Can I switch from a Non-OA extension to a Non-O visa by exiting and re-entering Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption?

Non-O Visa Visa Exemption Extension of Stay Thailand Immigration Health Insurance requirements Expat in Thailand Visa Types

May 29, 2024

7 months ago

Chris *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi all, I'm currently on a yearly extension of non o-a, with the relevant tgia health insurance. This extension and insurance expires at the end of next month. Looking at the costs of the insurance, it gone through the roof as i changed age brackets, so i am planning to change to a non-o.

 My question is, can i literally just fly out of the country, and back in the same day? And stamped in for 30 day visa exempt, ( and then start my non-o process. I have relevant financial in place )

Thanks in advance (hope my terminology makes sense 🙂)

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Yes, you can exit Thailand and re-enter on a 30-day visa exemption to switch from your Non-OA extension to a Non-O visa. After re-entry, gather your documentation and apply for the in-country Non-O visa, which can lead to a yearly extension. This strategy is common among those looking to avoid mandatory insurance requirements that come with the Non-OA visa.

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Tod *********

You can indeed exit/re-enter the country (either by air or land), to get OFF the OA extension you currently have, come in on a 30 day visa exempt entry.

Then you'd get your documents together, go to your immigration office and apply for the in country 90 day Non-O visa and after that the year extension.

People do that process a lot to get off the punitive mandatory insurance that OA visa/extensions entail.

You don't mention where you are in the country, but at most offices you can apply for the in country Non-O visa when you have sufficient time on either a 30 day visa exempt or a 60 day tourist visa entry stamp (usually between 15 and 21 days depending on the office)

7 months ago

Chris *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

I'm in hua hin

7 months ago

Tod *********

@Chris ********

shouldn't have any problem, Immigrations in Hua Hin can indeed issue 90 day Non-O visas.

Before you bounce out and back go to the immigration office and get the hand out listing the required documents/copies to apply for the initial 90 day Non-O visa.

Then you know what to do once you come in on that 30 day visa exempt entry

7 months ago

Chris *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

thanks so much, so. I could effectively drive to Kanchanaburi phu nam ron, step out and straight back in? 🙏

7 months ago

Tod *********

@Chris ********

Umm, nope that'd be a giant fail 🙁

That border with Burma at Phu Nam Ron/Htee Khee has been closed since the covid lock downs 🙁

7 months ago

Chris *********

ORIGINAL POSTER