Can I apply for a Thai visa while on a 60-day Visa Exemption in Thailand?

Sep 20, 2024
3 months ago
Michael ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I have heard different things regarding this..much obliged if anyone knows the answer: Does one must have a visa OUTSIDE of Thailand (tourist visa for example, to GET another Visa while IN Thailand( O-Visa for example) OR can I simply come into Thailand with the now 60 day Visa Exemption stamp(and possible 30 day extension) and THEN apply for a Visa while IN Thailand(before my visa exemption time limit expires)? I ask this because I've read that one NEEDS a Visa to change to another Visa in the Kingdom of Thailand. ALSO have read that one can come to TH on a visa exemption and then get a Visa in Thailand. (Which would be easier and simpler). Would anyone specifically know? Thanks in advance, Mike D.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The question addresses whether one must obtain a visa outside of Thailand to apply for another visa (like a NON-O visa) while currently in Thailand on a 60-day visa exemption. Responses indicate that you can change to a NON-O visa from either a visa or a visa-exempt entry. However, the ability to apply for certain visas in-country depends on the specific visa type and sometimes age-related requirements.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
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Michael ********
And it depends on your age !
Michael ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Michael ********
@Michael **********
Old enough for retirement visa then.
Michael ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Chris *******
You haven't specified what Visa you want to apply for.

Therefore no one can answer that.

Many Visas can be applied for in country and many cannot.

So please edit your post to say what visa you are looking at at or the purpose.

For example a non-o based on retirement can be obtained incountry or out of country.
Michael ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chris ******
Yes, it would be a Non-O based on retirement AND based on marriage to a Thai.
Brandon ************
@Michael **********
it's one or the other. But they can both be applied for in Thailand
John **********
You can change to a Non-O from either a visa or a visa exempt entry
Michael ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
Thank you Sir. I'm going to be marrying a Thai woman. My understanding is that marriage to a Thai citizen is considered a Non-O Retirement Visa(I have a Pension) that is a 1 year extension based on marriage. Does that sound correct?
John **********
@Michael **********
that would be a Non-O Marriage but some who are married prefer to go with the Non-O Retirement as it's a bit less onerous but has more financial requirements. The term Non-O covers a variety of different visas, the O stands for Other.

You would get an initial 90 day visa and then you extend this for 12 months
Michael ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
My Pension is in that fine line where sometimes it's 65,000+ baht/month while other times(like right now..its below it). So better for me go with the Non-O Marriage. Yes, I've read about the initial 90 day visa. I'm assuming it provides time and proof for a Thai bank that I'm applying for a long-term visa and to show the 2 months of Pension deposits in that bank when I return to the Immigration Office before the 90 day expires, correct?
John **********
@Michael **********
you're from the US so you're going to need 400k baht in a Thai bank to apply for the initial 90 day Non-O visa and for the first year extension of that. You need a full 12 months of 40k baht transfers from overseas in order to use that method so could potentially use that for the 2nd extension. BUT some immigration offices will only accept 40k per month if the money is from salary earned inside Thailand so you really need to verify with the immigration office that serves the area where you will live.
Michael ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
Thank you. I will have my fiancée ask her local immigration office. I'm definitely aware that immigration offices do things differently than other immigration offices..which is obviously strange coming from the USA. But that's Thailand! Lol. Thanks again for your info. Much appreciated
John **********
@Michael **********
not just immigration, every bank branch, every DLT office, and so on. Good luck
Michael ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
DLT stands for?
Michael ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
Will do. Thank you Sir
John **********
@Michael **********
Department of Land Transport. Where you go for a driving licence etc
Michael ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
Got it. Thanks again
Michael ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
Thank you Sir. Would you agree with the other gentleman, that I could come to Thailand on the 60 day visa exemption and then file the Non-O Marriage Visa before my exemption stamp expires?
Bob **********
@Michael **********
you can come on an exempt stamp and change to a non-o in Thailand for the year extension based on married to a Thai you’ll need 400K Thai baht in a Thai bank in your name two months before the extension if for retirement you’ll need 800K unless your embassy issues a income letter
Michael ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob *********
I have proof of a monthly Pension. If married, don't I have the option of either the 400K OR the monthly deposit of 40,000(for 2 months in a Thai bank?)And if single, 800K or 65,000/month?
Graham ******
@Bob *********
The funds are also required for the initial Non-O applications
Bob **********
@Graham *****
in certain offices
John **********
@Michael **********
no I wouldn't. I believe you have to be married for 2 months before you can apply for the Non-O based on marriage, certainly in some immigration offices. Best to check with the immigration office you plan to use
Michael ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
Thank you. I will look into that more deeply
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