Comments on this post from Barry Tewes were switched off very quickly. I did have a further query on this one.
I am now living in Thailand for over 12 months on an OA visa my age is 71, I have 800,000 baht in fixed Bangkok bank account, is it possible to change my visa to one that does not need health cover. If ever I need to visit a hospital I have sufficient funds on hand, if ever I need emergency hospital attention I have enough funds for me to return to Australia.
My question further from this that Robert Lagas did say there's an avenue which involves allowing your OA to expire and then leave the country without a re-entry visa and to then apply for a Non-O based on being over 50. Do you apply for the Non-O in your own country, a neighbouring country or back within Thailand having gained entry with, for example, a 30-day exemption? I think this question will come up frequently as the health insurance issue unfolds. Thank you.
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user inquired if they can change their OA visa, which requires health insurance, to a Non-O visa due to having sufficient funds for medical emergencies. They were informed that this is possible and offered three options for applying for a Non-O visa: in a neighboring country, their home country (depending on specific regulations), or converting a tourist visa within Thailand. The answer also noted the necessity of checking with local immigration on conversion processes and requirements.
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.