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How can I apply for both a volunteer visa and an extension for tourism in Thailand?

May 29, 2025
2 days ago
Pierre **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
How to apply for 2 visas? For the 1st month I plan to volunteer at a conservation project and thereafter extend my stay an extra 30-45 days to visit?

Iโ€™m a Canadian retired 59y

Thank you!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A Canadian retiree is seeking advice on applying for two visas: a volunteer non-O visa to participate in a conservation project for one month, followed by an extension of 30-45 days for tourism purposes. Commenters noted that while a volunteer non-O visa provides a 90-day entry stamp, such visas are rare and typically require sponsorship by legitimate organizations. Many volunteers may end up working under tourist visas, which is illegal but common practice.
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.
Brandon ************
A volunteer non-O visa will get you a 90 day entry stamp into Thailand. You wouldn't need a second one if you're only staying 2 months. But volunteer visas are incredibly rare now after they were abused for so many years. I don't really know of any organizations that still offer to sponsor for them. Are you saying this conservation project has told you that they will sponsor you for a non-O volunteer visa and a work permit? Those are both required to volunteer legally.

Most places just get you to come in as a tourist and work on a tourist visa or visa exmpt entry. Many of them also give you the honor of paying for it too ๐Ÿ˜… It's illegal but a lot of people still do it.
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