Options For Long Stay Visa: Early Retiree Under 50

[luvthailand]

I am a USA citizen (Texas) in my mid-40s and early retired -- no pension, just assets. I am currently living in South America but will be in the USA next month to apply for a double or triple entry Thailand tourist visa next month for what has become my annual 7 months or so pilgrimage to SouthEast Asia.

I am assuming that once I am 50 I can move 800K baht to a Thai bank account (which presumably I would open when I am 49) and go through the retirement visa process based on assets alone.

Is there anything I can do to make myself eligible for a Non-O type visa before I am 50? It seems like the only other realistic option is a Non-immigrant ED visa for Thai language instruction (I did attend language school last year). I understand there is a 10 million baht investors or condo-buyers option or something like that, but I am not interested in spending that kind of money in Thailand. And I do not have a Thai fiance, lol.

I just wanted to make sure I understand my options (and that they really are this limited).

Thanks in Advance.

LuvThailand

[Lite Beer]

Try the Thai Consulate in Huston. They may issue a Multi Entry Non Imm O Visa.

[luvthailand]

Try the Thai Consulate in Huston. They may issue a Multi Entry Non Imm O Visa.

LiteBeer, thank you for the suggestion.

Can you suggest a reason to use in the application and/or supporting materials? That is my consulate (I have an address in Houston). According to their forms from last year, for a Non-O you need a supporting document from an organization for business, conference, teaching, missionary, etc purposes.

They also say "settlement after retirement" as a reason in the Non-O section but I assume that is the official retirement visa I hear talked about, the one where you need to be 50?

Other reasons are Education (requires letter from school), Family Reunion (requires birth certificates), or Medical treatment (requires official doctor statement).

At the same time, I don't want to be too literal, knowing that there can be leeway in the rules.

LuvThailand

[Lite Beer]

There are several Consulates in Europe and Australia who will issue for the reason of "Visiting Friends." With no proof needed.

Houston has been recommended as being the most helpful Consulate in USA. Give them a call and ask.

Not saying they will but it is the best bet in the States.

Other than that it is Europe or Australia.

[PoeDogg]

Hey LuvThailand,

I am living in Thailand and have asked around about visa’s for my situation which is, (way) under 50, not married, and no business in Thailand.

Here is what I have been told are my options.

1. Get married.

2. Start a business.

3. Get an Ed Visa.

4. Live here on Tourist Visa’s.

Right now I am on the Tourist Visa route.

Good luck!

Poe

A fellow Houstonian.

[luvthailand]

Thanks, Poedog, that is what I got when I asked around last year, also, although most people don't have the knowledge of those on this board.

It is not really realistic to fly roundtrip to Australia, lie on the application, spend the $175 or so for the application, and then hope for a year non-O visa (which still requires one to leave every 3 months).

However, I do like litebeer's suggestion of just seeing what is possible by talking to consulate folks.

This is one reason why I spend a lot of time in the Philippines and South America, the visas are easier. Up to now, I have not really wanted to stay in Thailand longer than 7 months, but in the future I probably will.

LuvThailand

[bangsaenguy]

My mother finds the consulate in Dallas easy to deal with. She gets Non-O visas every year

[astral]

Other reasons are Education (requires letter from school),

Check out our sponsors.

There is at least one language school, and they may be able to help you with the letter.

[BlueSmurf]

Have had friends come over from the Uk and have all been under 50.they have gone to Consulates in Uk and just asked for non 'O' visa and have just been given it.They have said coming over to visit family, friends see girlfriend. Give your consulate a ring and asked what your options are you may find they are more than willing to help.after all if they don't give Visa's out then they get closed! Good Luck

[PeaceBlondie]

If your passport contains Venezuelan stamps, Houston may require proof of yellow fever vaccinaton. They did for me. They're great.

PB, another Texan

[luvthailand]

If your passport contains Venezuelan stamps, Houston may require proof of yellow fever vaccinaton. They did for me. They're great.

PB, another Texan

Yes, this is actually an official Thai requirement for a range of countries (any country in a long list that you have visited in the last 6 months). It is listed on as a requirement on their visa application that I retained from last year. Thankfully, I do have vaccination proof (I am in Colombia).

LuvThailand

[luvthailand]

Have had friends come over from the Uk and have all been under 50.they have gone to Consulates in Uk and just asked for non 'O' visa and have just been given it.They have said coming over to visit family, friends see girlfriend. Give your consulate a ring and asked what your options are you may find they are more than willing to help.after all if they don't give Visa's out then they get closed! Good Luck

Yeah, I have a UK friend who did this although he was 51. He said all they cared about was that he was actually 50 (in other words, the age requirement was important to them). However, I think the idea of just talking with the consulate folks is a good suggestion. I think a multi-entry non-O is $175 and that is some cash for them.

LuvThailand