First off, I wanted to say this is a great group and it is an amazing source of information even just by reading other’s posts and replies. I am currently in Thailand on a multiple entry OA based on retirement, issued in the USA, and currently on my second year as I left and came back and got the extension upon re-entry with proof of another year’s insurance. I go back to the USA every summer for three months and then back to Thailand as soon as we are finished. Based on this schedule, is it a bad idea to think about getting a new OA every two years since I will be making annual return trips to the states? I did put the 800k baht in a Thai bank account in my name a year ago and so far just letting it sit in there…but if I were to just be doing OA visas, my thoughts are that the banked money in Thailand would never come into play? I know a lot of people are opposed to the Thai insurance component associated with the OA but I don’t find that a big deal and would probably renew my policy annually regardless if it was required or not. I am just trying to see if this is a good or bad idea and if there are other reasons I should be avoiding this option? I am over 50, married to a Thai and not trying to pull my money out of my Thai account. However, I am trying to avoid frequent visits to immigration for visa applications and extensions...the TM47/30 stuff I got the hang of already. The way I see it, I jump through the OA application process once every other year and get the easy one year extension every other year opposite of that. Thoughts?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The poster is considering whether to renew their OA visa every two years given their summer trips back to the USA, rather than applying for annual extensions. They currently hold a multiple-entry OA visa based on retirement, with the requisite funds in a Thai bank account and insurance coverage. Feedback from other members suggests that many expats successfully utilize the same strategy of renewing their visa biannually to avoid frequent immigration visits, though they do note recent changes in regulations regarding insurance and financial requirements. Some members advocate for annual extensions, citing convenience despite the paperwork involved.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
