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What are the visa options for UK expats over 50 wanting to stay in Thailand for three months at a time?

May 30, 2023
2 years ago
Gillian ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi All

We are UK residents who have a place over here. We ideally would like to do 3x 3 months over here per year. We’re over 50, but not too keen on having a bank account with thousands in it that we cannot touch. Other than 60 day single entry TV and a 30 day extension each visit, are there any other options please?

TIA
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A UK resident over 50 seeks advice on longer-term visa options for spending three months in Thailand multiple times a year without maintaining a bank account with large funds. Suggested options include the Non-O multiple entry visa, the OA visa, and the Thai Elite or LTR visas, which offer varying requirements and benefits. The Non-O visa appears to be a viable choice due to its manageable requirements, including a bank statement showing a minimum balance, and it allows for extended stays without the need for significant funds in a Thai bank.
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.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Peter *********
Non O multiple entry from UK, e visa, based on being over 50,£150 a year, would be your best option. Only have to show 10 k I think in a UK bank.
Gillian ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Absolutely brilliant everyone! Thanks for all the information 😊
Terence *********
@Peter ********
evisa London over 50 one year O multiple entry one year money not forced to be in uk
Peter *********
@Terence ********
I never meant only UK bank, but I showed my UK bank statement as I live in the UK like the OP, but don't have to have Thai bank account with
*****
0 bht in
Jackie *********
@Peter ********
yes we get this. Apart from visa you need police check, medical certificate and medical insurance. All adds up. Providing all is correct e visa takes
***
days
Peter *********
@Jackie ********
no medical certificate either, was just out of a triple bypass op.
Peter *********
@Jackie ********
not for the o visa over 50 I got one last year, still valid now, insurance not required. No police check. Just flights, bank statement and I honestly can't remember what else I had to send but for the insurance part I just wrote N/A on a piece of paper and photographed it and uploaded it in the insurance section, police check I think is for the OA.
Peter *********
But would have to border bounce every 90 days
Gillian ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Peter ********
we would be flying back to uk every 90 days, due to family commitments 👍
Gillian ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you all for taking the time to help. I think a non o single or multiple entry would fit our circumstances. Our only ‘reason’ on the form would be visiting friends and staying at our property, rather than the Thai spouse/family visits. I find the whole visa options mind blowing, but wanted to avoid having the drama of the 30 day extension in Samui immigration. When we come for 3 months, and have the return flight booked, then we just wanted a visa that would reflect this. Interestingly enough last year we used Royal Vacation to sort everything ( because of the Thai pass etc) and they automatically applied for the 60 day plus extension. I’m curious as to why they didn’t recommend the non o 🤷🏻‍♀️
Richard *********
get a non O 1 year multiple entry visa in a foreign country

like Laos. money can be in any currency.
Steve ********
If you're going to be in and out on a regular basis the OA is the way to go. You get up to two years without having to transfer a single penny. Close to the end of the two years get a new OA and repeat for the next two years. OA suits those who make a trip back to their home country every 18-24 months.
Bob **********
@Steve *******
but you’ll pay for worthless Thai insurance
Steve ********
@Bob *********
I use insurance from my home country
Bob **********
@Steve *******
Are you on an OA visa ??
Steve ********
Steve *******
Non Imm OA
Graham ******
A Non-O retirement visa purchased online via the London Embassy, check their website
James **************
I'm aware you don't need it when applying fir the non o, but of course you will need it if you wanna get the retirement visa, so surely a moot point....
Graham ******
@James *************
Not if the Non-O (retitrement) is obtained from the UK, as I said, check the website
James **************
@Graham *****
so you're saying that now it's not a requirement to have
*****
0 bhat in a thai bank account when you get the retirement visa if you get the non - o in the UK? I dont think thats correct...but .if it is then great news!
Graham ******
@James *************
Yes, correct, you only need the 800k for the extension
James **************
@Graham *****
well that's what I meant, when u get the extension you need the 800k....
James **************
@Graham *****
he specifically states in the op, he does not want the 800k tied up.
Bob **********
@James *************
Non-O in the UK no 800k in a Thai bank
Steve *******
@James *************
You dont have to tie up any money for the Non Imm O or OA.
Jim ***********
@James *************
Non OA is purchased from UK show UK bank accounts.
Graham ******
as I said, check the website
Todd *********
Thai Elite, ten year LTR, or O-X visa, or just use an agent and keep your money at home.
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