Hello everyone. I am currently on my 2nd extension of stay, based on a Non-Immigrant O-A visa (retirement), valid until 1st October. However, to get rid of the insurance requirement, I want to switch to a 90-day Non-Immigrant O visa (retirement). To do so, I plan to go to Laos in August without buying me a re-entry permit, and apply for the new visa there. Then return to Thailand and apply for a 1-year-extension at my ‚home‘ immigration office in due time.
My questions however center on a possible plan B I need to consider, if I were not issued the visa in Laos for any reason. In such a case I would plan to re-enter Thailand on visa excempt and apply for an in-country 90-day Non-Immigrant O visa (retirement). But I already found out that my ‚home‘ immigrant office in Mukdahan, where I do my regular 90-day-reporting, does not issue such visa. So my question is, am I free to choose any immigrant office in Thailand (that offers this service) to apply for an in-country 90-day Non-Immigrant O visa? E.g go to Ubon Ratchathani or Bangkok for it?
If yes, would I need to apply for the 1-year-extension of stay on my new visa also there, or can I do this in my ‚home‘ immigration office (as I did in the past for my old/current visa)?
And finally, will it be sufficient to invalid my current extension of stay by just leaving the country without a re-entry permit or is it advisable to officially and actively cancel my current extension of stay at my ‚home‘ immigration office before I leave the country? Especially as the original expiry date is 1st October, i.e. later as when I plan to apply for my new visa and return with it to Thailand.
Many thanks in advance, Carsten
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user seeks advice on switching from a Non-Immigrant O-A visa (retirement) to a 90-day Non-Immigrant O visa while considering options for potential visa application hurdles in Laos. Key concerns include the freedom to choose an immigration office for the in-country application, the ability to apply for a one-year extension at a different office, and whether leaving Thailand without a re-entry permit suffices to invalidate the current extension. The conversation highlights that users can apply for the in-country visa at another immigration office, but must ensure they meet accommodation requirements and may need to update residency paperwork.
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.
