I will be moving to Thailand from the USA sometime in late August.

Although I am 60 years old, I am not ready to retire and will be trying to generate an income while

living in Thailand. I understand that the most beneficial VISA is the retirement Visa even if you’re not retired.

Will someone guide me through the process to obtain this type of visa? My citizenship is American.

From what I understand, that if you do not have a monthly income of 2500USD (est), that you must show proof of having 800K baht in a bank account in Thailand. Right now, I currently do not have a monthly income but I am able to transfer 800K (in baht) to my checking account in Thailand. How long will these monies be tied up – at some point will I be able to withdraw some funds from this account for my monthly living expenses, or are my funds frozen?

As the initial step, should I apply for a non Immigrant O visa (or other type of visa) in my country with the local Thai embassy? How long will I have to reside in Thailand before I can convert to the retirement visa?

I know that this topic has been covered in the Thaivisa forums, but I couldn’t find the specific answers to my questions.

1. You can not obtain a work permit (work) with a retirement extension of stay.

2. Have not seen any report that a checking account (almost unheard of foreigners having without a work permit and working here) being accepted (normal is a passbook savings account).

3. Account must be at 800k two months for first and 3 months for later one year extensions of stay - it can be used but during that period must remain above the 800k at all times.

4. You convert to retirement extension of stay after staying 60-89 of the 90 days allowed.

5. As said you can not work - so perhaps a tourist visa followed by a non immigrant B visa once you find employment may be what you want.