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Can I switch from an OA retirement visa to an O retirement visa by leaving Thailand without a re-entry permit?

OA Visa O Visa Retirement Visa Visa Extension Visa Requirements Visa Exempt Entry Conversion of OA to Non-O Thailand Immigration American Citizens in Thailand

Jul 22, 2022

3 years ago

Steven ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I have about 1 month left on my OA multi-entry retirement VISA extension. I've been here 3 years.  I want to switch to an O retirement VISA to avoid the insurance requirement.  If I leave the country,  without obtaining a re-entry permit, is my VISA automatically canceled when I leave? If I then return to Thailand, after a few days holiday, will I be stamped in as VISA exempt for 30 days so that I can then begin the process of applying for the O retirement VISA within country? I am an American citizen. Are there any other options? Any "gotchas" I need to worry about? Thanks.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user has about one month left on their OA multi-entry retirement visa and wishes to switch to a Non-O retirement visa to avoid insurance requirements. They inquire whether leaving Thailand without a re-entry permit will automatically cancel their visa, and if they can return to Thailand on a visa-exempt basis for 30 days before applying for the Non-O visa. Community responses confirm that leaving without a re-entry permit cancels the current extension, and suggest border bouncing for a quick visa switch, while also discussing potential options for applying from nearby countries.

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Steve ********

Check to see if any of the consulates in the US issue the five year OX visa without having to transfer funds to Thailand. As far as I'm aware only the Sydney consulate facilitates this, but it's worthwhile looking into. Five years without having to extend is a good deal!

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James ********

The OX not available in the USA without the required funds on deposit in Thailand...... Only seen in Australia.

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James ********

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Tod *********

@Steven *******

listen the easiest and quickest way to do this is to "border bounce" without a re-entry permit OR if you have a re-entry permit on the date that stamp runs out

Stamp back in to thailand, to get a 30 day visa exempt entry stamp THEN immediately get your sh*t together and apply for the in country Non-O visa at the immigration office where you live for 2000baht. That way you don't have to fool with what the requirements at this or that thai consulate are OR if you meet them or not. Just get OFF the OA visa/extension/entry stamp and back in on a 30 day visa exempt entry

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Malcolm *************

Thats exactly what I'm going to do later this year when my OA visa expires 👍🏻

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Steven ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you. I came to the same conclusion.

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Steven ********

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James ********

I have placed the TOPIC

Conversion of the OA visa to Non O for Retirement on your post.

CLICK on it and all posts about it will pop up to read.

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Richard *********

you need to have the 800,000 in your bank for min 30 days to get a single non O in nearby embassies>

NOTE the link above to the embassy in Vietnam is ONLY issuing the

on-Immigrant Visa “O-A” (Long Stay) NOT the O:

And. look at 1.4

"Eligibility

1.1 Applicant must be aged 50 years and over (on the day of submitting application).

1.2 Applicant not prohibited from entering the Kingdom as provided by the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979).

1.3 Having no criminal record in Thailand and the country of the applicant’s nationality or residence.

1.4 Having the nationality of or Vietnamese permanent resident status in the country where applicant’s application is submitted."

the embassy in Phnom Pehn is issuing the non O

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Steven ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Richard ********

Thank you. Looks like i will be going the Visa Exemption route and extending it if I require more time.

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James ********

@Richard ********

which Thai Embassy are you referring to?

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Richard *********

Cambodia.

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James ********

@Richard ********

thank you . As you will find the SE Asian Thai Embassy's or Consulates have varied requirements for the Visas they are offering to Expats.

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James ********

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Steven ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you. I will have a look.

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James ********

@Steven *******

I have placed the TOPIC of Laos on your post...

CLICK on it and all posts about it will pop up to read. Both Savannakhet and Vientiane Laos.

Read their Thai Embassy or Consulate websites for their requirements for the Non O Visa as retiree. AND check to see if they require advance appointment to visit the Thai Embassy or Consulate.

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Steven ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks again

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Steven ********

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James ********

@Steven *******

The advice given is by Moderator

is spot on... wise to get the Non O outside of Thailand.

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James ********

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Lloyd ********

If you apply in Thailand you would have to prove that the 800k came from abroad

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Steven ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I think i am ok on that. I've had the 800k in the account since the beginning. All monies came from abroad and have the correct transaction code.

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Steven ********

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Lloyd ********

Yes, if you leave without a re-entry permit your current extension would be cancelled. Go to maybe Laos and apply for a single entry Non-O based on being over 50 and then extend here as normal.

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Lloyd ********

******************************************

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Richard *********

did u look at requirements for this:

1.4 .4 Having the nationality of or Vietnamese permanent resident status in the country where applicant’s application is submitted.

PLUS its a Non O-A not an O

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Richard *********

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Steven ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I was thinking of a short 3 day holiday in Ho Chi Minh. I hear it's nice. Can I apply for the non-O based on being over 50 in Vietnam as well? I assume I need to go to the Thai embassy there? Can it be completed in the 3 days?

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Steven ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I just found that only Vietnamese citizens can apply for O Visa in HCM. I've decided to just come back VISA Exempt.

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Nathan *****

@Steven *******

there’s no appointment till mid august for hcm

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Nathan *****

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