Can I enter Thailand with a tourist visa on arrival and apply for a Non-Immigrant O visa while there?

Oct 11, 2021
3 years ago
Tom **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi all, I am going back to Thailand on Dec 1st, I have previously had a Non Imm visa that expired in November 2020. due to me not being available to get back. I am thinking of going to sandpit on an English tourist passport and applying again for retirement visa whilst there, I share a house ( normal Thai rules apply) and will get married in Jan/Feb, do you think a tourist visa on arrival and apply for Non imm whist there is feasible?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The individual plans to return to Thailand and apply for a Non-Immigrant O visa based on retirement. They are seeking advice on entering Thailand with a tourist visa on arrival and the feasibility of applying for the retirement visa while in the country. Key points include that British passport holders do not receive a visa on arrival but can enter visa-exempt. They must ensure they comply with immigration rules, including having enough valid stamp days remaining to apply for the Non-O visa.
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.
Tom **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Sorry, so apart from medical and coved certs I can go to BK and in arrival get s visa exempt entry, then apply for O IMM after quarantine?
Stuart *********
@Tom *********
Sorry I may have misread your post. Are you asking if you can get the extension/visa at the airport? If so no. You have to go to the immigration office in Chaengwattana
Stuart *********
@Tom *********
Yes. Depending on timing you may have to get a 30 day extension first just to ensure you have enough “stamp days” left.
Tom **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
thank you kind sir, will go that route for entry. 🍺👍
Sammy *******
correct, 21 days in cm.
Bob **********
No tourist visa on arrival you get that at home
John ********
Sandpit, excellent play on words.
Tod *********
@John *******
I call it the Phuket Litter-Box 😛
Tom **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Stuart, I have BK bank account and required monies since November, been stuck in Macau after girlfriend went back in April last year. My stamp ran out in November so need to apply again after entry if that is possible.
Stuart *********
@Tom *********
entirely possible but each immigration office sets its own rules. You’d have to check yours will sell the non O in country.
Tom **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank for a polite answer, my apology, you are correct.
Stuart *********
You can apply for a non O visa based on retirement in country if you meet the financial requirements. You need at least 15 days left on your current stamp to apply. (21 in Chiang Mai I believe).
Stuart *********
Just a correction on terminology. British passport holders do not get visa on arrival. They get what’s called a visa exempt entry, which means you have no visa. Visa on arrival is only for a few countries and only allows 15 days on entry and you pay for that visa at the entry point.
Gary *********
Perfect. Was wondering how that was completed. Thanks for the replies mate.
Gary *********
Stuart cumming...quick question...

Is the visa exempt the old form you got handed on the plane usually just before you arrive ? If not where and when do you complete this. Thanks 🙏🏼.
Stuart *********
@Gary ********
You just hand your passport and TM6 to the immigration officer and they’ll stamp you in for 30 days.
Stuart *********
@Gary ********
That form is called a TM6 arrival/departure card. Every foreigner fills one in regardless of visa type or exempt.
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