Answereda year ago

Do I need to leave Thailand to renew my Non O-A visa stamp, and how can I switch to a Non O visa?

Non O-A visa Non O visa TM30 Visa extension Visa regulations in Thailand Medical insurance

Pete *******

asked Sep 9, 2025

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Good morning.  I have just arrived on a Non O-A visa and have done my first visit to immigration for the TM30. As my current medical insurance expires 31 Dec I was only stamped in until then, insurance will be renewed sometime in November. Will I still have to fly out and back in order to get another year stamp?   How easy is it  to change to Non O visa which saves the insurance requirement?

Answer summary

After arriving on a Non O-A visa, you will need to leave Thailand and re-enter to obtain a full year stamp if your medical insurance expires at the end of December. It is not possible to convert directly from a Non O-A visa to a Non O visa; however, once your Non O-A visa expires, you can choose to enter on a new Non O visa or, if eligible, obtain a visa-exempt entry.

13 repliesnewest first

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Rodger ********

No 800k ,1st yr. Then you transfer 65k per month after renewal

It's either

a year ago

Pete *******

@Rodger *******

thanks Rodger.

a year ago

Stuart *********

You would have to bounce out (doesn’t have to be by plane) and re-enter to get the full year stamp.

You can’t convert to an O from an OA. When your OA is done then you can leave and return on a new Non O or if your passport permits a visa exempt stamp and convert to a Non O in country.

a year ago

Pete *******

@Stuart ********

thanks. I plan on opening a bank account this week and will drop the 800k in as well. I will Also be transferring in about 80k a month for living expenses.

On the Non OA do I need the 800k as well as 65k /monthly?

a year ago

Pete *******

@Stuart ********

your a mine of information Stuart. Many thanks

a year ago

Stuart *********

@Pete ******

On the OA you don’t need any funds. You have the visa already.

Stuart *********

Yes

Pete *******

I see thanks Stuart, much appreciated. Am I able to get a Thai driving licence on the OA as well?

a year ago

Pete *******

@Stuart ********

thanks Stuart. When you say convert to Non O in country is that done through the Local immigration office? (British national). Non OA was done in South Africa where I was working and resident

a year ago

Stuart *********

@Pete ******

Yes you enter visa exempt and when you have 30 days left (some offices allow 45 days) you apply to convert to a Non O at your local immigration office. Cost is 2,000 baht.

You do need to have the 800k in a Thai bank in your name only to do so.

That will give you a 90 day visa and when that’s running down you apply for the year extension.

For the second and subsequent years you can switch to the 65k transfers method.

a year ago

Kevin *********

@Stuart ********

lovely news! Thanks a bunch!

a year ago

Stuart *********

@Kevin ********

Nothing to do with employment. Just show funds transferred from abroad for 12 months. 65k or above. Not a single baht less, so beware of exchange rate fluctuations.

Once the funds hit your account you can spend at will. There is no minimum amount required.

a year ago

Kevin *********

@Stuart ********

when you switch to the 65k transfer method, I believe that is to show employment from abroad.

1. Do you have to arrange for a 'company' to make that those transfers? Or can it be done by Person A to you? Or can the transfers be done by you yourself from one bank to the one that you want to use to show proof?

2. Once the funds are transferred to you, can you use those funds for day to day living? I ssupose you can but just asking to be sure.

Thanks

a year ago