Can I enter Thailand with an exemption, extend for 30 days, and apply for a non-immigrant O visa during that time?

Thailand Visa Rules Non-Immigrant O Visa Visa Extension Immigration Exemption Entry

Nov 18, 2023

a year ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Would it be possible to do the following:

Enter Thailand via exemption, then get a 30 day extension and apply during that time, whilst in Thailand, for a non- immigrant O (90day) visa?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Yes, it is possible to enter Thailand via exemption, obtain a 30-day extension, and apply for a non-immigrant O visa while in the country. However, you must ensure you have at least 14-21 days remaining on your stay to apply. Additionally, if applying based on retirement, some offices may require proof of 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account for at least two months prior to applying.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
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Brandon ************

Yes it's possible. There are a few caveats:

You will need at least 14-21 days left on your stay in order to apply, you cannot wait until you're almost out of time to apply.

If you are applying for a non-O based on retirement, some offices will require you to have the 800,000 baht in the bank for 2 months already when you apply for your non-O visa. If you are using one of these offices and you don't already have the money in a Thai bank account, you will not have enough time to meet this requirement.

a year ago

Sab *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

thanks for the info, but Tbh 800.000 for just a three month retiree visa and then also in a Thai bank account? Am I mixing things up?

a year ago

Brandon ************

@Sab ****

you're looking at an embassy website. You're not applying at an embassy you said you want to apply in Thailand. What the embassy website shows doesn't mean anything because that's their policy. Your immigration office policy is the only thing that matters.

a year ago

Sab *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

damn, I thought same rules apply. Far out, things get more complicated the more I look into it. :( All we want as self funded retires is staying 6 month in Thailand with as little as possible mucking around with flying out and then back in again to rely on our excemptions. Thank you for your help. Very much appreciated 😀

a year ago

Brandon ************

@Sab ****

get the OA visa in Australia before you travel to Thailand. Or even the OX 5 year visa. Australia is the only places it makes sense since they let you show money in Australia. You'll be required to have health insurance but you'll never need to worry about a visa or extension in Thailand.

@Wayne ********

a year ago

Sab *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

we have been out of Australia since March and plan to travelling around another 2+ years. So won't be setting foot on OZ soil fir a while. :(

a year ago

Brandon ************

@Sab ****

if you won't be in Australia then your only option for a long term stay would be the non-O because in order to get a multiple entry visa or OA you have to apply in your home country. So you're either going to be doing border bounces or putting 800,000 each in a Thai bank account for the visa and extension.

a year ago

Sab *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

Thank you for the informatio, appreciated!

a year ago

Wayne *********

@Brandon ***********

Agree the OX is great for me. In and out every month

a year ago

Brandon ************

@Wayne ********