How does the renewal of an O or OA visa work upon re-entry to Thailand?

O Visa OA Visa Thai visa regulations visa extension immigration advice Thailand expat advice health insurance requirement multiple entry visa retirement visa property laws in Thailand

Dec 2, 2024

3 days ago

Glyn ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello all. I recently read that if one holds an O or OA visa and travels outside of  Thailand within the first year of its validity the visa is automatically renewed for another year from the date of the return. I have had several trips outside of Thailand during my first year as an O Visa with multiple entries holder. I just don't see how this is possible  and hence my confusion . Also does this apparent extension occur upon every trip? I plan to  return from the UK on April 1 and my current O Visa expires on May 28th. Surely it's not automatically extended upon my return to April 1 2026. I read about this auto renewal in a recent post. Thanks,Glyn

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The original poster expresses confusion about the automatic renewal of an O Visa or OA Visa upon leaving and returning to Thailand. They mention holding a multiple entry O Visa and have traveled outside Thailand several times in the first year, questioning if each trip resets the visa validity. Commenters clarify that while an OA Visa may have an automatic renewal contingent on valid health insurance, the O Visa typically has a 90-day validity and must be extended separately. The distinction between these visa types and the importance of re-entry permits are also discussed.

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Ivan *********

I am a newby to to the Protocol of the site , Though I have been reading all the posts for a while now .

2 days ago

Ivan *********

I am an English man married to a Thai Lady .We married in Thailand . If I want to live in Thailand ,What is the best avenue /please ? I will retire from work on

*****

/24 . I am familiar with Thailand having visited 14 times so far .All advice will be listened to and gratefully received -Thanks .

2 days ago

Stuart *********

@Ivan ********

probably best to start your own post on this one rather than hijack another post.

2 days ago

Ivan *********

Sorry For my mistake .

2 days ago

Reply to

Ivan *********

Darryl *********

I am told my Aust will is no good for Thailand. I have a condo and SML amount of cash with my estate agent for expenses she looks after and pays for me. Someone told me I can pay to get my Aust will verified and translated to Thai language. Is this correct? Or easier/cheaper to make a new will in Thai? I had no idea of this when I purchased the condo

3 days ago

Glyn ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Do you guys have any experience with the DTV2 " soft activities" visa?

3 days ago

Glyn ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you all for the feedback.

3 days ago

Glyn ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I have a 1 year multiple entry OA visa and retirement stamp which both expire on May 28th 2025. I am still confused though bc I don't have medical insurance here but private internatipnal insurance from the US even . I am UK citizen but hold a USA permanent resident visa aka Green Card.

3 days ago

Glyn ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you Graham and Brian. I have investigated local insurance and will purchase upon my return in April 2025.

3 days ago

Brian *********

@Glyn *******

what ever insurance was used to get the visa was apparently accepted. 🤷‍♂️

Keep in mind at times what contributes to confusion is inconsistencies.

3 days ago

Graham ******

@Glyn *******

you need to check with Immigration if that insurance is acceptable for an extension, if not buy the cheapest available from the approved list of Thai insurers

3 days ago

Reply to

Graham ******

Brian *********

I think what you’re describing only the non OA does this potentially dependent on your insurance and the border agent.

In my experience at the border they did it wrong twice and issued 1 year from that day, not visa or insurance dates.

3 days ago

Michael ********

Only OA visa and you need valid insurance to cover the year.

You are confusing the two visas

3 days ago

Glyn ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Michael *******

Thank you Michael.

3 days ago

Reply to

Glyn ********

Stuart *********

You’re confusing a Non OA visa and a Non O visa/extension off of one.

With the initial Non OA you get stamped in for a full year or as long as your health insurance is valid until. This means that if you bounce out just before the visa expires and have a new insurance policy for a year then you’d be stamped in for a “second” year. This stamp is not multiple entry and you’d need a re-entry permit to keep that date alive.

Most Non O visas these days are 90 validity and single entry. You’d be stamped in for 90 days and could then extend that for one year. This extension is not multiple entry so again you’d need a re-entry permit to keep the stamp valid.

3 days ago

Glyn ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

Thank you Stuart. It's is now seeming less daunting. I may even try for the new DTV2 Visa next year.

3 days ago

Reply to

Glyn ********

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