Can I enter Thailand on a short-term visa and apply for an O retirement visa while already holding an OA visa?

Mar 31, 2022
3 years ago
Tod *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Christine Teo posted on an unrelated thread

Hi Tod.. I’ve been in Chiang mai since Nov 2019.

Entered Thailand on OA visa.

I’ve gotten extensions on it twice already.

I will be flying to Hong Kong end of this year and wish to return to Thailand and would like to have my visa as O retirement.. would what you are saying in the post affect me ?

Do I enter Thailand with STV ( in my case - Singapore passport exempt visa - I have 30 days) and apply for O retirement visa straight away ?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Christine Teo, who has been in Chiang Mai on an OA visa since November 2019 and has extended it twice, wants to know if she can enter Thailand with a short-term visa and apply for an O retirement visa. A commenter advises that she can indeed switch her visa status, but highlights the importance of timing and suggests obtaining a single entry tourist visa from the Thai consulate in Hong Kong, as the Special Tourist Visa (STV) is not suitable for her plans.
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 *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Shouldn't affect you at all. Keep in mind in Chiang Mai you need a MINIMUM of 21 days to apply for an in country Non-O visa at the immigration office.

SO coming in on a 30 day visa exempt entry you're gonna cut it close trying to pull it off without getting the 30 day extension for 1900baht too

I think you're using the wrong abbreviation as well, an STV is a Special Tourist Visa (and is NOT what you want)

You should get a single entry tourist visa from the thai consulate when you're in Hong Kong and come back that way. That stamps you in for 60 days and you will have plenty of time to get the documentation together to apply for the in country 90 day Non-O for 2000baht and then once you get that you will apply for the year extension when you have 45 days or less left for 1900baht
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