Answered3 years ago

Can my wife return to Thailand before her non OA visa expires and enter on a visa exemption?

NON-O visa NON-OA visa Thai visa rules visa exemption immigration process returning to Thailand

asked Oct 17, 2023

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My wife’s non OA will expire at the end of the month (31 Oct).  She’s not going to extend it and would change to apply for the non O.  She’s now not in Thailand.  

The question is: can she return before 31 Oct and tell the immigration officer that she’s not going to extend her non OA and ask the IO to stamp her in on visa exemption (her nationality entitles her to enter on visa exemption)?  Or she must wait till after 31 Oct then return? Thanks in advance.

Answer summary

The user is asking if their wife can return to Thailand before her non OA visa expires on October 31, and if she can request to enter on visa exemption instead of extending her current visa. Comments advise waiting until after the expiration date to re-enter and highlight the importance of having a valid re-entry permit.

13 repliesnewest first

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Ellie *******

@Simon ****

, you said she already applied extensions on her Non-OA and she is not in Thailand now. The the question for you is, does she have valid re-entry permit?

3 years ago

Simon *****

@Ellie ******

For her current non OA, yes, she has valid re-entry permit which also expires on 31 Oct.

3 years ago

Ellie *******

@Simon ****

, Thank you. That means if she enters Thailand on 31 Oct, she will be stamped for and until only that day.

There are reports of those who successfully were stamped in for visa-exempt when they had valid re-entry permits but told to officer they wanted to give up that and enter on visa-exempt.

Entering Thailand after 31 Oct is the easiest way as already mentioned, but it's your/her choice if you want to try that way.

3 years ago

Simon *****

@Ellie ******

Thank you very much for advising this additional piece of information. Think we will take the easiest and safest way.

3 years ago

James ********

WAIT until AFTER her current OA stamp ends October 31st to enter Thailand.

Is this her FIRST YEAR of the OA visa?

3 years ago

James ********

I believe that the OP has the answers to his question. We wish them success in their obtain the Non O Visa and One year extension of stay as retired. With one spouse as a TRAILING SPOUSE.

Comments Closed

3 years ago

Simon *****

@James *******

No, not the first year, has extended a few times already

James ********

James ********

are you now on the Non O extension of your stay as retired in Thailand ? If so, is it your plan for her to get the Non O Visa as a TRAILING SPOUSE? With no additional banked funds required..??

3 years ago

James ********

@Simon ****

you will have to leave Thailand to get the Non O Visa as a TRAILING SPOUSE... issued by the Thai Embassy in Penang.(as it's known to issue it).

Then go to your local Thai Immigration office to get the One year extension of stay as Married and as TRAILING SPOUSE with your ending date of stay to match that of your spouses.

There are other posts on the forum about the TRAILING SPOUSE.

Use the search 🔍 tool top of the forum page

ENTER the words TRAILING SPOUSE

CLICK on it and all posts about it will pop up to read the posts and replies of others.

Your question about the marriage certificate is a good One.... let's see what others reply.

3 years ago

Simon *****

@James *******

I am still on non OA. The plan is she gets the non O, then I apply for the non O as a trailing spouse.

This brings up my other question. Our marriage certificate was issued in Canada, instead of going back to Canada, can we get a Canadian law firm in Thailand or overseas (eg HK) to notarise it? Is it accepted by overseas Thai embassy/consulate when I apply for it?

3 years ago

James ********

If it is... she can get a second year of the OA by entering Thailand before the end of October 31. Just by showing proof of the health insurance policy for One added year.

3 years ago

Simon *****

@James *******

Thank you James.

3 years ago