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How can I resolve an issue with my Non O visa labeled for business instead of retirement in Thailand?
Jun 20, 2025
10 months ago
Spencer *******
ORIGINAL POSTEROk so need a bit of advice from those in the know. I arrived in Thailand on a Non O visa on the 18/06 went to the local immigration office yesterday to get proof of where I am living ( to open bank account ) To get all things sorted for retirement extension. Hit a bit of a wall when the immigration officer said you can not ask for the retirement extension because in thai in the remarks line they had written business. The application was submitted via the London Embassy. Has anyone a) been in this situation, and what solutions did you find. The Officer said you need new Non O go to Laos and apply there.
My possible solution and happy to be shot down if this is a stupid thought is go to Laos return on a visa exempt stamp and convert that in country to a Non O and then take the retirement extension.
In a perfect world trying to get the authorities to reissue a copy of the original visa with that word removed.
My possible solution and happy to be shot down if this is a stupid thought is go to Laos return on a visa exempt stamp and convert that in country to a Non O and then take the retirement extension.
In a perfect world trying to get the authorities to reissue a copy of the original visa with that word removed.
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user is facing challenges with their Non O visa marked for business instead of retirement, which is preventing them from applying for a retirement extension. They seek advice on solutions, including potentially going to Laos for a fresh visa application and reissuing the original visa. Community members offer various suggestions, including uploading documentation for clarity, checking with immigration officers, seeking professional assistance, or going to another country for visa processing.
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.
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Spencer *******
ORIGINAL POSTERAs requested by some I did make the point to the I O that as far as I was aware there was no such visa and that on a standard non O for retirement and I believe Marriage that work was not allowed but all I got back was we can not do extension for that visa
Graham ******
@Spencer ******
The remarks says "contact business" so it looks like you applied for the wrong Non-O in which case you have to leave before/when it expires and apply again from the startReply to
Graham ******
Reply
Mark *********
Ask an agent If they can "fix it" Might be cheaper than going to Laos.
Spencer *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mark ********
that is one possible option but wanted to stay off that hamster wheel if possibleMark *********
@Spencer ******
Fair enough, just a phone call thoughReply to
Mark *********
Reply
John **********
@Wannikea ********
that appears to read "contact business", I'm guessing he applied using one of the other reasons for a Non-O such as trailing spouse of someone working inside ThailandSpencer *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
not that I am aware ofJohn **********
@Spencer ******
there are so many Non-O options it's easy to pick the wrong one. They don't always enter something in the remarks, but if they do immigration can't provide an extension for anything but that reason.Reply to
John **********
Reply
Wannikea *********
I wonder if you can just show your entry stamp at immigration and not the visa itself, don't volunteer showing the visa to them.
Reply to
Wannikea *********
Reply
Wannikea *********
Strange remark on Non O
John **********
Can you share a photo of what you have? Particularly the visa type and the remarks. The first extension must always be for the reason the visa was issued but something doesn't tie up here
Mike ******
Go to Vietnam. Thailand just makes everything more and more complicated whilst driving away expats. They fail to see we are the Golden Goose.
Why****
@Mike *****
yep, more and more saying Adios AmigosSpencer *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mike *****
not an option sadly as partner is a working School TeacherRobert *********
@Mike *****
Agree. Had non immigrant o visa arrived Pattaya 14th May. Refused by 12 banks to open bank account so I could deposit *****
0 baht to get 1 year extention. Had 7 agents working on it and they could not help. Now in Da Nang Vietnam.Reply to
Robert *********
Reply
Bob ********
I went to Siam Legal and they will assist you with getting a Bank account. They go to the Kasikorn Bank office in their building. just under 6000 baht cost for their service.
Jeremy ********
Reply to
Jeremy ********
Reply
Stuart ***********
Were you able to get a residence certificate and open a bank account?
Your plan will work if you can open a bank account before going to Laos.
As Stuart Cummings said, it seems like a strange comment on your current non-O.
Your plan will work if you can open a bank account before going to Laos.
As Stuart Cummings said, it seems like a strange comment on your current non-O.
Spencer *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart **********
have a I think residence certificate that was the main reason for going. Got a Thai phone sim in my name reflecting the address where I live. So far not managed to get the bank account open, but in Bangkok Bank the girl was helpful, we were at central shopping centre and she said no bank ib shopping centres will open accounts for foreigners but that Local branches may well do. I along with my partner will go to her local bank and try there. We had on a previous visit asked for their requirements which we can meet. The proof will be in the pudding when we try next weekSylvia ********
@Spencer ******
I heard of other banks being more lenient?Stuart ***********
@Spencer ******
Good luck, I hope you manage to open one.Reply to
Stuart ***********
Reply
Stuart *********
Any chance of uploading a picture (redacting personal information) of this? A non O isn’t issued for business reasons. It can be issued for various reasons but business isn’t one of them.
You’re right about getting it changed if that what it says - I doubt that would happen.
You’re right about getting it changed if that what it says - I doubt that would happen.
Reply to
Stuart *********
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