How long before my Non-O visa expires can I apply for a 1-year extension, and can I re-enter Thailand after getting vaccinated in the US?

Jun 23, 2021
3 years ago
Carol ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
HI, I flew in on a visa exemption, got several COVID extensions and was finally able to convert to a 3 month Non-O for retirement visa, which can now be extended to a "real" 1 year Non-O retirement visa. I have 2 questions:

1. the current 3 month is good until the 24th of July. How much before that date can I go in, to get the 1 year visa...2 weeks? 3 weeks?

1. at age 69 I am seriously considering flying to the US to get either Pfizer or Moderna vaccines and coming back to Bangkok Thailand through the Phukhet sandbox. If that "opening" doesn't hold, does a 1 year non-O retirement allow me to fly back into Bangkok and do a 14 day hotel quatantine?

Thanks for all the support you offer us expats!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user seeks guidance on two primary issues: when to apply for a 1-year extension on their current 3-month Non-O retirement visa, which expires on July 24, and the implications of traveling to the US for vaccination while holding this visa. Comments provide insights into the timeline for visa extension applications, emphasizing that the application can be made within 45 days of the current visa’s expiration. Additionally, clarifications regarding re-entry into Thailand after vaccination and the requirements for doing so, including potential quarantine measures and insurance needs, are discussed.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
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Tod *********
On that note, AND so this thread won't get hi-jacked by any more semi-relevant but un-related questions. WE ARE DONE.

One time people, make your OWN posts if your question is not exactly the same as the O/P's :)
Somchai *****
Is this the 1st time we have heard of 60 day Covid extension being changed in country for a 3 month non O visa? I ask because a few months ago I asked about my situation of coming off an almost 6 year elite visa and wanting to move onto a non O retirement plus extensions etc without leaving the country. The best replies at the time were to apply for the Covid extension to break the elite cycle and see if you can then get a non O without leaving the country. Looks like the OP can confirm this is possible.
Eric ********
@Somchai ****
went to immigration today Pattaya for 60 day COVID extension

And guess gave me 30 mmmmmm
Eric ********
Will let you know
Eric ********
Thanks
Eric ********
Under consideration? And got go back in 30 days so what does that mean please (22 July)
Tod *********
@Eric *******
I think IF you actually read the stamp in your passport you will see you have an "application for extension of stay under consideration" stamp which specifically tells you what date to go back to the immigration office on to get the covid extension inked in.

How about you post an image of that stamp?
Benjamin ******
@Eric *******
If you read your extension stamp, I bet it either says "extension of stay based on tourism" OR "Under consideration"
Eric ********
Tod *********
Just curious
@Er**
when did the stamp you were ON before this extension expire? Did you go for this covid extension 2 weeks before you current stamp expired? Usually they ADD the 14 day under consideration stamp to your current expiration date (if you're going for an extension for the same reason)
Eric ********
My Qatar flight back then Qatar cancelled it
Eric ********
@Tod ********
my 30 day extension of 60 day tourist visa 29 june
Tod *********
@Eric *******
then IF you are going to fly out before the 21 of July just leave.

BUT

if you're still here on that date, GO to the same immigration office you got that stamp and they'll "close the loop" on your covid extension.

AND

Just so you know; most offices issue the 60 day covid extension in TWO stamps. You apply, pay the 1900baht get an under consideration stamp and on the date that stamp says you go back with your passport and the blue/green receipt paper showing you paid and they ink the covid extension in.

So you weren't shorted any time, you didn't get ripped off, you didn't know what you were getting is all ;)
Tod *********
@Eric *******
Clearly it's an "under consideration stamp" SO when you go back on the 21 of July they'll ink in the covid extension.
Tod *********
@Somchai ****
you did read that the O/P entered the country on a visa exempt entry NOT on an Elite visa entry. Doesn't matter if you're on a covid extension or not it matters what stamp you ENTERED the country on, IF you entered on an elite entry stamp (even if it ran out and you went to a covid extension) I do not think you will be able to apply for an in country Non-O 90 day visa
Somchai *****
@Tod ********
OK thanks very much.
Carol ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes,
@Somchai ****
possible at least for retirement, you need to do it at Chaeng Wattana C1, not sure when it came into effect. I needed to already have the 800,000 baht in the bank for 3 months when I applied for the change.
Fauzia *******
You also need min 3M baht covid insurance as well to re-enter, many insurance companies are issuing COE with covid insurance as well so no hassle for re-entry (unless of course they change their mind which they often do)
Carol ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Fauzia ******
just so others know, that 3M baht COVID insurance and COE needs to be for the length of the visa you are entering on, so if 1 year retirement, you need 1 year insurance
Gregor **********
@Carol *******
this is wrong . . he only needs insurance for the period left to the date his extension will expire. As he intends to leave after being issued the extension, and spend some time abroad before he re-enters with the valid extension, I presume it will not be a full year any more to the date the extension will expire
Carol ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Gregor *********
yes, you are correct, for the time left on your visa. Sorry to mislead.
Fauzia *******
Carol ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Fauzia ******
Thanks, got it already with my regular AETNA insurance.
Tod *********
Your second question is sketchy, I won't even address the "Phuket Litter-Box" idea that will start on july 1st :O

Holding a year long extension of stay AND buying a re-entry permit after you get the year extension granted (so you can exit/re-enter the country on that same stamp) you should be able to request permission to enter the country.

You will have to follow what ever entry requirements are in effect when you want to return.

All you can do is watch the news and see if they change the requirements to something less stringent
Tod *********
You have a 90 day admitted until stamp dated the 24th of July which looks like you got it from the Chaengwattana Immigration office Counter C-1.

In bangkok you can apply for a year extension when you have 45 days or less left on your current stamp So that means you could have applied for a year extension any time AFTER the 9th of June. (meaning you can apply any time your funds are seasoned the 2 months required for the application)
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