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Do I need to leave Thailand to activate my Non-O visa after applying for it?

Sep 27, 2025
11 days ago
Sanne *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hey everyone 🙏☺️

I arrived here on a visa exempt. I will apply here at immigration for a non o visa based of visiting family (my thai hustband)

Do anyone know what happends when I get the visa. Do I have to leave Thailand and come back for the non o visa to be activated? And if so, can I just boarder bounce? By plane? Or have to stay outside thailand a certain days?

Also when its approved, if I do have to leave, how fast after its approved to I have to leave?

Thank so much in advance and i am grateful for any help 🫶
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user inquired about the activation of a Non-O visa after applying for it based on visiting family in Thailand. They asked if they need to leave Thailand for the visa to be activated and whether they can simply border bounce, as well as how soon after approval they need to leave if required. Commenters clarified that it is possible to convert to a Non-O visa within Thailand without needing to exit the country.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
สก็อต *********
Did you register the marriage in Thailand . I’m in the same boat but not yet got my cert for marriage in Thailand
Sanne *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@สก็อต ********
we got married in Tvailand 🙏☺️
Shane *********
It is much easier than that
Brandon ************
If you convert to non-O visa in Thailand, you will receive the stamp immediately in your passport. You will not need to leave Thailand.
Jim *******
@Brandon ***********
I doubt this is possible at the Jomtien office. So where is it possible, somewhere in the sticks of Issan?
Fortune ************
@Jim ******
Is there something wrong with the Isaan???? 🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮
Graham ******
@Jim ******
Why do you doubt it?
Marianne ********
@Jim ******
I did this in Bangkok. Doubt Jomtien will have a problem with it. It's a pretty standard process.
Jim *******
@Jim ******
Isan is 25 milion people, more than from Zurich, Vienna down to Athens. More respect, please. The sticks are in your head.
Pete *******
@Jim ******
I went from visa exempt entry to Non-O at Jomtien office, not an issue.
Jim *******
@Pete ******
Really? I'd like to know more, can I message you?
Pete *******
Sanne *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
great news! Thank you so much 🙏☺️
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