Can I Extend My Non-OA Retirement Visa While Abroad or Do I Need a New Visa?

Non-OA Visa Retirement Visa Visa Extension

May 8, 2020

5 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi - wonder if someone could clarify please.  I have a Non immigrant multi OA retirement visa which ends 10th June.  I am currently in the UK and originally planning to fly back to Thailand on 6th June.  While I believe such visas for someone currently in Thailand will be extended I don't think this is the case if you are not in Thailand currently. Is that correct ?

Looks like I would have to go through the visa application process again if I arrive after 10th June and don't want to rely on the 30 day visa on arrival.  I would plan to return to UK in Dec/Jan.

Any guidance very welcome and thanks in advance.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The Non-Immigrant OA retirement visa must be used before its expiry date, which is set for June 10 in this case. If you haven't entered Thailand by that date, you will need to apply for a new visa. Several commenters suggest considering a tourist visa for entry, which can then be converted to a Non-O visa or an extension of stay for retirement purposes.

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Ellie *******

I guess apply for Non-immigrant in your country and later apply for extension is one of the way.

But which you apply for Non-O or OA is totally depending on your preference and how you meet the requirements...

5 years ago

James ********

Andy I have placed the TOPIC : "Convert Visa Exempt to Non O" on your post. Click on it and you can read other posts from those who seek retirement inside Thailand.

Enter either with a Non O obtained from your home country or by tourist visa even visa exempt entry to Thailand. Then make application for either the Non O or an Extension of Stay for retirement.

If you can get the Non O before coming to Thailand it simplifies it.

5 years ago

Andy ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Many thanks James

5 years ago

Reply to

Andy ********

Marty *********

You should consider coming on a tourist visa and transitioning to a non-O and then a one year extension. The advantages of an O-A are not what they used to be.

5 years ago

Robert *******

Why doing this in multiple steps?

Go to Consulate and apply tourist visa

Go to Immigration and convert to Non Immigrant Visa

Go back to Immigration for 1 year Extension of Stay

Sounds crazy to me as

Go to Consulate and apply for Non Immigrant Visa

Go to Immigration to apply for 1 year Extension of Stay

is less work and less applications and less costs

5 years ago

Andy ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks Marty. Will take a look

5 years ago

Reply to

Andy ********

Robert *******

correct, if the valid until date on the visa is 10 Jun 2020 you must enter Thailand before that date to use the visa, If you enter after that date the visa is a memory in your passport and you need a new visa to use to enter the country.

5 years ago

Andy ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks Robert. Shame when you apply and pay for this and then unable to use for the validity period. But hey...such is the virus situation I guess.

5 years ago

Reply to

Andy ********

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