Can I convert my visa exempt entry to a Non-OA retirement visa in Thailand?

Jan 28, 2021
4 years ago
Khun *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am entering Thailand in February under the visa exempt scheme. I have been told I can convert to a non OA for retirement but can’t find anything official on the Embassy website. Anyone with experience would be most appreciated. I meet all requirements as far as age, seasoned money, income, etc.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user inquires about the possibility of converting a visa exempt entry in Thailand to a Non-OA visa for retirement purposes. Respondents clarify that a Non-OA visa cannot be applied for while in Thailand; it must be obtained from a consulate prior to arrival. They suggest alternatives, including applying for a 90-day Non-O visa upon entry if specific financial conditions are met. Additional steps and requirements for transitioning from a 90-day visa to a one-year extension are detailed.
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.
Tod *********
@Khun ******
, okay now that we sussed out what you want to do, let's clue you in on how it's done

You come in, get thru quarantine, then high tail it to your immigration office and apply for a 90 day Non-O visa (depending on the office they might want to see that you transferred the 800K baht into a thai bank account in your name only in from abroad, BUT they might not). There is no "seasoning" on those funds when you apply for the 90 day Non-O visa.

Most immigration offices let you apply if you have 15 days or MORE left on your current stamp (Chiang Mai requires 21 days or more left) that's because the application goes under consideration for a period of time before you go back and get the Non-O visa and a new 90 day stamp inked in.

1 - You apply, pay 2000 baht, get the under consideration stamp

2 - on the date of that stamp you go back and get the Non-O and a new 90 day stamp inked in

3 - when you have about 30 days or less left on that 90 day stamp you go back and apply for the year extension <- this is when you need to show the money has been in the bank for 2 months before you apply, you pay 1900baht and the year extension is issued on the spot
Khun *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
thank you so much for the info, it is greatly appreciated!
Tod *********
You have two choices;

Apply for the year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O-A (Long Stay) visa from the thai consulate in your country BEFORE you come here (by showing the proof of funds, getting the background check and meeting the mandatory O-A health insurance requirements)

OR

You could come here on a 45 day visa exempt or get a single entry tourist visa and get in for 60 days and then AFTER you do quarantine, you could go to the immigration office and apply for an in country 90 day Non-O visa <-(note there is no A after that O). You need to have 800K baht in a thai bank account in your name to apply for the Non-O visa inside the country, then once you get that you could apply for a year long extension by showing you had the 800K baht in a thai bank account in your name only for 2 months before you apply
Khun *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
right, non-O. I meet the age requirement and have more than 800k seasoned in a Thai bank so that’s the route I want to go. Thanks!
Haydn *******
@Khun ******
I did exactly this just 4 days ago.. As long as you have the cash in the bank its very easy and costs 2 000thb initially for the change of visa to Non O 90 days. 👍
Haydn *******
@Tod ********
great answer, and totally correct 👍
Tod *********
Sadly
@Khun ******
you have been told completely WRONG :(

You cannot apply for an O-A visa inside the country. You get that from the thai consulate in your country BEFORE you wing your way here.
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