Can I use a cheap one-year lease as a home base for my retirement visa while traveling through Thailand?

@Jim *******

Okay, I didn’t know that. But it’s only for when the original visa expires, and I can’t do it again the following year I assume? Just a one-off?

@Greg ********

Yes, once only. You then have the option to extend at an immigration office, or apply for a new OA and repeat the process for another two years

@Jim *******

Applying for a new OA sounds like the better way to go, but what are the downfalls of doing that, if any? And how does immigration know I bought another year of health insurance when I enter back into the country after the border bounce? I have to bring proof?

@Greg ********

There's no downfalls, other than the fact that you do need health insurance, and show proof, either a certificate from your home country insurance company, or one of those expensive jobs from Thailand.

@Jim *******

They have a list of required Thai insurance companies to choose from when you get the original OA. You don’t have to use those when extending? Also, I assume I’d have to go to my home country to reapply for a new OA on the evisa site? Sorry for all the questions.

@Greg ********

You can download the foreign insurance form from here

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@Jim *******

But if I apply in another country I wouldn’t be able to get the criminal background check that they ask for on the evisa website. I plan on going back home in 2 years anyway so that would work out. Ok thanks a lot.

@Greg ********

I don't know which country you're from, but in Australia, the police check is done online, there's no requirement to attend anywhere in person

@Greg ********

If you have an insurance policy in your home country and your insurance company is willing to sign the certificate, you can use that. Otherwise you're stuck with the Thai insurance company. And yes, you apply for the OA in your home country, although since introduction of eVisa in many countries, some people have reported they've been able to do this from other countries, although you have to show your flight details from your home country to Thailand