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Can I change from a retirement visa to a tourist visa without leaving Thailand before my current visa expires?
Aug 10, 2025
9 months ago
James *********
ORIGINAL POSTER6 days left until my retirement visa expires. Is it possible to change to tourist visa before the retirement visa expires, and not have to leave the country?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The consensus among the comments is that it is not possible to change from a retirement visa to a tourist visa while remaining in Thailand. Commenters emphasize that one must leave the country to apply for a tourist visa and suggest considering options like applying for an extension of stay instead.
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.
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Roberto *********
Nope. You have to leave and the best of luck trying to get back in again
Max *************
@Roberto ********
What has luck got to do with him returning and why would he be "trying"? Do you think there's an electric fence he needs to force.Roberto *********
@Max ************
If he's coming off a retirement visa and bouncing to get back in on a visa exempt, it's going to raise flags, when it's easier to get a 12-month extension.Reply to
Roberto *********
Reply
Paul *******
Can you apply for a 30 or 60 day extension?
Max *************
@Paul ******
A 30 days extension is not possible,only a 60 days if he's got a Thai wife or kid.Reply to
Max *************
Reply
Graham ******
Do you qualify for the 60 day "Visit Thai Family" extension with a Thai wife or child?
John **********
No you can't get any type of tourist visa inside Thailand, you have to leave the country and apply for that elsewhere
Pete *******
Why are you not applying for an extension of stay that doesn’t require you to leave the country?
Max *************
You're on a 90 days Non-O?
Garrett ***********
Nope, you cannot get a tourist visa inside thailand.
Reply to
Garrett ***********
Reply
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