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

Non-Immigration O Visa Visa Exemption Thailand Immigration Rules Visa Application Process Thai Marriage Visa COVID-19 Travel Restrictions

Jul 16, 2021

3 years ago

Carsten ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

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TLDR : Answer Summary

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.

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Philip **********

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.

3 years ago

Tod *********

@Carsten *****

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.

3 years ago

Carsten ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

Thanks. You're right, travel options may be limited for a while. Previously I had been doing 90 day reporting - I must have had a yearly extension I suppose.

3 years ago

Tod *********

@Carsten *****

yep, if you look in your passport the stamp will say "extension of stay permitted until" and you'd most likely have bought a re-entry permit stamp as well.

I'd say get the 90 day Non-O, come in, get thru quarantine or what ever and then when you got a month left on that 90 day stamp go apply for a new year extension using the 400K baht banked money you already have.

3 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Benjamin ******

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.

3 years ago

Carsten ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Benjamin *****

Thanks for the info. I'm in Bangkok so guess the immigration office would be Chaengwattana. If I got the visa at the London consulate is there an option to make it multiple-entry do you know? (either at the time or once in Thailand).

3 years ago

Benjamin ******

@Carsten *****

I do not know off the top of my head if the London consulate is selling the multiple entry non-O visa based on marriage to a Thai national now. IF they do, remember, you will only be stamped in for 90 days.

3 years ago

Reply to

Benjamin ******

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Can I apply for a marriage visa in Thailand after my retirement visa expires while traveling to the UK?

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