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Can you switch from a Non OA visa to a Non O visa after the first year in Thailand?

Jun 23, 2025
3 days ago
Simon *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
If you start the first year with a Non OA visa, how easy is it to transfer the second year to a Non O visa.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
You cannot transfer from a Non OA visa to a Non O visa while remaining in Thailand. The Non OA visa allows for an extended stay (up to two years) if you meet certain conditions, such as having medical insurance. Once that period is over, you must leave Thailand and re-enter on a visa exemption or tourist visa before applying for a Non O visa. Alternatively, you can apply for the Non O visa at a Thai consulate while outside Thailand.
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Simon *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Many thanks for the comments , cleared it up for me. Much appreciated
David *******
Possible using an agent.
Andy ************
@David ******
Agent can't do anything with this
John **********
The only way to get off a Non-OA is to wait until it expires. So either leave Thailand on the last day its valid and return to Thailand the following day on a visa exempt entry and go and apply for a Non-O at your local immigration office by meeting the requirements. If you are on the 2nd year you can get out of that visa leave anytime during that 2nd year without a re-entry permit and come back visa exempt as above. Or while out of Thailand you can apply for the Non-O at the Thai consulate that serves whatever country you are in
Jan ******************
You can never change a Non O-A to a Non O visa, but you’ll get a two years stay on a Non O-A.

After two years you can apply for an Extension of Stay on the same condition as for the regular Non O, but you maintain the mandatory Thai health insurance requirement as well.
Stuart *********
You can’t. With a Non OA you can get almost 2 years from the original visa if you enter just before it finishes and you have medical insurance.

After that you’d have to leave and enter on an exempt or tourist visa and convert to a Non O (or enter on a new Non O).

You can’t switch over in country.
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