running the border for visa renwell

I'd like to retire to Thailand, however My pension doesn't cover the monthly income requirement for the retirement visa. I'm confident that it is enough to live on.
I understand that I can get a tourist visa for 90 days and renew it by leaving and reentering the country. I'd like to know how viable this is?
I'd like to live in Koh Samui, but understand that doing a visa run could be expensive.

I'd be interested in hearing form anyone who is doing this in Koh Samui or anywhere in Thailand.
-@Huey N Rolf

There's only one type of tourist visa. It's a 60 days visa. You can extend it another 30 days at the local immigration office. You can just do 2 border runs per calendar year, so that's not an option if you want to stay longer as a retiree. There's a multiple 90 days Non-immigrant Visa and you must leave the country every 90 days. The requirements can be a bit tricky. Just check them out at the Thai embassy back home. This is not an option retirees is normally using. If you have money equivalent to 800,000 baht to deposit in a Thai bank, then there's no need to have an official pension of 65,000 baht per month.

Yes I can manage 800,000 Baht, but I thought I needed 65,000 baht per month as well?

Yes I can manage 800,000 Baht, but I thought I needed 65,000 baht per month as well?
-@Huey N Rolf

No,it's either 800k in a Thai bank account or at least 65k/month or a combination of both. The combination method is not accepted in every province,but I think it is in Surat Thani where Koh Samui is located.

@Huey N Rolf I will check and inform you soon

I sent all my enquiries to the Thai Embassy in the Uk and know exactly what I need, the amount of money you need going into your account can be a combination of  savings and pension and you apply through the Thai Embassy in the UK for your visa, The email back gave me a list of what is needed plus the visa costs.

I'd like to retire to Thailand, however My pension doesn't cover the monthly income requirement for the retirement visa. I'm confident that it is enough to live on.
I understand that I can get a tourist visa for 90 days and renew it by leaving and reentering the country. I'd like to know how viable this is?
I'd like to live in Koh Samui, but understand that doing a visa run could be expensive.

I'd be interested in hearing form anyone who is doing this in Koh Samui or anywhere in Thailand.
-@Huey N Rolf

I sent all my enquiries to the Thai Embassy in the Uk and know exactly what I need, the amount of money you need going into your account can be a combination of  savings and pension and you apply through the Thai Embassy in the UK for your visa, The email back gave me a list of what is needed plus the visa costs.

I'd like to retire to Thailand, however My pension doesn't cover the monthly income requirement for the retirement visa. I'm confident that it is enough to live on.
I understand that I can get a tourist visa for 90 days and renew it by leaving and reentering the country. I'd like to know how viable this is?
I'd like to live in Koh Samui, but understand that doing a visa run could be expensive.

I'd be interested in hearing form anyone who is doing this in Koh Samui or anywhere in Thailand.
-@Huey N Rolf

I sent all my enquiries to the Thai Embassy in the Uk and know exactly what I need, the amount of money you need going into your account can be a combination of  savings and pension and you apply through the Thai Embassy in the UK for your visa, The email back gave me a list of what is needed plus the visa costs.

I'd like to retire to Thailand, however My pension doesn't cover the monthly income requirement for the retirement visa. I'm confident that it is enough to live on.
I understand that I can get a tourist visa for 90 days and renew it by leaving and reentering the country. I'd like to know how viable this is?
I'd like to live in Koh Samui, but understand that doing a visa run could be expensive.

I'd be interested in hearing form anyone who is doing this in Koh Samui or anywhere in Thailand.
-@Huey N Rolf
I sent all my enquiries to the Thai Embassy in the Uk and know exactly what I need, the amount of money you need going into your account can be a combination of savings and pension and you apply through the Thai Embassy in the UK for your visa, The email back gave me a list of what is needed plus the visa costs.
-@midge6262

You don't apply for a visa through any embassy or consulate. You apply at the official website for Thai e-visa. You start with registering and then just fill in the online form. See this link:

https://www.thaievisa.go.th/

There are some countries where the e-Visa system is not approved - check before deciding this is the way to go. If it is not approved in your country (like in Australia) it will take much longer to get the Visa approved and you will need to allow for plenty of time (including for a rejection).  Additionally, some Thailand Visas that are available for citizens of one country, are not available for citizens of another country.  IMO it is better to get a 90 day Tourist Visa (available from here) and when in Thailand apply for an extension based on retirement. Applying for an O-A Retirement Visa from your home country locks you into all the health insurance mandates and any other additional 'requirements' that maybe applied. The O Retirement Visa extension of stay available to apply for in Thailand is IMO much better.  Agent recommended to do this.

There are some countries where the e-Visa system is not approved - check before deciding this is the way to go. If it is not approved in your country (like in Australia) it will take much longer to get the Visa approved and you will need to allow for plenty of time (including for a rejection). Additionally, some Thailand Visas that are available for citizens of one country, are not available for citizens of another country. IMO it is better to get a 90 day Tourist Visa (available from here) and when in Thailand apply for an extension based on retirement. Applying for an O-A Retirement Visa from your home country locks you into all the health insurance mandates and any other additional 'requirements' that maybe applied. The O Retirement Visa extension of stay available to apply for in Thailand is IMO much better. Agent recommended to do this.
-@AussieBob99

There's no 90 days tourist visa. The only existing tourist visa is the 60 days. The 90 days Non-immigrant O is not a tourist visa.Have you ever checked out the Thai e-visa website? I guess the answer is no. You have to pick the country you reside in from a list of countries when applying for the e-visa. If your country isn't in the list,you apply at an embassy or consulate as usual. If your country is in the list you must apply for the e-visa. There's no other option.

@Huey N Rolf Yes as other said, or income or deposit or combination. But once you get in any ways at Embassy in your country the NON-IMM-O visa for 90 days then once you are here there are the Local Visa agencies options that make everything for you including money garanty and a Thai Bank account book to be made after your arrival within the first month.

They do procedures just for a price that depends where you apply, can be 15,000 to 20,000 baht and they come to take your Datas and Passport and you stay home untill they bring you everything back home done and later will also provide the 90days address report every 3 month by keeping in touch with you actively and in advance.

In this way the first time is hassel free and later you can decide to do it yourself next year when you understand better and have all things ready. But without border runs that are an headache for a retiree, and expensive too.

Get in touch by e-mail with:

grace@thaivisacentre.com

and give following discount code: HU8XYE

They are very professional

Bye.

@Huey N Rolf Yes as other said, or income or deposit or combination. But once you get in any ways at Embassy in your country the NON-IMM-O visa for 90 days then once you are here there are the Local Visa agencies options that make everything for you including money garanty and a Thai Bank account book to be made after your arrival within the first month.
They do procedures just for a price that depends where you apply, can be 15,000 to 20,000 baht and they come to take your Datas and Passport and you stay home untill they bring you everything back home done and later will also provide the 90days address report every 3 month by keeping in touch with you actively and in advance.
In this way the first time is hassel free and later you can decide to do it yourself next year when you understand better and have all things ready. But without border runs that are an headache for a retiree, and expensive too. Bye
-@Maxi Mari

Why do you give advises to people about paying a lot of money to an agent to open a bank account and to get the bank guarantee? Open a bank account is not that hard and the bank guarantee cost 100 baht. Just because you can't manage to

do stuff on your own doesn't mean others can't. The 90 days report is free and can be done online without any problem what so ever.

@Huey N Rolf better stay where 7 are...if u dont have enough cash ur life in thailand will be hell...

health, and all what a western government insurance pays you pay here urselve...no money no nothing in LOS

@Huey N Rolf better stay where 7 are...if u dont have enough cash ur life in thailand will be hell...
health, and all what a western government insurance pays you pay here urselve...no money no nothing in LOS
-@kitchenknife

Where did you read he hasn't enough money? He said he has the 800k, but not 65k/month. You don't need 65k/month in Thailand to have a good life. Keep your thoughts to yourself.

@Huey N Rolf, you may face the possibility of border crossings problems after several visa runs because Thais simply want the people with sufficient income who can get retirement visas and renew on the annual basis. Nothing should be stopping you from seeking some kind of retirement visa help for a fees. Overall, it’s much the same in cost if compared with visa runs and extensions for 30 days at 1900 THB.

@Huey N Rolf, you may face the possibility of border crossings problems after several visa runs because Thais simply want the people with sufficient income who can get retirement visas and renew on the annual basis. Nothing should be stopping you from seeking some kind of retirement visa help for a fees. Overall, it’s much the same in cost if compared with visa runs and extensions for 30 days at 1900 THB.
-@Vlad Doguilev

1)

You can only do 2 border runs per calendar year. You must have missed that.

2)

Huey N Rolf misunderstood the financial requirements. If you read his posts you'll see that he can afford the money in the bank method, 800k in a Thai bank.

@AussieBob99

There are some countries where the e-Visa system is not approved - check before deciding this is the way to go. If it is not approved in your country (like in Australia) it will take much longer to get the Visa approved and you will need to allow for plenty of time (including for a rejection). Additionally, some Thailand Visas that are available for citizens of one country, are not available for citizens of another country. IMO it is better to get a 90 day Tourist Visa (available from here) and when in Thailand apply for an extension based on retirement. Applying for an O-A Retirement Visa from your home country locks you into all the health insurance mandates and any other additional 'requirements' that maybe applied. The O Retirement Visa extension of stay available to apply for in Thailand is IMO much better. Agent recommended to do this.

@Leeds forever!

There's no 90 days tourist visa. The only existing tourist visa is the 60 days. The 90 days Non-immigrant O is not a tourist visa.Have you ever checked out the Thai e-visa website? I guess the answer is no. You have to pick the country you reside in from a list of countries when applying for the e-visa. If your country isn't in the list,you apply at an embassy or consulate as usual. If your country is in the list you must apply for the e-visa. There's no other option.

@Leeds forever! I agree with you, compared to European cost of life to live in Thailand is much more easy. I lived in TH 10 years (and  still I am here) without job income and neither any pension, just my savings, and I could live very good. Here you can live with 10€uro per day which in Europe doesn't allow to buy even a coffee with a bun.

And no need to buy heavy garments or pay gas for heating or pay the high electricity or even pay common area fee that in Europe is on the rentee, not on renter like here.

So a nice apartment room with A/C in Bkk Krungthonburi area near BTS is 6,000bt (3000bt if fan) month rent, food per day can be 200bt, minituktuk is 15bt as well boat from SaphanTaksin, Bts is 15-55 bt, a person can really live with 15,000bt a month = 400 or 500€uro in £ pounds is even less.

No need car, taxis are cheap too, busses either, 130-150bt a bus to Pattaya or Kanchanabury or Cha-am.

I traveled around Bkk 5 years by MBK bicycle, and even got in good shape losing 10kgs weight.

And if discover the local fresh markets then ready cooked vegetables or fish and others are easy available and really cheap, learning to eat what's necessary not more than necessary and then be obliged to buy medicines......

Can go to MaxValue supermarket where food is available and after 5pm is 30% discounted as well -50% after 7pm. With the money I saved every day like this (100bt), I could calculate in first 5 years was 3,000 a month, 36,000 a year = 180,000bt for 5 years = to 1 year of living expenses free of charge. With this money in TH you can buy 10 2nd hand scooters, I bought one Yamaha TTX 115cc for 18,000by.

And any department store or shopping center has food courts where one complete dish is 50-60-70bt (2€) and can sit, have free Wi-Fi, tv screen, aircon....

And Thailand is the country where you can discover the same thing in different places at lesser price every day with ease.

But for all this need to reset the mind, but it's a good life exercise that gives satisfaction and makes enjoy life in a different sustainable way.

Sorry for so long text, but that's my view of "happy" life here in TH.

@kitchenknife sorry to say, better not say such things. If you are not able to set-up your mind and live more simple then it's your problem and better if you go back where you come from but do not suggest it to others.

@Leeds forever! I suggest this way with an agent as extreem ratio just in case to have the first time more easy and learn how to do the next time. I arrived with NON-IMM-O Visa and had already bank account made one year before as a tourist cause was easy at that time, now the bank ask a,statement that your Passport is real and true made by embassy but not all embassy do such statement. So it's a first trouble I saw personally helping my friend in last year August 2022. Searching 7 different branches of 4 different banks. Cause some people arriving here in TH are like lost and get desperate. I did my Ret. Stay permit in 2013 attempting it in Phuket, all paperwork was perfect cause I deal with documents all my life in 50 years of profession. But the immigration officer in Phuket town didn't like me and make me trouble on first day finding excuses, I came back next day with additional documents from 2 bank accounts. Again he found an excuse to refuse the Retirement permit and kicked me out of office like an infractor and criminal saying I did not comply with 90 days report which is not necessary on first time stay permit application, (just a Imm. mafia attitude) and that I should leave Thailand immediately........

So in last 3 days of visa validity I flew to Bkk, went to Chaeng Wattaná, presented the same exact paperwork and in 30 minutes my Retirement Stay permit was granted and issued on my passport without any trouble...

But my experience could help me cause I lived and traveled all my 65 years of life since in my mother's belly and had my parents doing same all their life in 100 years of my family's existence, but others would have been in trouble and desperate losing hope. So that's why I suggested this additional option just for one time, the first time, to start life here in nice optimistic way.

Hope you understand this reason, cause not everyone is same you and me....

May God bless you always my friend with all respect... chock dee

@AussieBob99
There are some countries where the e-Visa system is not approved - check before deciding this is the way to go. If it is not approved in your country (like in Australia) it will take much longer to get the Visa approved and you will need to allow for plenty of time (including for a rejection). Additionally, some Thailand Visas that are available for citizens of one country, are not available for citizens of another country. IMO it is better to get a 90 day Tourist Visa (available from here) and when in Thailand apply for an extension based on retirement. Applying for an O-A Retirement Visa from your home country locks you into all the health insurance mandates and any other additional 'requirements' that maybe applied. The O Retirement Visa extension of stay available to apply for in Thailand is IMO much better. Agent recommended to do this.

-@AussieBob99

Wait a cotton-pickin' minute.  Did you just advise yourself? 

And Thailand is the country where you can discover the same thing in different places at lesser price every day with ease.
But for all this need to reset the mind, but it's a good life exercise that gives satisfaction and makes enjoy life in a different sustainable way.
Sorry for so long text, but that's my view of "happy" life here in TH.
-@Maxi Mari

I enjoyed reading through it.  Thanks for sharing your adventure.

1)
You can only do 2 border runs per calendar year. You must have missed that.
2)
Huey N Rolf misunderstood the financial requirements. If you read his posts you'll see that he can afford the money in the bank method, 800k in a Thai bank.
-@Leeds forever!

Learning much from you.  Keep on posting Leeds!

@Leeds forever! Hi, I too was under the impression that I needed both - maybe because there is so much differing (mis)information available. Now with your reply above I have a better understanding of the requirements. I now have a Thai bank account and a rental agreement in Cha am (so I can return to Thai from UK whenever I want and in preparation for retirement in Thai). Following your reply I am now wondering if I can meet the combination requirements.

My calculations are as follows for example:

I calculate that 65,000 / month equates to 780,000 / annum (approximating to 800,000 as close as dammit)

If I can place 200,000 in my Thai bank account then

800,000 - 200,000 = 600,000 required income per annum

600,000 / 12 = 50,000 / month

Am I correct in assuming, for the combination, I could have

200,000 funds and 50,000 / month income to be acceptable for a retirement visa?

I understand that it may not be acceptable in some provinces but is the principle sound?

Your thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for any assistance.

Namaste 🙏

@Leeds forever! Hi, I too was under the impression that I needed both - maybe because there is so much differing (mis)information available. Now with your reply above I have a better understanding of the requirements. I now have a Thai bank account and a rental agreement in Cha am (so I can return to Thai from UK whenever I want and in preparation for retirement in Thai). Following your reply I am now wondering if I can meet the combination requirements.
My calculations are as follows for example:
I calculate that 65,000 / month equates to 780,000 / annum (approximating to 800,000 as close as dammit)
If I can place 200,000 in my Thai bank account then
800,000 - 200,000 = 600,000 required income per annum
600,000 / 12 = 50,000 / month
Am I correct in assuming, for the combination, I could have
200,000 funds and 50,000 / month income to be acceptable for a retirement visa?
I understand that it may not be acceptable in some provinces but is the principle sound?
Your thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for any assistance.
Namaste 🙏
-@humagaia

Your assumption and calculation for the combination method is correct. But,even if 12x65k =780k, use 800k in your calculations,you don't want to be 20k short. If the amount/month is depending on exchange rates, then go for a slightly higher amount in the bank, if you know what I mean? The £ is like a jo-jo.

The combination method can only be used for annual extensions, so, you must arrive on a 90 days Non-immigrant O based on retirement when you have decided to make the move.

@Leeds forever! Thank you for your rapid reply. Yes I understand about £ to baht rate fluctuations. I convert £ to baht in my international account when rate up. Your response is much appreciated.

@Leeds forever! Thank you for your rapid reply. Yes I understand about £ to baht rate fluctuations. I convert £ to baht in my international account when rate up. Your response is much appreciated.
-@humagaia

You shouldn't do bank to bank transfers. Instead,start using Wise. Better exchange rates,lower fees and fast transfers. Always transfer  as much as you can when the rate is good instead of many small transfers.

Just download the app (you can use Wise on a computer,too) and then just follow instructions how to open an account. When registration is done,add your Thai bank account as the receiving account. Here's a link:

https://wise.com/

Hi all.. I ve been using the discord app.. Google buzzin pattaya there is a ton of info and is very upto date info on there.. I would forget visa runs tbh.. I have been chatting to one stop visa on discord, all free advise by the way..  As Leeds says 800k... For the first year..now if you not confident with paper work side of things.. Thailand can be a bit of a mine field.. I will be using these guys to sort a bank account.. This next weekend .. Mainly because I am extremely time limited whole trip is 4 days.. Mark at one stop says the whole process is about 1/2hr at the bank.. You only need to look a the reviews the guy gets.. He has advised me quite alot and knows his stuff.. Like the confusion about "oh you need 800k in a bank account for 6 weeks before sorting a visa.. I've read this a couple of times now.. To open a bank account you need a tm30 which is a type of residence permit.. I won't have this but mark is sorting that.. This isn't a scam they will have not details about your account either and you have full online access and cards to your account.. They just have a good relationship with the local bank it Bangkok bank btw.. They do have an actual shop in pattaya.. It's on soi 6.. They do sort more than just bank accounts by the way.. A bank account thru os cost 5000b.. They even take you to the bank.. I'll report back.. After next week end if anyone is interested..

Hi all.. I ve been using the discord app.. Google buzzin pattaya there is a ton of info and is very upto date info on there.. I would forget visa runs tbh.. I have been chatting to one stop visa on discord, all free advise by the way.. As Leeds says 800k... For the first year..now if you not confident with paper work side of things.. Thailand can be a bit of a mine field.. I will be using these guys to sort a bank account.. This next weekend .. Mainly because I am extremely time limited whole trip is 4 days.. Mark at one stop says the whole process is about 1/2hr at the bank.. You only need to look a the reviews the guy gets.. He has advised me quite alot and knows his stuff.. Like the confusion about "oh you need 800k in a bank account for 6 weeks before sorting a visa.. I've read this a couple of times now.. To open a bank account you need a tm30 which is a type of residence permit.. I won't have this but mark is sorting that.. This isn't a scam they will have not details about your account either and you have full online access and cards to your account.. They just have a good relationship with the local bank it Bangkok bank btw.. They do have an actual shop in pattaya.. It's on soi 6.. They do sort more than just bank accounts by the way.. A bank account thru os cost 5000b.. They even take you to the bank.. I'll report back.. After next week end if anyone is interested..
-@bikerider007

"Like the confusion about "oh you need 800k in a bank account for 6 weeks before sorting a visa.. I've read this a couple of times now.. To open a bank account you need a tm30 which is a type of residence permit."

There's never been any talk anywhere about 800k in a bank account 6 weeks before applying for a visa. It's 800k the same day when applying for a change of visa from a 60 days tourist to a 90 days Non-immigrant O, OR 800k in a bank account 2 months prior to the application for a 1 year extension. This is a fact. And paying 5k to an agent for help to open a bank account at Bangkok Bank is in my opinion a total waste of money.

And you have misunderstood the TM30. It's a "Notification of Stay" at immigration,(it's basically a registration when having a permanent address) and at some immigration offices you need to submit one to be able to apply for a Residence Certificate at immigration. That RC can be used at several Bangkok Bank branches when opening a savings account. It's like a golden ticket. The TM30 is free and the average cost for a RC is 300 baht.

My trip is 4days on a return ticket so hardly think they would give me a resident cert .. For this..

My trip is 4days on a return ticket so hardly think they would give me a resident cert .. For this..
-@bikerider007

The length of the trip isn't important. It's having a permanent address (no hotel or guesthouse).

@Huey N Rolf hi there yes border run are bynland foot etc 2 x per year and international flights in are 6 x a year that's the latest rundown as they have cut the border run significantly to stop this behaviour

@Huey N Rolf hi there yes border run are bynland foot etc 2 x per year and international flights in are 6 x a year that's the latest rundown as they have cut the border run significantly to stop this behaviour
-@gambolthongs

It's 2 border runs per calendar year. 6 times per year by air is not official.

neither is Leeds

neither is Leeds
-@gambolthongs

Maybe you don't know what the word "official" means?

@Leeds forever! Is the B800K a maintaining balance?  For example if one is renewing for another year, what is the requirement for that?   Is it as long as there is B800K  as balance to show for on day?  I ask because if not needed to be maintained, folks may have option to move the money around to other accounts like a US bank and then just bring it back in time for renewal.   

@Leeds forever! Is the B800K a maintaining balance? For example if one is renewing for another year, what is the requirement for that?  Is it as long as there is B800K as balance to show for on day? I ask because if not needed to be maintained, folks may have option to move the money around to other accounts like a US bank and then just bring it back in time for renewal. 
-@Bigrad Wolf

You must have 800k in a Thai bank account 2 months prior to the day you apply for the 1 year extension, and 90 days after. Then you can't go below 400k until next years application,when it starts all over again with same numbers. How can you have missed this? It's been explained in many posts.

@Leeds forever! Thanks! Yeah, I tend to only pay attention on stuff as they come relevant to me. Great to know I could go get half of it out 3 months after and bring back 2 months prior.  Am still far from doing this though, so things may still change but nice to have base knowledge of it.

I plan keep the B400K in a Thai bank with highest interest rate and invest the other in S&P 500, unless there are other suggestions worth considering.

@Leeds forever! Thanks! Yeah, I tend to only pay attention on stuff as they come relevant to me. Great to know I could go get half of it out 3 months after and bring back 2 months prior. Am still far from doing this though, so things may still change but nice to have base knowledge of it.
I plan keep the B400K in a Thai bank with highest interest rate and invest the other in S&P 500, unless there are other suggestions worth considering.
-@Bigrad Wolf

You can't move the 400k around. You only have two choices, put the 800k in a savings account or in a Fixed Deposit Account. At for example Bangkok Bank you'll get 0.5% interest from a savings account and 1.15% from a 12 months FDA. I haven't checked out other banks lately. You can't withdraw money from an FDA until the term is up. If you do, the rent will drop to the same as in a savings account. In my opinion, if you can afford to park the 800k in a 12 months FDA, that's the best choice.

The interest I get every year isn't a fortune but it pays for everything connected to immigration, like extensions,bank letters,photos,copies of this and that and printouts. And,there's still some money left. That's ok with me.

The only way to earn money from interest is to keep the money back home in an account with much better interest and then go for "the monthly deposits method" at immigration. But, everybody can't do that because of a low pension or being to young.