How can I switch from a Non-OX visa to a Non-O visa in Thailand?

Question

Hi there,
AUS passport, registered TM30 in CM, with Non-OX (5 year retirement) visa, due to expire in August.
Whilst I could extend the Non-OX, I decided to change to a Non-O visa (reasons below).
I was told the Non-OX visa can’t be changed directly into a Non-O visa. The process would be;
1. On my next return to Thailand in July, request the IO to ignore the then still valid visa and enter on a 30 day visa exempt stamp.
2. Get 30 day extension 
3. Apply for Non-O visa (90 day visa)
4. Get annual extension (+ multiple entry re-entry permit)

Questions:
Will the IO ignore a valid visa on my request?
Could I skip step 2. As money is already in the bank for some time.

Thanks for your expertise and insight.

Reason to change away from OX:
If the Non-OX would mean 5 years without dealing with immigration (besides 90days/TM30), it would be great. 
BUT, I still need to visit immigration every year for the document inspection and provide bank and insurance verification documents
SO; either way annual immigration visit, but with a Non-O there is no insurance requirement and a lot less money to keep in the bank (and with the freed up money better invested, it pays easy for the visa/extension and re-entry permits).

Ask Thailand · Answer

The original poster (OP) seeks advice on changing from a Non-OX (5 year retirement) visa to a Non-O visa due to the latter's less stringent financial requirements and no insurance obligation. The OP plans to re-enter Thailand with a visa-exempt stamp, request the immigration officer (IO) to ignore the current valid visa, and then apply for a 90-day Non-O visa. Community members provided insights on whether the IO would comply with the OP's request, the practicality of skipping an extension step, and the necessity of addressing visa validity concerns when switching visas. They also discussed the possibility of needing to wait until the current visa expires to avoid holding multiple valid visas. Ultimately, the OP aims to simplify their immigration status while adhering to Thai visa regulations.

James ******** · Answer

I believe that the OP has the answers needed for his question.

Thanks all for your helpful replies.

Comments Closed

Ellie ******* · Answer

[mention redacted], [mention redacted] pointed out something essential I missed.

In case you can enter on visa-exempt (1),  you still have to wait to apply for Non-O in-country (3) until your current Non-OX expires because you cannot have multiple valid visas at the same time in your passport.

Possible measures, but either may or may not work:

a) ask the embassy that issued your visa to void it before you fly to Thailand again.

b) ask the IO at the entry point to void your visa.

( c) as mentioned already, enter Thailand after your visa expired)

Thank you, [mention redacted],

[mention redacted], hope your plan will work smoothly. Good luck changing visas.

Ellie ******* · Answer

Thank you, OP, for sharing the information.

This post is about how to get Non-O after Non-OX, NOT about how the annual check-up is handled at the immigration offices. Please check with your local office about their policy regarding 90-day reports and 1-year check-ups when a Non-OX holder keeps staying in Thailand for more than one year.

John ********** · Answer

You may need to wait until your visa is expiring and do a border bounce to get onto a visa exempt stamp by reentering just after it has expired?

Ellie ******* · Answer

Q. Will the IO ignore a valid visa on my request?

-> That would be hit or miss. You can ask for it for sure, but the decision to ignore your visa or not is in the officer's hands.

Q. Could I skip step 2. As money is already in the bank for some time.

-> That depends on how fast you can get all the necessary documents for your application. You don't have to apply for 30 days extension if not necessary. Remember, the Chiang Mai office has a minimum of 15 working days remaining policy for an initial in-country visa application. And there  are supposed to be 3 holidays in late July and 1 in middle August.

How can I switch from a Non-OX visa to a Non-O visa in Thailand?

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