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Can a Non-O visa be extended for a year while staying in Thailand?
NON-O VisaVisa Extensions ThailandImmigration Rules ThailandRetirement VisaNon-O Visa RequirementsVisa ServicesExpat Life in Thailand
Mar 8, 2024
2 years ago
Sam *********
ORIGINAL POSTERI was told by a friend of a friend that he is staying in Thailand on a Non O visa that has been extended for a yea, that he acquired said visa inside the country... Is he BSing, is this possible? I always thought that to get a visa for Thailand, one had to go and get it at an embassy or consulate outside the country. Possibly a bribe? what's the story here.
TLDR : Answer Summary
Yes, it is possible to obtain a Non-O visa and extend it for a year while staying in Thailand. Many people have successfully done this, particularly if they meet the specific criteria such as age for retirement (over 50 years) or other valid reasons such as marriage. The initial Non-O visa can be granted while in Thailand, and then a 12-month extension of stay can be applied for, without needing to leave the country. However, for certain extensions, like the Non-O visa based on retirement, specific financial requirements (such as having a certain amount in a Thai bank account) must be met.
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.
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Greg ******
Common word usage versus government definitions
Alan ********
Go straight to good visa agent they will help you. Yes can be done on tourist visa make sure you get a copy of passport takes them 25 days.
Andreas *********
@Sam ********
your friend doesn't "extend the visa". Immigration is only issuing a "1-year extension of stay permit". A stay permit is not a visaSam *********
ORIGINAL POSTERAndreas Muellerthat’s semantics man. As someone pointed out, common word usage vs official government lingo… It’s an extension of stay but it’s for all intents and purposes, you are extending your visa. I really don’t understand when people want to get technical. Yes, we know visa is only good for 90 days.
Reply to
Sam *********
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Daniel ************
you can buy a non o 3 months for 2000 thb in pAttaya ...
David *********
Much much easier when you are here , he is not giving you any bs at all .
He has the 12 month extension based on retirement.
He has the 12 month extension based on retirement.
Sam *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@David ********
but if it was based on marriage, would have had to be outside country right?Brandon *****************
@Sam ********
no. I have a Non-O based on marriage and I haven't left the country since 2018, the last time I visited my home country.Graham ******
@Sam ********
No, a Non-O based on married can also get a 12 month extension by meeting the requirementsDavid *********
@Sam ********
hmmm honestly not sure Sam , I'd be pretty confident you could just get it here , I know , if using an agent anything can happen 5555 ..And there is a bit more to the marriage Visa , rather than retirement.Someone else will know for certain .
Reply to
David *********
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Gray ******
What others have done is irrelevant to your situation.
Sam *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Gray *****
I mean, usually how others do it is a pretty good barometer of how the process goes, so not really.Gray ******
@Sam ********
Everyone I know that meets the qualifications uses it. Some need guidance on setting it up.Reply to
Gray ******
Reply
Daniel *****
Anything's possible if you know the right "Agent"
Giorgio ******
I have met once a friend of friend who saw the guy who said he might have killed the bear .
Jo **********
@Giorgio *****
then he ate cabbageReply to
Jo **********
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Christopher *************
I got Non -Imm 0 from the Consulate I was directed to as in some Countries you have to get your visa on line.
Garrett ***********
Only tourist visa have to be obtained outside Thailand. Non-Os, Non-Bs, ED visas, can all legally be obtained inside.
Tim *******
OA Visa, have to leave just before your first year expires, automatically get another year when you return if you have been good.
Rok ********
@Tim ******
i hear they only want to see the insurance cert - what about the dosh 800K business? I think it is a great little strategy as long as you are young and healthy enough so the insurance does not bankrupt you.Tim *******
@Rok *******
800 thousand not required for OA. You already had to prove financials in your own country of application. Can't address insurance for extension of stay as that is new to me.Graham ******
@Tim ******
Correct, no 800k in Thai bank required for the initial Non-OA or new 12 month stamp on re-entry but insurance is needed for both. When getting a 12 month in country extension both 800k and insurance is needed which is why many with Non-OA return to their home country at around 2 years to start the cycle again with a new Non-OA.Reply to
Graham ******
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Rok ********
@Tim ******
if you have health insurance - visa extended along the date of the health insurance certificateReply to
Rok ********
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Todd *********
You can also get the 10 year LTR inside Thailand.
Jonathan *******
Any non immigrant visa (O, B etc) can be extended in the country for 12 months. It is not a visa though, it is an extension of stay
Chrisna **********
Very possible.
Wylie *******
Perhaps you are confusing non-o visa with a tourist visa. A non-o you can get in country, along with the 1 year extensions. A tourist visa cannot be obtained in country.
Nick *****************
Non O non B no need to leave
Frank **********
People do it everyday.
John **********
You can get a 90 day non-o visa inside Thailand and before that expires you can get a 12 month extension of stay.
Kace *******
my background check has small bumps from long ago. an expat of 17 years said no problem it’s never been checked on him.
John **********
@Kace ******
you don't need a background check if you get the non-o visa, that only applies to the non-oa visaReply to
John **********
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Kace *******
@John *********
so doing the math 3 + 12 seems to be 15 months easy. yes?John **********
@Kace ******
yes easy if you meet the requirements and you can do the 12 month extension ad infinitumKace *******
@John *********
do i need the $800kthb in the bank for that? and i have documents from u.s. veterans administration stating my military pension amount which is more than the required amount by a lot. i just tried to get the u.s. embassy in phnom penh to authenticate it but they no longer do that. i intend calling them directly but am working on saving that amount. do you think there are other options?Stephen *******
@Kace ******
you need the 800k in the bank or proof of remittance to Thailand for 12 months from overseas if over 65k.John **********
@Kace ******
the us embassy in Thailand stopped providing income affidavits many years ago so your only option for the initial 90 day non-o visa and the first 12 month extension from that is 800k in a Thai bank. If you transfer a minimum of 65k Thai baht into a Thai bank from overseas for a full 12 months before you apply for your 2nd extension you can use that but you still need to honour the terms of the previous extensionReply to
John **********
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Todd *********
@Kace ******
yesReply to
Todd *********
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Wayne *********
Did they tell you how much money they needed in a thai Bank to do it ?
Steve **********
@Wayne ********
depends on method of qualifications...income, no funds nested, just bank letter and statement of meeting income requirement. Some provinces let you offset less monthly wi a nesting combined to meet 800k yr.If income ( foreign source) of 65k/ mo..no nest
Wayne *********
@Steve *********
if you read above I don't need to know.I have OX with my money left in Au bank. The comment was for the poster to ask the friend of a friend if they know
Steve **********
@Wayne ********
my error, sorryReply to
Steve **********
Reply
Stephan ***********
@Wayne ********
For the initial Non-O retirement it's also the 800k, it has to be in the bank on the day of your application, not before.Wayne *********
@Stephan **********
yep I know. I was wondering if the friend of a friend told the poster the cost and requirements.I prefer my OX and money in my australia bank
Stephan ***********
@Wayne ********
Um... don't you need money in a thai account for the OX?Wayne *********
@Stephan **********
nope not from Australia you dontTodd *********
@Wayne ********
I think it might actually be ONLY Sydney that offers that option.Wayne *********
@Todd ********
maybe I got mine from Sydney. Be interesting what happens on the 19th with evisa applications startsRok ********
@Wayne ********
… please do tell us as I am off to Sydney myself if all goes well …Wayne *********
@Rok *******
you have left it to late. You need to wait now until 19th and do evisa applicationsTodd *********
@Wayne ********
i'm not 100% sure, not Australian, but i seem to recall reading something about only being Sydney. Someone here will likely know. And yes, E-visa look to change travel in the near future in many locationsWayne *********
@Todd ********
Sydney has always been easier to deal with over the past years I have used them for many visa applications. Evisa will be interesting to see as only NSW people can use Sydney from the 19thReply to
Wayne *********
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David ***************
Just an O can be obtained in country, OA you get while out of country
John *******
I extended on a non o off of a non b extension which was extended on a tourist visa. Doesvthis answer your question?
Jeffrey **********
@John ******
in extension is not a VisaJohn *******
@Jeffrey *********
He extended off of a visa originally which is an extension and not a visa.Jeffrey **********
@John ******
he stated he acquired a visa inside the country. sounds like maybe an extensionJohn *******
@Jeffrey *********
That is what I said. U cannot get an extension outside of Thailand!Reply to
John *******
Reply
Kenny ******************
12 month extension based on retirement Non-0 visa. Can renew every 12 months. For extra fee, can get multiple entry with it.
Jeffrey **********
@Kenny *****************
in extension is not a VisaKenny ******************
@Jeffrey *********
nobit's not. But it's commonly termed as a visa. Thec12 month extension has been, and continues termed- retirement visa by expats.Reply to
Kenny ******************
Reply
Kenny ******************
Over age 50 you can get a 12 mingh extension based on retirement. Use a reputable visa service agency, or law firm doing the same.
Troy ******
@Kenny *****************
Do it yourself.Andrew ********
@Kenny *****************
no problem. Go to your local immigration office and ask for assistance.20 years in Thailand so far.
Steve **********
@Andrew *******
depending on Province and attitude, IO's can be helpful .Kenny ******************
Immigration will refer me to see an agent anyway. Big business here in Pattaya. Back in 2019, after they changed the policy of not accepting letters from the embassy regarding income, I tried to show the immigration officer at Chiang Wattana 12 months of bank statements from Bank of Hawaii to prove my monthly income (200k Baht). But she said she only wanted to see my Kasikorn bank book. Of course, I didn't have 800Kk in Kasikorn. She advised me to see an agent. U.S Bank statements aren't accepted. Only Thai bank statements are, and has to have 12 consecutive months of statements showing miniu, 65l Baht per/mo coming in from the U.S. direct deposit from the paying goverrnment agency. I had been on a retirement visa since 2016. Always go the affidavit from the embassy. But unfortunately, Thai immigration had caught onto the fact that the State Dept. does not verify income, and that many Americans had been lying on their affidavits about actual income. I knew of a few who did this. I qualify, but I will not have my pensions deposited into a Thai bank account. My current 15 month extension (includes the 90 day Non-O) expires in April, 2025, and I will happily pay 15k for another 12 month extension to include multiple entry. Small price to pay to maintain my U.S. bank accounts and credit cards.
Reply to
Kenny ******************
Reply
Jeffrey **********
@Kenny *****************
an extension is not a VisaKenny ******************
I don't have 800k to put in bank. And eull not have my 200k Baht pension going into a Thai bank for 12 months before applying
Dave **********
@Kenny *****************
what’s this, use an agent bullshit! Just got to immigration and do it yourself!!! If you want to throw money away, I will send you my account number!Steve **********
@Dave *********
many want the convenience and agent cost insignificant..I do myself on income, and have gotten to enjoy the process, meet same people each time.
Participate. Don't conflict
Sam *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dave *********
they use agents because they a. don’t have the money or B. don’t qualify for a visa and need someone to help them get around the systemCarlos *********
@Dave *********
kewl, can I also borrow 800,000 bht for a year? I'll give it right back?Terrence *********
@Dave *********
STFUShlomo ***********
@Dave *********
it’s also illegal and continues to fuel possible corruption in the various agencies. Please do not use agents, it’s fueling the whole problem. My experience is that the Thai government personnel are not hard to deal with once you get familiar with the offices in areas where you live. They are just good people just trying to make a living, and many really do love their country in spite of all the critics. Frankly I wish Canada had some of the rules here that I have seen. It wouldn’t be such a 3 rd world country if it did
Sam *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Shlomo **********
Canada is a third world country?Shlomo ***********
@Sam ********
I won’t say it’s 3rd world but Ukrainians are moving back to Ukraine because life is better there than Canada. That says a LotJeff *******
@Shlomo **********
One good thing about Canada is that it has a door. Sounds like you should use it.Shlomo ***********
@Jeff ******
I did🥰🇹🇭Jeff *******
@Shlomo **********
The better for the true Canadians that are left. Thank you.Shlomo ***********
@Jeff ******
Sir, I’m glad you still serve Canada with honor and distinction. What regiment was it?
I forgot again?
Or are you/ were you RCMP?
CSIS perhaps?
Did you sit in Legislature?
Tell us all about your amazing experience as a “True Canadian” and all the qualities that make you special!
Perhaps you need a Joe Rogan episode of your own to tell us about your special status as a True Canadian.
Just to be clear, is this the “True Canadian” that Justin Trudeau speaks of when called to act?
Perhaps you are a member of the Laurentian Club that you can make claim to be a “ true Canadian?
What are the prerequisites?
How do my children and grandchildren apply for such a status?
Kenny ******************
@Shlomo **********
I don't have 800k to deposit. And I can't wdut 12 months to show 12 consecutive months of durex deposits from U.S. to Thsi bank before applying. My pension is 200k per moth. I qualify based on income. But eill not have my pensions rued going into a Thai bank. I pay NY U.S. credit cards via my direct depositsSusan ********
@Kenny *****************
that’s 800,000 baht 23,000 USDKenny ******************
TIT. Immigration dnd police, along with other government agencies here, take in more fees than what is recorded on agency ledgers. Immigration prefers use of agents. Obvious reasons why. It's not illegal, as Immigration decides what is, and isn't legal.
Kenny ******************
@Susan *******
yesI, like many expats here don't have $23k to deposit. So, using a visa service is necessary. And my pensions io into U.S. and dnd credit unions.
Susan ********
@Kenny *****************
colonial in Chiang mai charges around 900. Usd. A lot of people recommend them.Kenny ******************
@Susan *******
the first extension is more costly because of the requirement to convert from visa-exemot to a 90 day Non-0 visa before applying for the 12 month extension. This usually costs 18k. Renewal after the initial 15 months is only around 15k. That includes the multiple entry permit.Reply to
Kenny ******************
Reply
Lloyd *********
@Dave *********
that's fine for you as you're here for a short time, withdraw your 800k and move onReply to
Lloyd *********
Reply
Graham ******
@Kenny *****************
Or go to Immigration with the required documentation and get it for 1900B. Also applies to a Non-O based on marriage.Kenny ******************
@Graham *****
right. And before 2019 I did that. But no longer accepting affidavit letter. Now required to shoe 12 consecutive months of direct deposit into Thai bank account coming from the income source in the U.S.A. I prefer to maintain my pension direct deposits in my U.S. bank.Steve **********
@Graham *****
same for single..decide if after 1st year you want it renewed on monthly income or nesting fundsReply to
Steve **********
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