Can I switch from a Non-Imm O-A visa to a married O visa directly in Thailand?

Nov 4, 2020
4 years ago
Tony ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello All,

I am living in Thailand with my wife who is Thai.

I presently have a Non-Imm O-A visa ( issued in Los Angeles ) with a BKK immigration date stamp of 15 Jan 2020. So it is almost time to re-apply.

My question is can I go straight to a married O visa or must I apply for a retirement O type visa first and then change to the married visa. I am aware of the financial requirements for both and they are already in the bank. I am 72 years of age.

I also realize that I need to apply for new health insurance. Any info on companies that are on the list that Thai Immigration hands out?

Thanks in advance.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user currently holds a Non-Imm O-A visa and wants to know if they can directly switch to a married O visa without first applying for a retirement O visa. Comments indicate that switching directly to a married O visa is possible and can be done in Thailand without needing to first obtain a retirement visa. However, additional paperwork may be required. It is also noted that maintaining health insurance is advisable, regardless of visa requirements, especially given the user's age.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
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Albert ********
I believe as long as you were officially married in Thailand
Kool *******
Yes, you can change to a type O extension based on marriage. There is allot more paperwork, but it gives you the, if you want, ability to legally work. You can not do this under a retirement extension. Even volunteering at the temple could get you in trouble on a retirement extension. If things don't work out you can change back to a retirement extension, but instead of a type OA, you can get a plain type O retirement extension. It is good to have insurance whether the visa extension requires it or not. To reduce the high premiums at your age and beyond, you can get a cheaper inpatient major catastrophe policy, then get a much cheaper accident policy through your bank. I save over US$1000 doing it this way, and still have the same basic coverage.
Bobby ********
You cannot covert from OA to O retirement, but should be able to go to O marriage. Enquire at your immigration office. Also consider keeping insurance going. It is possible all long stay visas will need insurance in the future. Whilst you have it at your age you can keep renewing up to 99 years. If you let it lapse now, no insurer will take you on once you're past 75. It's not at scary as some people make out.
Michael ********
I just went to do extension as came in July and because had enough money they said i could do either visa marriage or retirement. I came in on marriage
Paul *******
@Michael *******
.Yes under marriage, less funds have to be shown, than under retirement.
Michael ********
@Paul ******
yes i am fully aware of that. They said benefit of retirement is no home visit. But as myself and the person who asked question both have sufficient funds for either.
Paul *******
You can go straight to the non 'O' visa based on marriage. And you can get it in Thailand. Alternatively you could just re- extend your current extension for another 12 months . But with the 'O' visa, health insurance is not compulsory. Unlike the O.A visa
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