Apologies for probably asking a question asked many times but i havent been on this site for a long time. I have been going to Thailand for 8 years now ,normally a month at a time 3 /4 times a year but as the length dictates I do not need a special visa I have not looked into different ones. I have now retired, 30 years in London Fire Brigade and am planning to come in May with a view to a more "permanent " duration. I am aware of the retirement visa and would comfortably meet the criteria but am not sure what , if any, restrictions that places on you, I plan on travelling a bit as well although not sure when. So my long winded way of asking the question is is there a visa that would suit me better at the moment? I have been told the multi entry O visa has been restricted to those married to a Thai. Appreciate any help/advice, and info on how often I would have to go on visa run etc.

Thanks in advance

Tim K

Moving to the Visas forum for better answers.

You can get a one year extension of stay at immigration and still travel as much as you want by getting a multiple re-entry permit. You would just have to be here when your extension is due renewal.

You would need to meet the financial requirements of 800k baht in a Thai bank or 65k baht income proven by a letter from the embassy.

Hi Fire !

If you intend to apply for an O/A visa in London then there will be no restrictions on your ability to travel and each entry to Thailand will provide a one year "permission" to stay whilst the visa is valid. By arranging to make an entry immediately prior to the visa expiry will secure a 2nd years "permission to stay" . If you wish to travel during this 2nd year a re -entry permit must be obtained from an immigration office.

There are other means of securing a long stay here which involve less hassle than the O/A route . If interested just ask.

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Edited March 26, 201412 yr by thepool

If you intend to apply for an O/A visa in London then there will be no restrictions on your ability to travel and each entry to Thailand will provide a one year "permission" to stay whilst the visa is valid. By arranging to make an entry immediately prior to the visa expiry will secure a 2nd years "permission to stay" . If you wish to travel during this 2nd year a re -entry permit must be obtained from an immigration office.

This was the route I took as it enabled me to stay 2yrs without having to show funds here for extensions. Easy when you get your head around the requirements.

Despite the number of holidays you have had here, living here is not the same.

Edited March 26, 201412 yr by Tafia

Thanks for replies,

the pool..you mention other routes ?

Tafia, yes I am aware of the difference between holiday and living in Thailand, i have a condo in Bang Saray where my brother lives, thats the reason I am trying to identify the best visa route until I find out if it is where want i to live.I guess I will look at a retirement visa if I decide to stay. appreciate help.

There is in reality no retirement visa in existence.

The OA long stay visa is often called that. Info and requirements here on embassy website: http://thaiembassyuk.org.uk/?q=node/51

The other option is an extension of stay based upon that I mentioned is another option. Since it has gotten very hard to get a single entry non-o visa it would be best to start out with a single entry tourist and then do a change of visa status to get a non immigrant visa entry and then apply for the extension.

Thanks again, been in spain so sorry for delay in answering.