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Do I need a re-entry stamp with a Non OA multi-entry visa if I leave Thailand for two months?
Non OA VisaRe-entry PermitMultiple Entry VisaVisa RegulationsThailand ImmigrationLong Stay VisaResidency CertificateDriving License Renewal
Sep 29, 2025
7 months ago
Pete *******
ORIGINAL POSTERHappy Monday all. Quick question. I have the Non OA with multi entry and I plan to leave Thai for around 2 months in oct. Do I need to get a re-entry stamp and if so how and where do I get it.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around whether a re-entry stamp is necessary for a Non OA visa holder with multiple entry privileges who plans to leave Thailand for two months. Respondents clarify that if the original visa is held, a re-entry permit isn't needed due to the multiple entry status. There is also mention of implications for a 'free year' and its recognition for residency and driving license purposes.
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Pete *******
ORIGINAL POSTERThanks, i asked as my companies global mobility team asking, they need me to go to Korea for 6 months
Pete *******
ORIGINAL POSTERI should be getting the new insurance certificate in November so should be ok, this is one reason for wanting the Non O, i have 1 year insurance through my old company as i was quoted 58,000 USD by insurance company due to previous cancer, been free of it since last November
Greg ***********
@Pete ******
if you want to change to the Non-O visa, you first need to invalidate the existing Non-O/A visa before you can apply for another visa type. This is not easy because in the first year, you just cannot invalidate it by exiting Thailand, because the multi re-entry permit keeps it alive. This means you have to wait abroad until the visa validity has expired, before you apply for the Non-O and re-enter Thailand on it. You need to open a Thai bank acocunt while you are in Thailand on the Non-O/A because this becomes crucial on the next stay on a Non-O visa.Reply to
Greg ***********
Reply
Nongnuch ********
@Pete ******
are you in the first year of the O/A visa? In the first year you don't need a re-entry permit, because there is a multi re-entry permit included in your visa. . . . . Or are you already in the second year, then you need to buy a re-entry permit. Or are you already on a 1-year Extension of Stay Permit out of a long expired O/A visa, then you also need to buy a re-entry permit for this one-year stay permitPete *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nongnuch *******
Hi, i am in the first year of the OA. Only arrived on 1 SeptNongnuch ********
@Pete ******
IMPORTANT !! . . . what you need to show upon re-entering Thailand after a stay abroad, if you are still within the one-year visa validity, is a NEW one-year health insurance. Because otherwise you will only be stamped in for the rest of the stay permit you recieved when you first entered Thailand on your O/A visa. You need a new 1-year insurance and have to present this insurance form and the F.I.C. to the border official, if you want to get stamped in for another 1-year stay permit.Nongnuch ********
@Pete ******
okay, so this means you got a multi re-entry included until the expiry date of the visa validity. Attention: this expiry date is NOT the same date as the expiry date of the 1-year stay permit you got stamped in on September 1. So as long as you enter before the expiry date of the visa (that's the date behind the text "visa must be used until" on the .pdf visa document) you will get stamped in for another 365-days, which however depends on how long your health insurance is carrying you, as you will get stamped in for not any longer than the expiry of the insurcance - OR for a maximum of 365 days. AFTER the expiry of the visa validity, you do not have a multi re-entry permit any more,. This means, that if you wish to travel and exit Thailand during the "second year" you need to buy a re-entry permit in order to keep the most recent stay permit stamp aliveReply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Glenn *******
Hello you have multiple entry you will be passing through an airport that's what multiple entry means
Frank **********
What do you think multi entry on your extension means? It mean you Already have a multiple entry stamp in your passport.
Nongnuch ********
@Frank *********
so far so well , , , , , but the real fact is, he won't get stamped back in for another year unless he shows a new health insurance F.I.C. valid for another year. His multi re-entry permit is only good until the expiry of the validity of the visa, and it only allows him to return and getting stamped back in for the duration of the initially stamped (first year) stay permitReply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Yeo **********
Oh...didn't know i can get re-entry for the free year. Any idea whether the 'free year' will be recognised as long stay visa for application of residency certificate for driving licence renewal?
Graham ******
@Yeo *********
Yes it will as it's a 12 month stamp (or up to the end of your insurance)Yeo **********
@Graham *****
thanks. Shall try later this yearReply to
Yeo **********
Reply
Nongnuch ********
@Yeo *********
thee is nothing such as a "free year"Reply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Roberto *********
If you're still on the original visa, you won't need a re-entry permit. If you're on the second "free year" you will
Pete *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Roberto ********
thanks RobertoReply to
Pete *******
Reply
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