Can I switch from a non-OA visa to a non-O visa upon re-entering Thailand after my OA visa expires?

Non-OA Visa Visa on Arrival Non-O Visa Thailand Immigration Re-entry Visa Financial Requirements for Visa Expats in Thailand

Sep 20, 2022

2 years ago

Joe ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi all.  I left Thailand in April with plans to return in July.  I have a non OA visa.  I got a re-entry stamp when I left.  I had to extend my stY in the U.S. and currently have flight reservations to return on Sept. 25th.  Problem is my OA expires on Sept. 20.  I am hoping to come back on a "visa on arrival" visa if that's possible and convert to non O.  Is this a feasible approach?  Do I need to do anything in the U.S. before leaving?  BTW, I have a thai ID card and house book and necessary income/funds to meet that requirement.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The individual is facing an issue with their non OA visa expiring before their planned return to Thailand. They initially left Thailand with a re-entry stamp but will arrive after the expiration date of their visa. The discussion highlights that a visa on arrival is not applicable for US citizens; instead, they will receive a visa exempt stamp that allows a 30-day stay, which can be extended for another 30 days. However, switching to a non O visa requires meeting specific financial documentation, including demonstrating the source of funds. Additionally, other considerations are discussed, such as the practicality of costs associated with visa transitions and traveling plans.

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Bonnie *******

How long are you planning on staying this time? If you plan to leave again within a few months maybe just do the 45 days and extend. As you know getting the retirement visa and paying for a reentry stamp costs some money. If you are planning on hopping in and out it's a waste of your money

2 years ago

Joe ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Bonnie ******

Thailand is my permanent home. I'll only be leaving to visit relatives and friends in the US maybe once a year or less. So, the 45 day visa won't do it for me. Thanks.

2 years ago

Bonnie *******

@Joe *****

we are here on a retirement visa as well. We do like to travel so if we leave again we may not do the retirement visa. It may be better to extend and leave once in a while

2 years ago

Reply to

Bonnie *******

Thai ******

@Bonnie ******

45 day doesn't start till October, so that won't help the OP.

2 years ago

Reply to

Thai ******

Kool *******

You won't enter on a visa on arrival, as that is not applicable to the US. You'll get a visa exempt stamp good for 30 days, that you can extend for another 30 days. I will assume you already have a Thai bank account in your name only as you've been living here before. Being you're letting the OA visa expire, and switching to a type O based on retirement after you get here, you are basically starting over from scratch, and as such you will be required to show that your bt800,000 in your Thai bank account came from a direct transfer from overseas in order to meet the initial financial requirement. For the bt65,000+ income a month method you must show 12 months of direct transfers of at least bt65,000 each month from an overseas source, as the US embassy no longer issues income statements. This might be the only problem I can see you might face. Just remember that there must be at least 15 days left on your entry date stamp in order to apply. Your Thai ID card means nothing unless you are a naturalized Thai citizen. If you own a condo then your house book is relevant, but only if you own a condo.

2 years ago

Joe ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Kool ******

I understand I will be starting from scratch. I moved to Thailand in Sept 2019 and never left until this spring to sort out my affairs and house in the U. S. I do have an individual bank account in Thailand and transferable least 65k baht each month. Some months I didn't do a transfer when the exchange rate wasn't favorable but made it up a little later. I also have more than 800k baht in the bank, all of which will show as transfer from my U.S. bank (as a foreign transfer) so the financial aspect shouldn't be a problem. Are any of the other requirents for the OA applicable to the O? Like background check or health certificate?

Thanks so much for your help and timely response.

2 years ago

Kool *******

@Joe *****

The way you've done your bt65,000+ a month transfers will not qualify, as the bt65,000+ has to be transferred every month. You can not miss a month, and make it up the next month. It is no longer a yearly average for each month. It must be bt65,000+ every single month. No exceptions. Your bt800,000+ in your Thai bank account will work though. The background check might be required depending on which immigration office you use, but there is no health check. There is also no health insurance requirement.

2 years ago

Reply to

Kool *******

Michelle *********

Starting Oct 1st, 30 day visa exempt will be 45 days.

2 years ago

Bonnie *******

@Michelle ********

still important to long term plans

2 years ago

Kool *******

@Michelle ********