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How can I obtain my OA visa from South Africa if my police clearance certificate is delayed?

OA VisaThailand Visa ApplicationsPolice Clearance CertificateNon-O VisaExpat GuidanceVisa Processing DelaysBanking in ThailandIncome Statements for Visa
Oct 2, 2023
a year ago
Charmaine **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello! I am desperately trying to get my OA from South Africa and I recently applied for a police clearance certificate which is now older than 3 months. I applied again only to be told I have to wait 30 working days or more. Anyone one has some guidance as I have already booked a flight. Any help will be truly appreciated. Thank you
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is facing delays in obtaining a police clearance certificate essential for their OA visa application from South Africa, with the first certificate now over 3 months old and a new request pending for over 30 working days. Suggestions from other users include waiting for the police clearance, entering Thailand on a tourist visa to later switch to a Non-O visa, and considerations for income statements from the embassy if unable to meet the Thai bank balance requirements.
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Ben ****
You are not from the UK, US or Australia. You might be able to get an income statement from your embassy instead of needing 800k in a Thai bank.
a year ago
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Charmaine **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Oh dear seems like I am screwed.
a year ago
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Fred ******
Bangkok Bank ask only for a paper from immigration office that you have recorded your address, regardless your visa. If that can help...
a year ago
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Keith *******
@Fred *****
 the 3 branches of Bangkok Bank in my city all insisted I need a letter from Mt Embassy
a year ago
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Keith *******
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John **********
Given you need the police clearance to get the OA visa then you will need to wait. The alternative would be to come into the country on a tourist visa, open a bank account, transfer a minimum of 800k baht into it from overseas, and apply for a Non-O visa inside Thailand
a year ago
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Charmaine **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
 Thank you.
a year ago
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Nick *******
Ok, give me an agent contact that will do this today… I will document the steps and post results. Thanks
a year ago
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Nick *******
@John *********
 “Open a bank account” this key point is impossible.
a year ago
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Cliff *********
@Nick ******
 this is definitely not impossible, I did it last year. It’s not easy and you need to be persistent.
a year ago
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Nick *******
@Cliff ********
 yes, last year. They put the brakes on this 2023 and now looks like it is impossible without first obtaining a long term visa. I know many that have tried and failed in 2023 and a few that did succeed but in January and February before all the banks got onboard. Have not found anyone that has been able to pull it off in the last 6 months with just a VOA. This sucks because I still know about 5-6 that would love to do it but have given up as people tell them “you just need to find the right branch” or depends on the bank and location” seems not the case anymore.
a year ago
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Kool *******
@Nick ******
 ohh geez, just pay an agent to arrange it. It costs about bt5000. Very easy to do, and legal.
a year ago
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Keith *******
@Kool ******
 give me an agents name please, I'm being quoted
*****
because of everything changing this year
a year ago
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Kool *******
@Keith ******
 Thai visa centre, or Siam-Legal.com
a year ago
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Brandon ************
@Kool ******
 Siam Legal no longer offers bank account only service. They'll only assist in opening a bank account if you're also using them to obtain a visa/extension.
a year ago
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Kool *******
@Brandon ***********
 thanks with that. That's getting to be a pattern now with the agencies.
a year ago
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Keith *******
@Kool ******
 I've emailed them both, if they come through at 5,000 baht I'll owe you a beer, cheers
a year ago
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Keith *******
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Nick *******
LOL
a year ago
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John **********
@Nick ******
 of course it's not. People do this every day. You just need to find the right bank
a year ago
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Andi ***********
@John *********
 or find the right agent..
a year ago
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Andi ***********
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