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Can I enter Thailand as a tourist and later apply for an O retirement visa, and what are the current entry requirements?

Visa Types NON-O Visa STV Visa Travel Requirements Retirement Visa Thailand Entry Regulations

Feb 2, 2022

3 years ago

Clifford ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

We wish to enter as a tourist and then get the O retirement visa. Can we get the STV or should we use the non immigration visa for 3 months and what entry requirements are there at the present moment, thank you.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The best approach to enter Thailand as a tourist and later obtain an O retirement visa is to apply for a Single Entry Tourist Visa, which grants 60 days upon entry and is eligible for a 30-day extension. Alternatively, you could apply for a Single Entry Non-O visa for those over 50, which provides a longer initial stay of 90 days, allowing you to apply for a 1-year extension afterwards. It is advised against using the Special Tourist Visa (STV) as it is not convertible to an O retirement visa. It is important to check the latest entry requirements on the Thailand Pass page.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
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Ellie *******

Check the Thailand Pass page for entry requirements. Unfortunately, detail of entry requirements are out of the scope of this group

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3 years ago

James ********

I have placed TOPICS on your post.

CLICK on them and all posts of each subject will pop up for you to read.

3 years ago

Ellie *******

When I see you say "we", if you want to get Non-O retirement for each of you as independent, options are as I wrote above.

But if one of you wants to be on Non-O based on trailing spouse to a foreigner who is legally staying in Thailand (in this case, Non-O retirement holder), you both should apply for visas before you fly in.

3 years ago

James ********

@Ellie ******

has given you the BEST of good advice. DO NOT GET THE STV !

3 years ago

Ellie *******

Get a Single Entry Tourist Visa which gives you 60days upon entry and is eligible for 30 days tourism extension. You can apply for an in-country Non-O being over 50 after you enter Thailand.

Or get single entry Non-O based on being over 50 that give you 90days. Then apply for a 1-year extension based on being over 50.

Don't get Special Tourist Visa if you want to convert to Non-O. STV is not convertible.

3 years ago

Clifford ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ellie ******

many thanks 🙏

3 years ago

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Clifford ***********

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