How Can I Return to Thailand with a Non-Imm O-A Visa During Travel Restrictions?

Mar 31, 2020
5 years ago
Tayfun *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
STUCK IN TRANSIT IN İSTANBUL, TRYING TO GET BACK HOME TO THAILAND WITH A THAI RETIREMENT VISA.

Have a non-imm O-A Multiple Entry vida (retired) which I received from my home country in Dec 2019 and entered Thailand. Purchased the mandated Thai insurance to comply at that time. Left Thailand end of January back to the US.

Was returning to Thailand on Mar 24th but my connecting flight was cancelled. And the Thai Immigration rules started changing rapidly. Now stuck in İstanbul since the 24th.

Trying to get back to my family. Have lived in Thailand for the past 4 years. No response from Thai Embassy. Have I overlooked anything?? I can only find articles referencing Thai nationals. Is there a way to enter Thailand to get back to my home?

THANK YOU.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is currently stuck in Istanbul while trying to return to Thailand on a Non-Imm O-A multiple entry visa after their connecting flight was canceled. Due to COVID-19, they find themselves facing travel restrictions that have closed Thailand's borders to foreigners, with the only exceptions being for those holding a work permit or permanent residency. They are seeking guidance on how to navigate this situation and return to their family in Thailand.
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.
Benjamin ******
I think the OP now knows he can't enter Thailand without a valid work permit. Nothing else good would come from leaving this open for commenting.
Jake ********
Home is where your passport is during a global pandemic.
Paul *********
James ********
Sorry...THAILAND IS CLOSED TO ALL FOREIGNERS...

BY LAND, AIR OR SEA.

NO TOURIST VISA IS AVAILABLE...OR ANY OTHER VISA AT THIS TIME.

ONLY FOREIGNERS WITH A THAI WORK PERMIT OR PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS ARE ALLOWED TO ENTER THAILAND.

This is Thai Government proclamation due to the COVID -19 corona virus.
Benjamin ******
:( I'm sorry, but it looks like the answer is no at this time. The only way to return to Thailand is if you have a work permit, or a residency card.
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