This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

Can I apply for a one-year extension of my Non-O visa while planning to leave Thailand for a short trip?

Aug 7, 2025
21 days ago
Steve ***
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi Everyone

Looking for some advice please.

Scenario,

I’m on a 90-day non-immigrant visa (O) for retirement purposes and after having 800,000 baht in a bank account for 2 months I apply for a 1-year extension.

Let’s say the 1-year extension takes around 2 to 3 weeks to be granted, BUT during this time I need to leave the country for 2 weeks after getting a re-entry permit.

Does this affect the visa application/granting?

What happens if I’m granted whilst overseas?

TIA
543
views
0
likes
16
all likes
8
replies
0
images
4
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user inquires about the implications of leaving Thailand while waiting for a 1-year extension of their non-immigrant (O) visa, particularly if it affects the approval process. Commenters clarify that extensions can be granted on the same day as the application if all documentation is prepared, and that leaving the country after obtaining a re-entry permit does not hinder the approval, as long as the application is completed before leaving.
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.
Stuart ***********
The extension is granted on the same day you apply. You can apply for the extension 30 days before your non-O ends, providing your money has been in the bank for 2 months and the days are added to your extension (if that helps with your timings).
Narong *******
The extention is giving the same day while you wait as long as you you have all the docs Ready. After you got the Extention the same day you can apply for a re-entry which you will also get it while you wait ....and then you can leave the country when you want
Steve ***
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Narong ******
Sorry for this but just confirming this is the case when you apply for your FIRST 1 year extension whilst on your 90day non-O?
Max *************
@Steve **
It's for every 1 year extension. It's done in a few minutes as long as your documents are in order. At Chonburi immigration in Jomtien, you can pick up your passport next day. Thats the only difference.
Steve ***
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you
Max *************
@Narong ******
Unless you're staying in Naklua/Pattaya/Jomtien, then you can pick up your passport at immigration next day (in the afternoon).
Narong *******
@Max ************
I use to live in Chiang mai... There you get it the same day while you wait, I don't know about Pattaya.
Steve ***
ORIGINAL POSTER
Sorry for this but just confirming this is the case when you apply for your FIRST 1 year extension whilst on your 90day non-O?
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else