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Can I leave Thailand while waiting for my Non-Immigrant O-A (retirement) Visa?

May 31, 2025
2 days ago
Steve ***
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi all

If you are on a 90-day Non-Immigrant Visa and have been in Thailand for 2 months with the 800,000 in the bank and you have just applied for the Non-Immigrant O-A (retirement Visa),

Can you leave Thailand whilst waiting?

Do you have to be back in Thailand to receive the Visa?

What happens if you are still out of the country when the visa comes through?

Thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user inquires about the process of leaving Thailand while waiting for a Non-Immigrant O-A (retirement) Visa after applying from a 90-day Non-Immigrant Visa. Responses clarify that you typically cannot apply for a Non-O-A visa within Thailand and must apply from your home country. However, you can leave Thailand with a re-entry permit while your extension or application is processed, as long as you return by any stipulated date from immigration. If you fail to return by this date, you would have to restart the visa application process.
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.
Brandon ************
Your question doesn't make sense because you can only apply for a non-OA visa in your home country through a Thai embassy.

If you entered with a 90 day non-O then the only thing you can apply for while on that is a 1-year extension. Not for a visa, an extension. Not a non-O or a non-OA, an extension.

When you apply for a retirement extension there is not normally any waiting period. The extension is granted same day or next day.

IF for some reason the immigration office gives you an under consideration period, they will stamp your passport with a date to return. You must return on that date to get your full stamp. You can leave before then as long as you purchase a re-entry permit and as long as you return by that date. If you're not back, then you lose it and have to start over from scratch.
Nate ***********
Also I'd be careful about making moves like that in recent events Thailand has been strickening its immigration laws and also stuff related to banking but if you're coming here just to enjoy your time and maybe see the rest of Southeast Asia along with it I hope you have safe travels and bless you
Garrett ***********
Non-OA can only be applied for in your home country. Assuming you're on your initial Non-O, yes you can leave the country but you need to buy a reentry permit.
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