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.
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.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.