Do I need a re-entry permit for a Non-Immigrant O-A Longstay visa when entering Thailand after leaving?

Question

I have multiple Non-Immigrant O Visa (O-A Longstay 1 year) issued by Royal Thai Embassy in Finland. Visa expiration date is 28 October 2026.

I asked the embassy in Finland if I can enter Thailand by 28 Oct 2026 without a re-entry permit (I don’t have one and didn’t think to apply it when I left the Kingdom May 1st).

Embassy answered: ”If you arrive/entry in Thailand while your visa still valid, the period of stay granted upon arrival is subject to the consideration of the Immigration Officer at the port of entry. Please ensure that you have valid health insurance coverage that meets the requirements for your stay in Thailand.”

Does the Embassy’s answer mean that I do not need a re-entry permit for this type of visa?

I understand that the Immigration Officer can deny my entry for some reason. I’ve never overstayed and always have arrived with proper visa (tourist visa mostly once a year and this is my second  Non-Immigrant O Visa (O-A Longstay 1 year).

I entered Thailand first time with this current visa Nov 2025 and stayed until end of April 2026.

I have a valid travel insurance for my next intented period of stay, a return flight ticket, local bank account and condo in my name but I still feel a bit nervous about the discretion of the Immigration Officer upon arrival.

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is seeking clarification on whether they need a re-entry permit for their Non-Immigrant O-A Longstay Visa to re-enter Thailand after having left the country. They have received responses indicating that the type of visa (Non-O vs Non-OA) matters, as the former may not require a re-entry permit depending on the circumstances. Additionally, valid health insurance and the discretion of the Immigration Officer at the port of entry are important considerations.

Lynnette ******* · Answer

You have a Non OA? So not a Non-O. You need to clarify which.

John ********** · Answer

A Non-O and a Non-OA are 2 distinctly different visas. Which one do you actually have. It's really not clear as you need health insurance for the Non-OA visa, travel insurance is no good.

If you have a 12 month extension based on a Non-O and didn't get a re-entry permit you need to start over with a new Non-O visa.

If you have a 12 month Non-OA visa that is still valid you will get stamped in for 12 months or the duration of your health insurance whichever is soonest

Do I need a re-entry permit for a Non-Immigrant O-A Longstay visa when entering Thailand after leaving?

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