Answered5 years ago

Do I need to leave Thailand to change a retirement visa to a Non-O visa based on marriage?

Retirement Visa Non-O Visa Visa Change Procedures Thailand Immigration Expats Marriage Visa

Jim *************

asked Jan 31, 2022

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Thanks for the invite,appreciated. Would I need to leave Thailand to change retirement visa to Non 0 based on marriage.Thanks in advance

Answer summary

The user inquired about whether they need to leave Thailand to convert their retirement visa to a Non-O visa based on marriage. Community members clarified the different types of visas, suggesting that prior extensions might allow a change in status without exiting the country, but emphasized the importance of knowing the specific visa type currently held. One commenter mentioned the possibility of a visa run to Cambodia as a cost-effective option.

14 repliesnewest first

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Marty *********

I thought you could extend an OA the first time as retirement and then for subsequent extensions it could be for reason of marriage.

5 years ago

Jim *************

@Marty ********

Thans Marty been coming Thailand for many years but only on tourist visas.I am clueless about other visas I got told last year I may have to leave and apply for married visa I have not looked into it yet I am waiting for covid situation to calm down the rules seem to change from week to week

5 years ago

Robert *******

@Jim ************

Visa rules did not change due to covid.

You applied for the Non Immigrant O-A visa with extra requirements like insurance.

You never could

change that into a Non Immigrant O visa

5 years ago

Marty *********

@John *********

Also, my understanding is that if I extend as married then the insurance requirement no longer applies.

I am currently on my 4th extension of my OA as a retiree. I am married to a Thai but I am choosing to continue to extend as retired. It is a much easier process in my opinion. I have the money in the bank and the insurance but I always have the option to transition to a marriage extension.

5 years ago

Ellie *******

@John *********

, Not directly from his Non-OA stamp. He needs to apply for the first extension as being over 50, meeting the requirements from Non-OA. Once he is on extension, he can apply for the next one based on being married to a Thai.

5 years ago

John **********

@Robert ******

but could he be able get an extension for the purposes of marriage of his Non-OA, albeit the other requirements such as insurance etc remain?

5 years ago

James ********

A visa run to Cambodia may prove cost effective for you.

5 years ago

Ellie *******

You entered Thailand on Non-OA.. are you still on entry stamp or did you apply for an extension of stay after you entered (for what reason)?

5 years ago

Ellie *******

@Jim ************

,

1. If you are on entry stamp from Non-OA, you have two options

- apply for an extension being over 50 once then apply for an extension being married to a Thai next time (no need to leave Thailand)

- Leave Thailand and comeback on TR or Non-O marriage

2. if you are on an extension being 50 already

- you can apply for an extension being married to a Thai next time (no need to leave Thailand)

3. If you are on the extension being unable to travel due to Covid

... this, I don't know if you can go straight to an extension being married to a Thai, or you have to apply for being over 50.. Like number 1 above.

5 years ago

Jim *************

@Ellie ******

Thank you Ellie appreciated

5 years ago

Robert *******

What do you call a retirement visa?

Did you enter Thailand using a Non Immigrant O visa based on being over 50 years of age?

Or

Did you enter Thailand using a Non Immigrant O-A (Long Stay) visa?

OR

Did you enter Thailand using a Non Immigrant O-X visa?

OR

Did you enter without visa or Tourist Visa and converted at Immigration to a Non Immigrant O visa based on being over 50 years of age?

Lots of things are called retirement visa, it seems easy but impossible to guess which one is really the visa used.

5 years ago

Robert *******

Than the only option is to leave the country and start all over again with a new Non Immigrant O visa based on marriage.

5 years ago