Answered5 years ago

Can I switch from an O-A visa to a Non-O visa while in Thailand, and what happens to my extension when I leave and return?

O-A Visa Non-O Visa Visa Extension Re-entry Permit Thailand Visa Rules Retirement Visa

Timothy **********

asked Sep 5, 2021

1.5k

views

replies

likes

I have a O-A VISA and would love to change to a Non O visa but know I can’t without leaving Thailand so I need to renew my O-A visa again for the second time and was wondering when I am able to leave and return to Thailand do I get stamped in for another year on a extension OA or is that only when you are on the original OA visa?

Answer summary

The user is seeking information on changing their O-A visa to a Non-O visa while in Thailand. They want to know about renewing their O-A visa and the implications of exiting and re-entering Thailand, particularly regarding the extension of stay and the re-entry permit. Responses indicate that exiting Thailand and returning does not grant additional time on the O-A visa if a re-entry permit is used. The user also questions whether they can cancel their O-A visa before expiration to switch to a Non-O visa, aiming to bypass the insurance requirement.

7 repliesnewest first

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Timothy **********

Thank you Benjamin. Do you know if I can cancel the O-A before it expires if I leave Thailand and want to return and get a Non O visa. My desire is to switch to Non O visa to eliminate the insurance requirement. I have been here for over two years and can meet the bank requirements in Thailand just can’t see way to switch to Non O.

5 years ago

Timothy **********

Thanks Bobby, that’s what I did last time I renewed the OA for the insurance requirements. I actually am considering doing a Covid extension now but not sure about when I want to leave and of course the COVID extension may go away at anytime.

5 years ago

Bobby ********

Timothy O'Herron. At 1900 baht every two months involving two visits to immigration, that's

*****

baht per year for the covid cash cow. The 7700 for insurance involving one trip to immigration is a bargain!

5 years ago

Bobby ********

Timothy O'Herron. You can get a cheap insurance with a high deduction in order to tick the insurance box. Around 7700 baht. If you're considering leaving/re-entering simply to change visa, it's financial lunacy to put it lightly. However, if you are leaving anyway and coming back it makes sense.

5 years ago

Timothy **********

Thank you everyone. I thought the O-A was a great idea when I got a little over 2 years ago then the insurance requirement was put in and next came COVID.

5 years ago

Bobby ********

Timothy O'Herron. You simply leave on your extension without getting a re-entry permit. The extension is then dead. You can then reenter on a tourist visa and set up the non-O (50+) during the validity of the tourist visa

5 years ago

Benjamin ******

IF you get an extension of stay based on retirement, *AND* you get a re-entry permit, you *WILL NOT* get any "extra" time when you return to Thailand. The re-entry permit keeps your current "admitted to" stamp alive.

5 years ago