Can I apply for a Non-Immigration O visa in Thailand after entering on a visa exemption?

Question

Hi, I'm a British passport holder with a non-immigration O (Thai wife) visa which is due to expire in September.
This weekend I'm flying back to the UK and will come back to BKK later in the year, after the expiration of the visa.
I'm trying to understand whether I can just enter Thailand on a visa exemption and just apply for the non-immigration O visa here (after ASQ) or whether I should apply for it in the UK before I come back. I suppose really I want the option that is least hassle.
It's a bit unclear to me whether I can actually obtain this visa whilst in-country - I am sure that last time I had to go to Singapore in order to obtain it and then re-enter Thailand.
I have 400k+ in the bank ready.
Thanks

Ask Thailand · Answer

A British passport holder with a non-immigration O visa is seeking advice on whether to apply for a new non-immigration O visa while in Thailand after entering on a visa exemption, or to obtain it beforehand while in the UK. Comments indicate that it's generally advisable to secure the desired visa before entering Thailand, although policies may vary by immigration office. A suggestion was made to apply for a single entry Non-O visa in the UK, allowing for a subsequent application for an extension once in Thailand.

Philip ********** · Answer

Not sure if this helps but last year I was in Uk ... visa about to expire ... I had to apply fir the COE and you get 90 days .   Once in Thailand after the quarantine period , you apply as normal for the 1 year one month before the expiry of the 90 day stamp you got in the uk.

Tod ********* · Answer

[mention redacted] with this covid shit show going on for the foreseeable future and nearby countries being closed along with the restrictive entry process to get back into thailand there is no upside at all in getting a year-long, multi-entry non-O visa based on marriage. I mean it's not like you're gonna bounce out and back every 90 days to get another 90 day stamp.

Get a single entry Non-O visa and then apply for the yearly extension here when you have less than 30 days left on that 90 day stamp you'll get when you come back into the country.

Benjamin ****** · Answer

In my opinion, it's always better to acquire the visa you want BEFORE entering Thailand. I know they are selling the Single Entry Non-O Visa Based on Marriage to a Thai National at the London Consulate, and people are getting the CoE for these extension of stay.

>It's a bit unclear to me whether I can actually obtain this visa whilst in-country

That'll be up to the immigration office. Different immigration offices have different policies.

Can I apply for a Non-Immigration O visa in Thailand after entering on a visa exemption?

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