Answereda year ago
How can I switch from a Non O-A visa to a Non O visa while in Thailand, and what is the process for applying from nearby countries?
I am currently in Thailand on a non o-a visa through Jan 2026. Instead of renewing that in January I would like to get a non o visa. I was told at immigration that my options are to leave the country and return on a tourist visa and then apply for the non o, or leave the country and get the non o while out of the country. How difficult/quick would it be to get the non o in one of the nearby countries? I suspect it wouldn't be very quick. I got my non o-a visa totally online prior to coming to Thailand so maybe that's an option? The reason I'd like to come in on the non o is that I was told that the 800k bank funding has to be from an international transfer if I get the visa in country but if I come in with the visa already the bank funding can be from any source (existing money for example. That's not too big of a deal but wanted to see if you guys had any suggestions. Thanks!
Answer summary
To switch from a non-OA visa to a non-O visa while in Thailand, you have two options: exit the country and re-enter on a tourist visa, or apply for the non-O visa from abroad. The process for obtaining a non-O visa can vary in duration but may take 3-5 business days if all documents are prepared correctly. The bank funding requirement for the non-O visa depends on the office; some require the funds to have originated from overseas, whereas others do not. It is suggested to leave on the last day your non-OA visa is valid, apply for your non-O visa from a nearby country, and return to Thailand as needed.
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Michael ********
Just keep it easy. Leave, and return on a visa exemption. Get the funds ready, get a NON O and then a year extension of stay. Job done.
Lilley ********
My husband and I both recently did a non-o visa application from Kuala Lumpur. We applied online on the Sunday evening after arriving in country, we both were requested additional information on the Monday through the online portal, my husband received his visa by email on the Wednesday, I received mine on the Thursday. Surprisingly painless process!
Bill *************
OP@Lilley *******
Since it’s all online, I wonder if you could start the process before even leaving Thailand so it would be ready when you arrive in another country 🤷♂️Lilley ********
@Bill ************
Yes exactly as Graham said. We uploaded all our documents while in Thailand to save time and make sure we had everything we needed. When I landed I took a photo of my flight ticket alongside entry stamp into KL and submitted.Graham ******
@Bill ************
No because you have to show proof of your "current location" so Lilley would have needed to include the Malaysia entry stamp as proof. You can start uploading to your online application while still in Thailand saving after each addition then add your passport stamp as soon as you get it and submit.Bill *************
OP@Lilley *******
Thanks for the information. That’s very helpful!John **********
The main reason people want to get off the Non-OA visa is the insurance requirement. To do this exit Thailand on the last day your Non-OA is valid for, go to a nearby country, apply online using the consulate relevant to your location, apply for the Non-O, wait until it has been issued to you and return to Thailand. Then wait until you are down to the last 30 days and apply for the extension of stay (assuming you already have the required funds in a Thai bank)
Tod *********
Totally depends on what office you use to get the in country Non-O visa issued from
Bangkok requires you show that the 800K baht for the in country Non-O visa via banked money method did originate from overseas (but they seem to be flexible about this for people who had OA visas and then bounced out/back to get off them and get the in country Non-O)
Most other offices don't require you have proof of funds origin.
As far as how fast could you do it out of the country at a thai consulate via the online system; I'd say 3-5 business days IF you got your ducks in a row, applied online carefully, checked the data entered was accurate and uploaded all the required documents
Vientiane/Savannakhet, Hanoi/HCMC are all pretty fast processing for "regular" visas.
Bangkok requires you show that the 800K baht for the in country Non-O visa via banked money method did originate from overseas (but they seem to be flexible about this for people who had OA visas and then bounced out/back to get off them and get the in country Non-O)
Most other offices don't require you have proof of funds origin.
As far as how fast could you do it out of the country at a thai consulate via the online system; I'd say 3-5 business days IF you got your ducks in a row, applied online carefully, checked the data entered was accurate and uploaded all the required documents
Vientiane/Savannakhet, Hanoi/HCMC are all pretty fast processing for "regular" visas.
Alan *******
@Tod ********
is it possible to use a thai bank statement showing 12 months int xfers of 65k+ in lieu of the 800k if (re)applying for a non-O within ThailandTod *********
@Alan ******
the real question IS do you now have an OA visa/extension or are you applying cold for a new Non-O and year from free stamp entry? The ONLY exception to the "banked money for new Non-O and first year" rule I've ever seen is people who were getting OFF their OA visa/extensions and getting new Non-O in country <- That's when the office has bent and allowed 12 months of monthly income for the initial Non-O and first year
Tod *********
@Alan ******
check with your immigration office long before you decide to try to do itThey are under no obligation to accept it
Graham ******
@Alan ******
it has been done by those previously on a Non-OA 65k extension but it is office dependent if they will allow this so enquire first before commitingAlan *******
@Graham *****
thanks. I assumed this thread was about bangkok. Noted it can be different in other provinces.
Pete *******
Banked money doesn’t need to show as an international transfer.
Graham ******
@Pete ******
only in some Immigration OfficesBill *************
OP@Graham *****
That’s what the girl at the main immigration office in Hua Hin told me…for what it’s worth.Graham ******
@Bill ************
some do not require it to be an international transfer but, to play safe, always use an international transfer for the initial in country issued Non-OJohn **********
@Pete ******
it does for the initial 90 day Non-O visa inside Thailand
Colin *********
@John *********
does that apply to both Non-O based on over 50 and marriage?Colin *********
@John *********
ok thanks. It was just a question a little way in advance for me, as it's still not clear when I can move to Thailand.Tod *********
@Colin ********
check with the immigration office you're going to be applying for the Visa at and see what they say.John **********
@Colin ********
I don't think it applies for marriage but check with your local immigration officePete *******
@John *********
good to know.Activity
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