next time if you meet the 12 monthly payments criteria.

2 minutes ago, hotandsticky said:

Indeed. But I want the marriage based extension so I will only need 400k AND I can take it out the day after.

I don't think you are correct about a FIRST extension (based on what I think I remember about a Dr Jack post) - I believe you need 400/800k for the initial extension but can do monthly income next time if you meet the 12 monthly payments criteria.

You are right for visas obtained outside of Thailand but I got my visa in Thailand

On 3/12/2026 at 11:28 AM, mania said:

I pretty much have my mind made up but wanted to ask what most think

We use to live in Thailand for 5 years on marriage visa extension 2012 -2017

We moved back to USA & are moving back to Thailand in May permanently

I can go either way but am thinking it is infinitely easier to use Retirement rather than the 50% cheaper marriage visa paper work wise

I also think although I will lose interest at this time by keeping 800k in Thailand it serves a dual purpose even for emergencies. (I of course will have more but )

Since I have only ever done the somewhat complicated marriage extension I wanted to hear form retirement extension guys that it is way easier right?

Thanks!

I do use a Marriage Visa Extension but an agency sorts the paperwork as it is worth it for my time, stress. However, I continue to use the 65K baht monthly income transferred once a month as my funds are invested and, well ... just not a justifiable financial decision to park funds in a Thai bank at low interest. Yes, marriage transfer requirement is less but we spend the 65K so not an issue.

1 minute ago, flexomike said:

You are right for visas obtained outside of Thailand but I got my visa in Thailand

Interesting. Thanks.

I was planning to get my visa in the UK and then extend after 2 months.......I may just review that plan.

1 minute ago, hotandsticky said:

Interesting. Thanks.

I was planning to get my visa in the UK and then extend after 2 months.......I may just review that plan.

You are better off getting it in your home country. Just make sure you have your 400,000 parked in the bank for two months when you apply for your extension. If you get the visa in Thailand off of a visa exempt entry your can apply for an O visa but the money must be in a Thai bank on the day of application.

1 hour ago, thailand49 said:

My brother on the other hand, going on 22 years living here year after year I hear the same stuff in March when he does the process again. After all these years he has been running around for days getting the paperwork in order total this year JOMTIEN 23 pages of nonsense!

Running around to get paperwork? Really.

- I need to go to the Amphur to get a K.2. We do it during a regular outing to get groceries. Takes about 10 minutes.
- We need to go to a photoshop to get picture printing. Like the K.2, we do this on a normal shopping day. Takes about 5 minutes.
- Then a trip to the bank at Big C where we do some of our shopping. I have to update all of my bank books for the US annual FBAR report which I do during that trip to the bank. The trip the bank takes maybe 15 minutes and then do some shopping while we're there.

- I've got a scanner/printer and do all my own copies.

Trust me - I'm not "running around for days" to get paperwork.

Some folks make this sound like some horror show to get a extension based on marriage. Trust me, it is not.

1 hour ago, thailand49 said:

This year told him he must untouch the 400,000 baht 4 months after his date, and must be intact 4 months prior to application! On top this year they wanted the I.D. of his two youngest kids, of course he had to bring the house book with him this is on top of yearly going to the Ampur to get a document they are still married.

I'm glad I don't go to his Immigration Office. My Immigration office follows the actual Immigration Police Order guidelines without making up their own.

6 minutes ago, connda said:

Some folks make this sound like some horror show to get a extension based on marriage. Trust me, it is not.

Except for those dealing with immigration offices that make it almost impossible........ just so you will use an agent. 🙂

22 hours ago, hotandsticky said:

400k for 2 months to get the marriage extension.....then that money is free to do what I want with. In 2027 I will use the income method.

I don't need the 400K in the bank. I have plenty of income. The money just stays in the bank all year.

9 minutes ago, Packer said:

Except for those dealing with immigration offices that make it almost impossible........ just so you will use an agent. 🙂

I agree. Some Immigration offices make it difficult. Thank God mine isn't like that.

1 hour ago, thailand49 said:

My brother on the other hand, going on 22 years living here year after year I hear the same stuff in March when he does the process again. After all these years he has been running around for days getting the paperwork in order total this year JOMTIEN 23 pages of nonsense!

Then he is obviously very unorganised.

26 minutes ago, connda said:

I don't need the 400K in the bank. I have plenty of income. The money just stays in the bank all year.

Incorrect.

The money does not have stay there after the initial application. I need 400k when I apply for the first extension off my new Non-Imm O visa.

I also have plenty of income - but I only (typically) want to bring in the minimal amount.

On 3/12/2026 at 5:28 AM, mania said:

I pretty much have my mind made up but wanted to ask what most think

We use to live in Thailand for 5 years on marriage visa extension 2012 -2017

We moved back to USA & are moving back to Thailand in May permanently

I can go either way but am thinking it is infinitely easier to use Retirement rather than the 50% cheaper marriage visa paper work wise

I also think although I will lose interest at this time by keeping 800k in Thailand it serves a dual purpose even for emergencies. (I of course will have more but )

Since I have only ever done the somewhat complicated marriage extension I wanted to hear form retirement extension guys that it is way easier right?

Thanks!

Yes, easier paperwork and immikgration control. If you keep the 800k baht in a fixed account – for example 12-months – you get best bank interest, which you can withdraw once a year, so you always have a clean 800k baht balance. Interest rate can be around 1.5% p.a. minus 15% withheld tax.

I've been using retirement extension for m18 years. I've been writing off my 800k baht as price for my prolonged stay in Land-of-Smiles, and deposit the paid interest in a separate "rainy day account", so I have extra access to fund, should something unexpected happen. In time the funds can – with help from interest's interest – grow to an useable amount for unforseen iuncidents.

23 hours ago, davb said:

With a marriage visa, your wife can kick you out of Thailand at any time. Sure, you can go through the hassle of switching to another visa, but there's a psychological power thing going on when a wife thinks she can do this.

I'd just like to say in defense of this post, which has caught quite a bit of flack, that if you happen to be on a marriage visa and cannot readily qualify for an alternative, either because of your age or finances, there is some truth in what he is saying.

As far as his comments being indicative of a rocky marriage, if you have registered real estate property in the wife's name, that creates a moral hazard for kicking you out of the country should a motive arise down the road for her to want to do this (infidelity, opportunity for financial windfall, dissatisfaction with the marriage). That reality puts many more seemingly "rock solid" marriages into the "rocky" marriage category than many might realize.

Also, if for any reason in the future, there are any irregularities with your visa (i.e., lack of sufficient funds, need to use an agent, or, God forbid, an expired visa or passport, on a marriage visa, you would be far more likely to have to make your wife aware of these irregularities, which it cannot be denied could be exploited, if not now, down the road, were you to encounter marital problems.

As far as "tying up 800K" for a full year, the marriage visa requires 400K, so you are only "tying up" an additional 400K when you are comparing a retirement visa to a marriage visa. Also, if you happen to be using an agent in order to circumvent the banking requirement, the agent's fees need to be deducted from the savings you claim to be realizing by not having to keep the 800K on deposit. If you claim that you're earning 4% on 800,000 by investing it overseas in bonds, as opposed to 1% here in Thailand, you might be earning an extra 24,000 baht ($750) by keeping the money overseas, but if the agent is costing you $15K+ your net earnings on that 800K overseas is now reduced to 9,000 baht, hardly a bumper return. Plus, on the presumption that you maintain minimal funds in Thailand, you have a considerable currency risk exposure, were you to have to transfer a large sum from overseas unexpectedly. And that currency risk, with ever ballooning sovereign debt in Western countries, is on the rise.

47 minutes ago, hotandsticky said:

Interesting. Thanks.

I was planning to get my visa in the UK and then extend after 2 months.......I may just review that plan.

To apply for the Non O in Thailand, you'd need to deposit 800K in a Thai bank account, which defeats your object.

Obtain Non O in the UK.
Deposit 400K in your Thai bank account.
When seasoned for 2 months apply for the 1 year extension based on mariage.
At the same time as transferring the 400K, start monthly transfers of 40/65K to suit.

The following year, you have the options of changing the reason for the extension to retirement and use the 65K monthly transfers to meet the financial requirements.
Alternatively, only transfer 40K per month and continue with the extension based on marriage.

I'm always tickled pink by those that claim extensions based on marriage are akin to jumping over hurdles and through hoops.

The extra documentation is minimal.
Copy of marriage certificate, copy of name change certificate (if applicable), photos taken in and around the house, all of which can be done from home.
The only extra trip is to any local Amphoe for an updated KR2.

Trip to the bank is the same regardless of the reason for the extension.

A deciding factor could be how near or far you reside in relation to your Immigration office.

Even extensions based on retirement are not all completed the same day and require a revisit for the extension stamp at some offices.

Everything is local for me, but if I lived 60-90 minutes from my local IO, then I'd consider an extension based on retirement.

11 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

To apply for the Non O in Thailand, you'd need to deposit 800K in a Thai bank account, which defeats your object.

Obtain Non O in the UK.
Deposit 400K in your Thai bank account.
When seasoned for 2 months apply for the 1 year extension based on marriage.
At the same time as transferring the 400K, start monthly transfers of 40/65K to suit.

The following year, you have the options of changing the reason for the extension to retirement and use the 65K monthly transfers to meet the financial requirements.
Alternatively, only transfer 40K per month and continue with the extension based on marriage.

I'm always tickled pink by those that claim extensions based on marriage are akin to jumping over hurdles and through hoops.

The extra documentation is minimal.
Copy of marriage certificate, copy of name change certificate (if applicable, photos taken in and around the house, all of which can be done from home.
The only extra trip is to any local Amphoe for an updated KR2.

Trip to the bank is the same regardless of the reason for the extension.

A deciding factor could be how near or far you reside in relation to your Immigration office.

Even extensions based on retirement are not all completed the same day and require a revisit for the extension stamp at some offices.

Everything is local for me, but if I lived 60-90 minutes from my local IO, then I'd consider an extension based on retirement.

Thank you.

What you describe is exactly my plan for July.

I have 400k sitting in K Bank and I have also been transferring 40k p.m. on the first - as a prelude to my 2027 extension.

I will try and stick with the marriage extension (as long as I don'[t find the paperwork too onerous) - mainly because I only need around 40k p.m. ...more and more transactions, Lotus', Big C, fuel etc are paid by UK credit card.