Is it true that Non-OA visas are currently not being issued during the protests in Thailand?

@Scott *********

. People cannot leave Australia without reason. Not only is it discouraged, it's actually banned. There are several exemptions, one being if you spend more time out of the country than in it, assessed over the previous 12-24 month period. My friend spends nine months of the year in Thailand/SE Asia, so he has no problem leaving.

@Bobby *******

Good to know and good luck to your friend. I do not know the details but understand there are issues with being let out of Aus to go anywhere. In Canada it is discouraged by the government but not prevented from leaving. It will be interesting to see what happens to winter snowbirds. Most drive to Florida or Arizona. If they go this year it means flying if they can find a flight and paying for a long term car rental as you need it in those two places. I think Mexico will be very busy soon.

@Scott *********

. A mate of mine has obtained the TR in Australia, and there was a report on another thread that two people from Norway have also been successful. The application on the Canberra embassy website is very clear and explanatory. It does not allow for conversion of visa, and if a 30 day extension is available, that would be the decision of Thai immigration inside Thailand. My friend is only visiting to pick up a few items from his condo, and to arrange the letting out of it, so he doesn't need a great deal of time, although he's said if he can get the extra 30 days he'll take it, provided he can change his flight ticket.

@Bobby *******

Thank you for the info. It is the first time I have seen any list. That said it appears to have been put together by the Ministry of Health not the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that determines visa rules. It might be a leap of faith to think the list means that those countries are allowed typical Thai tourist visas. My home country is not on the list so I cannot tell but can guarantee you we cannot get a tourist visa. My personal guess is that the list will be used when the Thais decide to start opening but to my knowledge the only tourists coming in have been the 41 Chinese on the STV scheme very recently.

@Scott *********

. The Single Entry Tourist Visa is now available for low-risk countries as indicated in this list.

@Tom *******

I hope you're right. As I said just my opinion from what I have read about some Embassies offering visas and some not. The ones that don't appear to be from high COVID infection rates. Maybe there is another reason.

Best if luck when you apply.