I am sure many of you have been through this process.

I will be seeking a retirement visa in the near future and will be locating to Chiang Rai.

I am aware of the financial requirements but a bit unsure of some details.

1. I understand that a non immigrant O visa is first required, and I am told you have to obtain this in country - is this a fact?

2. On entry to the Kingdom would a return ticket be required ?

Would appreciate if someone could assist me with the details of this process.

Thank you

You may be better off in the Visa forum.

Some basics here.

http://www.thaiembassy.com/retire/retire.php

I had to obtain the non-Im O in Vientiane.

Edited June 22, 201511 yr by sceadugenga

As Scea suggested there is an extensive Visa Forum here on TVF with knowledgeable posters. Visa procedures are for the most part national not local so they can answer most of your questions.

The two unique things about Chiang Rai I can think of would be the location of the Immigration Office and that the official who can sign a retirement visa only comes down to Chiang Rai from Mae Sai twice each week. Since government officials can be called away on official business from time to time, I would suggest calling to make sure they will actually be in the office on the day you plan to go.

As Scea suggested there is an extensive Visa Forum here on TVF with knowledgeable posters. Visa procedures are for the most part national not local so they can answer most of your questions.

The two unique things about Chiang Rai I can think of would be the location of the Immigration Office and that the official who can sign a retirement visa only comes down to Chiang Rai from Mae Sai twice each week. Since government officials can be called away on official business from time to time, I would suggest calling to make sure they will actually be in the office on the day you plan to go.

Moved to the Visa forum.

You can apply for a OA long stay visa for retirement before you leave at an embassy or consulate in your home country. Requirements are here but there may some different requirement at the embassy where you apply. http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/services/4908/15385-Non-Immigrant-Visa-%22O-A%22-(Long-Stay).html

Or you can apply for an extension of stay here based upon retirement at an immigration office. To apply you need a non-o visa. If possible you should get the non-o before leaving home.

It is only possible to apply for a non immigrant visa at Bangkok immigration. If you arrive without one it would be best for you to apply for it in Vientiane Laos since you will be living in Chiang Rai.

If you get a visa before traveling a return or onward ticket is not required.

You may be better off in the Visa forum.

Some basics here.

http://www.thaiembassy.com/retire/retire.php

I had to obtain the non-Im O in Vientiane.

The link you posted is to a commercial website. Some of the info is not accurate.