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Is it better to get an OA visa in the USA or enter Thailand on a tourist visa and convert to OA visa?

OA Visa NON-O Visa Tourist Visa Thailand Immigration Visa Requirements Expat Advice

Jan 17, 2025

a year ago

Mike *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I'm in USA. I'm returning to Thailand. I'm trying to decide whether to fly in on a tourist visa and convert to OA visa, or to get OA visa in the US. Can anyone relate some experience about this?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The OA visa can only be obtained from your home country and not converted from a tourist visa while in Thailand. It is suggested to apply for a NON-O visa either in your home country or Thailand itself. Each option (tourist visa and then convert to another visa vs. applying for the O/A visa abroad) has its advantages and drawbacks, so consider your personal circumstances and requirements.

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.

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Carlos *********

Tourist visa is for tourists. Retirement visas are for living in thailand. What are you wanting to do?

Then do that.

a year ago

Brad *******

Maybe do a search in this and other FB visa groups.

I did O in Thailand bc no insurance, police check ?, etc OA requirements.

They both have pros and cons.

a year ago

Brandon ************

You cannot get an OA visa in Thailand, it's only available from your home country. You can get a non-O visa in your home country or in Thailand, but not a non-OA.

a year ago

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Brandon ************

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Can I obtain a non-immigration O visa in the US and then convert it to a 1-year retirement visa in Thailand?

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