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Do I need to cancel my current work permit before applying for a retirement non-immigrant O visa in Thailand?

Non-Immigrant O Visa Work Permit Cancellation Retirement Visa Visa Application Process Thailand Immigration Rules

May 7, 2025

2 days ago

Debbie ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

If you have experienced this, please advise: 

I have received conflicting advice so need to hear from those who have actually done this or are legal experts on this. 

Does one have to cancel the current work permit on a Non-Imm. O visa BEFORE making an application for the retirement non-Imm 'O' visa?

Does the termination date of current work have to be on the date of application or before (if WP cancellation has to be done before application, then of cos, it will be before).

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is seeking clarification on whether they need to cancel their current work permit associated with a Non-Immigrant O visa before applying for a retirement Non-Immigrant O visa. They have received conflicting information and want advice from those with experience or legal expertise on the matter. Additionally, they inquire if the termination date of the current work must align with the application date for the new visa.

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Stuart *********

The use of terminology in this case is crucial. Do you have a Non O visa? Or do you have a stamp in your passport that says “extension of stay” - that was originally based off a Non O visa? Correct answers will depend on that.

2 days ago

Debbie ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

extension of stay based off a Non-O visa as a volunteer.

2 days ago

Stuart *********

@Debbie *****

In theory you should be able to change the reason, but probably best to check with your office for their rules on procedures.

You would almost certainly need to cancel the volunteer extension with paperwork from the foundation and then immediately apply for an extension based on being over 50.

2 days ago

Stuart *********

@Debbie *****

Ok. You can’t change a Non O visa to a different type of Non O visa, but you can change an extension of stay based on one reason to another.

That said I’m not sure about an extension based on a volunteer Non O. It’s probably going to be office dependent as to whether it could happen in country.

2 days ago

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Stuart *********

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Do I need to cancel my work visa if my work permit expires soon while leaving Thailand?

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