Retiring In Thailand

[RICH08]

I have been visiting Thailand since 1970 and have decided to retire there, maybe in a couple of years. I am a New Zealander, 61 years old. My wife is Australian 45 years old. Can someone please tell me what I must do to effect this? Do I need to deposit 800,000 Baht in bank account or 1,600,000 Baht as my wife is not Thai?

[InterestedObserver]

800,000 Thai Baht in a local bank account in your name for a one-year retirement extension of stay, your wife would then get a one-year dependent extension of stay piggy-backed to your extension. Your wife, at 45 years old, is not eligible for a retirement extension of stay hence no need to deposit 800,00 baht for her. You both need a non-immigrant "O" visa to start. The money needs to be on deposit in Thailand for two months prior to the first extension application, three months for subsequent extension applications.

[lopburi3]

Wife may not be able to obtain non immigrant visa until after husband gets his extension of stay so if that happens she can use a normal tourist visa for that time period.

[Jingthing]

Of course if you have an income stream like a pension, etc. you won't need the entire 800K in the bank, or even nothing if the income exceeds 65K baht monthly.

[RICH08]

Thanks, where do I obtain non-immigrant "O" visa? How long does it take to obtain?

[lopburi3]

You could try the Honorary Consulate in Brisbane - should only take a few days by mail.

[CharlieH]

You could try the Honorary Consulate in Brisbane - should only take a few days by mail.

OP says he is New Zeaalnd, wife is Australian so assuming he is in New Zealand now...

Royal Thai Embassy in Wellington................ http://www.thaiembassynz.org.nz/

• Visa application form and other consular forms may be downloaded from the site.
  We also include direct links to a number of Thai official websites and other useful links.
• For additional information the Embassy can be contacted at the following:
• E-mail: //removed as per forum rules//]
• Consular E-mail : //removed as per forum rules
• Tel: (64 4) 476 8616 - 9
  Chancery Facsimile: (64 4) 476 8610
  Consular Facsimile: (64 4) 476 3677

[lopburi3]

What he said was "I am a New Zealander". He said nothing about being there.

[cardholder]

What he said was "I am a New Zealander". He said nothing about being there.

He didn't say he wasn't and normal members do not have access to IP addresses.

[CharlieH]

What he said was "I am a New Zealander". He said nothing about being there.

The information in the post doesnt say anything about him being in Australia either ! but it seemed to work for you as thats where you directed him,

[lopburi3]

His IP indicated he was posting from Oz so I supplied a Consulate there.

[Darrel]

.....your wife would then get a one-year dependent extension of stay piggy-backed to your extension.

Never really understood the logic in that. Assuming that the 800K deposit is to prove enough ressources to pay for living and possible medical expenses, I dont see how two people can qualify on one deposit. Only housing actually costs the same for 1 or 2 people, and I suspect that if I was married my wife would have me spending far more than I do now on a day to day basis.

[retiredusn]

Another idea would be to look at the OA route from your home country, if granted you and the wife would arrive in Thailand with a one year visa...........

[RICH08]

His IP indicated he was posting from Oz so I supplied a Consulate there.

Good detective work, I'm actually in Perth. been here since 1988 but not citizen.