How can I change from an OA visa to an O visa based on retirement in Thailand?

Question

Currently on an OA visa and been living here for almost four years. Want to change from the OA to an O based on retirement in order to avoid the Medical Insurance requirements for the OA extension. Can anyone please advise me whether this is a simple process or is it more involved and what the requirements are? Thanks

Ask Thailand · Answer

The process of changing from an OA visa to an O visa in Thailand involves a few steps. Some expats have shared their experiences, noting that it's generally a straightforward process if all necessary documents are in order. You can either leave the country and apply for a 90-day Non-O visa at a nearby Thai consulate or enter with a visa-exempt entry and then convert to a Non-O visa at an immigration office, though not all offices offer this service. Key requirements include having 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account, which should be documented as transferred from abroad, and proving financial income of 65,000 baht per month for the O visa. Additionally, there are opinions and insights shared about qualifying medical insurance policies and the nuances of bank account regulations.

Graeme ********** · Answer

Thanks everyone for the information. It’s most enlightening. Much appreciated👍👍👍👍👍

Tod ********* · Answer

AT MOST immigration offices that do the in country conversion the ONLY requirement is that the 800K baht is in a thai bank account in your name only and you prove it was transferred in from abroad. There is no seasoning requirement on the 800K when applying for the initial 90 day Non-O visa at the immigration office. That 2 month before seasoning is when you apply for the yearly extension, AND if you used the 800K to get the 90 day Non-O in country it will still be in the bank 2 months later when you apply for your year so it will be seasoned at that time

Tod ********* · Answer

The ONLY way to change from an O-A extension to first a 90 day Non-O and then a yearly extension is to bounce out and back to "break the chain" of extensions,  then either come in on a 30 day day visa exempt entry and apply for the in country conversion to a 90 day Non-O at your immigration office (IF your office can do it because not all can) OR leave the country and go BUY a 90 day single entry Non-O from a nearby thai consulate.

Graeme ********** · Answer

Yeh I’m covered by Travel Insurance and always have been. If I am seriously injured or sick I’ll be medevaced home and if that’s not necessary I have unlimited cover for treatment in a Thai hospital. Can’t understand why that isn’t enough for the government. Although, they’ll accept a policy from another country as long as a form is signed by two directors of the company.....virtually impossible. I intend to try and convert my OA to a 12 month O visa without leaving the country.

Graeme ********** · Answer

👍

Adrian ****** · Answer

Currently doing the same & like any new process it daunting but if all papers in order seems to be going okay I go back Tuesday to hopefully get my 90 stamp

How can I change from an OA visa to an O visa based on retirement in Thailand?

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