Is it still necessary to have 800,000 Baht in a Thai bank for the Non-OA visa?

@Erik *********

Yes, They often do not understand or misinterpret their own rules especially when translated/mistranslated into English.

@Terry *******

you've missed the whole point. The health insur premium limit is about to be raised to 3m tbh making the cost to potential & existing OA visa holders prohibitive. Replace the word levy with cost.

@David ******

You asked the question: "Who in their right mind would purchase an OA visa?" And I have answered that question. You did not ask about existing long term OA visa extension holders in Thailand whom the increased 'levy' will effect when renewing their extensions. But 3m thb is only £67k cover, which is peanuts and still subsumed and well within any UK/Farang insurance purchased on visa application as I previously described. So it is in no way prohibitive for those potential OA applicants you think not in their right mind to want to come and go with multi-entries for 1 year and enjoy a 2nd year stay before applying for a new visa from their home countries. And in this way, they need only report every 90 days, avoiding the onerous, grovelling and sometimes humiliating extension renewal experience, any insurance and levy, and any financial requirements completely!

@Terry *******

each to their own opinion...l'm not a well-heeled englishman who would be regularly returning to your homeland on multi entry visas.My initial comment was referring to retirees looking to SETTLE in thailand on a OA visa Just for your info a non O visa allows you to enjoy the benefits you enjoy without purchasing any annual health insurance.

@David ******

A Non-O must be extended after 90 days and annually renewed which means u r at the mercy of the dreaded Thai immigration gestapo who often seem to enjoy exerting their power over farang going out of their way by making the process as difficult and unpleasant as possible. No insurance requirements I know, but onerous proof of OTT thb financial requirements to be obtained from Thai banks, who also take their banking monopoly, unlike the UK, for granted, with little customer service ethos despite their dependence on their customers' money. Re-entry permits r also required. Why do u assume that I hold or favour an OA visa? I am able to weigh the pros and cons of both as I have had an OA in the past and now, for convenience given the Covid situation, I favour and do hold a non-O visa.

@Terry *******

I've been living permanately here for 12 yrs on a OA...perhaps averaging one overseas return trip annually. I will be swapping to an O when my current visa is up for extension. I have the 800k & have had health insurance for the duration of my stay.Long before it became compulsory, currently complying with the k requirement. I plan to retain this policy as i find it offers peace of mind as I age. I am not prepared to pay for the 3m tbh plus policy as i find the amount of cover & policy cost excessive. Therfore i will be hopefully transferring to a non O.

@David ******

Yes, you should be better off with the Non-O, and like u, I think insurance is sensible/essential to have even if not officially required. Im fortunate in being a 'Snowbird' so can return (so far) to Thailand each Autumn on UK insurance; this year Emirates. Im sure u already know that

@Arawan ******

, here on Facebook, seems to be offering the best Thai insurance deals to those like u already residing in Thailand, and unlike farang insurance it is not so age limited. I hope it all works out for you David.

@Marlene *****

yup

@David ******

Medical Expense due to Accident or Sickness - up to B3.5m. Cover for Road accidents, Stroke, Heart attack, I asked Robert specifically about this.

@Peter ********

As the new legislation has yet to be passed( 3m inpatient,40k out patient plus covid insur has yet to be passed your new OA visa app appears to have been approved under the existing mandatory limits ie 400k inpatient,plus 40k outpatient,plus covid insurance.The conditions of your policy are a little vague & I think you may have problems meeting the new requirements when renewing your visa in 12 mths time. I have multiple discounts based on 11 yrs of no claim bonuses. I am 70 yrs old.

I currently pay a 36k premium to meet the existing k plus covid. I anticipate the premium for full coverage of the new 3m requirement will be between 75 -100k.

@David ******

Well my policy clearly states B3.5m for inpatient and outpatient care, and obviously includes Covid. Give me your email and I'll send you a copy!

@Peter ********

trying to pm you but your're not coming up on my search. Not prepared to divulge my email add on this forum. I will check Axa thru my broker...thks

@David ******

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@Michael *******

Axa Insurance, contact Robert Jackson

Good guy used him a few times

@Brett *********

Axa Insurance, contact Robert Jackson

Good guy used him a few times

@Peter ********

won't require for a while but if I manage to leave and re-enter for a second year could be handy