Can I obtain a non-O visa in Thailand if my children are over 20?

Nov 10, 2024
3 days ago
Ian *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I haven’t had an O visa for a long time as my stays have only been 1 month at a time.

Can I still get one as my 2 kids are there and they are 20 and 23yr old. I’ve not been able to see my son as he’s been doing 2 years national service in the Thai army and just got out. Someone said I needed 400k but I never needed that before!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the eligibility for a NON-O visa in Thailand, particularly for a parent with children who are over 20 years old. It clarifies that a NON-O visa cannot be obtained based solely on having adult Thai children. Instead, possible alternatives include applying for a retirement visa if the individual is over 50 years old or a marriage visa if they have a Thai spouse. The conversation also touches on the practicality of managing short-term stays with visa exemptions and extensions.
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.
Ian *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ok thanks seems bizarre as they don’t stop being your kids at 20 lol. Anyway I’m divorced and I haven’t got 20k to sit in a Thai bank. I guess if I come for 6 months I’ll just do visa exempt and extension twice leaving for a few weeks in between.
Brandon ************
@Ian ********
the visa isn't for having children. It's for being their guardian. They are considered adults at 20 and therefore don't need a guardian.
Ian *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
makes sense I suppose.
Stuart *********
You can’t get a visa based on having Thai kids as they are over 20. If you have a Thai wife you can get a visa based on that. Alternatively if you are over 50 you can get a visa based on that.
Matt ******
@Stuart ********
that seems so shitty that you can't get a visa based on having kids here no matter what age they are
Stuart *********
@Matt *****
Well the visa/extension is based on being a “Custodian to a Thai Child”. Once they turn 20 they are no longer considered a child.
Matt ******
@Stuart ********
ah yeah. Still you are family, i think they need to be easier on a few things here
Ian *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Matt *****
I agree especially as I’ve had to support my son whilst he’s been in the army doing national service on a derisory salary. He was learning to be an electrician before he went in.
Brandon ************
If you're over 50 you can get a non-O retirement visa. If you have a Thai wife you can get a non-O based on marriage.
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