Is it possible to obtain a Non-Immigrant O Visa in Thailand within 30 days of arriving as a tourist?

Question

Happy Holidays! Looking for help/opinions. Planning a move to Bangkok (from Seattle) in January. Goal is to remain and marry in 30-60 days. Thought I would come in as a tourist. US does not need a visa for a 30  day visit. Once there I would apply for a non immigrant type O visa by establishing a bank account, establishing a residence, and meeting the new insurance requirement either with a Cigna  health policy covering in-patient and our-patient or depositing sufficient cash to meet that requirement.Assuming I received a type O, then I would start the process to obtain the retirement visa. I am over 50. I will very much appreciate thoughts on this and any potential hiccups there might be. Is it reasonable to get the Non immigrant O before my 3o days is up or would I likely have to try for an extension of the 30 days?

Ask Thailand · Answer

The poster is planning to move to Bangkok from Seattle and intends to enter Thailand as a tourist for 30 days before applying for a Non-Immigrant O Visa to marry. Community members suggest various approaches, including marrying in Thailand to simplify visa requirements, applying for a 1-year Non-O visa based on marriage in Savannakhet, Laos, and cautions about time constraints. They emphasize that if marrying in Thailand, some financial and insurance requirements may be less strict compared to applying for a retirement visa.

Terary ********** · Answer

Off topic - but before you leave US you can get google voice account.  This allows you to make free direct dial calls to the US and allows people from the US to direct dial you for free.  Catch is A) has to be set up while you're in the US and B) you have to us a friend's phone.

Michael ******** · Answer

Get six months tourist visa then plenty of time to do as [mention redacted] suggested its quite easy, but some things like getting married may take time

Steve ********** · Answer

My 50 satangs worth: I would come in visa exempt, get married in country then go to Savannakhet, Laos and get a 1 year non-O based on marriage. No funds to prove.  No medical, police background or health insurance needed. That will give you at least 12 months to sort out your situation relatively hassle free. You can then decide whether you want to get an extension based on retirement or marriage.

Stephen ************ · Answer

Get an o visa before you travel

Keep it simple KISS

Roy *********** · Answer

I think doing everything in 30 days is a bit much, as you may also need to wait about 15 workdays for the visa. No worries, enough options to stay longer.

After you get married and get the Non O spousal, you do not need a retirement visa or medical insurance.

Also get your future wife to help you out what to get and where to go. Together you can do everything, alone you may find it difficult to communicate what is required, and she also needs papers for marriage.

Take your time and be patient.

John ********* · Answer

Get here. I have been here 13 years. My agent does everything about Visa.

The retirement Visa with her will cost about 20,000 baht but you do not have to put money in the bank. She can do it after you arrive.

I am married here. Would never, ever do it on my own. Visas are a Thai business. Let them have the worry.

Everything is easy.

Steven *************** · Answer

Spouse visa doesnt require medical insurance and financials (money in bank or income ) is less. Being over 50 is irrelevant if you're on a NonO  spouse visa.

You'll also need to legally marry and have certain certified thai paperwork to obtain one.

Is it possible to obtain a Non-Immigrant O Visa in Thailand within 30 days of arriving as a tourist?

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