Answered5 years ago

Can I change a tourist visa to a non-O visa at immigration in Thailand?

Tourist Visa Non-O Visa Visa Conversion Thailand Immigration Visa Requirements Expat Guide

Günter ********

asked Jul 13, 2021

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Good morning! Didn’t quite found the answer here… Is it possible to change a tourist visa to a non O visa at immigration in Thailand ? I come from Germany. Thanks in advance

Answer summary

Yes, it is possible to change a tourist visa to a Non-O visa in Thailand, provided you meet specific criteria such as being over 50, having sufficient financial resources, or other valid reasons. You must visit the immigration office with at least 15 days remaining on your current stamp, have transferred at least 800,000 THB to a Thai bank account in your name, and submit required documentation including your lease agreement and proof of TM30 filing. The process might vary slightly depending on the immigration office location.

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Gregor **********

Conversion to Non Imm O based on being over 50 from a tourist visa

(as applies at Chaeng Wattana Bangkok Immigration. It might be a little different in Phattalung)

You need 15 days or more left on your current entry stamp (either a 30 day visa exempt or a 60 day tourist visa OR a 30 day extension from one of those).

You need to have transferred the money (800,000+ THB ) in from abroad in to a Thai bank account in your name only. Get the bank letter, update the bank book the date you apply, there is no requirement that the money be in the account any length of time for getting a 90 day Non-O, only that it came in from abroad.

You will need your lease, proof of having filed a TM30, copies of the relevant passport pages, there is no medical certificate or police check or insurance (those are all things you need to get an O-A or O visa in your country before you come here, however not to get an in country Non-O)

You apply, pay the 2000 THB fee and you will in most Immigrations get a receipt that states “application under consideration” and being told to come back in 14 days to get the 'results' (that's why you need at least 15 days on your current stamp.

On that date you go back, show your passport and the receipt and the officer will stamp a non-O visa and a new 90 day entry stamp into your passport.

Then you wait until you have 45 days or less left (some Immigrations require 30 days left) on that and go back and apply for a yearly extension of Stay based on Retirement. The deposited 800,000 THB must have seasoned for 2 months on the date of the application. You will again need to show a “bank letter of guarantee”

Alternatively you can apply for the Non-Imm-O based on being over 50 showing a notarized legalized letter from your German embassy over the proof of a monthly income of more than 65,000 THB

5 years ago

Gregor **********

I suggest you visit Immigration Phattalung and ask for the handout list of documents and requirements needed for the "Conversion" to a Non-Imm-O based on being over 50 from a Tourist Visa. NOTE: you do not need to be retired. You just need to be over 50 years old to apply for it

5 years ago

Gregor **********

It is possible to do, however you need a „reason“

A being over 50 year old and fulfill the financial requirements

B being married to a Thai and fulfill the financial requirements

C being the legal father of a half Thai child

D find employment in a Thai company = Non-B

E start studying in a Thai university = Non-ED

5 years ago

Benjamin ******

A non-O visa based on what purpose, AND what immigration office are you planning on using?

5 years ago

Günter ********

@Benjamin *****

A non-O m , I’m not retired or married yet. Immigration in Phattalung

5 years ago

Günter ********

Thanks for your answer! website from Thai embassy in Frankfurt says, you just need 5000€ for an non-O (not retired!) so I’m very confused now…

5 years ago

Gregor **********

what an embassy says, and what Immigration in Thailand is asking for, are different pair of shoes. They are two different ministries with different requirements and don't communicate between themselves a lot

5 years ago

Gregor **********

@Günter *******

for applying in Germany, you only need to show 5000 Euros in ANY bank account in your name. But for the in-country Non-O and the subsequent 1-year extension, you need to show 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account in your sole name

5 years ago

Günter ********

I’m over 50!

5 years ago

Benjamin ******

@Günter *******

You *should* be able to, if you meet the following conditions, and the immigration office is willing to sell you the visa.

1. You need to have 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account, marked as being sent from overseas. OR income of 65,000 THB from overseas from a pension, OR a letter from your embassy saying you have 65,000 THB of money from overseas.

2. You have 15 days or more remaining on your current "ADMITTED TO" stamp or "Extension of stay".

3. A criminal background check from the Thai police.

4. A fee of 2,000 THB

IF you do, go to the local immigration and apply for a "zero entry Non-O visa". This is valid for 90 days.

When you have 30 days remaining on the Non-O visa (45 days for some immigration offices), you will go to the immigration office and ask for a one year extension of stay based on retirement. You will need:

1. 1. Your passport and:

a. a copy of your data ("picture") page

b. a copy of your most recent visa (if you have one)

c. a copy of your most recent stamp

d. a copy of your departure card

2. A TM30, filed in the immigration office.

3. A letter from the bank showing you have the money seasoned for two months.

4. 1,900 THB fee

Once the extension of stay is granted, then you will apply for a multiple entry re-entry permit. This is 3,800 THB. You will need

1. Your passport and a copy of:

a. The data “picture” page.

b. The most recent entry stamp or extension of stay.

c. Your departure card (“TM 6”) that should be stapled in your passport.

2. A TM 8 “Application for Re-entry permit” form

3. 2x passport photos

4. 3,800 THB fee

Retirement visas aren't my forte so I'll let others chime in if I'm wrong.

5 years ago

Günter ********

@Benjamin *****

yes, with multiple entry when this works…

5 years ago

Benjamin ******

@Günter *******

So you're wanting a Non-O visa based on being over 50?

5 years ago