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Can I switch my Tourist Visa to a Non-Immigrant O Spouse Visa while in Thailand?

Tourist Visa Non-Immigrant O Visa Visa Application Process Thai Spouse Visa Bank Account Requirements Immigration Rules Thailand

Oct 6, 2025

2 months ago

BaBa *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Dear friends, is it possible to Switch my Tourist Visa based on Visiting my Thai Spouse, to Non Immigrant O spouse Visa while staying in Thailand, or it is mandatory to travel outside Thailand and apply for the Non O visa? Someone told me I can switch without leaving Thailand but still not sure, Experts please give advice. THANKS

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The question of whether one can switch from a Tourist Visa to a Non-Immigrant O Visa while staying in Thailand has garnered various insights. It is generally possible to switch without leaving Thailand if you have a Thai bank account containing the required funds (400,000 THB). If you do not have a bank account, you may need to exit Thailand to apply for the Non-O visa in a neighboring country. Some recommend using an agent if you lack a bank account and do not wish to travel. Overall, having a bank account is critical for a smooth transition.

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.

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Terry ***********

It’s a horrible catch 22 situation on tourist visa exempt, no visa, no bank account. No bank account, no non o visa. I wish that I had applied for my visa before leaving Australia, in the end I went to Laos to make it happen.

a month ago

Chris *******

The simple answer is:

Only if you have a Thai bank account and 400k in it AND still have time left on your entry stamp, usually at least 15 days.

2 months ago

Pete *******

Yes if you have already a Thai bank account.

Yes if you don’t have a Thai bank account and employ an agent.

No if you don’t have a Thai bank account and you don’t want to use an agent.

2 months ago

Pertti *************

Easiest way is you fly to example laos and apply visa there and go immigration in your district and get letter to open bank account, open account and deposit 400k and apply extension of staying in kingdom before your initial visa expires👍

2 months ago

Jesper *******

If u already have a thai bank acct then the answer is YES...u can bankin the requirement funds and apply for the nonO inside thailand....if u do not have a thai bank acct den u need to apply the nonO outside thailand with overseas funds and travel to thailand after approval to open a thai bank acct......currently its almost impossible to open a thai bank acct with tourist visa

2 months ago

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Jesper *******

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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

How can I switch from a Non O-A visa to a Non O visa while in Thailand, and what is the process for applying from nearby countries?

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