What are the steps to obtain a retirement visa in Thailand, and do I need to open a Thai bank account prior to applying?

@Michelle ********

it's a good job you have help as you seem somewhat confused. A non-b is a visa for work not retirement. If you are obtaining a visa based on being over 50 (commonly called a retirement visa) you apply for a Non-O visa which is good for 90 days. You need either 15 or 21 days left on your tourist visa to apply depending on where you are. Before the 90 day Non-O visa expires you need to apply for an extension of stay which will be for a full 12 months.

@Russell ******

BKK Bank and K bank do not always require resistance doc. But couldn't hurt... even if you are long stay at hotel/ guest house

@Russell ******

Would you please advise how to get the residence certificate at immigration? Can I get it from only staying in hotel for short term please? Thank you.

@Oriano *****

The UK Government will not supply a letter confirming pension arrangements so unfortunately this lady has to have money in a Thai bank or posdibly prove regular payments but i think she needs a history of 1 years payments.

@Shirley *********

you may have trouble opening an account on the tourist visa at some banks. General consensus and personal experience is that Kasikorn is the best bank to do this. I did it at the jomtien branch many years ago.

@Shirley *********

Good luck!

@Shirley *********

Have you asked if Bangkok Bank can let you open bank account with non o visa please? Will you open in Bangkok? We came to Bangkok with 45 days visa exemption on October last year, tried but failed. Then, returned to home country. Recently, I sent email to ask them, but no reply yet. Also called Bangkok Bank hotline, they said need work permit, then staff gave me phone numbers for opening accounts section to ask. I called for 2 weeks, but still no one pick the phone. As I want to bring my old mother to open bank account, if you don't mind, would you please let me know the result, or PM me please. Just want to make mother's life easier.

Thank you so much.

@John *********

Non O visa is for 12 months. After that you do 90 day reporting. Then renew O visa in 12 months time.

@Brandon ***********

my wife and I ( over 50 Australians) are going to be coming to Thailand for about 80 days each year. We were planning on just doing a TR with an extension. But now I'm thinking it would be better if we get a non-O for our first trip to make it easier to open a bank account? What's your thoughts.

@Brandon ***********

Sorry, the requirement for applying non-o from home country, applicant must have family member of a Thai national (in below). Is it cannot apply if don’t have? Thank you.

Requirement :

Non-Immigrant O

Visiting friends and family

Family of a Thai national (Immediate family includes spouse and children)

Ordinary passport holder wishing to stay with a family who is a Thai national in the following circumstances can apply for the Non-Immigrant type O Visa.

• Spouse of a Thai national

• Children of a Thai national (age must be under 20 years old unless they are unable to support themselves due to mental or physical condition)

• Legally adopted child of a Thai national (age must be under 20 years old unless they are unable to support themselves due to a mental or physical condition)

• Parent of a Thai national

• Applicant has no age restriction in case that the child is under 20 years old.

• Applicant has no age restriction in case that the child is under 20 years old.

@Brandon ***********

"OR you come to Thailand as a tourist, open a bank account (can be difficult as a tourist)" I would call it impossible..., at least you need some kind of confirmation from your embassy ! I was recently denied to make a fixed deposit at BKK bank with some of my money, since you open for that a new account and I am now just on a tourist visa here. That is despite me having an account with BKK bank since over 15 years! Ridiculous !!!

Check Mr Prakan online... or messenger to "Sweetway Asia" to ask about insurance

@Daniel ***********

Sorry, I don't understand. Is it to open non o 3 month, the person must have bank account first please？ Thank you