O-A visa application in London question

[ifjsrussell]

I'm very sorry if this information is available in another thread but I could not find it. It's actually a relatively simple question, but I have not received a consistent answer from Siam legal or the Thai embassy in London (they haven't replied to two e mailed questions)

So the question is, can I apply for an O-A visa in my home country (uk) with the financial requirement (£16000) held in my uk bank account. I am 51, can supply both clean criminal record check and health certificate as requested.

My confusion arises because reading the embassy website it states to get the preliminary 90 day O visa (as suggested on the Siam legal website) you must be 65 for retirement visa purposes.

I have been in Phuket since last July and am on my second (and last triple entry tourist visa). I do not have a Thai bank account as theoretically at least I'm not allowed one as a tourist.

Any information or advice will be greatly appreciated.

[lopburi3]

Yes you can use funds in home country - that 65 or above single entry is for non immigrant O visa issued for retirement - nothing to do with non immigrant O-A long stay visa (which is what you want with police/medical paperwork).

You can obtain a Thai bank account as a tourist - just try another branch - it is even so stated on Bangkok Bank website - nothing wrong or backhanded about it.

[ifjsrussell]

Thanks that's helpful information. I've tried a few times for bank account .. So far with no success. I guess I'll have to trapes round a few more branches in Phuket town.

[elviajero]

I'm not sure what exchange rate the Embassy use but the money in your UK account must be at least equivalent to 800k baht.

[OJAS]

I'm not sure what exchange rate the Embassy use but the money in your UK account must be at least equivalent to 800k baht.

In particular beware of the £14,000 figure presently quoted on the Embassy website (http://thaiembassyuk.org.uk/?q=node/51) since this is way short of 800,000 THB at present GBP:THB exchange rates. I strongly suspect that this figure has not been updated for some time.

Unless you can get a clear answer from the Embassy as to how much 800,000 THB equates to in GBP terms in their eyes at the present time, I suggest that you assume the worst and ensure a minimum balance of £20,000 in your UK account. This would equate to an exchange rate of 40 THB to which level the GBP will, hopefully, not drop. However, given the dramatic plunge in the GBP's value which has taken place over the past week alone, one can never be sure.

You should not experience any problems in opening a bank account here in Thailand once you have obtained an OA visa, although you may be asked for proof of your address.

[ifjsrussell]

Thanks for your advice, I will make sure there is more than the minimum requirement (even if it's only temporarily there!)