Answered2 years ago

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

NON-O visa Thai visa regulations visa extension immigration expat advice family visas

Ian *********

asked Nov 10, 2024

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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!

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.

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Ian *********

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.

2 years ago

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.

2 years ago

Ian *********

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

makes sense I suppose.

2 years ago

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.

2 years ago

Matt ******

@Stuart ********

that seems so shitty that you can't get a visa based on having kids here no matter what age they are

2 years ago

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.

2 years ago

Ian *********

@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.

2 years ago

Matt ******

@Stuart ********

ah yeah. Still you are family, i think they need to be easier on a few things here

2 years ago

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.

2 years ago