Answered6 years ago

Can I Apply for an OA Visa in January After My Retirement Visa Expires?

asked Jul 7, 2020

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Hi, I recently got a retirement visa and it expires in January 2020 as my passport also expires at that time.

As a rule, Malaysians cannot renew their passport from the embassy in Thailand. I have called to check on my options due to this current Covid situation. I am told that should I want to renew it from Thailand, I have to send back my passport to Malaysia (through the embassy) 4 months before the expiry. This poses a problem because I need to do my 90 day reporting and according to immigration I need my passport for that.

So, both sides are asking that I wait till Jan to see what happens. Right now, I can go back to Malaysia but there is no way to come back because it is not opened to anyone with just a retirement visa (as I understand).

I also understand that there is a OA visa which I can apply (should I be back in Malaysia in Jan next year) from Malaysia. And that there is no financial proof requirement in Thailand for this visa.

So, the question is would I be able to get an OA visa in January and come back to Thailand to stay as this is where I am staying right now?

Answer summary

User is currently holding a retirement visa that expires in January 2020, but must renew their Malaysian passport first, which requires sending the passport back to Malaysia. There are concerns about the necessity of the passport for 90-day reporting in Thailand. User is wondering if applying for an OA visa in January, after returning to Malaysia, would allow them to return to Thailand.

7 repliesnewest first

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Wannikea *********

I think the hurdle here is that Pattaya Immigration told her she needs her passport for 90 day reports. Can't she do the report online, or at least explain her circumstance to Pattaya Immigration and hope she gets a sympathetic ear regarding physically showing her passport? Worst case scenario is a fine for reporting late.

6 years ago

Watson *********

Do you not mean 2021, as January 2020 has passed

6 years ago

Judy ******

@Watson ********

yes, sorry. Typo

6 years ago

John **********

I've never needed my passport to do 90 day reports. Just the details from the passport and arrival card

6 years ago

John **********

@Judy *****

I'm kind of assuming you've already done one in person? If you have then you should be able to do by mail or via online. If you haven't already done one in person you've got time to do so

6 years ago

Judy ******

@John *********

Thought as much but visited immigration office and was told not possible. Must go in person with passport now.

6 years ago

Judy ******

@Benjamin *****

Pattaya Immigration

6 years ago