Application for Thai Non Imm O/A based on Retirement at British Thai Embassy

[PeCeDe]

Have a couple of questions for my TV friends re: applying for this Visa.

1) The instructions ask for a letter of reference from my British Bank to validate the copy of my bank statement. Does anyone know what points this letter should cover?

2) I'm a little hazy on this next question. I understand that if I apply in Thailand for a non O/A based on retirement, I need to apply first for a 3 month non O and then 3 months later progress to a full Non O/A based on retirement. By applying in the UK I appear to be able to sidestep the initial 3 month Non O Visa and go straight to the Non O/A, am I correct?

3) Not that I have any contagious diseases (repeat... None), but it strikes me as funny that 3rd. stage Syphillis would exclude me from a Visa. Can I assume 1st and 2nd. stage is OK?... I'm sure there's a serious reason, but it escapes me.

[oncearugge]

1 The letter needs to confirm your bank balance and agree with the statement issued preferably on the same date.

2. O/A visas are not available in Thailand but it is possible to apply for an "extension of stay based on retirement" (it is not a visa)

3. No comment.

[paz]

1. That you have the required funds and your account is in good standing.

2. You can't have a non-imm O/A visa in thaila, you can have a extension of stay, which is different. So for O/A visa your only choice is the UK.

3. Just have your doctor to certify verbatim you do not have any of the the listed diseases, and o not worry about sense or reason whatever.

4 (my addition) spend good money to have all the above plus police record notarized.

[elviajero]

1. Sorry I can't help.

2. Are you planning to retire/live permanently in Thailand?

• You can only apply for a Non 'O-A' in the UK. That will give you a 12 month multi entry visa and you can come and go as often as you like. Each time you enter you'll be given a stay of 12 months. With planning this visa can see you through 2 years before needing an extension of stay or new visa.
• A Non 'O' is available from the UK. This visa can be single entry giving 90 days on entry or a multi entry valid for 12 months. With the multi entry you can come and go as you like for 12 months with each stay limited to 90 days.
• 'O-A' and 'O' visas can be used to secure a 1 year extension of stay based on retirement which you can only organise once in Thailand.

3.

[PeCeDe]

1. That you have the required funds and your account is in good standing.

2. You can't have a non-imm O/A visa in thaila, you can have a extension of stay, which is different. So for O/A visa your only choice is the UK.

3. Just have your doctor to certify verbatim you do not have any of the the listed diseases, and o not worry about sense or reason whatever.

4 (my addition) spend good money to have all the above plus police record notarized.

Thanks for point 4) I fully intend to get everything notarized.

[PeCeDe]

1. Sorry I can't help.

2. Are you planning to retire/live permanently in Thailand?

• You can only apply for a Non 'O-A' in the UK. That will give you a 12 month multi entry visa and you can come and go as often as you like. Each time you enter you'll be given a stay of 12 months. With planning this visa can see you through 2 years before needing an extension of stay or new visa.
• A Non 'O' is available from the UK. This visa can be single entry giving 90 days on entry or a multi entry valid for 12 months. With the multi entry you can come and go as you like for 12 months with each stay limited to 90 days.
• 'O-A' and 'O' visas can be used to secure a 1 year extension of stay based on retirement which you can only organise once in Thailand.

3.

Yes, thanks for asking, I'm planning on living and retiring in Thailand... Just finished a TR3, and am back in Canada/US, then headed to the UK for awhile where I'll get the retirement Visa... Can't wait to be back in Thailand.

[elviajero]

1. Sorry I can't help.

2. Are you planning to retire/live permanently in Thailand?

• You can only apply for a Non 'O-A' in the UK. That will give you a 12 month multi entry visa and you can come and go as often as you like. Each time you enter you'll be given a stay of 12 months. With planning this visa can see you through 2 years before needing an extension of stay or new visa.
• A Non 'O' is available from the UK. This visa can be single entry giving 90 days on entry or a multi entry valid for 12 months. With the multi entry you can come and go as you like for 12 months with each stay limited to 90 days.
• 'O-A' and 'O' visas can be used to secure a 1 year extension of stay based on retirement which you can only organise once in Thailand.

3.

Yes, thanks for asking, I'm planning on living and retiring in Thailand... Just finished a TR3, and am back in Canada/US, then headed to the UK for awhile where I'll get the retirement Visa... Can't wait to be back in Thailand.

Then probably the options are a single Non 'O' and to arrange the 1 year extension within the 90 day stay you'll get on arrival.

or

If you don't qualify for an 'O" or want to jump through the extra hoops of an 'O-A' you'll get a 12 month stay with options to do the 1 year extension at the end of your first year, or exit/enter at the end of that year for another 12 month stay, and apply for the 1 year extension at the end of that second year.

Whatever you decide enjoy the retirement!

[oncearugge]

1. Sorry I can't help.

2. Are you planning to retire/live permanently in Thailand?

• You can only apply for a Non 'O-A' in the UK. That will give you a 12 month multi entry visa and you can come and go as often as you like. Each time you enter you'll be given a stay of 12 months. With planning this visa can see you through 2 years before needing an extension of stay or new visa.
• A Non 'O' is available from the UK. This visa can be single entry giving 90 days on entry or a multi entry valid for 12 months. With the multi entry you can come and go as you like for 12 months with each stay limited to 90 days.
• 'O-A' and 'O' visas can be used to secure a 1 year extension of stay based on retirement which you can only organise once in Thailand.

3.

Yes, thanks for asking, I'm planning on living and retiring in Thailand... Just finished a TR3, and am back in Canada/US, then headed to the UK for awhile where I'll get the retirement Visa... Can't wait to be back in Thailand.

Then probably the options are a single Non 'O' and to arrange the 1 year extension within the 90 day stay you'll get on arrival.

or

If you don't qualify for an 'O" or want to jump through the extra hoops of an 'O-A' you'll get a 12 month stay with options to do the 1 year extension at the end of your first year, or exit/enter at the end of that year for another 12 month stay, and apply for the 1 year extension at the end of that second year.

Whatever you decide enjoy the retirement!

Whether the OP goes via the "O" or the "O/A" route he will at some point have to apply for an "extension of stay" if he wishes to remain in Thailand

I wonder if the OP is aware of the requirements for an extension and the practicalities associated with obtaining the extension?

[PeCeDe]

1. Sorry I can't help.

2. Are you planning to retire/live permanently in Thailand?

• You can only apply for a Non 'O-A' in the UK. That will give you a 12 month multi entry visa and you can come and go as often as you like. Each time you enter you'll be given a stay of 12 months. With planning this visa can see you through 2 years before needing an extension of stay or new visa.
• A Non 'O' is available from the UK. This visa can be single entry giving 90 days on entry or a multi entry valid for 12 months. With the multi entry you can come and go as you like for 12 months with each stay limited to 90 days.
• 'O-A' and 'O' visas can be used to secure a 1 year extension of stay based on retirement which you can only organise once in Thailand.

3.

Yes, thanks for asking, I'm planning on living and retiring in Thailand... Just finished a TR3, and am back in Canada/US, then headed to the UK for awhile where I'll get the retirement Visa... Can't wait to be back in Thailand.

Then probably the options are a single Non 'O' and to arrange the 1 year extension within the 90 day stay you'll get on arrival.

or

If you don't qualify for an 'O" or want to jump through the extra hoops of an 'O-A' you'll get a 12 month stay with options to do the 1 year extension at the end of your first year, or exit/enter at the end of that year for another 12 month stay, and apply for the 1 year extension at the end of that second year.

Whatever you decide enjoy the retirement!

Thanks for your reply. I've essentially been retired for about 4 years, and like many people had a few "bumps in the road" going from work to retirement, Thailand has been a great remedial experience for me. I do qualify for the O/A Visa, so will go through those extra hoops you mention, if only to avoid the chance of hiccups in Thailand with Thai Immigration, I can't stand lack of certainty, particularly in this day and age, so wherever possible I'll try to eliminate it.

[PeCeDe]

1. Sorry I can't help.

2. Are you planning to retire/live permanently in Thailand?

• You can only apply for a Non 'O-A' in the UK. That will give you a 12 month multi entry visa and you can come and go as often as you like. Each time you enter you'll be given a stay of 12 months. With planning this visa can see you through 2 years before needing an extension of stay or new visa.
• A Non 'O' is available from the UK. This visa can be single entry giving 90 days on entry or a multi entry valid for 12 months. With the multi entry you can come and go as you like for 12 months with each stay limited to 90 days.
• 'O-A' and 'O' visas can be used to secure a 1 year extension of stay based on retirement which you can only organise once in Thailand.

3.

Yes, thanks for asking, I'm planning on living and retiring in Thailand... Just finished a TR3, and am back in Canada/US, then headed to the UK for awhile where I'll get the retirement Visa... Can't wait to be back in Thailand.

Then probably the options are a single Non 'O' and to arrange the 1 year extension within the 90 day stay you'll get on arrival.

or

If you don't qualify for an 'O" or want to jump through the extra hoops of an 'O-A' you'll get a 12 month stay with options to do the 1 year extension at the end of your first year, or exit/enter at the end of that year for another 12 month stay, and apply for the 1 year extension at the end of that second year.

Whatever you decide enjoy the retirement!

Whether the OP goes via the "O" or the "O/A" route he will at some point have to apply for an "extension of stay" if he wishes to remain in Thailand

I wonder if the OP is aware of the requirements for an extension and the practicalities associated with obtaining the extension?

Thanks.

Making an assumption... the requirements for extension would be roughly the same as I need for an original O/A application... Am I correct?

[oncearugge]

Roughly yes but you will need 800K baht in a Thai bank or evidence of an income of 65k bht/month. Additionally most immigration offices will require proof of address. These are the major issues. Police and medical reports are not required.

When you decide on which route you will take toward gaining an extension of stay come back and someone will guide you through the process.

It is not difficult!

[PeCeDe]

Thanks again "Once,"

Incidentally, the UK Thai embassy, as one would expect, requires the equivalent of 800,000 Baht on deposit, but doesn't stipulate how long it has to have been there, in my case since my deposits are from recent asset sales the deposit will have been there only a few weeks. Does anyone know if that's a problem?

[oncearugge]

Thanks again "Once,"

Incidentally, the UK Thai embassy, as one would expect, requires the equivalent of 800,000 Baht on deposit, but doesn't stipulate how long it has to have been there, in my case since my deposits are from recent asset sales the deposit will have been there only a few weeks. Does anyone know if that's a problem?

All you need for the visa is to be able to show the cash is there!

It does not have to be in Baht.

Is the cash in the UK ?

[PeCeDe]

Thanks again "Once,"

Incidentally, the UK Thai embassy, as one would expect, requires the equivalent of 800,000 Baht on deposit, but doesn't stipulate how long it has to have been there, in my case since my deposits are from recent asset sales the deposit will have been there only a few weeks. Does anyone know if that's a problem?

All you need for the visa is to be able to show the cash is there!

It does not have to be in Baht.

Is the cash in the UK ?

Thanks for your answer. Yes, fortunately it's in GB Pounds, not Baht, and I think I'll leave it that way for the time being. Not being Clairvoyant or anything, but my instinct says, leave it in GBP or better yet USD.

[oncearugge]

Thanks again "Once,"

Incidentally, the UK Thai embassy, as one would expect, requires the equivalent of 800,000 Baht on deposit, but doesn't stipulate how long it has to have been there, in my case since my deposits are from recent asset sales the deposit will have been there only a few weeks. Does anyone know if that's a problem?

All you need for the visa is to be able to show the cash is there!

It does not have to be in Baht.

Is the cash in the UK ?

Thanks for your answer. Yes, fortunately it's in GB Pounds, not Baht, and I think I'll leave it that way for the time being. Not being Clairvoyant or anything, but my instinct says, leave it in GBP or better yet USD.

Good !

When and if you consider transferring funds to Thailand make sure the transfer is made in GDP. You will secure a much better rate of exchange.

[PeCeDe]

Thanks again "Once,"

Incidentally, the UK Thai embassy, as one would expect, requires the equivalent of 800,000 Baht on deposit, but doesn't stipulate how long it has to have been there, in my case since my deposits are from recent asset sales the deposit will have been there only a few weeks. Does anyone know if that's a problem?

All you need for the visa is to be able to show the cash is there!

It does not have to be in Baht.

Is the cash in the UK ?

Thanks for your answer. Yes, fortunately it's in GB Pounds, not Baht, and I think I'll leave it that way for the time being. Not being Clairvoyant or anything, but my instinct says, leave it in GBP or better yet USD.

Good !

When and if you consider transferring funds to Thailand make sure the transfer is made in GDP. You will secure a much better rate of exchange.

Sorry, but what is GDP? Bye the way, as I see it this is one more benefit for currently getting the Visa in the UK... No reliance on GBP to THB exchange rate.

[PeCeDe]

_{Have to say goodbye or goodnight, I'm off to see some friends at the local pub, but your comments much appreciated.}

[oncearugge]

Sorry a typo made by me !

I meant £Sterling or GB Pounds in your language !

[PeCeDe]

Sorry a typo made by me !

I meant £Sterling or GB Pounds in your language !

555... I speak three languages, American, Canadian and UK.

[crazygreg44]

PeCeDe, are you aware that for the application of the Non-Imm-O/A or the Non-Imm-O Visa, all you need is show the Embassy that you have enough cash in your british bank account, HOWEVER sometime later, you will have to transfer the equivalent of 800,000+ Thai Baht to a Thai Bank.

When you apply for the "extension of stay for the purpose of retirement" (named wrongly by some like "retirement visa") , on the local immigration office responsible for the place you will have choosen to live in Thailand, the 800,000 THB must have ripened on the Thai Bank account for at least 2 months. Plus being accompanied by a "letter of guarantee" and "bank statement" of your local branch where you are holding the account.

Any money on a british bank account cannot been held accountable for an extension of stay in Thailand. It is merely so that they want to see funds at this stage, to justify you for applying for a Non-Imm-O Visa. This is NOT a "retirement visa".

I hope you are aware that you must take arrangements to transfer the needed 800,000+ THB from Britain to Thailand during your stay so it will later meet the required 2-month ripening period. This explains what another poster suggested, i.e. transferring in GBP Sterling so the exchange rate will be better. You can read more on the topic on how to get the best deals in transferring money from overseas to Thailand, in the banking forum. You can also take some of the money cash on your flights, but be aware that there are limits regarding the export of cash out of the U.K. and the import of said cash into Thailand.

[OJAS]

OP - a couple of links which you may find useful in your quest for an OA visa:

https://www.acro.police.uk/subject_access.aspx - explaining how you can obtain the subject access disclosure report required for the police check from your local police force.

http://www.thenotariessociety.org.uk/ - explaining how you can identify a notary public in your neck of the woods who will need to notarise all application docs.

Reverting to your original point 3, the medical check in my case took the form of the doctor moving her eyes from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet before signing the Embassy certificate when I applied for my original OA visa 7 years ago. Cost me £10 for the "privilege", though.

As regards transferring funds to Thailand from your UK account in due course, Bangkok Bank here offer a service which as far as I know is unique to the Thai banking industry, whereby transfers can be made to an account of theirs in Thailand via their London branch as if they were internal UK BACS/Faster Payments Service transfers. I can definitely vouch for this facility on the basis of personal experience. Further details at http://www.bangkokbank.com/bangkokbank/personalbanking/dailyBanking/TransferingFunds/TransferringIntoThailand/ReceivingFundsfromUK/Pages/ReceivingFundsfromUK.aspx Consistent with crazygreg44's advice, though, you should opt for the GBP-THB conversion to be performed in Bangkok rather than in London.

[jacksam]

Side note to the medical. Some experienced people have basically implied that you stroll into quack have a chat and walk out with signed form.

Last year I was in AU had the police check already at my home address. All I needed was medical. Went to 3 doctors and all wanted to do blood test before they would tick the box. Can't obtain a non imm o now it seems in AU so had to settle for tourist visa.

Didn't have time to wait for results and post application.

[PeCeDe]

Side note to the medical. Some experienced people have basically implied that you stroll into quack have a chat and walk out with signed form.

Last year I was in AU had the police check already at my home address. All I needed was medical. Went to 3 doctors and all wanted to do blood test before they would tick the box. Can't obtain a non imm o now it seems in AU so had to settle for tourist visa.

Didn't have time to wait for results and post application.

Thanks... Frankly if I was a Doctor I wouldn't sign my name on a medical check without actually doing the tests, so I'm expecting that to happen. As long as it doesn't take too much time I should be OK.

[PeCeDe]

OP - a couple of links which you may find useful in your quest for an OA visa:

https://www.acro.police.uk/subject_access.aspx - explaining how you can obtain the subject access disclosure report required for the police check from your local police force.

http://www.thenotariessociety.org.uk/ - explaining how you can identify a notary public in your neck of the woods who will need to notarise all application docs.

Reverting to your original point 3, the medical check in my case took the form of the doctor moving her eyes from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet before signing the Embassy certificate when I applied for my original OA visa 7 years ago. Cost me £10 for the "privilege", though.

As regards transferring funds to Thailand from your UK account in due course, Bangkok Bank here offer a service which as far as I know is unique to the Thai banking industry, whereby transfers can be made to an account of theirs in Thailand via their London branch as if they were internal UK BACS/Faster Payments Service transfers. I can definitely vouch for this facility on the basis of personal experience. Further details at http://www.bangkokbank.com/bangkokbank/personalbanking/dailyBanking/TransferingFunds/TransferringIntoThailand/ReceivingFundsfromUK/Pages/ReceivingFundsfromUK.aspx Consistent with crazygreg44's advice, though, you should opt for the GBP-THB conversion to be performed in Bangkok rather than in London.

Wow, what great links, thanks a million, particularly the Bangkok Bank!

[JDGRUEN]

1. Sorry I can't help.

2. Are you planning to retire/live permanently in Thailand?

• You can only apply for a Non 'O-A' in the UK. That will give you a 12 month multi entry visa and you can come and go as often as you like. Each time you enter you'll be given a stay of 12 months. With planning this visa can see you through 2 years before needing an extension of stay or new visa.
• A Non 'O' is available from the UK. This visa can be single entry giving 90 days on entry or a multi entry valid for 12 months. With the multi entry you can come and go as you like for 12 months with each stay limited to 90 days.
• 'O-A' and 'O' visas can be used to secure a 1 year extension of stay based on retirement which you can only organise once in Thailand.

3.

Yes, thanks for asking, I'm planning on living and retiring in Thailand... Just finished a TR3, and am back in Canada/US, then headed to the UK for awhile where I'll get the retirement Visa... Can't wait to be back in Thailand.

Then probably the options are a single Non 'O' and to arrange the 1 year extension within the 90 day stay you'll get on arrival.

or

If you don't qualify for an 'O" or want to jump through the extra hoops of an 'O-A' you'll get a 12 month stay with options to do the 1 year extension at the end of your first year, or exit/enter at the end of that year for another 12 month stay, and apply for the 1 year extension at the end of that second year.

Whatever you decide enjoy the retirement!

Whether the OP goes via the "O" or the "O/A" route he will at some point have to apply for an "extension of stay" if he wishes to remain in Thailand

I wonder if the OP is aware of the requirements for an extension and the practicalities associated with obtaining the extension?

Well - Yes ... but with a newly issued "O-A" visa done in the home country at a Thai Embassy or Consulate... the 'O-A' Visa can be good for a two year stay when an exit from Thailand is made at just before the first year expiry and a reentry is made - a one year Extension is added. ... But all in all for someone staying for many years the Extension of Stay based on Retirement is the easiest to obtain and is obtained in Thailand at local immigration.