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

Question

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

Ask Thailand · Answer

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.

Ivan ********* · Answer

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

Ivan ********* · Answer

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 19/12/24 . I am familiar with Thailand having visited 14 times so far .All advice will be listened to and gratefully received -Thanks .

Darryl ********* · Answer

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

Glyn ******** · Answer

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

Glyn ******** · Answer

Thank you all for the feedback.

Glyn ******** · Answer

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.

Brian ********* · Answer

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.

Michael ******** · Answer

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

You are confusing the two visas

Stuart ********* · Answer

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.

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

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