How can I transition from a Non-O visa to an O-A visa in Thailand?

Question

Hello fellow aliens! I’m wondering if anyone has transitioned to an O-A visa from an O visa. It made sense for me last year to go from my previous O-A to O because of the covid situation but I hate tying up 800k in the bank here and I much prefer the two years you can get out of an O-A visa, even with the health insurance requirement. So the consulate back in the US just wants to see $25k in a local bank account for 2 months previous to the application and they don’t care if I haven’t kept 800k in a thai bank for 3 months after receiving my O visa here, right?...🙏

Ask Thailand · Answer

The post discusses the possibility of transitioning from a Non-O visa to an O-A visa due to preferences regarding the bank balance requirement and visa duration. Users clarify that while the U.S. consulate requires $25,000 in a local bank account for two months before application, they do not necessarily care about the previous 800k Thai bank balance. There are also notes on health insurance requirements post-COVID and general advice on monitoring visa regulations.

Benjamin ****** · Answer

October 2022 is 13 months away. My advice is to watch this group for any changes to Thai entry or visa rules. Since October 2022 is too far away, I'm going to close commenting.

Tod ********* · Answer

You'll need to hold the mandatory 40k/400k health insurance AND the 100K USD in covid insurance to get back into the country. You can use your insurance policy from your country to get the visa and to get in as long as it meets the minimum required amounts.

Eric ********* · Answer

Thanks for the info! Would love to get back to an O-A😄

Gregor ********** · Answer

the Washington DC embassy doesn't mention any 2 months seasoning required for a bank account statement . . . . . . check here . . . . . [url redacted]

Benjamin ****** · Answer

>So the consulate back in the US just wants to see $25k in a local bank account for 2 months previous to the application and they don’t care if I haven’t kept 800k in a thai bank for 3 months after receiving my O visa here, right?.

That is correct! Remember:

1. Extension of Stays and Visas are two completely different legal concepts. You (probably) had a Non-O visa with a one year extension of stay. A Non-OA visa is a visa.

2. The consulates and immigration offices are ran by two completely different departments, and they do not communicate with each other.

How can I transition from a Non-O visa to an O-A visa in Thailand?

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