All visa processes are somewhat of a pain. And with all the different types of Thai visa available, at times it may seem as if figuring out how to fly to the moon would be an easier task than finding out which you need to travel.
It isn't straight-forward, that's for sure; I've been here 13 years now and Thai immigration are always moving the goalposts.
There are a number of different visas to consider, depending on your situation, so I have compiled up-to-date visa information for the 5 most common types of Thai visa.
Why Do You Need a Visa?
Let's start with this simple but common question.
A passport is needed when traveling to other countries as a form of ID, primarily to show that you are a legal citizen of your own country. So then, why do we need to go the extra mile and obtain a visa?
A visa shows why it is you are visiting the country, as well as how long you plan on staying there.
Visas are usually granted to those who are working or studying abroad for a certain amount of time. However, there are other types of visas, including marriage and retirement visas.
All you have to do is apply for the correct one, which you'll be able to after reading this post.
Remember, if you are coming to Thailand for a holiday of less than 30 days then you won't need one of the visa options below.
Depending on your country of origin, you will be issued with a visa on arrival, also referred to as an exemption stamp. For most nationalities, this provides a stay of up to 30 days. However, there are a number of countries who need to apply for a visa prior to arrival.
So let’s get started with the different types of Thai visa, their requirements and the application process.
1. The Tourist Visa
Are you looking for a long spring break destination? Are you taking a gap year to blow all of your money in exchange for fond memories and a boatload of “candid” selfies?
Then you may need a tourist visa, if you're staying for more than 30 days. See this link to find out if your country requires visa on arrival.
Requirements:
In order to apply for a tourist visa you will need the following:
- A passport with at least six months of validity.
- Two passport photos.
- You must have already purchased your flights, as a copy of your round trip tickets or confirmed itinerary is required.
- You must also have proof that you have sufficient funds to be traveling in the first place (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family).
There are two types of tourist visa:
1. Single Entry Tourist Visa
This is a single entry visa that gives you up to 60 days in Thailand.
2. Multiple Entry Tourist Visa
This option gives you a 6-month visa, allowing you to stay 60 days at a time, but with multiple entries. So after 60 days you must leave, but can then re-enter and activate a further 60 days.
Application Process:
Obtaining a tourist visa is the least difficult visa to obtain as there are few requirements.
You apply for a tourist visa in your home country from the Thai Embassy or a Thai consulate.
If you need extra time in Thailand, you can extend your tourist visa by 30 days at a local immigration office (before it expires). There is a 1,900 Baht fee for each extension.
The extension of stay, as well as the change of a certain type of visa, is solely at the discretion of the Immigration officer.
I have detailed the requirements for obtaining a tourist visa from the Thai embassy in the UK.
You should check the Thai embassy website of your home country to see if these requirements differ at all. In my experience, the only difference is usually the balance required to be shown on your bank statement
Also note that single entry tourist visa are easy to obtain from countries neighboring Thailand such as Laos or Cambodia.
It is quite common for people to arrive in Thailand on a 30-day exemption and then decide they want to stay longer. They then do a visa run to one of the neighboring countries and visit the Thai embassy there to obtain a tourist visa.
Single Entry Requirements (maximum stay of up to 60 days)
- A current passport with validity of over 6 months beyond the date of application.
- Visa application form completely filled out.
- Two recent passport photos
Multiple Entry Requirements (maximum stay of up to 60 days each entry):
- A current passport with validity of over 6 months beyond the date of application.
- Visa application form completely filled out.
- Two recent passport photos.
- Original bank statement of the applicant showing a balance of least £5,000 (for 6 months) or a print out with official stamp of the bank*
- A letter from the applicant's employer in the UK or Ireland, and addressed to the Royal Thai Embassy.
– If you are self-employed, your self-assessment and a company registration document are required. - A photocopy of the confirmed return air ticket to Thailand.
- A photocopy of the confirmed hotel reservation in Thailand.
The Benefits
In most cases, the single entry visa will be enough. But for those who want to spend 6-months at a time here (leaving every 60-days) the 6-month visa is a bonus option.
The advantage of entering the country with this visa is that you'll have 60 days instead of the standard 30 on arrival.
This means that should you want to attend an extra full moon party, or spend longer with your Thai girl/boyfriend, you won't have to to do a visa run to buy some time.
I have a full tourist visa guide with further information at the link below.
+ Read the full tourist visa guide
2. The Work/Business Visa (Non-Immigrant “B” Visa)
Many people come to Thailand to teach English as a second language, while others relocate here for work, to invest, or conduct international business.
The B visa process is fairly simple and, if done correctly, can be just another simple check off your to-do list before coming to source that next big import product from Thailand.
Requirements:
This is a bit tricky to stipulate because there is no set business visa, rather a category (B) for which you have to submit documents depending on the business-related reason you require this type of visa.
For most work-related type visas you need the following:
- 2 passport photos
- A medical certificate
- A valid passport (6 months validity for a single entry, and 18 months for a multiple entry)
- A letter of employment
- A certificate of your degree
- Proof of funds of 20,000 Baht (per person)
Work Permit:
Note that this visa isn't a work permit. A work permit is obtained separately inside Thailand, and usually by your employer.
If you want to work in Thailand, you should apply for an initial 90-Day Non-Immigrant B Visa from your home country under the employment category.
The work permit application then takes place during the initial 90 days of your visa.
Once you have a work permit, 90-day reporting to any Thai Immigration Office is required. You'll also need a re-entry permit if you wish to travel outside of the country. The good news is that renewal of this visa can be done inside Thailand.
Application Process:
As with all types of visa, the B visa must be obtained in your home country or a country other than Thailand.
A single-entry is valid for three months, and the multiple-entry is valid for 1 year – but you must leave every 90 days. You also have the option to extend at a local immigration office, if you can't leave.
The Benefits:
On a multiple-entry B visa you are allowed to stay in Thailand for 90 days at a time. You are also able to open a bank account, as well as obtain a work permit, if needed.
The B visa covers the following types of work-related activity:
- To conduct business
- To work
- To attend a business conference
- To attend a scuba diving course
- To teach
- To take a kick boxing course (Muay Thai)
- To take a massage course
The B visa will suit those prospecting for business in Thailand and having meetings with Thai companies, or attending seminars and trade shows.
3. The Retirement Visa – ‘O-A' & ‘O' Routes
What better way to retire than on the shores of Thailand’s world famous beaches, or in the quiet hills of Nakhon Nowhere?
Thailand’s yearlong tropical climate makes it a great place to put your feet up and truly enjoy retirement at a slower pace, or not, as the case may be.
The retirement visa is also referred to as the Non-Immigrant “O-A” visa, and is applied for in your home country.
This visa enables you to enter Thailand and be stamped in for a year. Once that year is up, you have the option of a visa extension to continue your stay, which is done inside Thailand.
However, there is a way to obtain a retirement visa (or extension as it is officially known) inside of Thailand, for which the requirements are less laborious. I will cover both, first starting with the O-A visa.
O-A Requirements:
You must be at least 50-years-old and provide a clean criminal background check.
You will need the equivalent of 800k Baht in your bank account to prove financial stability.
You will also need a medical checkup showing that you are free of specific diseases and not on drugs.
Lastly, you are required to have a general health insurance policy that covers ฿40,000 out-patient and ฿400,000 in-patient treatment.
At the time of writing, every person visiting Thailand must also have an insurance policy that covers COVID-19 treatment up to 100k USD.
Once inside Thailand, you will be subject to 90-day reporting at a local immigration office. In short, this means visiting your local immigration office every 3 months with some paperwork, or reporting online.
I have a specific O-A visa post that goes into more detail. You can find that here.
O-A Application Process:
The application for the O-A visa is made in your home country at the local Thai embassy. This can currently be done online.
Non-Immigrant O Requirements:
You can avoid having to get the medical check and police check required for an O-A visa by applying for a single entry Non Immigrant O Visa in your home country.
You will need the following:
- Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months and at least 2 blank pages, as well as the photocopy of passport. The actual passport must be submitted with the visa application form.
- 2 recent photos (taken within the past 6 months)
- Supporting documents for the purpose of your visit to Thailand.
- A copy of your pension statement, if you are a pensioner, or a copy of monthly bank statement showing your income from pension, or a 3-month bank statement of at least £10,000 (UK).
Upon entering Thailand with a Non Immigrant O visa, you will be given a 90-day stay.
Once you are on the last 30 days of this visa, you can file for your 1-year extension of stay based on retirement.
However, before that you will need to open a Thai bank account, because there is a financial requirement. You need to prove that, prior to your application, you have had 800k Baht in a Thai bank account for the period of 60 days.
To prove this, you will need an updated bank book, and a letter from your bank stating that the 800k Baht has been deposited in the account from an overseas source for a period of not less than 60 days.
Or, another option to meet the financial requirement is to show a monthly income of 65,000 Baht. To do this, you will need a letter from your embassy in Thailand verifying your monthly income.
If your embassy does not issue income letters ( this applies to the UK, US, and Australian embassies), you will need to provide a 12-month bank statement history showing a regular deposit of 65,000 Baht into a Thai bank account.
This will be problematic if you have only been in Thailand for a couple of months, so if your embassy does not issue income letters then you'll have to go down the route of showing a lump sum of 800,000 Baht in a Thai bank account.
Also note that you must keep the 800,000 Baht in your Thai bank account for 3 months after you apply for your extension. And, after those 3 months, you must keep a minimum of 400,000 Baht in the same account.
Non-Immigrant O Application Process:
Apply for the visa in your home country, from you local Thai embassy. Then, once in Thailand, apply for your 1-year extension of stay, based on retirement, after 60 days.
The large majority of people obtain a retirement extension in Thailand rather than applying for an 0-A visa in their home country, quite simply because it's easier. I have a comprehensive step-by-step retirement visa guide (see link below).
+ Read the Retirement Visa Guide
The Benefits:
You can stay up to one year with this visa, as well as renew (extend,) the visa, every year, from inside of Thailand. That means you don't need to leave and do those horrible visa runs!
4. The Marriage Visa (Based On Having a Non Immigrant O Visa)
Online, on vacation, at a bar on Khao San Road, it doesn’t matter where you fell in love, it just matters that you did.
If you have found yourself lucky enough to have found the one and tied the knot, you may be thinking about moving to Thailand on a marriage visa.
The marriage visa is technically known as a 1-Year Extension of Stay Based on Marriage, because, like the Non O retirement route, you do the extension of stay inside Thailand.
In a nutshell, you apply for a Non Immigrant O Visa in your home country, then go to Thailand and extend the visa for one year so that you don't need to leave the country.
There are two possibilities here:
- Apply for a 90-day Non Immigrant O Visa (single entry). This can be applied for in your home country, or a neighboring country to Thailand such as Laos.
- Apply for a 1-Year Non-Immigrant O visa (multiple entry). This can only be obtained from your home country / country of residence.
The difference between these two visas is that the first option is single entry and the second option is multiple entry.
The second option is valid for 1-year but in sections of 90 days, so you must leave before 90-days is up, and then re-enter to activate a further 90 days.
When you apply for a visa, you will be doing so on the basis of being married to a Thai national. You will therefore need to submit your marriage certificate and a copy of your wife’s ID with your application.
Either option will enable you to extend your visa and stay in the country without having to leave. This is called an ‘extension of stay based on marriage', often referred to as a ‘marriage visa'.
Requirements:
Once inside Thailand, in order to get the 1-year extension of stay, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be married to a Thai national.
- Have a clean criminal record.
- Demonstrate a monthly income of at least 40,000 Baht, or 400,000 Baht in a Thai bank account for 60+ days prior to applying.
- You will need to provide evidence of your income by way of a letter from your embassy, or evidence of your 400,000 Baht deposit by way of an up to date bank book and a letter from the bank.
The marriage visa is renewable (extendable) on a yearly basis and the process can be completed inside Thailand.
The requirements to renew (extend) are the same. You must also report every 90 days to the nearest immigration office with your current address.
Remember that if you want to travel outside of Thailand after having obtained your retirement visa, you will need a re-entry permit to do so. If you don’t get one, your visa will be cancelled when you exit the country.
You can apply for a re-entry permit at an immigration office, or at the international airport before leaving the country.
Note that the re-entry permit does not apply to a 1-year multiple entry visa, but rather a visa which was extended in Thailand for the period of 12 months.
+ Read more about re-entry permits here
*Please note: The UK, US and Australian embassies are no longer issuing income letters to their citizens. This means that nationals of these two countries will need to go down the lump sum money route of having 400,000 Baht in a Thai bank account for 60+ days prior to applying.
For the second year renewal, you could use the income route, if you can show statements proving that 40,000 Baht has been paid into your Thai bank account, each month, for 12 months consecutively.
Application Process:
Obtaining a Non Immigrant O Visa based on marriage is fairly straight forward. Simply apply at a Thai embassy or consulate inside your home country and provide the following:
- A copy and translation of your marriage certificate
- A copy of your wife's passport or ID card.
- 3 months bank statements showing a monthly income of more than £1,500 Baht (amount based on requirements of London Thai Embassy).*
*Requirements may differ slightly between countries.
Once you have a Non-Immigrant O Multiple Entry Visa, or a 90-day Non Immigrant visa, you can travel to Thailand and activate the visa upon entry.
The 1-year extension can be applied for during the last 30 days of your 90-day permit to stay and, providing you meet the financial requirements, the processing time usually takes about one month.
Note: if you have the Multiple Entry Non Immigrant O Visa, you don't need to do the 1-year extension, if you don't want to. You could just leave the country every 90 days and re-enter to activate a further 90 days.
The Benefits:
Once you have a marriage visa (extended Non Immigrant O Visa based on marriage), you can stay in Thailand for a full year without needing to leave the country.
You are also allowed to work, if you are able to obtain a valid Thai work permit to go along with the marriage visa.
Lastly, if you don't apply to extend for a year by following the financial requirements listed above, you can always extend your visa for a further 60 days at a local immigration office, making it last 5 months. I wrote a post on how to do this here.
For further information on obtaining a marriage visa, please see the link below.
+ Read the marriage visa guide here
5. The Education Visa (1-year Non-Immigrant ED Visa)
Believe it or not, this has been the most illegally exploited visa over the years.
The ED visa, as it's known, became a popular way to long-stay in Thailand with minimal financial commitment: Simply sign up to learn Thai for a year with a language school and voila! you get an education visa.
Of course, people weren't really learning Thai and, after a number of years, the Thai government began asking immigration officers to conduct random basic Thai tests on those who'd supposedly been learning the language for a few years.
Needless to say, those who couldn't answer very basic questions had their visas cancelled.
If you do apply for an Ed visa, make sure you go to at least one lesson a week!.
Requirements:
You can apply for the Education Visa in your home country, though most people come in on a tourist visa and then decide they want to stay and find a school to study at. The school then duly sorts out the paperwork with the Ministry of Education so that you can get your visa.
If you are accepted, which you most likely will be, you will then have to leave Thailand and apply for the Non-Immigrant ED Visa at any Thai embassy or consulate outside of Thailand. Most people hop over to Laos to do this.
People of every nationality can apply for a 1-year Non-Immigrant Education Visa. Though nationals of the following countries must apply in their own country: Bangladesh, China, India, Iran, Sri-Lanka and Middle Eastern countries – don't ask me why!
From inside your own country, you'll need the usual documentation:
- Passport, with a validity of not less than 6 months.
- Recent 4 x 6 cm photograph.
- Letter from the school you're going to study at confirming your place.
- For those who intend to study in a private institution, you may require an official letter from the Ministry of Education of Thailand or other sub-authorities concerned, which is basically an approval of your enrollment and a copy of your registration certificate.
Note that there are slightly different documents required for internships and other more specific areas of study.
Application Process:
It's actually much easier to apply for an education visa inside of Thailand. This is because the language schools are crying out for students and are therefore willing to do all the legwork required to sign you up.
The only hassle is having to go to Laos or any other country in the surrounding region to get your ED Visa. But as I'm sure you can tell, this is why the ED Visa became such a popular route for the “Oh my God, I don't want to go home. How can I stay here for longer?” traveler.
On arrival back in Thailand you will be permitted to stay for 90 days. Once you have the school paperwork, you can extend your stay every 90 days at the Bangkok Immigration Office for the duration of the course (up to a maximum of 3 years). The fee is 1,900 Baht for an extension.
Note that if you have a single entry ED Visa, when you want to travel abroad, you have to get a re-entry permit to leave and come back in. This can be conveniently done at Suvarnabhumi Airport before you leave.
The Benefits:
You get to stay Thailand long-term and don't have to leave every 90 days, as you would on some of the other Non Immigrant O visas (where the financial requirement hasn't been met to extend).
However you do have to report to immigration every 90 days to let them know your address. You can do this up to 7 days before the due date.
Single entry ED Visa holders also have to get a re-entry permit if they want to travel abroad, so it's best to get a multiple entry from the outset.
All in all, this visa is a good choice if you want to stay long term, and learn Thai, of course!
6. The Thailand Elite Visa
The Thailand Elite Visa is a multiple entry visa, valid for five years, and renewable as long as the membership is still valid. It's the easiest way to stay in Thailand long-term, with a bunch of fringe benefits, but my gosh, you will pay through the teeth for it.
With the basic package starting at a cool 500,000 Baht, you will be granted a 1-year stay, with an extension possible at the end of the year.
Requirements:
The only requirement is that you have the cash. Oh, and that you aren't a known criminal or banned from the country for violating your visa conditions, or committing any other crime..
The Benefits:
Despite the prestige of this visa, you still have to do 90-day address reporting like the rest of the commoners. No stress though, your Thailand Elite personal liaison office will handle this for you, apparently.
Other benefits include: a concierge service at the airport (they greet you and get you a limo to your hotel)
- Spa treatments
- A health checkup
- Discount shopping
- Cheaper banking with Bangkok Bank
- And a bunch of other stuff you might not use.
+ Read more about the Elite Visa here
Visa Overstay Rules!
Once you have your visa you will need to abide by the conditions of that visa, the main one being that you don't overstay. This means you must leave or extend your visa before the date given on your most recent entry stamp.
Make a note of when your entry stamp expires and set a reminder in your phone. Once your stamp has expired, you are on overstay, which costs your 500 Baht per day. This is paid in full as your try to leave the country, or before then if you get caught.
This daily accruing fine is now accompanied by an entry ban for severe offenders, for which you could receive a ban for as long as 10 years.
If you overstay and turn yourself in, you will get banned for one year for staying more than 90 days, banned three years for staying more than one year, banned five years for staying more than three years, and last but not least, banned for 10 years for staying more than five years.
If you need to extend a visa, you can do so by applying for permission at the Office of Immigration Bureau, located at:
Government Center B
Chaengwattana Soi 7
Laksi
Bangkok 10210
Tel 0-2141-9889.
Be aware of your expiration date and don’t overstay your welcome, or you may not ever be able to come back to paradise!
Don't see the type of visa you want listed in this post? Confused and need some advice? Have I made a mistake? Leave a comment below and let me know!
More Tips for a Better Life in Thailand
Send Money to Thailand:
Use Transferwise. It is fast, cheap, and gives you the market exchange rate. Me and the majority of my readers are using it.
Get Good Health Insurance:
Start with a quick quote from Cigna. Then compare my other recommendations here.
Improve Your Thai Skills:
Learning Thai makes life here easier and more fun. I use Thaipod101. It is free to get started & easy to use.
Protect Your Online Privacy:
A VPN protects you against hackers and government snooping. I always use one. You should too. Read why here.
Last Updated on
Confused says
I heard very recently it was 20,000 BHT equivalent worth of your own currency shown in a recent bank statement, but when I emailed the embassy website I was told you need at least £5000 (230,000 BHT) worth in the bank when applying.
Was the amount needed recently put up 10x the amount to limit the amount of tourists obtaining an STV?
May 17, 2022 at 8:24 am
JamesE says
Oddly, the London embassy site does not list the requirement for the STV or TV. It just shows that financial records are required. BUT, it does state that "Financial evidence e.g. original bank statement of the applicant showing a balance of at least £5,000 (for 6 months) or a print out with official stamp of the bank" is required for the ME-TV. Which, as you point out, sucks.
So, maybe they're not trying to discourage *all* countries from traveling to Thailand...
May 17, 2022 at 9:55 pm
Max says
"Evidence of adequate finance (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family)."
20,000 Baht per person has been a requirement for years. The 40,000 Baht per family requirement is quite new.
May 17, 2022 at 10:58 pm
Confused2 says
My next question is, how strict are the embassay checking proof of accomodation on the visa application?
If I submit proof my initial hotel booking is only for a few days and not 60 days, will that mean my application is rejected? I don't know which areas I like and don't like yet or where I will end up being based on my travels so I would not like to book multiple hotels before getting over there, can I get in trouble for staying at a hotel I haven't submitted on the visa application?
Thank you.
May 18, 2022 at 5:55 am
Max says
May 18, 2022 at 5:35 pm
TheThailandLife says
May 18, 2022 at 5:39 pm
Confused says
It turns out I was mixing up the Special Tourist Visa with the regular tourist visa. The reason I got confused because the acronyms were quite similar between 'STV' (special tourist visa) and 'SETV' (single entry tourist visa). When I emailed the visa website I was asking about the Special Visa (90 days) acidentally, not the 60 tourist visa. Oops :)
May 18, 2022 at 4:53 am
Max says
May 17, 2022 at 11:15 pm
Nigel says
I appreciate that is not a tourist visa, single or multiple entry.
The application can all be done online and an e- visa email is sent on success. You present this email to the IO on arrival and he stamps your passport with 90 days ( check the exit date before you move on!)
and writes e visa.
One other thing. During the online application process a vast range of visas appears in a drop down box. But no clue as to what each requires until you have chosen. The French Embassy site does state requirements for some, but omitted the need for an invitation letter from your wife if that is what is needed. That only appears during the application process, so I had to abandon mine until I got that from her.
May 17, 2022 at 11:20 pm
Max says
May 17, 2022 at 11:45 pm
Nigel says
It is granted for 90 days and can be extended in Thailand for a further 60 days. It can also be extended in Thailand to a 1 year permission to stay, which can then be renewed annually. For the 1 year extension conditions include 400, 000 THB in a Thai bank sent from abroad, photos of you in your Thai home, a visit to your home by IOs from your local Immigration Office.
It's covered in the main section of this blog.
May 18, 2022 at 12:53 pm
Max says
May 18, 2022 at 5:26 pm
Nigel says
May 18, 2022 at 5:52 pm
Leonard Levine says
May 10, 2022 at 9:13 pm
TheThailandLife says
May 10, 2022 at 9:25 pm
Max says
May 11, 2022 at 3:07 pm
Gary Farmer says
May 11, 2022 at 3:56 pm
Michael says
May 08, 2022 at 1:02 am
JamesE says
May 08, 2022 at 11:43 pm
Max says
May 09, 2022 at 10:32 am
JamesE says
May 09, 2022 at 10:14 pm
Max says
May 09, 2022 at 10:21 am
Kevin says
Thanks very much.
Apr 07, 2022 at 10:53 am
TheThailandLife says
Apr 07, 2022 at 4:20 pm
Max says
Apr 07, 2022 at 5:02 pm
Kevin says
Apr 07, 2022 at 6:40 pm
Nigel says
Apr 07, 2022 at 5:08 pm
Kevin says
Apr 07, 2022 at 5:38 pm
Kevin says
Apr 06, 2022 at 5:18 pm
TheThailandLife says
Apr 06, 2022 at 7:44 pm
Max says
Apr 07, 2022 at 5:19 pm
Kevin says
Apr 08, 2022 at 8:09 pm
Jerry says
As always I appreciate ths inputs I get here, they havd been vsry helpful fo me.
Thank You all!
Apr 05, 2022 at 3:48 pm
JamesE says
Apr 05, 2022 at 10:47 pm
Jerry says
Always thankful for the I get here.
Apr 06, 2022 at 12:03 pm
Nigel says
Other IOs may be less demanding!
Apr 07, 2022 at 4:50 pm
Max says
Apr 07, 2022 at 5:30 pm
Max says
Apr 06, 2022 at 11:16 am
Steve Walford says
I will be getting a visa on arrival (30) days
Is it possible to extend this on arrival, or must I apply for an extention once in the country
Thanks
Jan 06, 2022 at 9:31 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jan 06, 2022 at 10:33 pm
Steve Walford says
I then went to extend for a further 30 days, I got a stamp im my passport saying "Under Consideration" and to return in 20 days.
I left before the 20 days was up and my passport was stamped with the usual departure date
Apr 06, 2022 at 11:16 pm
Biagio W Sciacca says
I wonder if this might work in lieu of a letter from the embassy?
Jan 02, 2022 at 9:52 pm
JamesE says
Jan 03, 2022 at 6:54 am
Max says
Jan 03, 2022 at 8:46 am
allan hepple says
Nov 16, 2021 at 3:00 pm
TheThailandLife says
Nov 16, 2021 at 5:08 pm
Max says
Nov 16, 2021 at 7:42 pm
Jerry says
7. Applicant must have a bank deposit of
7.1 no less than 1,200,000 Baht or
7.2 an income certificate (an original copy) with a monthly income (pension) of not less than 100,000 Baht, or
7.3 a deposit account plus a monthly income (pension) totaling not less than 1,200,000 Baht.
In the case of submitting a bank statement, a letter of guarantee from the bank (an original copy) is required
https://thaiconsulatela.org/en/non-o/
Nov 15, 2021 at 2:37 am
TheThailandLife says
Nov 15, 2021 at 5:25 am
Jerry says
Any idea when that changed?
Also, nothing said about the Non-O for income.
Nov 15, 2021 at 1:34 am
Max says
Nov 15, 2021 at 8:43 am
Gary Farmer says
At this time it is definitely not in the Royal Gazette or enforced anywhere else
Nov 15, 2021 at 7:56 pm
Max says
Nov 15, 2021 at 10:33 pm
Gary Farmer says
Nov 16, 2021 at 8:23 am
Max says
Nov 16, 2021 at 7:59 pm
Gary Farmer says
Nov 16, 2021 at 10:13 pm
Bubba says
Nov 17, 2021 at 7:03 am
Max says
Nov 15, 2021 at 8:51 am
Ian Bruggemann says
I would like to see if I can apply for Thai citizenship for him so I can have some land in Thailand transferred into his name.
We have not seen or heard from his mother for 6 years so we have no idea where she is at present.
If he can obtain Thai citizenship will that automatically allow me a residence Visa in Thailand?
Any guidance will be appreciated.
Oct 28, 2021 at 2:01 pm
Max says
Oct 28, 2021 at 5:46 pm
Gary farmer says
Oct 29, 2021 at 6:31 am
Ian says
All I want is the land registered in his name or else it will have to be a 30 year lease.
Oct 29, 2021 at 6:47 am
Max says
Oct 29, 2021 at 4:07 pm
Ian says
I will give that a go.
Up to my son to sort it out as there is $250,000Aud at stake and if that is not incentive enough I give up. LOL
At that age, I would have done anything to secure that amount of money.
Nov 01, 2021 at 7:11 pm
Leonard Levine says
Oct 28, 2021 at 8:47 pm
Gary Farmer says
Oct 29, 2021 at 6:17 am
Max says
Oct 29, 2021 at 7:28 am
JamesE says
Oct 29, 2021 at 10:59 am
Philip Traynor says
Oct 04, 2021 at 8:43 pm
TheThailandLife says
Oct 05, 2021 at 5:04 pm
Philip Traynor says
Oct 05, 2021 at 5:19 pm
TheThailandLife says
Oct 05, 2021 at 5:25 pm
JamesE says
Oct 05, 2021 at 11:01 pm
TheThailandLife says
Oct 06, 2021 at 8:43 pm
Max says
Oct 06, 2021 at 8:49 pm
JamesE says
Oct 06, 2021 at 10:09 pm
Max says
Oct 06, 2021 at 11:21 pm
TheThailandLife says
Oct 06, 2021 at 11:39 pm
Nigel says
Apr 07, 2022 at 4:56 pm
john squire says
Aug 23, 2021 at 5:10 pm
TheThailandLife says
Aug 23, 2021 at 6:13 pm
Max says
Aug 23, 2021 at 10:39 pm
Maggie McDonald says
Jun 26, 2021 at 4:31 pm
Max says
Jun 28, 2021 at 6:41 pm
Eve says
Jun 24, 2021 at 4:16 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jun 24, 2021 at 4:20 pm
Max says
Jun 24, 2021 at 5:25 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jun 24, 2021 at 6:00 pm
JamesE says
If you're planning on using Thailand as a base then an ME visa might make sense. However, if you'll just be coming to TLOS for a couple months now and then (and your country is on the list) then you could get by with visa exemption arrivals with an extension. How best to do this also depends on your budget - backpacker or business class - your age, and when you're planning on going. Right now, the COVID has pretty much squelched butterfly travel for the foreseeable future.
Jun 24, 2021 at 10:45 pm
Anthony Chapman says
Dec 28, 2020 at 8:25 pm
John Herd says
Has anyone done this and how were you able to satisfy the VISA criteria? The Thai Embassy keep on telling me to look at their website.
Thank you.
Nov 17, 2020 at 9:42 pm
Gary Farmer says
My advice come on a 90 day tourist visa, set up a local bank account and in the last 30 days change to a one year retirement visa if eligible and take it from there if you still want a 10 year stay then a yearly renewal with 800,000Baht in the bank is very easy to obtain and much less of a risk should you move on later
Nov 18, 2020 at 11:32 am
Max says
Nov 18, 2020 at 12:03 pm
andrew phillips says
Can you help me. My girlfriend is applying for a new holiday visa as the pandemic has meant she has been unable to visit me and it runs out 7 Nov 20. I have lost 3 wage slips from April to June. My director has written a letter and enclosed P45 tax return to support this as proof. Also this info will be on my bank statements. Will this be accepted at the Embassy? Andrew
Oct 18, 2020 at 6:56 am
TheThailandLife says
Oct 19, 2020 at 1:57 am
Max says
Oct 19, 2020 at 11:04 am
daz says
Aug 04, 2020 at 4:03 pm
TheThailandLife says
Aug 04, 2020 at 4:10 pm
Daz says
Aug 04, 2020 at 4:32 pm
Max says
Aug 04, 2020 at 5:03 pm
TheThailandLife says
Aug 04, 2020 at 5:10 pm
Somchai T. says
Aug 10, 2020 at 6:22 am
TheThailandLife says
Aug 10, 2020 at 4:15 pm
Max says
Aug 04, 2020 at 4:46 pm
TheThailandLife says
Aug 04, 2020 at 4:57 pm
Jayne says
Jul 13, 2020 at 1:40 am
TheThailandLife says
Jul 13, 2020 at 3:36 am
Max says
Jul 13, 2020 at 9:04 am
Mark Barnard says
I am married to a Thai citizen and live in the USA. We own a home in Thailand near Klaeng, east of Rayong. It’s a house on land not a condo, so more correctly she owns the home. We want to return to Thailand when I retire from working in a year or so.
I formerly had a bank account at Ayuddaya Bank but closed it when we returned to the US for my job. I wish we hadn’t done that. But at any rate, is it possible to open an account to meet the two month/400,000 baht requirement for a marriage visa? I have been issued two previous marriage visas but did not apply for the third one because of relocating to the US.
Thank you for any advice you may have.
Sincerely,
Mark
May 29, 2020 at 5:12 am
Jaya says
Here is our situation. I have just been hired to teach in Surat Thani for a year contract. The school is going to get me my work permit / visa in order. My wife, however, does not have a degree and is not going to be able to obtain a job such as mine. She is willing to do whatever is necessary to make as few 'runs' as possible, especially because we don't want her to travel alone, (she has never been abroad) and I will be working full time. Obviously we are looking for as few snags and hoops to jump through as possible. Should she apply for and keep the rotation (every 60 days?) of a Tourist Multiple Entry, or should she apply to learn Thai at a school and get an Education Visa? Thank you in advance!
Apr 22, 2020 at 6:30 pm
Rob says
Apr 16, 2020 at 4:56 am
TheThailandLife says
Apr 16, 2020 at 4:53 pm
Max says
Apr 16, 2020 at 5:28 pm
Rob says
Apr 17, 2020 at 2:46 am
Max says
Apr 17, 2020 at 4:01 pm
James E says
Apr 17, 2020 at 9:33 pm
Rob says
Apr 18, 2020 at 5:21 am
Max says
Apr 18, 2020 at 10:12 pm
James E says
Apr 18, 2020 at 11:28 pm
Rob says
Apr 21, 2020 at 5:35 am
James E says
Apr 21, 2020 at 8:11 am
Bubba says
Apr 02, 2020 at 4:19 pm
Max says
Apr 03, 2020 at 10:36 am
Bubba says
Apr 04, 2020 at 7:56 am
Max says
Apr 05, 2020 at 10:01 pm
James E says
Apr 06, 2020 at 9:41 pm
Max says
Apr 06, 2020 at 10:30 pm
Mohamed Dah says
Mar 13, 2020 at 2:24 am
Max says
Mar 13, 2020 at 7:19 pm
James E says
Mar 13, 2020 at 8:25 pm
Max says
Mar 13, 2020 at 9:14 pm
James E says
Mar 13, 2020 at 11:09 pm
Mohamed Dah says
Mar 16, 2020 at 4:31 pm
James E says
Mar 16, 2020 at 11:15 pm
James E says
Mar 13, 2020 at 7:29 pm
Bubba says
Feb 18, 2020 at 8:17 pm
TheThailandLife says
Feb 18, 2020 at 10:12 pm
Bubba says
Mar 14, 2020 at 8:05 am
Max says
Feb 19, 2020 at 12:33 am
Bubba says
This type of visa is issued to applicants who wish to enter the Kingdom as:
1.1 to stay with the family
1.2 to perfrom duties for the state enterprise or social welfare organizations
1.3 to stay after retirement for the elderly
1.4 to receive medical treatment
1.5 to be a sport coach as required by Thai Government
1.6 to be a contestant or witness for the judicial process
Feb 19, 2020 at 5:58 am
John Christoe says
Also you wrote about obtaining a sixty day extension of my multi O visa based on marriage. How often can you do this? I read somewhere it's only possible once a year. Is that correct?
Thanks for you article and any further assistance you can provide.
Feb 18, 2020 at 6:05 pm
Max says
Feb 19, 2020 at 12:51 am
TheThailandLife says
Feb 19, 2020 at 4:04 pm
Jay says
Feb 05, 2020 at 7:30 am
Max says
Feb 05, 2020 at 7:56 pm
Jessica M Christy says
thanks
Jan 21, 2020 at 2:10 am
James E says
Jan 21, 2020 at 4:53 am
Corynne Allen says
can you please tell me in brief about single entry visa?
Jan 13, 2020 at 7:48 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jan 13, 2020 at 7:53 pm
tiaa says
Jan 07, 2020 at 1:04 am
TheThailandLife says
Jan 07, 2020 at 1:07 am
tiaa says
Our trip is in 1 month and I want to buy plane tickets for Cambodia but I dont know about the visa :((
Few people tell me I can get re-entry visa, an few that I cannot.
Jan 07, 2020 at 1:19 am
tiaa says
So thats the only option for us Croatians?
And one more question, can we make one more single entry visa in Thailand or just outside of Thailand?
Thank you :))
Jan 07, 2020 at 4:07 am
James E says
Jan 07, 2020 at 6:47 am
TheThailandLife says
Jan 07, 2020 at 6:09 pm
Max says
Jan 07, 2020 at 8:38 am
Max says
Jan 07, 2020 at 8:30 am
TheThailandLife says
Jan 07, 2020 at 6:08 pm
Corynne Allen says
Dec 31, 2019 at 2:14 pm
James E says
Dec 31, 2019 at 10:52 pm
Max says
Jan 01, 2020 at 1:27 pm
Leonard Levine says
Dec 22, 2019 at 9:30 pm
James E says
Dec 23, 2019 at 12:18 am
Max says
This is in my opinion the easiest method.
Dec 23, 2019 at 8:46 am
Lyon says
Nov 28, 2019 at 4:17 pm
Max says
Nov 28, 2019 at 11:19 pm
Bob says
Nov 26, 2019 at 10:52 pm
Max says
The TM7 form is used for every type of extension. You can download it if you have a computer/laptop and fill it in. Then just change the date,print it out and sign it.
Nov 27, 2019 at 10:07 am
Bob says
Dec 31, 2019 at 10:06 pm
Max says
Jan 01, 2020 at 1:08 pm
ROB says
Nov 03, 2019 at 3:02 pm
James E says
Nov 04, 2019 at 12:08 am
Rob says
Nov 04, 2019 at 4:23 pm
Max says
Nov 05, 2019 at 11:13 am
Max says
Nov 04, 2019 at 9:25 am
Rob says
Nov 04, 2019 at 8:02 pm
rob says
Nov 01, 2019 at 11:31 pm
Max says
Nov 02, 2019 at 8:38 am
ROBIN WINTERS says
Nov 02, 2019 at 8:55 pm
Dutchie says
I would like you to know that I have read your link you gave me Max.
Unfortunately there are more requirements and documents needed for many foreigners. So if you would like to know the requirements from me, then I will type it out and copy/paste it to this forum or, if you desire, I will make a scan from the form I have for all the aliens or in better English, foreigners and sent it to your mail, because there is no option to attach a file at your site. According the Immigration site is mentioned that, and I quote, "For other necessary cases, the Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner of Immigration Bureau
is granted the authority to make decisions regarding approval on a case-by-case basis". So my case seems to be complicated and different from others, and thus for other foreigners too.
(13-10-2019)
Actually I'm very curious how about experiences from other foreigners (aliens) here in Thailand with the Thai immigration rules. Any replies would be very welcome especially from Max too please. Life in Thailand has been very nice as far I can remember in the past 27 years, so for me this is the first negative experience with the immigration office/rules.
Oct 13, 2019 at 4:49 pm
Max says
Oct 13, 2019 at 2:03 pm
Dutchie says
Oct 14, 2019 at 3:10 pm
TheThailandLife says
Oct 14, 2019 at 7:04 pm
Max says
Oct 15, 2019 at 8:23 am
Dutchie says
I'm talking about the immigration office in Nakhon Phanom. It is right that the extension is based on marriage. On the application form I filled in already for 26 years "to take care of my wife and family in Thailand", which is actually to take care of my wife only to be frankly. Because the value of the Euro, interest rate, and the huge delay of the retirement age there is not much money left to survive. I went for 26 years the only 400 k method visible on one account. On another (separate) account I use to receive money from my own resources which I build up in the past.
Could we please move on to the subject, which is the "list of documents for application to continue residence permit in Thailand in case of supporting Thai spouse". That list is in Thai and English and it is from the government 25 November, 2008. This is the topic I would like to know how this works for other foreigners in the same situation/construction as we have. For example those ridiculous pictures we have to make in and around the house, sometimes 2 sets from 5 pictures or another time just one set from 3 pictures, and like this year a document from the municipality on the same day as the visa application. When I ask the immigration staff very polite, why I have to travel up and down 4 times I will get a lovely smile, and they tell me that the immigration rules were changed in Bangkok. After almost 27 years being in Thailand I've got the feeling that I sense some discrimination. And it annoys me that we are still "Aliens" from another world, instead of foreigners. I'm still a "Farang" wherever I come with exception of my village and the people I know. However, I love Thailand, and I'm still happy to be here. There is no place in the world where it is perfect.........
I do hope to hear from you and if possible from other foreigners too.
Oct 15, 2019 at 5:33 pm
Max says
Oct 15, 2019 at 10:44 pm
Dutchie says
Oct 16, 2019 at 2:23 pm
TheThailandLife says
Oct 16, 2019 at 4:04 pm
Dutchie says
Next year I will see how efficient it goes. If it is the same situation like this year I will move on to another country and leave my family, house and all my belongings. Next year I will turn 67 and that's a respectable age. Respect I didn't get very much in Thailand (Aliens, Farang, still after 27 years) and I'm not sure to find it somewhere else, but I'll give it a try.
I sincerely hope on your understanding, and all the best with your Forum.
Dutchie
Oct 17, 2019 at 12:59 pm
Dutchie says
I have been in Thailand for almost 27 years and have been officially married, 20 years with a Non B visa and the last 7 years with a retirement Non O visa. The service has been always satisfied in Nakhon Phanom until this year.
I fulfilled all the requirements for so many years. This time I needed to visit the Imm. office 3 times already and tomorrow for the 4th time. On 27 September they didn't accept the pictures in and around the house and they requested 2 sets (5) of new pictures. Also they asked my wife for a statement from the Municipality in Renu Nakhon the place we live (55 km). They requested also a new bank statement BKK Bank for next Tuesday 1st October. So we went to the Municipality in Renu Nakhon and got our statement on Friday late afternoon. Tuesday back to NKP Bangkok Bank and straight to the Imm. office. where they told us to get a new form from the Municipality in Renu Nakhon with the date from today. The same day 55 km up and down to get it done. All the paperwork done in almost 2 hours late in the afternoon. On the 5th of October we've got a phone call if we could come to NKP on Monday 7 October to sign (my wife and me) another document concerning how many brothers and sisters my wife has got. Then the lady asked me if I could visit the BKK Bank on Friday 11 October again for a new bank statement. That's what I have do tomorrow.
In my opinion they are working very inefficient. And I do not have my own transportation so it is very hard to travel up and down. I don't know anything about the new regulations and I couldn't find nothing about the documents you have to supply.
I'm curious about other forum members who have experiences like me?
Respectfully,
Dutchie
Oct 10, 2019 at 4:48 pm
Max says
Oct 10, 2019 at 7:49 pm
Dutchie says
Oct 11, 2019 at 4:28 pm
Max Fredriksson says
https://www.immigration.go.th/content/service_18
Oct 11, 2019 at 10:07 pm
Dutchie says
Yesterday they have accepted my BKK Bank documents and they will sent the whole file to the Immigration office in Bangkok for consideration. If everything goes well I will get my official year visa stamp next month.
Oct 12, 2019 at 11:51 am
Dutchie says
Oct 12, 2019 at 12:15 pm
Max says
Oct 13, 2019 at 1:49 pm
Dutchie says
Oct 14, 2019 at 1:32 pm
Dutchie says
I would like you to know that I have read your link you gave me.
Unfortunately there are more requirements and documents needed for many foreigners. So if you would like to know the requirements from me, then I will type it out and copy/paste it to this forum or, if you desire, I will make a scan from the form I have for all the aliens or in better English, foreigners and sent it to your mail, because there is no option to attach a file at your site. According the Immigration site is mentioned that, and I quote "For other necessary cases, the Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner of Immigration Bureau
is granted the authority to make decisions regarding approval on a case-by-case basis". So my case seems to be complicated and different from others, and thus for other foreigners too.
Oct 12, 2019 at 12:44 pm
TheThailandLife says
Oct 11, 2019 at 7:00 pm
Dutchie says
This time it was a waste of money. Since the 1st of January the immigration have changed a few rules like, for example, many foreigners didn't fulfil the requirements to have continuously the 400.000 or 800.000 Baht on their account. Some foreigners (or Aliens as we are according many forms) came below the requirement from the desired amount of money and have huge problems now. Furthermore there are problems with a few Embassies who do not sign the official statements from foreigners with a pension or state pension. Throughout the years I have been in Thailand the local immigration office have never been consistent and efficient, but of course that's my experience. Other foreigners might find the immigration rules a relief and perfect.
Oct 12, 2019 at 12:11 pm
Dutchie says
Oct 13, 2019 at 10:48 am
Diana Sim says
Oct 06, 2019 at 6:43 pm
Max says
The Non-Immigrant O Visa based on retirement is a 90 days Visa and after 60 days it can be extended 1 year in Thailand. After that it can be extended 1 year at the time in Thailand.
The Non-Immigrant O Visa can be issued both in the home country and in Thailand.
Oct 07, 2019 at 12:43 am
James E says
Oct 07, 2019 at 8:01 am
Jenny says
Oct 01, 2019 at 10:59 am
Max says
Requirements for Dependent Visa in Thailand
You will get several hits and you can easily find what you need.
Oct 02, 2019 at 12:07 pm
Chanelle says
I already have a flight booked from Krabi Int Airport back home for the beginning of February.
Would I be able to do my 90 day report with proof of funds, accommodation and my flights at Krabi Immigration?
Sep 04, 2019 at 2:08 pm
Max says
Sep 05, 2019 at 9:25 am
Leonard Levine says
My extended stay visa, by the way, expires on November 19th of this year. I am currently in the U.S.
Aug 31, 2019 at 9:14 pm
TheThailandLife says
Sep 01, 2019 at 3:35 am
Shanti says
Essentially can I use this visa a job seeker, taking note of the requirement to obtain a work permit within the allotted days.
Aug 05, 2019 at 7:08 pm
TheThailandLife says
Aug 05, 2019 at 7:27 pm
Bobo says
For the second year renewal, you could use the income route, if you can show statements proving that 40,000 Baht has been paid into your Thai bank account, each month, for 12 months consecutively.
Where did you get this information from?
Jul 14, 2019 at 6:56 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jul 14, 2019 at 9:14 pm
peter says
Jul 08, 2019 at 3:03 pm
grant rundle says
Jun 13, 2019 at 11:53 am
TheThailandLife says
Jun 13, 2019 at 6:35 pm
Carlton says
Jun 10, 2019 at 7:15 pm
Rob Kaplan says
Great informative post. I write an expat blog about my wife and me, who are two North Americans that chose an early overseas retirement after an unexpected layoff from my job. We live in Chaing Mai and use extension of Non-O based on retirement (with assets) for me and my wife "follows" as she's not yet 50. The blog is called experimental expats
I'm writing a post on retirement visas and like your post. I'd like to use it as a link for those who want more information but wanted to check with you first as I've had obnoxious digital nomads threaten legal action because I spoke highly about their blog and linked to them without permission. If you have any objections, please drop me an email and I'll find another great blog like yours that doesn't mind referrals.
Cheers
May 27, 2019 at 8:28 am
TheThailandLife says
May 27, 2019 at 5:01 pm
ROBIN WINTERS says
May 24, 2019 at 5:49 pm
James E says
May 24, 2019 at 10:30 pm
Simon Aspenson says
I understand that they recognize any marriage certificate from any country not only originally from Thailand?
May 23, 2019 at 3:37 pm
TheThailandLife says
May 23, 2019 at 7:07 pm
Erl says
May 23, 2019 at 8:59 am
TheThailandLife says
May 23, 2019 at 7:02 pm
James E says
May 23, 2019 at 9:37 pm
Lynn Constantine says
May 21, 2019 at 12:13 pm
rob says
May 14, 2019 at 4:45 pm
TheThailandLife says
May 14, 2019 at 5:15 pm
boothby says
May 09, 2019 at 9:37 am
Derek.boothby says
May 10, 2019 at 8:12 am
TheThailandLife says
May 10, 2019 at 2:06 pm
Derek.boothby says
May 11, 2019 at 9:28 pm
TheThailandLife says
May 11, 2019 at 9:38 pm
Michael Duty says
I have income going into my Thai bank account monthly of roughly 55,000 baht. This is enough for a marriage visa with no problems. However, I also put more money in when I can but this is not a 'monthly' regular thing.
Over the year, the total amount put into my Thai bank account is over the 65,000 per month for a retirement visa when averaged over the 12 months. I have read somewhere that the income requirements are 'averaged' over the 12 month period. Is this true?
Thank you for your help.
May 08, 2019 at 9:42 am
TheThailandLife says
May 08, 2019 at 4:05 pm
Max says
Aug 30, 2019 at 2:59 pm
Kelie says
May 03, 2019 at 12:50 pm
sam says
Apr 24, 2019 at 3:53 am
TheThailandLife says
Apr 24, 2019 at 6:37 pm
George W says
Realistically if I wanted I could moved money from back home into an account here in Thailand and apply for a marriage visa but it would take a lot of work to do so, I am also considering learning Thai but after 3 years of learning Thai...where does this leave me! Please advise :)
Apr 20, 2019 at 4:55 pm
TheThailandLife says
Apr 21, 2019 at 12:00 am
George W says
Apr 25, 2019 at 3:13 pm
TheThailandLife says
Apr 25, 2019 at 5:47 pm
Jeff says
Is a multiple entry ED visa really what it sounds like? I can just come and go as I please, as long as I keep attending classes of course? ;)
Apr 16, 2019 at 6:37 pm
TheThailandLife says
Apr 16, 2019 at 7:55 pm
Jeff says
Apr 17, 2019 at 7:08 am
Kevin says
Apr 10, 2019 at 1:46 am
James E says
Apr 10, 2019 at 5:12 am
Jay says
Mar 24, 2019 at 9:27 pm
ABC says
Mar 20, 2019 at 2:00 pm
TheThailandLife says
Mar 20, 2019 at 7:39 pm
Nick Woods says
Feb 14, 2019 at 7:20 pm
TheThailandLife says
Feb 14, 2019 at 8:00 pm
Clive Darwell says
Feb 04, 2019 at 9:02 pm
TheThailandLife says
Feb 05, 2019 at 7:21 pm
Adrian Palmer says
It will be solely money in a Thai bank.
I haven't been able to get that confirmed
Dec 26, 2018 at 2:17 pm
Jonathan Jordan says
Dec 18, 2018 at 10:16 pm
TheThailandLife says
Dec 18, 2018 at 10:34 pm
Clive Darwell says
I am struggling to understand exactly which documents they actually want. My interpretation (and from your blog) is they need the marriage certificate and one of either my wife's birth certificate, passport or ID card. Is this correct?
Just to be clear, are they asking for my birth certificate or not?
Many thanks in advance
Clive
Dec 11, 2018 at 3:10 pm
TheThailandLife says
Dec 11, 2018 at 7:38 pm
Leigh says
My husband and I received our retirements visa's in October. I had heard that it might be possible to apply as a married couple (I was thinking that might be a good idea for next year). I have been trying to find information but can't seem to find anything very recent. Does anyone know if it is possible to apply as a married couple with 800,000 bht ?
Dec 03, 2018 at 11:08 pm
DULEROY Bernard says
Jan 06, 2019 at 1:58 pm
James E says
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/tourism-and-transport/1586942/chinese-will-be-first-to-get-access-to-thai-e-visa-service
Dec 03, 2018 at 10:36 pm
TheThailandLife says
Dec 04, 2018 at 5:09 am
Brian Batchelor says
Nov 28, 2018 at 8:58 pm
TheThailandLife says
Nov 28, 2018 at 9:15 pm
gary says
Yesterday I went at 0730am to the Immigration office in Bangkok and took my entry ticket which was number 206 ! (yes 1 hour before opening time). Once in I told them I wanted to apply for an O_A extension, next mistake as apparently I already have a Tourist Visa so it's a change of Visa not a new one. At this point they flagged up that I had rented a condo, mistake number 3 as I had not informed them so off to pay the 800 Baht fine and rejoin a different line. Anyway I eventually got to the right Department only to find that having money in your account was not good enough, you need to have paper copies of the transactions into your account and as I had to go back over 6 months I had to leave and do a 2 hour trip back to my original bank to obtain the receipts ( bank on lower floor can only go back 3 months on computer) . I returned and managed to jump back in with the same Immigration officer who after much discussion stated I could no longer leave the country and would need to re attend on the 11th December to hopefully obtain my visa. She mentioned a possible home visit and today I received a visit from Immigration to verify I live with my Thai girlfriend at my given address.
I am only putting this out there to show that even when planned carefully things can go less than smoothly once you get to the Immigration Centre, I wanted to apply for a multiple Entry permit as well yesterday but this was a non starter as I didn't have an exit date and until the 11th I don't have an O Non Imm Visa either.
Remember just smile and let it go unlike the chap at the next table who lost his temper and then his possible Visa while I was there !!
Good luck with all Visa applications but allow plenty of time at the Centre as I was there in total 6 hours and 2 hour dash to bank and still left with no stamp .
Nov 21, 2018 at 6:09 pm
TheThailandLife says
Nov 21, 2018 at 6:39 pm
gary says
Possibly not the easiest way to get an O-A Retirement Visa but it does work if you have already set up a Thai bank account and want to leave work and jet straight out here without waiting around in the UK for paperwork and checks to be completed.
Dec 11, 2018 at 7:14 pm
TheThailandLife says
Dec 11, 2018 at 7:29 pm
Gary says
The 800 K in the bank is a bind to tie up the money but I've been told that's only for a year then it can be used , is that correct or another expat fable I should ignore ?
Dec 14, 2018 at 10:02 pm
TheThailandLife says
Dec 15, 2018 at 12:36 am
gary says
I intend to visit family in the UK in March and my next Immigration visit will be before 17th February where I hope they will grant me the O-A visa. Should I take the opportunity to apply for a multi entry permit then or wait until nearer my flight departure date of 14th March ? and secondly on my next visit I assume this will need a completed TM7 from me to submit with another 1900baht to change from a Non O to Non O -A extension, would that be right ?
Dec 23, 2018 at 12:23 pm
Deuve says
Nov 13, 2018 at 6:16 pm
TheThailandLife says
Nov 15, 2018 at 6:06 pm
Nancy Thanavastien says
Nov 09, 2018 at 7:53 am
Janine Hodge says
Oct 22, 2018 at 5:20 pm
frank westrip says
there is just one bit I'm not sure of it says purpose of current visit in the box above I put holiday next box says Evidence substantiating your purpose of visit
two box's down It asks Address i am staying i have put my hotel down plus my
confirmation number down will be OK.
Thanks for your help.
Oct 22, 2018 at 4:20 am
Richard says
Oct 20, 2018 at 5:19 am
James E says
Oct 21, 2018 at 7:52 am
Richard says
Oct 23, 2018 at 4:59 pm
Vinod kaushal says
Oct 17, 2018 at 1:25 am
TheThailandLife says
Oct 17, 2018 at 7:16 pm
Tom89 says
My original question seems not to have gotten posted, so my apologies if this appears twice. I have 2 questions.
1. Can I convert a 30 day visa exempt stamp to a Non O Imm within Thailand.
2. When I apply for a Non O, does my Thai bank balance have to come from the same branch where I opened the account. A few years ago I opened an account with BKK Bank at a branch in BKK. However, I plan to retire to Phayao. Can I get whatever documents I need for immigration from the Phayao branch. I plan to eventually open an account in Phayao, but if I could use my existing account it would expedite matters.
Oct 15, 2018 at 8:55 am
TheThailandLife says
Oct 15, 2018 at 5:12 pm
Nic says
Oct 11, 2018 at 12:54 pm
TheThailandLife says
Oct 11, 2018 at 7:01 pm
Robin Emanuel says
And how can my woman in Thailand can send me an invitation.... She is a Thailand woman... I need an information about the visa and invitation
Oct 06, 2018 at 12:48 am
TheThailandLife says
Oct 08, 2018 at 5:53 pm
AH says
Having a bit of a problem.
I came on 20th of July to Thailand on a Non Imm O Retirement Visa;
My partner on a non IMM guardian visa and our daughter on a student visa/
I planned to go this week to the Immigration office to report for the 90 days. I spoke to an agent and first shock!!!
My partner should have opened a bank account with a balance of 500k Baht and not touch it for 30days;
I have an account and we pay our bills through the account which is in my name.
Agent told us, to open account in partners name, deposit 500k, not touch the money, have a bank book and after 1 months, update balance on bank book and go to immigration.
We came in on 20th July. I thought it was ok until 19th of October. But NO, it is 17th October.
If we open now bank account for partner, waiting 1 month, this will bring us into November. She will then be on overstay!!
Thai embassy in Europe did not explain well or I did not understand well (do not want to blame anyone);
Have to sort this out now: Agent spoke about traveling outside Thailand and ask for a new visa. Partner does not want to leave alone/
Any advise??
Thank you:
Oct 02, 2018 at 9:44 pm
TheThailandLife says
Oct 04, 2018 at 12:05 am
AH says
If we go to immigration to extend her single entry non-im. Visa, by one month, will this create any problem after this month extension, when she wants to apply for the 1 year visa, based on being a guardian?
I have the multiple entry non im. retirement visa.
Now the agent told me, I have to have 800k in my bank account here.
Getting totally confused.
Thanks a lot for your help.
Oct 04, 2018 at 6:47 am
TheThailandLife says
Oct 04, 2018 at 6:34 pm
Sharon Ward-Evans says
Many Thanks, Sharon
Sep 25, 2018 at 8:34 am
TheThailandLife says
Sep 25, 2018 at 5:25 pm
John Samson says
Aug 23, 2018 at 8:56 pm
TheThailandLife says
Aug 23, 2018 at 10:24 pm
John Samson says
You must spend a massive amount of time yourself here maintaining it. Many thanks for your efforts.
Aug 24, 2018 at 5:51 am
Reanna says
Aug 18, 2018 at 11:55 pm
TheThailandLife says
Aug 19, 2018 at 3:39 am
Thomas says
Aug 15, 2018 at 9:00 pm
gary says
Aug 15, 2018 at 6:33 pm
Gary says
Just back from the Thai Embassy in London and a need a little help with advice. I went with the intention of applying for the 90 Non Immigrant visa and was asked for my bank statement and retirement papers as my reason for visit to Thailand was future retirement , I explained that I was intending to do this in Thailand where I have a rented condo and a bank account with the necessary funds already in place but I don't retire until October of this year and my flight is late October. I was only offered a 60 day tourist visa which wasn't what I expected but can't understand what I did wrong. I will collect it tomorrow (hopefully) .
My question is now, since I already have a condo and money in a Thai bank do I still have to wait 60 days then ask for a 30 extension and apply for my o-x visa then or can I apply after going to my Thai bank to update my pass book and getting a bank letter stating funds where in place in July onwards ?
I think I have everything in place in Thailand to apply almost straight after arrival but maybe I'm missing something . If the 60 visa is allowed to run I assume I have to visit Immigration and pay the 1900Baht to get my extra 30 days . Can I go to immigration early to get either my sought after o-A visa or not ? I'm not feeling quite so confident of the process after this mornings experience.
Aug 15, 2018 at 5:55 pm
TheThailandLife says
Aug 15, 2018 at 6:08 pm
gary says
Aug 16, 2018 at 1:26 pm
TheThailandLife says
Aug 18, 2018 at 4:32 am
Penelope Morton says
Can you tell me what will happen when I go to Immigration on the 4th..
Regards
PM
Aug 10, 2018 at 7:26 pm
TheThailandLife says
Aug 15, 2018 at 6:14 pm
Gary says
Great blog which I keep coming back to time and again in the run up to my retirement and planned escape to the Land of smiles.
Not sure if it's a typo or if I glossed over it before but in the section on the Elite Visa you say it requires a deposit of 500,000 which is great as that's less than the 800,000 I currently need for my intended O-A visa application. Have I missed this previously or is the figure wrong as I seem to remember seeing 3,000,000Baht somewhere before in the article.
Keeping my fingers crossed the figures are right and I can upgrade to a 5 year visa for less !
Aug 03, 2018 at 1:15 pm
James E says
Aug 04, 2018 at 1:50 am
Gin says
Jul 26, 2018 at 12:15 am
GEORGE TSUMELE says
Good day.
I am a Zimbabwean and I want to visit Thailand on a business trip. What are the requirements needed for me to apply for a visa.
Regards
George.
Jul 24, 2018 at 5:26 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jul 24, 2018 at 5:38 pm
Anita says
His wife is a teacher and supports my son and baby.
My son wishes to study for a degree in Thailand and has asked if I could come out to look after the baby for a few years.
I am a 58 yr old British Citizen with £20,000 in a UK bank and no criminal record.
Is this at all possible?
Jun 27, 2018 at 3:23 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jun 28, 2018 at 5:01 pm
Anita says
My pension won’t be much but as I said I have savings and my son and wife are there
Jun 28, 2018 at 9:03 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jun 29, 2018 at 4:02 pm
Anita says
She has a work permit.
Jun 29, 2018 at 4:36 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jul 03, 2018 at 3:30 pm
Thomas says
I have a quick question for you or maybe one of your followers.
I will be arriving in Bangkok at the end of next month on a Retirement Visa from the U.S. Do I have to report to immigration when I arrive, or, at the end of my first 90 days. I want to be sure I don't mess up.
I appreciate any input you may be able to provide.
Jun 26, 2018 at 8:40 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jun 28, 2018 at 5:26 pm
Gary says
Can i not get a 90 day entry visa then apply after 60 days? Can you confirm the 90 day visa is available in the UK for the proposed route i intended to take for the O-A retirement visa .
I tbought i had this sorted in my head until this post !
Jul 01, 2018 at 3:51 am
TheThailandLife says
Jul 03, 2018 at 3:14 pm
gary says
Jul 15, 2018 at 12:17 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jul 16, 2018 at 5:49 pm
Thomas says
Aug 15, 2018 at 9:53 pm
TheThailandLife says
Aug 18, 2018 at 4:35 am
Thomas says
Aug 19, 2018 at 7:10 pm
Corey says
.
As I have been told I can't just go on a 30 day entry then do a boarder hop any more .
I have tried to read on Thai visa page but it confusing the Shit out of me
Jun 20, 2018 at 1:00 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jun 20, 2018 at 4:56 pm
Corey says
Jun 20, 2018 at 6:57 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jun 20, 2018 at 8:28 pm
TheThailandLife says
An update on this: I received an email from an Australian national who read your comment and my reply and suggested that I hadn't understood what you meant. He forwarded me a PDF with requirements for those applying in Australia for a Thai tourist Visa.
The requirements are as follows:
For a single entry tourist Visa: Evidence of adequate financial support (20,000 baht per person) Approximately $800
for a multiple entry tourist Visa: Bank statements or evidence of adequate finances in the last six months with a minimum
balance of $8,000.00 AUD.
https://www.royalthaiconsulatebrisbane.com/images/pdfs/TR-Tourist-08-2017.pdf
The requirements into different country to country. For example, in the UK there is no financial requirement for a single entry tourist Visa. But for a multiple entry tourist Visa: Original bank statement of the applicant showing a balance of least £5,000 (for 6 months) or a print out with official stamp of the bank.
Aug 20, 2018 at 4:04 pm
Colleen says
Thanks!
Jun 14, 2018 at 10:43 pm
John Dickinson says
Jun 08, 2018 at 7:44 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jun 08, 2018 at 9:51 pm
Stuart Johnstone says
Just a quick question I currently have a non b visa which I have always renewed with work permit. I am married now so can I extend on this basis?
Hopefully to reduce the paperwork.
Thank you
Jun 05, 2018 at 5:37 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jun 05, 2018 at 5:48 pm
Peron Bakr says
You are very well informed on the Visas available, I've been studying Visa requirements for the past year as my wife wants me to move there. I do have a Disability pension of approximately 45000 baht per month, plus savings in Bangkok bank of 400000 baht. I also have the ability to work freelance online or teaching parttime in Thailand upon getting my TEFL (arranged for March 2019). So far so good (I'm 60 right now). Here's the issue which has now been causing us a lot of grief. My wife and I have had the "village" wedding witnessed and approved by her family, but it is not registered. We have been married for almost 2 years this way, and I live with her 1 month out of every 4 or 5. But she says it is time for me to come home and stay home. As far as I can tell, the only way that I can do that on 1-year visas is if our marriage is registered. We have lots of friends and family there who can attest to my being her husband and spending as much time with her at home as possible. She seems to think I can move there as her husband without our marriage being registered. The reason that it is not registered yet is that her ex-husband decided he does not want to give her a divorce as she is now happy, and he cannot have that. On the other hand, he has a village marriage to his second wife and is wooing a third.
Does our marriage need to be registered, or can friends and family act as witnesses attesting to the fact that we live together as man and wife (with lots of photos to prove it)?
I also have all the documents and paperwork needed to register our marriage on this end. My brother-in-law has also suggested that we can register our marriage without her receiving a divorce from her first husband. Any thought on that?
May 23, 2018 at 6:44 am
TheThailandLife says
May 23, 2018 at 4:22 pm
Nigel Day says
However I now am having difficulty raising this money each year as I am now on pension income paid monthly. So I am looking at offering an Embassy letter on my next extension application confirming that I have income of at least 40,000 baht per month. My question is simply this: this pension income is paid in to my UK bank account. Does the money have to be shown to be being transferred from there in to my Thai bank account?
I have searched high and low for the answer, without success. Nowhere does it say more than the evidence of monthly income is by means of an Embassy letter stating the monthly sum and source, eg UK state pension, in the currency in which it originates. Apparently the Thai IO then does the currency conversion to check it is enough, which suggests , but is not crystal clear, that no evidence of receipt in Thailand is needed. Can you confirm?
May 16, 2018 at 4:13 am
TheThailandLife says
May 16, 2018 at 5:39 pm
COLIN SIMS says
May 10, 2018 at 12:17 am
TheThailandLife says
May 10, 2018 at 1:22 am
colin sims says
Can any reader recommend an honest and genuine settlement visa adviser in or around Udon Thani? Or Bangkok as that's where part of the process takes place. Thanks, Colin.
May 10, 2018 at 8:16 pm
Robert Gandley says
I am wondering which would be the best Thai Visa for me to get , I am thinking maybe a 60 day should be enough time to achieve these two objectives ,. but would welcome any advice .
Apr 27, 2018 at 8:43 pm
TheThailandLife says
Apr 27, 2018 at 11:32 pm
Robert says
Apr 28, 2018 at 4:04 pm
TheThailandLife says
Apr 28, 2018 at 4:26 pm
Robert says
Apr 28, 2018 at 5:03 pm
Gary Farmer says
Thanks for the Visa guidance. Can I ask you to clarify something's .
I am obtaining a 90 day visa in the UK later this year and will look to obtain an O-A retirement visa once in Thailand. When applying for my O-A visa do I need to produce any for of proof that I have a clean criminal record (CRB check in UK) or the medical certificate , both of which a UK visa application requires.
I only ask because if so I guess I would need to sort this and bring them with me from the UK . From your post there is no mention for Thai based applicants needing to provide either CRB documents or a medical certificate . I am worried that I will apply once living in country only to be told I don't have the right paperwork and only have the 30 days left on original visa.
Apr 25, 2018 at 1:23 pm
TheThailandLife says
Apr 27, 2018 at 4:55 pm
Gary Farmer says
Apr 30, 2018 at 6:26 pm
TheThailandLife says
Apr 30, 2018 at 7:43 pm
ryan says
I'm talking about your article.
none of the visas you talk about are a real option.
let's start with the tourist visa. easy to get it first time, the second time... but it becomes a huge pain to keep getting it. visa runs are not as easy done as said. you go outside of the country, and they make it nearly impossible to get it again (as soon they see you had several already).
business visa... I had it once. not easy to get. if you can get a job, yes, but... still, not an easy option.
education visa. another crazy that got really tough.
retirement visa. sure, so what am I gonna do? wait until I'm 50?
I haven't tried the elite visa. I was hoping to learn more about. you say here it's only for 1 year. this freaks me out. I thought it was for 5. 1 year with possibility to extend means they can refuse the extension. does it happen? to be refused extension, that is? the thai immigration is so insane, such a scenario seems entirely plausible.
can I ask you more about this (i.e. elita visa) on mail?
Apr 22, 2018 at 3:41 am
TheThailandLife says
Apr 27, 2018 at 5:07 pm
Jaroslav says
Apr 12, 2018 at 9:47 pm
Matt says
Apr 07, 2018 at 3:56 pm
TheThailandLife says
Apr 09, 2018 at 6:37 pm
William says
What happens after that if you were trying to stay for a year. Can you apply for another 6 month multi entry?
Im looking at a possible 12 months stay if possible
Apr 02, 2018 at 4:12 am
TheThailandLife says
Apr 03, 2018 at 4:57 pm
William Whall says
I'm looking at possibly doing some teaching work while i'm there, but i don't have a degree, so I am guessing i will have to do a few visa runs in the process. The other thing i was wondering was flights from the UK.
If you have a 6 month Visa. Do you buy a one way ticket or is it possible to get open ended ones?
Apr 06, 2018 at 2:37 pm
TheThailandLife says
Apr 09, 2018 at 8:48 pm
William Whall says
I don't think its a problem. I had a look on EVA and Thai and I think you can alter flight dates with both of them
Apr 09, 2018 at 9:15 pm
TheThailandLife says
Apr 09, 2018 at 9:55 pm
Will says
Apr 13, 2018 at 4:32 am
TheThailandLife says
Apr 13, 2018 at 11:50 pm
James E says
Mar 27, 2018 at 12:05 am
TheThailandLife says
Mar 27, 2018 at 2:40 am
James E says
Mar 27, 2018 at 10:14 pm
TheThailandLife says
Mar 28, 2018 at 12:45 am
James E says
I just ran across this new visa type announcement on the Royal Thai Embassy website:
"The SMART Visa is the initiative of the Royal Thai Government aiming at encouraging highly-skilled professionals and talents to work or invest in the 10 targeted industries, namely (1) next-generation automotive (2) smart electronics (3) affluent, medical and wellness tourism (4) agriculture and biotechnology (5) food for the future (6) robotics (7) aviation and logistics (8) biofuels and biochemicals (9) digital and (10) medical hub."
Here's a details link (from the Thailand Board of Investment website): http://www.boi.go.th/newboi/en/smart_visa/
Mar 12, 2018 at 10:44 pm
TheThailandLife says
Mar 13, 2018 at 3:56 am
James E says
Mar 13, 2018 at 7:45 am
TheThailandLife says
Mar 13, 2018 at 7:13 pm
gary farmer says
I need some help around the visa application for the 90 Non Immigrant visa so I can get into Thailand to apply for the retirement visa. I already have a bank account in Thailand and a rented condo and intend to move out in October and retire. I am looking at the 90 visa application and am a little confused . The application asks purpose of visit, do I say its for retirement or something else at this point? this follows in to supplying evidence supporting application, what is this after ? and do I need to have an exit ticket purchased to show I would leave after 90 days although I actually intend to apply for the other retirement visa after 60 days. any help would be great
Mar 12, 2018 at 2:55 pm
TheThailandLife says
Mar 12, 2018 at 4:18 pm
gary farmer says
Mar 13, 2018 at 2:45 pm
TheThailandLife says
Mar 13, 2018 at 7:22 pm
gary farmer says
Mar 14, 2018 at 5:07 am
TheThailandLife says
Mar 14, 2018 at 5:27 pm
gary farmer says
Mar 14, 2018 at 7:59 pm
Wendy says
Mar 01, 2018 at 6:16 pm
dave says
"That said, if you have the money," Have or willing to spend?
Im confused by your wording on the elite visa.
Is it you pay $16,000 usd or you need proof in a bank account of it Thai or otherwise. Im under 50 and would like to spend the next 4 years in Thailand relaxing, eating fruit, and working. I'm a normal college degree with good savings and no record kind of guy but not going to hand over $16k... that seems expensive for Thailand. I am willing to put $16k in a thai bank account for a visa tho.
Any advice? Thanks in advance.
Apr 26, 2018 at 11:28 pm
TheThailandLife says
Apr 27, 2018 at 4:54 pm
anil says
Feb 14, 2018 at 2:44 pm
TheThailandLife says
Feb 14, 2018 at 3:44 pm
jimjfox says
Plan 'B'- don't go to Thailand; if you cannot grasp the most basic rule, you will surely get into serious trouble here.
Feb 22, 2018 at 1:03 pm
Kathy Young says
Do I find work first or do I start the process of visa first?
Feb 10, 2018 at 5:05 pm
TheThailandLife says
Feb 14, 2018 at 3:45 pm
Jo says
Feb 08, 2018 at 11:08 am
TheThailandLife says
Feb 08, 2018 at 3:49 pm
Cian says
I'm going to be volunteering for over 5 months so I need the visa that gives me 60 days with multiple entry so how do I get this?
Thanks
Feb 07, 2018 at 5:34 am
TheThailandLife says
Feb 07, 2018 at 5:55 pm
Eli says
Thank you
Jan 30, 2018 at 5:39 pm
Chis says
Jan 21, 2018 at 9:19 am
James E says
Jan 31, 2018 at 6:12 am
Chris says
Jan 31, 2018 at 6:43 am
James E says
Jan 31, 2018 at 10:56 pm
Frank says
is a work visa, Education visa available.
or if my get a retirement visa can she also get one if she teaches?
Jan 16, 2018 at 4:05 am
TheThailandLife says
Jan 16, 2018 at 11:08 am
Carl says
Jan 14, 2018 at 11:27 am
TheThailandLife says
Jan 15, 2018 at 11:04 am
Amy says
Jan 09, 2018 at 2:55 am
TheThailandLife says
Jan 10, 2018 at 9:40 pm
Jethro says
The pensions I’ll be living on are not earth shattering, and may not keep their value to fulfil the 65.000BT requirement, or the combination of deposit/income for a retirement visa.
The marriage visa sounds less expensive, but can it be extended indefinitely in the same way that a retirement visa can?
Any advice would be very welcome.
Jan 07, 2018 at 11:35 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jan 10, 2018 at 9:32 pm
Jethro says
Jan 14, 2018 at 9:05 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jan 15, 2018 at 11:01 am
m cotterill says
Jan 06, 2018 at 5:12 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jan 07, 2018 at 2:51 am
ronald brown says
400000 btin a bank account and the 40000 bt monthly income
my question is if and when can i use any part of the 400000bt
thanks ron brown
Jan 02, 2018 at 2:48 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jan 02, 2018 at 5:05 pm
john says
can i change from employment visa to business Thai limited company with my partner ?
Dec 22, 2017 at 8:21 pm
Ian turner says
Q1. Can I go to Laos and get a new 90 day type O
Q2. How do you go about getting the uk marriage certificate certified when I am in Thailand
Q3. Any other options or advice
Thanks
Ian
Dec 21, 2017 at 4:50 pm
TheThailandLife says
Dec 21, 2017 at 7:57 pm
Ian says
The frustrating part is I did not need any certifcation of the original marriage certificate in the uk would this be required for Vientiane or is the original ok to get a new 90 day type O
Dec 22, 2017 at 11:01 am
TheThailandLife says
Dec 22, 2017 at 6:22 pm
hani says
i will get B visa from company of my friend and he will do work permit for me too,,
but actually I'm planning later to do Thai Limited Company , is B visa or work permit of me make any problem later for me doing my own Thai Limited Company ?
like I applied for job visa then i changed to investor ?
Regards
Dec 15, 2017 at 5:27 am
Danny. Passgae says
Dec 04, 2017 at 7:49 am
TheThailandLife says
Dec 04, 2017 at 5:27 pm
Danny. Passgae says
Dec 07, 2017 at 10:15 am
Matthew DP says
Dec 03, 2017 at 12:13 pm
TheThailandLife says
Dec 03, 2017 at 6:47 pm
Steve says
Nov 27, 2017 at 5:51 pm
TheThailandLife says
Nov 27, 2017 at 6:18 pm
Conman says
Nov 13, 2017 at 7:37 pm
TheThailandLife says
Nov 14, 2017 at 1:03 am
pete says
Also do you think its harder to apply for a UK tourist visa for my wife if I have a Marriage visa compared to a Work visa? She has been to the UK over 10 times with me and has 2 properties here in Thailand and a car, assets etc but I’m not sure if my change of status would make it harder? Thanks in advance for your advice.
Nov 05, 2017 at 9:46 am
TheThailandLife says
Nov 07, 2017 at 6:41 pm
pete says
Nov 08, 2017 at 8:53 pm
pete says
Nov 10, 2017 at 8:26 am
TheThailandLife says
Nov 10, 2017 at 6:42 pm
pete says
https://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/home/welcome
Nov 10, 2017 at 6:59 pm
TheThailandLife says
Nov 12, 2017 at 4:35 am
James says
Nov 04, 2017 at 12:31 am
Walter Gvozdanovic says
Oct 22, 2017 at 10:00 am
TheThailandLife says
Oct 23, 2017 at 5:26 pm
James says
I was just on the Royal Thai Embassy's US website and there is a NEW KIND OF RETIREMENT VISA! (Sorry for the excited shouting.) It's called the Non-Immigrant Visa Category “O-X” (long stay). It seems to be an upgrade to the O-A (as you have to be over 50). It is valid for 10 years and allows a stay of up to 5 years. It shows a fee (in the US) of $400. The financial requirements are higher than the O-A ("3 million bahts in Thailand or a bank deposit of no less than 1.8 million bahts and annual income of no less than 1.2 million bahts. " Which will require clarification, I'm sure.) and requires health insurance (" Applicant must have a Thai health insurance for the duration of stay, with coverage for outpatient treatment of no less than 40,000 bahts and inpatient treatment of no less than 400,000 bahts" They provide a helpful link for the purchase...) It is limited to citizens of the following countries: Japan, Australia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Canada and United States.
Now this is the interesting part. Unlike the instructions for the O-A there is exactly no mention of in-country reporting requirements.
I'll see if I can find out anything additional.
Aug 23, 2017 at 11:54 pm
TheThailandLife says
Aug 24, 2017 at 6:35 pm
James says
It does appear to be a bit excessive but interest rates the world over right now are basically zero. I've sent a message to the Thai Embassy in Washington for clarification. The 3 MegaBaht requirement for the deposit is for "at least one year" and drops to 1.5 MB after that. There is also a combination deposit (1.8MB) and income (1.2MB/year) qualification.
The big deal seems to be the health insurance requirement. Only one of the providers posted premiums online which for my age group were about 60,000 THB/year for the minimum coverage amount. In part I think they might be trying to induce people with long-term care needs to choose Thailand as a treatment center and at the same time have some assurance that they have the resources to pay for everything they're going to need.
I'll post when I hear back from the embassy.
Aug 24, 2017 at 11:34 pm
Chris says
Jan 31, 2018 at 6:55 am
Billie Chapple says
I have retired in Australia, and am about to apply for a retirement visa looking to a shift to Thailand in the next month. (I have read elsewhere that it is easier to apply from your home country).
Two questions (if you don't mind),
1: What is your current opinion on this, would it be better to apply now from Australia, or apply for a Tourist visa and wait until I have been in Thailand 30? 60? 90? days?
2: On the website of the Thai Consulate in Sydney, they instruct that for a retirement visa, as well as all extended stay visas, you also fill in a generic "personal data" form which I have downloaded from their web site. All is straightforward with this, apart from the section at the bottom which asks for your proposed address in Thailand (probably a guest house to begin with), and also a "Reference Person in Thailand". Does this person, do you think, have to be a Thai national? Would they accept the landlord as a reference?
Probably silly questions I know, but would appreciate your guidance on this.
Kind Regards,
Billie.
Aug 20, 2017 at 12:27 pm
Chris Hall says
1. I'm a co-director of a Foundation in TH so this is a possibility
2. I could enter on a retirement visa - what are the restrictions however on working? I guess none is allowed
3. ED visa initially - I am about to start a MSc in the UK and perhaps I could follow this up with a further degree in TH - what are the rules about non language courses?
Excellent website - love reading ur updates and information!
Chris
Aug 16, 2017 at 7:37 pm
TheThailandLife says
Aug 17, 2017 at 5:40 pm
James says
Aug 03, 2017 at 7:25 am
James says
What wasn't specifically covered was whether an in-country renewal would accept the foreign bank guarantee or not. So my quest continues.
Aug 04, 2017 at 10:57 pm
brian mcguigan says
I would like to follow up about 800,000 bahts - does this amount has to be deposited into Thai bank account when applying for permanent visa?
How safe to guarantee your money in Thai bank account not disappeared? Is there any FDIC protection there? If I have assets in US and money in US banks, is that enough to prove them?
Thanks in advance for any reply
Oct 03, 2017 at 8:11 am
James E says
What the Thai Embassy in D.C. told me was that the 800,000 can be in any financial institution. It doesn't have to be in Thailand. That could change at any time (the requirements for the new O-X visa stipulate that the money must be in Thailand, for example) but as of mid-August 2017 funds in a U.S. account were acceptable.
Oct 03, 2017 at 6:50 pm
Gary says
So is the cost of a retirement visa the same as a non imigrant Multi entries or is ther another price for the retirement visa
Thanks
Gary
Jul 24, 2017 at 12:37 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jul 24, 2017 at 4:52 pm
James says
Aug 04, 2017 at 11:08 pm
Kat says
Thank you for all of the helpful information. I am going to be teaching at an international school in Thailand starting in August. My school is guiding me through the Non B visa process, and I will be going to Lao in the next few weeks.
My problem is my partner is with me in Thailand. How can I get a visa for him also, as my school will not provide one for him unless we are married. What are the options for him?
Thank you!
Jul 21, 2017 at 9:59 am
Dan says
Ive read the entire post but my I'm still unsure if my Q was answered. I am a long-stay resident here in TH on a tourist APEC 90 day visa (I dont mind the visa runs), but can get a retirement visa if needed. However, as I understand it, neither of these will help if I earn a little cash on the side eg I am a builder and get some regular reno work and receive rent money. I am happy to declare the cash and pay the tax if needed, but I gather I need a "work permit" besides my normal tourist or retirement visa. Is that correct? If so, how do I get a work permit if I dont have an offical employer? cheers
Jul 18, 2017 at 5:27 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jul 18, 2017 at 8:01 pm
Michelle says
This is very informative thank you! I am currently studying at a university so therefore have an Education Visa.
I plan to go to my home country for a visit. Do you possibly know if the immigration officers will ask me to show a minimum amount of cash, upon re-entry? (ie. 10000 or 20000 baht) I heard there are new rules because they are suspicious of people who have an ED Visa now.
TIA :)
Jul 17, 2017 at 4:33 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jul 18, 2017 at 8:08 pm
Ajin kumar says
i wanted to know what all documents are required for my brother to get a tourist visa in Thailand as i am studying there and he is coming to be with me for a week time.
Thank you
Jul 12, 2017 at 3:25 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jul 14, 2017 at 3:46 am
John says
Do you think it is wise to come to Thailand before I have a job secured?
Is it true that teaching jobs are in abundance their and easy to find?
How should I handle my visa situation there? Should I just get a tourist visa and wait until I find a teaching job there, then, let the school handle my work visa?
Thank you Sir!
P.S. Thank you for offering so much information. I will enjoy learning from your website.
Jun 20, 2017 at 2:44 am
James says
Yes. Get a multiple-entry tourist visa (look at TTL's posts on the visa run). I would advise - instead of committing to a job in advance you plan on something more like: take 1 week to get (fully) over the jet-lag, 3 months to get over the culture shock, 3 months to figure out what part of Thailand you want to live in, and 3 months to start looking for a job. Thailand is different from "the West" (particularly the US) in so many ways you'll have a lot to learn before you can make any kind of informed decision. Coupled with the regional differences I think that you'd be better served long-term by easing in over 6 - 9 months. But, if you need a job right away then go for it.
I would suggest starting to learn Thai (if you haven't already) starting now. I don't speak much, nor well, but it's worthwhile way beyond what I imagined.
Also go in knowing that they don't do things like that around here. You will find the paper chases daunting, the protocols and procedures numbing, and the mai bpen rai attitude kind of frustrating. But when you take the time to learn it and take a lot of deep breaths you'll find that for what they need to do their system works.
And read EVERYTHING on TTL. Peter's got the best info in the world here.
Good luck.
Jun 20, 2017 at 5:28 am
John says
Thank you again!
Jun 21, 2017 at 2:57 am
James says
I'm sure that would be completely dependent on the school and how you pitch the idea.
As to your books question you posted. Typically when you fly from the U.S. to Thailand your baggage flies free. If you use a non-US carrier you can sometimes get away with up to 120lbs in two bags. If you go first or business (in my dreams, that's how I fly) the baggage is basically unlimited. We usually fly EVA premium economy (costs less than regular economy on US domestic lines) and get two bags per passenger each up to 62lbs. Instead of the 50lb limit on the US carriers. I have not found anyway to ship anything from the US to Thailand without getting hit with a bill that would buy a pretty nice car.
There are a number of excess baggage shippers on the web which is where I would start looking as to how much it would cost to send your books. From looking at them about shipping a bike to Bangkok they seemed to be about US$20 less than the excess baggage charge from the airline (if I'm remembering right). If you've got enough stuff to fill a Balikbayan box do a search for LTL shipping. It'll take a while to get there since it goes by sea but would allow you to ship whatever you wanted. I used a similar service when I was living in Grenada and it worked pretty well.
Jun 21, 2017 at 8:19 am
John Dawson says
Jun 21, 2017 at 9:49 am
TheThailandLife says
It's definitely worth spending time in potential places you want to live before committing, and often the place you first stay and think you love you feel quite differently about within a couple of months. There is a huge difference between holiday living and living permanently, as I'm sure you can imagine. The dynamics change considerably.
That said, if you are looking at international school jobs then some of these are recruited for outside of the country. Jobs in Thai schools can be found very easily within the country. You might like to try Chiang Mai for teaching, as that's a less hectic city than Bangkok. Though if you fancy an island like Phuket then that's a possibility too.
There are jobs all over the country, and salaries vary slightly by region.
Visa wise, as James said the tourist visa (multiple entry) is a good option. When you find a job you will be required to go to a neighbouring country (most likely Laos) to obtain a B visa (as detailed in the post above) from the Thai embassy. You can then return and your employer will sort out your work permit.
Let us know if you have any further questions. All the best!
Jun 20, 2017 at 3:08 pm
John says
I do have another question if you don't mind. When I come to Thailand, I plan to pack two large suitcases, and that is all. I don't want to bring too much, but I would like to bring some books. I do have lots of books and would like to bring 20 or 30 of them. If it is possible, what is the best way to ship books to Thailand? I know the Philippines has something called "Balikbayan box". With the Balikbayan box, you can ship a large box with no weight limit for a flat fee of around 80 to 100 dollars. I was wondering if there was something like that in Thailand?
Thank you again!
Jun 21, 2017 at 3:34 am
Adelina Liwanag says
Jun 07, 2017 at 12:18 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jun 07, 2017 at 3:51 pm
Atul Nigam says
What to do?? My travel date is 18/06/2017.
Jun 06, 2017 at 1:31 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jun 06, 2017 at 3:24 pm
Max says
I now want to enrol in a thai language course at Chula University and I see that I should have a Non-Immigrant ED visa instead.
Could I not retain my NonImmigrant O and study on that one?
If not, can I make the change from Non-O to ED within Thailand?
And if this gets difficult can I just study in a private school with my Non-O visa Retirement?
Jun 01, 2017 at 1:23 am
TheThailandLife says
Jun 01, 2017 at 3:27 am
William says
May 25, 2017 at 10:57 pm
TheThailandLife says
May 26, 2017 at 12:19 am
William says
May 26, 2017 at 2:34 am
Nick says
May 22, 2017 at 8:49 pm
TheThailandLife says
May 23, 2017 at 3:24 pm
Charles Whiting says
Thanks
May 19, 2017 at 4:31 am
TheThailandLife says
May 19, 2017 at 3:32 pm
Monica says
Came across your site when I was trying to find out full details of the Thailand Elite visa. My mom's considering that one, but I feel like it's a scam. I think the selling points for her are that she's older and doesn't want the hassle of renewing — which she thinks you have to leave the country to do that, and provide medical records....is this true? Do you know the requirements for the 90 day reporting vs requirements for the annual renewal on a retirement visa? I'm hoping to convince her she doesn't need this Elite membership. Thanks so much.
May 15, 2017 at 7:05 am
TheThailandLife says
May 15, 2017 at 4:36 pm
Thomas says
May 09, 2017 at 4:23 am
TheThailandLife says
May 10, 2017 at 4:10 pm
Thomas says
May 13, 2017 at 7:48 pm
TheThailandLife says
May 14, 2017 at 4:04 am
Paul says
Done in udon thaini imo I am married to a Thai
Thanks Paul
Apr 10, 2017 at 4:01 am
Jwny says
Feb 25, 2017 at 5:08 pm
thomas b says
I work one month in Russia and one month off... My plan is to move to Chiang Mai , so I would be there 5 months a year, but never more than 27 days at a time... How would that work for me if you know.... I saw somewhere else where someone said you could only get 2 30 day no visa trips per year.. So just confused about it all
Feb 21, 2017 at 4:26 pm
TheThailandLife says
Feb 21, 2017 at 8:22 pm
Mark says
I've been to Thailand 6 times in the past 8 months, on 30 day visas, but never staying the 30 days, I've never been asked to explain at Thailand customs, but did find my self explaining to Australian border security on a return trip once !!!!
Mar 20, 2017 at 10:23 am
TheThailandLife says
Mar 23, 2017 at 11:21 pm
Mick says
My question is about after getting married, which I just did, and have jumped through all the hoops in getting the marriage certificate.
I'm ready to go Laos for the next procedure, but the 400,000 I have in the bank hasn't been there for two months...not even 1.
From what I've read, they won't issue a non immigrant O based on marriage without that, correct?
All the law blogs and visa sites say it's necessary, but your post seems to say its not necessary if you take the 90 day option. So confusing and very scary :-)
Have you heard any new info on the financial requurement? I'm a US citizen and I think the rules are slightly different for different nationalities. Cheers! Super great blog. I know how much work you put into it.
Jan 06, 2017 at 1:34 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jan 06, 2017 at 5:14 pm
Mick says
Jan 06, 2017 at 5:56 pm
Wordi says
Nov 26, 2016 at 12:09 pm
TheThailandLife says
Nov 26, 2016 at 10:57 pm
nancy says
Nov 08, 2016 at 4:02 am
TheThailandLife says
Nov 08, 2016 at 10:40 pm
Jake says
Nov 04, 2016 at 7:37 am
TheThailandLife says
Nov 04, 2016 at 3:06 pm
Ham says
Is that a problem moving to Thailand? I have to get meds from Australia every 6 months
Oct 19, 2016 at 6:59 pm
Durianrider says
Nov 04, 2016 at 2:30 am
TheThailandLife says
Nov 04, 2016 at 3:08 pm
Ham says
5 years unlimited entry, report address every 90 days for just B500,000!
What the catch?
Oct 14, 2016 at 4:56 pm
TheThailandLife says
Oct 14, 2016 at 9:33 pm
Ham says
This is the visa for me!!
Oct 14, 2016 at 9:35 pm
Ken says
As for the “elite” visa, it seems to me like this is a good option for people who are too young for a retirement visa but who also do not want to work or to mess with constant visa runs. For people who can qualify for other types of long-term visas however this just seems like a HUGE waste of money to me. You are basically paying enough money to buy a very nice used car simply to avoid some paperwork and other potential hassles down the road.
Oct 15, 2016 at 3:08 am
Ham says
I'm just excited to get there
Life is short
But thanks for the advice
Much appreciated ??
Oct 15, 2016 at 4:28 am
Ken says
By the way, I just want to clarify something. You DO realize that you are not going to get back the 500K that you would be paying for the elite visa? It’s not merely a deposit, such as is the case for the retirement visa.
Oct 15, 2016 at 9:17 am
Ham says
That's cheap
I am never blasé I lived on Bribie Island and everyday I was grateful to be living there
I come from Africa so Australia was and is still great
Thailand is just what I need now in my life
Oct 15, 2016 at 9:40 am
TheThailandLife says
Oct 15, 2016 at 6:24 pm
Ham says
6 month Visitor go out come back for 6 months then come back in yr 2 if i like it with Retirement Visa?
I just don't want to leave every 3 months!
I'm going to be in Ko Samui and that means flying to SING or KL
Ideas?
Oct 19, 2016 at 7:05 pm
Ham says
If i am getting paid in Australia to get work done in Thailand would that qualify me for the 65,000 Baht monthly income requirement? On a B Visa?I am setting up in Koh Samui and Udon Thani to consult for a company in Australia that will pay me 65,000 Baht a month
Oct 13, 2016 at 6:30 pm
TheThailandLife says
Oct 13, 2016 at 8:09 pm
Ham says
Would the 65k from Australia cover me for retirement visa?
Oct 14, 2016 at 4:56 am
Ken says
Anyway, if I were you my questions would be as follows:
First of all, when I submit my proof of income from my company back home will the Thai immigration authorities have any way of knowing that the monthly checks I will be receiving are actually a salary and not from a pension? And if so, would they even care since my employer is not in Thailand?
And secondly, if I am not technically allowed to do this type of work while on a retirement visa in Thailand, is there really any way for them to ever find out? And if they do find out, what would the consequences be?
In any case, if it is indeed illegal to do this type of work in Thailand while on a retirement visa I suppose I would just do the 800,000 baht bank deposit. After all, unlike with the monthly checks, with the lump sum deposit you do not need to show where the money came from. It could be the proceeds of illegal drugs deals for all they know. In other words, there is no paper trail which proves that you are actually still working. And 800K is not really all that much money. In fact, I will get half of that amount just from selling my car before I retire in Thailand.
Oct 14, 2016 at 6:58 am
Ham says
800,000 is not a lot but ex wife got everything!
I could drum it up in 6 months though
Oct 14, 2016 at 7:51 am
Ken says
Anyway, that’s an interesting question about the dividends but unfortunately I don’t have a clue what the answer is. TTL is the real expert on this stuff so hopefully he will answer your questions soon. And I’m very curious to know the answers to these questions myself. After all, if my friend never gets his Thai company off the ground I might try to do some freelance work of my own over the internet after I retire there.
Oct 14, 2016 at 8:43 am
TheThailandLife says
Oct 14, 2016 at 12:00 pm
Ham says
Oct 14, 2016 at 4:59 pm
TheThailandLife says
Oct 14, 2016 at 11:56 am
Ham says
The payee is me
And that's who it should be
I'm short of the 800k
I have 300k now and the balance will be 500k in income
Will this work ?
I'd love to have 800k but means I'll have to wait to May 2017
And I can't wait!!
Oct 14, 2016 at 1:51 pm
Lida Chaves says
I am planning to go to Chiang Mai to do a Thai Yoga Massage course and I have to stay 5 weeks which passes the 30 days that I am allowed to stay without issuing a visa. Do you think it is possible/easier to extent it once I am there, instead of issuing one now as I am not in the country of residency. I hold a British passport.
thank you, will appreciate your respond.
lida
Sep 22, 2016 at 12:35 pm
Allen says
Need a little help if you don't mind. I was issued a Non-immigrant O Visa from my home country. I did ask for an one-year multi-entry non-immigrant O Visa at the time of applying for 2.5 times the fees, however for some reason the Thai Consulate told me I would only be able to receive a single entry non-immigrant O Visa which is valid for 90 days with my recent marriage to a Thai wife. My question for you is that if I want to be able come in and out of Thailand while doing business travel for an US corporation that I work for. Would I be able to convert my single entry non-immigrant O Visa to a multi-entry one by just visiting the Government Complex in Chaengwattana? Also, is it even possible for a foreigner like me who is married to a Thai spouse without leaving Thailand at all? I don't intend to not leave Thailand due to work, but if my wife and I decide to have kids I just want to be sure that I wouldn't have to leave Thailand all the time just to meet the Visa requirements. Thank you in advance!
Sep 10, 2016 at 8:41 am
TheThailandLife says
Sep 12, 2016 at 1:03 am
Allen says
Sep 15, 2016 at 5:07 pm
Piffles says
The requirements are 400,000Baht in a Thai account for more than 2 months OR more than 40,000Baht of income per month.
That income, can it come from overseas or does it have to be Thai income? Would they accept pay slips from my home country as proof?
Sep 04, 2016 at 8:46 pm
TheThailandLife says
Sep 05, 2016 at 3:43 am
Ham says
God is in the details:)
Oct 13, 2016 at 6:35 pm
TheThailandLife says
Oct 13, 2016 at 8:10 pm
sidney leonard says
I will applying for a non-immigrant visa for the purpose of retiring in Thailand, with my Thai wife, sometime next year. Since I may want to volunteer in some capacity while in Thailand (perhaps teaching English at a wat school, etc.), I was told that I should apply for a non-immigrant O visa which is available to those who are marriaed to a Thai, and then, in Thailand, apply for a one year extension which can be renewed each year. This process I am told would allow me to volunteer, whereas I would not be allowed to do so if I enter the country with a non-immigrant O-A retirement visa. Are you knowledgeable regarding this matter? Thank you. Sid L.
Aug 08, 2016 at 5:19 am
Alan Cuthbertson says
Aug 06, 2016 at 7:34 am
TheThailandLife says
Aug 07, 2016 at 3:01 am
Walid says
I married to a Thai lady abroad 6 years ago.
I obtained non immigrant O visa and arrived to Bangkok last month.
I called the immigration bureau today on 1111 to ask about the required documents if the married visa.
They advised me about 11 requirements.
One of the is called "Freedom to marry certificate" from my embassy.
I called my Embassy ; The Egyptian Embassy, they advised me that they only issue it for singles who are going to marrying for already married ones.
I have all the requirements except this documents.
I am confused.
Any advice!
Thanks :-)
Jul 26, 2016 at 8:24 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jul 27, 2016 at 3:18 am
Walid says
Please advise.
Jul 27, 2016 at 8:55 am
sidney leonard says
Sid L.
Jul 21, 2016 at 10:00 am
TheThailandLife says
Upon arrival in Thailand, the actual length of stay (1 year) will be determined and granted at Immigration check - point.
Once having been in the Kingdom up to 90 days, applicant must report himself / herself to the authorities concerned and every 90 days, also report can be made by post by fill up the form TM.47 which can be obtained from immigration office.
Correct on the reporting. This can be done online.
Jul 21, 2016 at 7:22 pm
dorota says
Jul 11, 2016 at 7:04 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jul 13, 2016 at 10:50 pm
dorota says
Jul 27, 2016 at 4:15 am
TheThailandLife says
Jul 28, 2016 at 5:52 pm
Jaroslav says
Jul 20, 2016 at 9:53 am
Aldert says
Jun 21, 2016 at 11:40 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jun 22, 2016 at 12:32 pm
Ken says
Jun 22, 2016 at 5:21 pm
Aldert says
Jun 22, 2016 at 8:07 pm
Ken says
As for the money, luckily I will only need to keep about 250,000 in the account after factoring in monthly retirement payments. Still though, as I said before, I hate having even this small amount of money just sitting there in a low interest bank account forever and not being able to put it to work for me. And I doubt you would be allowed to deposit the money into a high yield CD or some other such investment vehicle as this is supposed to be the money you are actually using to support yourself for the duration of the year. In fact I’m sure that the only reason for the yearly option is so that people who have enough savings to retire 10 or 15 years before they are eligible to receive a pension or social security can do so in Thailand. Although I imagine that plenty of people who are working illegally in Thailand probably also avail themselves of this option if they have that kind of cash lying around.
Anyway, now that I think about it you could probably still make use of that money by using it as collateral for a loan should you want to invest in some income property or something like that.
Jun 23, 2016 at 12:16 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jun 23, 2016 at 12:26 pm
Aldert says
Jun 23, 2016 at 9:44 pm
AC says
I am in the midst of planning retiring in Bangkok and in the process of transferring most of my savings to a bank in Bangkok.
My retirement agent was able to open a bank account for me on a tourist visa ( 30 days).
If I cannot get my monies out I might just transfer the minimum required which us Baht 800K.
Jun 24, 2016 at 7:54 am
Ken says
Still, the fact remains; it is just as easy to verify that one has money in a foreign bank account as a Thai bank account. And in any case, having that money in a Thai bank versus a foreign bank does not make the person any more or less likely to spend all of that money in Thailand. So what gives?
Well, the fact of the matter is, having money in a Thai bank account helps the Thai economy whether you spend it or not. This is because banks don’t just sit on your money. They put it to work to make more money for themselves. In fact, I think they only have to keep about 5 to 10 percent of your money in reserve and the rest is used to loan out to other individuals and institutions so that they can make money off the interest. And this of course also helps stimulate the economy.
Still, foreigners who have chosen to retire in Thailand make up such a small percentage of the population that I can’t imagine that the money they have held in Thai bank accounts has much of an effect on the Thai economy. I don’t really know this for sure though. And in any case I guess only some government official somewhere really knows for sure why we are required to keep our money in a Thai bank.
Jun 24, 2016 at 4:54 am
TheThailandLife says
Jun 24, 2016 at 4:27 pm
Ham says
Can it be HSBC branch in Bangkok or has to be Thai Bank like Bangkok Bank or Thanachart Bank
?
Oct 15, 2016 at 8:09 am
TheThailandLife says
Oct 15, 2016 at 6:21 pm
Ken says
Of course the 65,000 a month income requirement for the retirement visa seems fairly reasonable when you consider that this is about what one would make in California at a minimum wage job. When you consider that this is about eight to ten times more than the Thai minimum wage however it starts to sound a little less reasonable.
Still, at least they don’t require us to hire domestic help (cook, housekeeper, etc.) in order to get a retirement visa like they do in Indonesia. This is probably one of the most silly visa requirements I have ever heard of. Not that I mind contributing to the Indonesian economy at all, but why should I be forced to contribute only in this very specific way. Its almost as if the government is trying to say that foreigners are not capable of cooking their own meals or keeping a neat and tidy house and garden without help. And frankly that’s almost a little insulting. It wouldn’t be so bad if they would let me hire someone I could actually use, like a massage therapist or acupuncturist who makes house calls for example. But I have no use for a domestic servant and I’m actually kind of uncomfortable with the whole idea of such a thing. This means that if I were to retire in Indonesia I would have to hire a housekeeper and then tell her to just not show up. And some people might take offense at the idea of getting paid to not show up.
Getting to my question though, there is one thing that has always confused me about the Thai retirement visa. Here’s the problem. As you say, I can only apply for it during the last 30 days of my 90-day non-immigrant visa, and at this point of course the required money must have already been in my Thai bank account for at least two month. This means I would have to get a Thai bank account and have the money transferred within a week or so of arriving in Thailand. And the problem with that is that you have also said that it is very difficult to get a Thai Bank account without either a work visa or retirement visa. And at this point I would not even have a permanent address in Thailand. Anyway, if this is true, wouldn’t it make this sort of a catch-22 situation? In other words, it sounds like I can’t get the bank account without the visa and I can’t get the visa without the bank account. Of course if I were to hire a lawyer to take care of my visa issues I’m sure they could sort it all out very quickly. But if I were doing it all on my own it sounds like it would be a real pain in the @ss.
But then again I may just go for the education visa at first and not apply for the retirement visa until much later. For some reason I just never took an interest in learning Thai like I did with Japanese but I really need to learn it sometime and it sounds like this would be a good way to kill two birds with one stone.
Jun 19, 2016 at 3:51 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jun 19, 2016 at 7:04 pm