Does Thailand allow trailing spouse visas when changing from OA to O retirement in Chiang Mai?

Visa Rules Trailing Spouse Visa Non-O Visa Retirement Visa Immigration Policy Thailand Expats

Dec 5, 2022

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

I haven't been able to find an answer. Does immigration policy allow for a trailing spouse category as I change from OA to O retirement in Chiang Mai? TIA

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The immigration policy in Thailand does allow for a trailing spouse category. However, when changing from an OA to an O retirement visa, you cannot do this within the country. You must exit Thailand and apply for the Non-O visa at a Thai consulate. Typically, the foreign spouse cannot obtain the 90-day Non-O visa based solely on being a trailing spouse of someone on a retirement visa while in Thailand. After obtaining the new O visa and the corresponding year extension, the foreign spouse must leave the country to apply for the 90-day Non-O visa.

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.
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Tod *********

You can't change an OA to an O INSIDE the country you have to exit/re-enter and then apply for the Non-O visa at the immigration office,

They do allow trailing spouse BUT unfortunately they do not sell the 90 day Non-O visa based on being a trailing spouse of someone on a retirement visa inside the country.

SO once you get OFF the OA you're on and get a new O visa and then get your year extension you have to send your foreign spouse out of the country to a nearby thai consulate to get a 90 day Non-O visa. Once they get that they can get the matching extension like you have year to year

2 years ago

Ernest ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

Thank you. She is currently on O trailing spouse based on my OA. Is it correct that when I exit her current extension becomes invalid?

2 years ago

Ernest ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you for your clear clarification. I now know what needs to be done.

2 years ago

Tod *********

@Ernest *******

yep, hers stops when yours does. So you're gonna hafta get her off that stamp and on to some other entry until you get thru the whole process and have your year so she can go get the 90 day Non-O some place

2 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

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What visa does my husband need to apply for the Non-O Retirement Visa in Thailand, and how can I apply for a trailing spouse visa?

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