Can I exit Thailand and apply for a Non-Immigrant O retirement visa after dropping my OA visa?

Mar 22, 2022
3 years ago
Jason **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am a US citizen and currently on an extension of stay over 50 based on an OA visa. I am heading to the USA in June and would like to drop the OA and its Thai insurance requirement and have other options to cover health needs.

Can I exit Thailand without re entry and start over by applying for a non IMM O over 50 retirement visa? I looked online at the E visa site and it lists O based on retirement under ‘purpose of visit’. But when looking for non IMM O ‘check’, ‘view details’ there is nothing about the O retirement. Is it unavailable - or being phased out? Details of the non IMM O retirement are listed on the Washington embassy site but not apparent on the LA consulate site. Perhaps I need to start the E visa process and will find the information I need.

If the 90 day nonimm O retirement is not available, do you foresee any problems with getting a tourist visa and applying for a 90 day O over 50 in Thailand? Is this a better option than the O from my home country?

Kind thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A US citizen currently on an OA visa extension is considering exiting Thailand and reapplying for a Non-Immigrant O retirement visa. There are concerns regarding the availability of the Non-O retirement visa and the insurance requirements changing in September. The user is also inquiring if obtaining a tourist visa and transitioning to a Non-O visa in Thailand is advisable. Responses indicate the need for proper proof of funds for in-country Non-O applications and confirm that the retirement aspect is included under the generic Non-O visa category.
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 *********
@Jason *********
you want this choice on the eVisa system for the thai consulates in the US to get a Non-O visa based on being over 50 (retirement)
Jason **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Wannikea *********
There is no over 50 retirement visa, it's a generic Non O and the reason can be for many purposes, family,wife, support child, over 50 retirement, etc.
Wannikea *********
I think you need to look a bit harder for the O visa on the website. Cant believe it's not listed.
Bobby ********
From September the insurance requirements for OA extensions are changing and you can use home country insurance, or those that cannot obtain insurance have the option of self-insuring by showing assets in their home country
Jason **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bobby *******
That is good news if it happens. Thank you
Steve *******
@Bobby *******
Do you have the supporting documentation for this that you can share please?
Bobby ********
Steve Marsh. You can download the PDF document from the MOPH website

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383.pdf
Lloyd ********
Just be aware that for an in country Non-O, you will have to prove that the funds came from abroad.
Jason **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lloyd *******
Yup…I have been depositing monthly 65k international but won’t have 12 months. So 800k for the first round.
Robert *******
@Jason *********
There is no 12 months depositing method to apply for a conversion of the tourist visa or visa exempt entry into a Non Immigrant O visa.
Jason **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Bim *******
@Lloyd *******
not if you have already lived here a while.
Robert *******
@Bim ******
Wrong, even if you lived in Thailand for years, you have to meet the requirements to convert the tourist visa or visa exempt entry into a Non Immigrant O visa.
Bim *******
@Robert ******
oh I see they are converting. I thought he was applying for a non O in his home country
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