Have I got this procedure correct? I don't live in Thailand right now (mostly I'm in Myanmar). But I do have a regular monthly income and it would seem sensible to deposit 65k baht into my Bangkok Bank account each month for 12 months, in case I want to apply for a 'retirement' O visa extension.

I have a monthly UK pension of about 35,000 THB, topped up with an online income of about 80,000 THB/month. Both sums are deposited into my UK Wise account.

I need to start sending at least 65,000 THB to my Bangkok Bank account each month for 12 months.

I do not need to prove where that income comes from, but it must be sent from overseas to my Thai bank account

I do not have to live in Thailand during those 12 months (well I can't anyway - I won't have a long-term visa)

After 12 months of such deposits, I can apply for my retirement visa from outside Thailand, and then continue to make my 65,000 THB deposits from overseas.

Is that a correct understanding of the process?

8 minutes ago, simon43 said:

After 12 months of such deposits, I can apply for my retirement visa from outside Thailand, and then continue to make my 65,000 THB deposits from overseas.

Is that a correct understanding of the process?

No.

The 65k transfers won't count prior to obtaining the Non O.

For first Non O + 12 month extension you would need to use money in bank method as your embassy does not provide income letter.

Later down the track proof of source of funds (as usual) depends on immigration office you use.

I use income method at CW and simply transfer 65k+ every month.

I highlight on 12 month bank statement the monthly transfers.

I don't need to show proof of source eg Pension.

To change from money in bank method to income method you run both in concert for 12 months

45 minutes ago, simon43 said:

I do not have to live in Thailand during those 12 months (well I can't anyway - I won't have a long-term visa)

After 12 months of such deposits, I can apply for my retirement visa from outside Thailand, and then continue to make my 65,000 THB deposits from overseas.

Your confused.

First you have to obtain the Non O or Non O-A visa for the reason of retirement to enter Thailand.
The financial requirements for either Non Immigrant visa type would depend on which Thai Embassy you intended to apply for the visa, but whether using funds (800K), or income 65K pm) the evidence is usually from bank statements. Wise is not a bank.

If you were considering entering VE or TV, then applying for the Non O within Thailand, then Thai Immigration only accept evidence of 800K funds, not 65K income.

The requirement for 12 x 65K monthly overseas transfers is only applicable to 1 year temporary extensions of stay for reason of retirement, from a local Immigration office, which are permits, not visas.

19 hours ago, simon43 said:

Both sums are deposited into my UK Wise account.

You are, I take it, aware of the upcoming changes to Wise operations, as discussed in the following thread on the Banking forum? That said, they may not affect you too much if your Wise account is held in the UK.

https://aseannow.com/topic/1388342-upcoming-changes-to-wise-operations-in-thailand/

Simon43

Have I got this procedure correct? I don't live in Thailand right now (mostly I'm in Myanmar). But I do have a regular monthly income and it would seem sensible to deposit 65k baht into my Bangkok Bank account each month for 12 months, in case I want to apply for a 'retirement' O visa extension.

I have a monthly UK pension of about 35,000 THB, topped up with an online income of about 80,000 THB/month. Both sums are deposited into my UK Wise account.

I need to start sending at least 65,000 THB to my Bangkok Bank account each month for 12 months.

I do not need to prove where that income comes from, but it must be sent from overseas to my Thai bank account

I do not have to live in Thailand during those 12 months (well I can't anyway - I won't have a long-term visa)

After 12 months of such deposits, I can apply for my retirement visa from outside Thailand, and then continue to make my 65,000 THB deposits from overseas.

Is that a correct understanding of the process?

While I agree that to apply for a Non-Immigrant O Visa within Thailand that 800k in a Thai bank is necessary, buy it appears that Simon 43 plans to get his Non-Immigrant O Visa from a Thai Embassy or Consulate in another country and will receive a 90 day permission to stay upon entry.

He plans to then extend his stay using the 65k per month method. The following is from Thai Immigration rules:

Criteria for Consideration of Granting an Alien’s Extension of Stay in the Kingdom

Attachment to the Order of Royal Thai Police no. 654 /2564 dated December 27, 2021

 

Criteria for consideration

1.  An alien must have been granted Non-Immigrant Visa.

2.           An alien must be 50 years of age or over.

3.           An alien must have evidence of monthly income of no less than 65,000 baht or

4.           At least 2 months prior to the filing date and 3 months after being granted permission, an alien must have a deposit in a commercial bank located in Thailand of no less than 800.000 baht. After being granted permission for 3 months, an alien can withdraw the said deposit and must have the remaining balance in the bank account of no less than 400,000 baht or

5.           An alien must have an annual income and a deposit in a commercial bank located in Thailand with total sum of no less than 800,000 baht as of the filing date. The said deposit must maintain in the bank account prior to and after the permission is granted and the withdrawal can be made under the same condition in the Criterion (4).

6.           Only for an alien, who has been granted Non-Immigrant "O-A" Visa, must have health insurance or non-Thai social welfare covering medical expenses including the ones for Covid-19 disease with the coverage of no less than 100,000 USD or 3,000,000 baht for the entire duration of stay in the Kingdom.

Thus, it appears that he will meet the requirements to apply for an extension of his 90 day permission to stay using evidence of previously transmitting 65k per month to his Thai bank account.

As to showing source of funds, this will depend on the policy of the Immigration Office where he plans to apply for the extension of stay. I have used the 65k method at the Chonburi (Pattaya) Immigration Office for several years (since the US Embassy as well as the UK and Australian Embassies stopped issuing monthly income letters for Thai Immigration). They have never asked for the source of funds.

However, they usually ask for two letters from the the Thai bank, one to verify ownership of the account and another listing all foreign transfers into the account. Also, they ask for a document from the penson provider to show one's monthly pension income (even though the Immigration Rules do not required the income be solely from a pension). Other Immigration Offices may have different requirements.

Also, a caution if one's Bangkok Bank account is from a Pattaya branch. Based on a very recent report from a friend, his Pattaya Branch of Bangkok Bank would provide him only with the one letter to verify the account and refused the one listing transfers saying they no longer provide it. It is possible this is only Pattaya branches, but it could be all Bangkok Bank branches if it is a HQ policy. He decided at that point to use an Agent to do his extension for him.

Another Expat, a couple of months ago, told me he had originally opened his Bangkok Bank account in one of the northern provinces and was refused both letters by Pattaya branches of Bangkok Bank. In his case, Chonburi (Pattaya) Immigration accepted a verification letter from another Thai bank where he had an account even though it was not the one where he made his 65k deposits. In lieu of the Bank letter listing transfers, they accepted certified bank statements from Bangkok Bank for the preceding 12 months and approved his extension. Even so, the decision to extend depends on the Immigration Officer processing the extension, so this may or may not work for others.

25 minutes ago, soisanuk said:

Thus, it appears that he will meet the requirements to apply for an extension of his 90 day permission to stay using evidence of previously transmitting 65k per month to his Thai bank account.

That won't work.

He would need an embassy letter.

In subsequent years he will be able to change to income method.

He will need to run both methods in concert for a year.

Doesn't seem possible for the OP financially

1 hour ago, soisanuk said:

They have never asked for the source of funds.

However, they usually ask for two letters from the the Thai bank, one to verify ownership of the account and another listing all foreign transfers into the account. Also, they ask for a document from the penson provider to show one's monthly pension income

Contradiction - documentation requests for receipt of pensions is the source of income.

1 hour ago, soisanuk said:

Rules do not required the income be solely from a pension). Other Immigration Offices may have different requirements.

If requested, the income can also be from investments or dividends.

The OP is a digital nomad, with 2/3 of his income coming from working online.
The Non O visa and extensions based on retirement both prohibit working.

The DTV fits his criteria and is a better option IMO.

^^^

Yes, the DTV would seem to be a better option - and cheaper :)

30 minutes ago, simon43 said:

^^^

Yes, the DTV would seem to be a better option - and cheaper :)

Zero contributions to thread and then DTV option post.

For your situation (teaching online?)

DTV online nomad option may not be an option. Do some research.

Your OP suggestion was never a remote possibility

Three questions.

1. If someone enters on a Non-O visa obtained overseas for the purpose of retirement, and towards the end of the 90-days, applies for the 1-year retirement extension in country, Thai immigration will only accept the seasoned lump sum method of proof of finances?

2. Evidence of a qualifying monthly income deposited from overseas in their existing Thai bank account for 12 months prior to the extension application isn't accepted?

3. Is that stated in their published rules and regulations?

13 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

Three questions.

1 : without embassy income letter the first extension would require money in bank option (800k)

2 : twelve monthly transfers prior to obtaining the Non O would not be accepted.

3 : irrelevant

5 hours ago, NanLaew said:

Three questions.

1. If someone enters on a Non-O visa obtained overseas for the purpose of retirement, and towards the end of the 90-days, applies for the 1-year retirement extension in country, Thai immigration will only accept the seasoned lump sum method of proof of finances?

2. Evidence of a qualifying monthly income deposited from overseas in their existing Thai bank account for 12 months prior to the extension application isn't accepted?

3. Is that stated in their published rules and regulations?

Published Immigration orders state 4 methods of proof of finances for extensions based on retirement.
1. 800K deposited for 2 months in a Thai bank.

2. Embassy Income letter.

3. 12 x 65K overseas transfers to a Thai bank.

4. Combination of funds + Income totaling 800K for the year.

There is nothing that states any difference between the first and subsequent extensions, but as usual it's at the discretion of Immigration.

10 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Zero contributions to thread and then DTV option post.

For your situation (teaching online?)

DTV online nomad option may not be an option. Do some research.

Your OP suggestion was never a remote possibility

The usual 'rude' reply from this guy....

What can I contribute after my initial post that outlined the situation? Just 6 replies to my post and you accuse me of not contributing! A poster suggests a DTV option and my offline research suggests that indeed, this might be very appropriate for my circumstances.

Next time Dr, learn some manners before you start typing.....

10 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

DTV online nomad option may not be an option. Do some research

10 minutes ago, simon43 said:

The usual 'rude' reply from this guy....

By research, I interpretated that as subject to meeting the qualifications.

A remote worker teaching online can apply for the Thailand Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). The key requirement is that you work for companies or clients located outside of Thailand. You must provide proof of employment (e.g., contract), demonstrate an income of at least 500,000 THB, and show a professional portfolio or proof of your teaching work.

Key requirements for online teachers applying for the DTV:

Outside Income: Your teaching income must come from non-Thai sources.

Documentation: You must provide an employment contract, a letter from your company, or, if a freelancer, proof of teaching (e.g., invoices, profile on platforms like Preply).

Financial Proof: Evidence of at least 500,000 THB (or equivalent in another currency) in a bank account.

2 hours ago, simon43 said:

The usual 'rude' reply from this guy....

In my first post I outlined why your plan to use income method won't be possible for initial Non O + Subsequent extension.

14 hours ago, simon43 said:

Yes, the DTV would seem to be a better option - and cheaper :)

Do you have the 500k + the other requirements as outlined by @Liquorice

2 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

In my first post I outlined why your plan to use income method won't be possible for initial Non O + Subsequent extension.

Do you have the 500k + the other requirements as outlined by @Liquorice

The documentary requirements are all fine - I have contracts since 2018 with the different online schools to confirm my contract employment with them.

I can provide bank statements to confirm my monthly income (I received $2,500 yesterday from one employer yesterday, $1,100 2 days ago from my UK pension and $300 from other private students.

I do not have 500,000 THB in my bank right now. But that is a target to reach and is certainly less than the 800,000 THB for a retirement visa. A DTV would also be more suitable re my online work (all students are outside Thailand).

https://aseannow.com/topic/1341384-dtv-in-vientiane-success-my-story/

The above link is to a post of DTV (workstation)

Note: this list of docs was prior to eVisa, however the requirements correct

On 4/8/2026 at 8:15 AM, simon43 said:

Have I got this procedure correct? I don't live in Thailand right now (mostly I'm in Myanmar). But I do have a regular monthly income and it would seem sensible to deposit 65k baht into my Bangkok Bank account each month for 12 months, in case I want to apply for a 'retirement' O visa extension.

If you transfer the money, each month, for 12 months before you move to Thailand then you will have (almost) 800k in the bank so could use the lump sum method instead.

Not sure about the rules on working online for foreign companies while on a retirement extension but you'd be well under the radar anyway.

31 minutes ago, GanDoonToonPet said:

If you transfer the money, each month, for 12 months before you move to Thailand then you will have (almost) 800k in the bank so could use the lump sum method instead.

Not sure about the rules on working online for foreign companies while on a retirement extension but you'd be well under the radar anyway.

Cannot work on a retirement extension.

30 minutes ago, hotandsticky said:

Cannot work on a retirement extension.

True however doing online work not involving Thai customers has been going on since Adam was a boy.

49 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

True however doing online work not involving Thai customers has been going on since Adam was a boy.

Oh, I certainly wouldn't disagree with that............. but, Adam didn't have to deal with Thai Immigration and, if he did, I am sure he would prefer to know which side of the 'law' he was operating on.

3 hours ago, hotandsticky said:

Oh, I certainly wouldn't disagree with that............. but, Adam didn't have to deal with Thai Immigration and, if he did, I am sure he would prefer to know which side of the 'law' he was operating on.

Fact is OP does not even live in Thailand and seems not immediate plan.

DTV might be an option. Doubt it.

Thinking tire kicking.

Plenty of threads re DTV.

10 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Fact is OP does not even live in Thailand and seems not immediate plan.

...

Well, if I were currently living in Thailand, then I wouldn't need to be thinking about visas, would I?

I'm currently living right next door in Cambodia, where indeed I have an annual retirement visa without problem.

But my background since 2003 is living in Thailand, doing business (building/running small hotels in Phuket) in Thailand, having a Thai family (I met my son last week when I was in BKK), speaking Thai language (I studied for an MA at Chula) etc.

Cambodia is very nice, but it's important for me to understand and speak the language (which I don't, and am too busy improving my Burmese language skills!). Cambodia has limited coastal resorts and none are close to international airports. Cambodia has limited medical facilities, linited transport options/good roads etc. Cambodia is an extra flight away from Myanmar, where I visit often for my educational charity work. As I get older, living alone and far from family is probably not a good idea.

Just a few of the valid reasons why being based in Thailand, as opposed to Cambodia, is preferred.

I think my best route forward is to save up the 500,000 THB in my Wise account, and when that baance is reached, to go down the DTV route, perhaps with lawyer assistance in Thailand to make sure that every 'paperwork' aspect is covered.

12 minutes ago, simon43 said:

I think my best route forward is to save up the 500,000 THB in my Wise account, and when that baance is reached, to go down the DTV route,

Best check that out.

The 500k thinking would need to be in a Bank account.

WISE is not a bank. Sure you can have a "Wise Wallet" Still not a bank account.

".. Save up the 500k..."?

Hope you have good health cover.

1 hour ago, simon43 said:

Well, if I were currently living in Thailand, then I wouldn't need to be thinking about visas, would I?

If you were living in Thailand you would certainly need some type of visa or permit of stay.

Soon visa exempt may be back to 30 days.

If money was not an issue then Non O (retirement) with ongoing annual extensions + reentry permit.

As pointed out earlier you could use income method in second extension however not first.

1 hour ago, DrJack54 said:

Best check that out.

The 500k thinking would need to be in a Bank account.

WISE is not a bank. Sure you can have a "Wise Wallet" Still not a bank account.

".. Save up the 500k..."?

Hope you have good health cover.

I also have a Halifax bank account in the UK, so that should be ok to use .

I have $1 million health cover, including repatrition etc. Whether the insurance company would pay up if I claimed is another matter....

6 minutes ago, simon43 said:

I have $1 million health cover, including repatrition etc

That's good.

I'm self insured and by way of example on March 1 , I fractured a vertebra and disc issue.

The hospital outlined option one of which was 700k

3 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

That's good.

I'm self insured and by way of example on March 1 , I fractured a vertebra and disc issue.

The hospital outlined option one of which was 700k

Hope you are feeling better. I have previously fractured vertebra on several occasions (falling out of trees or off ladders when installing my radio ham antennas). But there's not a lot the hospital can do, apart from telling you not to cough or laugh....

On 4/10/2026 at 2:59 AM, NanLaew said:

Three questions.

1. If someone enters on a Non-O visa obtained overseas for the purpose of retirement, and towards the end of the 90-days, applies for the 1-year retirement extension in country, Thai immigration will only accept the seasoned lump sum method of proof of finances?

2. Evidence of a qualifying monthly income deposited from overseas in their existing Thai bank account for 12 months prior to the extension application isn't accepted?

3. Is that stated in their published rules and regulations?

No 1 - The police orders would suggest otherwise but reality is in the hands of the office.

I have had a 12 month extension from a Non O based on 12 monthly deposits.

No 2 - If it is a very first 12 month extension then a reduced number of deposits can be used, how it is calculated is in the police orders. Again, reality may be different.

I was refused the reduction as they spotted a previous extension from a couple of years previous, had to wait another month to get the 12 required.

6 hours ago, sandyf said:

No 2 - If it is a very first 12 month extension then a reduced number of deposits can be used, how it is calculated is in the police orders. Again, reality may be different.

I was refused the reduction as they spotted a previous extension from a couple of years previous, had to wait another month to get the 12 required.

I've literally never heard of a single immigration "reducing" the number of deposits required. It's always 12 months required. And those 12 months must have been while you were already on non-immigrant status.