How Can I Convert a Tourist Visa to a Non-O Visa While in Thailand?

April 7, 2020

4 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

I am a UK Passport Holder and currently in Thailand (Chiang Mai) on a 6 month METV.  My plan is to convert my tourist Visa to an Non-O based on being over 50.  

I have transferred 800k from overseas which should arrive in my Thai Bnk account tomorrow (7th April).  My understanding is I can change from a Tourist Visa to a Non-O over 50 visa as long as I have 21 days or more on my current Visa.  Can anyone clarify if this is my current entry stamp or the 6 month METV expiry.  I am stamped in until 16th April and my METV runs out 12th May so do I need to extend my current stamp using form TM7 and pay 1900 baht and then go back and change to a Non-O visa using TM86 and proof of funds from my bank etc or can I convert to a Non-O straight away.  Im assuming proof of funds in my Bank is a copy of the bank book and a letter from the bank confirming the funds came from overseas if I need different proof can anyone clarify what is required.

Many thanks in advance

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A UK passport holder in Chiang Mai on a 6-month METV is seeking guidance on converting their tourist visa to a Non-O visa based on age. They have verified the necessary funds are available in their Thai bank account but are unsure about the entry stamp's validity for processing their visa change. They received conflicting advice about what documentation is required, especially concerning the TM30 form and proof of funds.

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Andy ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Sorry here is the letter I got from my hotel saying its a TM30 but im not convinced.

4 years ago

Dana *******

The only doubt I have : being staying in a hotel is not enough. You have to show and prove that you are renting a condo/house long term.

4 years ago

Dana *******

Lettre form BKK Bank is correct. I got the same. Worked.

4 years ago

Benjamin ******

that looks correct to me

4 years ago

Reply to

Benjamin ******

Andy ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Okay so today I went to immigration and got a 30 day extention stamp in my passport so im now good until 17th May , my money arrived in the bank and I got my bank book updated and asked for a letter confirming that the funds came from outside of Thailand. The bank gave me this letter and said it was suitable for immigration but it doesnt show that the funds came from outside of Thailand. Can anyone advise if this letter together with a copy of my bank passport be adequate to chnge my tourist Visa to a Non O over 50 visa. Additionally I asked my hotel for a TM30 and they gave me this which im sure isnt a TM30 but proof I am staying in Thailand........ In confused by what a TM30 is and how I get one and also If the letter from my bank will be adequate. Many thanks in advance.

4 years ago

Tod *********

you are confusing two completely different things.

Your VISA and your ENTRY STAMP

The visa doesn't let you stay here IN thailand and whether it expires or not doesn't matter once you're in thailand.

The entry stamp is what lets you stay here, so forget the visa entirely, because unless the borders open before that visa expires (which seem unlikely) you're done with using it

Right now, you have an entry stamp that is good until the 16th of April <- meaning you NEED to get a 30 day extension on that entry stamp in order to have enough time to apply for the in country Non-O visa because you DON'T have 21 days left on your current stamp.

SO, get the 30 day extension, and then immediately apply for the in country 90 day Non-O visa at the immigration office by showing you transferred the money in from abroad and that it's in an account in your name only. There is no seasoning on that money for the initial 90 day Non-O visa.

Definitely get the hand out from your immigration office that lists the requirements and documents for getting an in country 90 day Non-O visa.

4 years ago

Dean *********

I'm also looking at doing the same conversion however I have been rejected from one bank already because I only hold a METV. What were the bank requirements to open an account? Thanks in advance.

4 years ago

Andy ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks Todd. I understand the difference and just wanted clarification. My money has arrived today and apparently immigration is totally full so ill get an extention tomorrow and then ask to change. Many thanks again for your help.👍

4 years ago

Reply to

Andy ********

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What is the process for converting a tourist visa to a Non-O visa in Thailand as a US citizen over 50?

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