Can I apply for a Non-O visa in Thailand after entering on a 45-day visa exemption from the UK?

Feb 4, 2023
2 years ago
Bob *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi coming Thailand in March I believe you can stay for 45 days now would it ok coming from the uk and apply for a non O visa after 30 days or do I need to do apply for a non O visa in the Thai embassy in London
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user seeks clarification about applying for a Non-O visa after entering Thailand with a 45-day visa exemption. Multiple comments suggest that while it may be easier to apply for the Non-O visa from the UK, it is possible to apply for it in Thailand as long as certain conditions are met. Users shared insights about the process, including necessary forms (TM-86 and TM-87), the importance of maintaining a minimum of 15 days left on the current stamp, and having sufficient funds in a Thai bank account. It's emphasized that getting the visa processed in Thailand can be straightforward if the applicant prepares adequately.
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.
Fah ********
My husband his non o Thai wife, ran out while he was in the UK we have tried to apply online with the Thai Embassy in London. It is quite difficult we don't have enough money in a UK bank account to prove his income . So we flew back to Thailand on September 22 and got a 30 day stamp . So in Thailand he has 400k in Thai bank over 3 months already we went to apply for non o visa at the immigration 10 day after we got into Thailand and make sure he still has 15 day left for 30 day stamp and give them all the documents same as applying for non o 1 year visa . Then we got non o for 90 days without flying out of Thailand and continued to apply for a 1 year Thai wife visa . That is our experience and sorry for my broken English. Hope that can help for other to decide where to apply for non o visa.
Tod *********
@Fah *******
thank you for your update, that is exactly how it works to get the 90 day Non-O issued in country and the year extension after that

you come in visa exempt or tourist visa

you get your funds sorted out in a thai bank account in your name only

you apply for the 90 day Non-O visa when you have between 15 and 21 days left on your current entry stamp (for 2000baht)

you wait for the under review period

you go back get the Non-O visa and a new 90 day stamp inked in

you wait 2 months until you funds are seasoned

you go back to the immigration office and apply for the year extension (for 1900baht)

you get an under consideration stamp

you go back when that runs out and get the year extension based on marriage inked in
Tod *********
There is no great difficulty in showing up visa exempt (on the free 45 day stamp) getting your shit together, opening a bank account, getting the 800K baht into it and then applying for the 90 day Non-O visa in country at the immigration office for 2000baht when you have 15 days or more left on your current entry stamp or the 30 day extension you can get from it

The application goes under review for 2 weeks then you go back and get the new Non-O visa and 90 day stamp inked in.

After that you wait until your funds are seasoned in your bank account for 2 months and you have 30 days or less left on your stamp, then you apply for the year extension for 1900baht. It will be issued on the spot.

IF you are sensitive to the time constraints, get in, get your act together it can be done with time to spare.
Tod *********
@John *******
scheduled to, although TAT proposed it run until the end of the year. Right now we're telling people to plan for it to go back to 30 days on April 1, 2023 and to watch for any official announcement about it between now and then
Galen *******
You can use Form TM 87 to apply for non-imm retirement. I am currently doing this and will receive it on
*****
/2023. Here is the letter from Immigration Division 1 Bangkok. "dear sir,

We would like to inform you about changing visa you can visit the attached link for more information
******************************************************************
Live in BKK please contact Bangkok immigration. Live in upcountry please contact immigration where you live." TM87 is the form for the Change of Visa Exempt to Non O-IMM and Form TM86 is for those who want to change their tourist Visa.
Tod *********
@Galen ******
you can indeed apply in country from a visa exempt entry to get a Non-Immigrant type visa, in Bangkok out at Chaengwattana Counter C-1 you need a minimum of 15 days left on your visa exempt entry OR the 30 day extension from that entry to apply. You turn in the application, the documentation (bank letters, passport copies, map, TM30, etc), you pay 2000baht and you get a receipt that says to come back in 2 weeks.

When you go back they will ink in the new Non-O visa and a new 90 day stamp. Then you wait until you have 45 days or less left on that stamp before you apply for the year extension for 1900baht πŸ™‚

Sorry to have gotten my forms mixed up πŸ˜›
Tod *********
@Galen ******
sorry got my wires crossed

There are two forms you can use depending on how you enter the country to get an in country Non-Immigrant Visa issued

TM-86 <- the change visa form πŸ˜‰ which you use if you are on a tourist visa

AND

TM-87 <- the apply for visa form πŸ™‚ which you use if you are on a visa exempt entry <- as in you entered on a free stamp which means you're here with NO visa
Gooddy *******
Assume you will apply for non o retirement ? Better do it online with Thai embassy in London. Despite some comments above, it’s a straightforward process. Once you land in Thailand, you then have 90 days to get your ducks in a row with bank accounts and seasoning of the 800k baht for the one year extension.
Sophie *********
@Gooddy ******
Nothing is 'straightforward' when it comes to retirement visas. I'd ask the poster to get back to us on this one!
Sophie *********
45 day visa exemption ends March 31st. You can then apply for aa 30 day extension. The TV can be applied for online in the UK but they require so many criteria to be met these days. But many do it so..
Sophie *********
@Russell *******
Where's your evidence for that?
Russell ********
@Sophie ********
it was all over the press weeks ago. Dont think its been ratified yet. Predicatable post China opening up.
Greg ***********
@Russell *******
Cinese don't get visa-exempt entries. They still have to buy the visa-on-arrival. It is 30 days now instead of the normal 15 days, however
Sophie *********
@Russell *******
We'll see. Whatever turns out to be the case, it's best to assume the advice on their Embassy's' sites be regarded as being true.
Lloyd ********
far easier to apply for the visa in your home country
Michael ********
@Lloyd *******
It is far easier to apply in Thailand. Far easier.
Gethin *******
@Lloyd *******
Definitely not.

Is way more easy in Thailand.
Russell ********
@Lloyd *******
probrably not. They require insurances and letters that applying locally may not, is my understanding.
Lloyd ********
@Russell *******
no insurance for a non-o, only for the non-oa
Greg ***********
@Lloyd *******
since February 2022 (!!), a 90-days insurance is mandatory for the aplication to a 90-days Non-Imm-O retirement visa. For the extension out of a Non-O, there is no requirement . . if he starts with a tourist visa or visa exempt, he can circumvene this requirement and apply for the "change of visa type" to a 90-days Non-O visa, at the Immigration
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