Can I apply for a Non-O visa after arriving in Thailand with family on a tourist visa or visa exemption?

Non-O visa Thailand visa rules visa exemption tourist visa COVID extensions family immigration volunteer visa visa processing times

Sep 3, 2021

3 years ago

Tonic ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello everyone. I am coming with my family (wife and two toddlers) from Canada near the end of September. I have documents in order to secure single entry Non-O for a volunteer position and then the rest of family come in as dependants. Unfortunately, my wife and kids hold Australian passports and I have been told that it will take 1+ month for their visas to be processed by the embassy in Ottawa. As such, I am considering that we simply ever on 45-day visa exemption or on tourist visas. My questions are:

1.  Will it be possible to apply for the Non-O (volunteer) after entering Thailand?

2.  Is it is possible to secure the Non-O after arriving in Thailand, does it make a difference whether I enter on a visa exemption or tourist visa?

3.  Can people offer their opinions of the likelihood of the continuance of COVID extensions beyond December?

Thank you.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The original poster inquires about the possibility of applying for a Non-O (volunteer) visa after entering Thailand on a visa exemption or tourist visa, following delays in visa processing for their family. They also seek opinions on the likelihood of COVID extensions continuing past December. Respondents clarify that applying for a Non-O visa is possible but depends on the volunteer organization and immigration staff. They note that a tourist visa offers more time to secure documents than a visa exemption. Additionally, it is emphasized that dependent visas are not available for Non-O volunteers, and a single entry 3-month Non-O visa can be extended in Thailand.

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Tonic ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

From my discussions with the embassy in Ottawa, at the moment, it is only possible to gain a single entry 3-month visa for the Non-O (volunteer). This would be extended when in the country (and would require the work permit from the ministry of labor). Thank you.

3 years ago

Amaël ******

Dependent visas are not available for non-O volunteers.

3 years ago

Benjamin ******

@Amaël *****

I'm thinking they might actually sell the Non-O visa based on being a dependent for someone who is working as a volunteer at that consulate.

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3 years ago

Tonic ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Benjamin *****

Yes, the embassy, over the phone, said this would be possible.

3 years ago

Reply to

Tonic ********

Benjamin ******

I’M GOING TO ASSUME YOU’RE ACTUALLY WORKING FOR AN VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION.

>1. Will it be possible to apply for the Non-O (volunteer) after entering Thailand?

That’ll be between you, the volunteer organization, and the immigration office being used.

>2. Is it is possible to secure the Non-O after arriving in Thailand, does it make a difference whether I enter on a visa exemption or tourist visa?

A visa exempt allows a person to stay for 45 days. A tourist visa allows a person to stay for 60 days. A person has more time on a tourist visa to collect the paperwork. Talk to the volunteer organization for information.

>3. Can people offer their opinions of the likelihood of the continuance of COVID extensions beyond December?

This is not a “guessing group”. It is a VERY bad strategy to enter Thailand and expect to milk the COVID extension, especially with toddlers.

IMPORTANT GROUP RULE REMINDER: We do NOT discuss agents. Anyone suggesting in this post to use an agent/lawyer/consultant to get a dodgy volunteer visa will be removed from the group without warning.

3 years ago

Tonic ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Benjamin *****

Thank you for your quick response.

and for clarifying that there is no rule restricting moving from Visa Exempt or Tourist Visa to a Non-O (volunteer) from within the country. I agree that time is the key issue which is why I asked about the COVID extension. Thanks again.

3 years ago

Reply to

Tonic ********

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Can I apply for a retirement visa (Non-O) in Thailand after arriving on the 30-day visa exemption?

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