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Can I convert a visa exempt entry to a Non-O visa for retirement, volunteering, or education in Thailand?

Visa Conversion Non-O Visa Retirement Visa Volunteer Visa Education Visa Visa Exempt Entry Thailand Immigration Expat Visa Advice

Mar 30, 2021

4 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Question: can I convert a visa exempt entry to a non-O based on retirement or based on Volunteer or on Education?

Please, only answer if you're sure. Thanks

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Yes, you can convert a visa exempt entry to a Non-O visa for retirement or education, but it is easier to do so with a Tourist Visa. Many expats suggest obtaining a Tourist Visa first, as it allows you to convert to a Non-O for retirement within Thailand, providing more flexibility for financial transactions like opening bank accounts. While some participants report successfully converting without an agent, assistance from visa agencies is also common and can expedite the process. It's advisable to check directly with the immigration office, as procedures may vary by location.

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.

Shayne **********

Depends on location and legitimacy.

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David *********

Anything is possible if you want to spend the money. A Visa agency can do but it could cost you around 30,000 BHT. Go to Immigration and ask. Do not rely on people who may or not know what all requirements are. The biggest hurdle in doing yourself is meeting the financial obligations.

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Frédéric ******************

You can change your non-visa status for a non-O visa. It is mentioned on the immigration website.

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George *************

Yes, you can do without an agent, at least for the retirement extension. You don't say where in Thailand you will do this. Here are instructions for doing so in Phuket. You can expect other offices to be similar but not identical.

******************************************************

Your question really needs to be asked of the immigration office you plan to use.

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Jack ******

I'm also from US, entered on visa exempt last March and converted to 90 day non-o in September and then got retirement 1 year extension in December. No agent needed. All the info you need is in the archived posts here.

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Stan *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Yep. Can't even leave it to a charity. That's why they keep that ridiculous policy... 25k from every dead farang

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Jack ******

My bank (Krungsri) seems legit, but they tell me that my wife would have to get an attorney to get the money out. They don't allow you to name a beneficiary up front.

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Stan *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I don't think the retirement visa is a choice I'll make.. I don't relish dying and leaving 25 grand in a thai bank... It will quickly disappear in some strangers pocket

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Stan *******

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Will ************

I agree get a Tourist visa and convert to non o retirement in country. This gives you time to open bank accounts , move your money etc.

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Stan *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Alastair *****

I'm in Mexico. I'm American. I don't want to return to USA and wait in a hotel for three weeks just to get a visa... So, if they give me a hard time, I'm thinking the COE will be simple, and I'm already Phizer vaccinated, so I shouldn't have issues.. Seems is only lose 15 days with COE, as opposed to a visa.... And you know, they may still be giving vivid extensions two months from now

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Alastair ******

Yes 👍🏼 I also was in a foreign country, so applying for TR was a hassle. I have entered on Visa Exemption, and will be changing to an Ed Visa in due course. I have been told I should have no issues in doing this...I’ll let you know if I hit any major hurdles!

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Stan *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

30+15 for quarantine + can extend exempt 30 extra days. Thsts 75 days for exempt and 90 for the visa... A 15 day difference. You aren't given extra days for quarantine when you get a TR visa. And I'm in a foreign country, not my own, so getting a visa is a big hassle. Am I correct?

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Will ************

no worries but visa exempt gives you 45 +30 days. Tourist visa gives you 60 +30 days and you avoid the agents.

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Stan *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Will ***********

I didn't ask about a tourist visa, but thanks.

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Stan *******

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David *******

Yes, through an agent, but it’s better if you get a Tourist Visa. You could convert that to a Non O ‘for Retirement’ yourself, and agents prefer if you have one rather than a Visa Exempt as well. For the other 2 visas yes if you pay an agent enough. Around 50k

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David *******

I won’t bother replying to any of your questions again. Bye.

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Stan *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I didn't ask about a tourist visa. I have reasons for wanting exempt

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Stan *******

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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

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The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

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