Answered7 years ago
Is the non-immigrant O visa a better option than the tourist visa for staying in Thailand long term?
Hello, I am French 53, living in Greece. I bought an appartement in Bangkok 7 years ago. Normally I travel 2 times a year to Thailand, total of 4 months using visa exemption and tourist visa. I would like to ask you and to avoid any problems at immigration at the arrival if the non immigrant O visa will be better for me. Then I can change it for retirement visa O-A in Bangkok. Because the Thai consulate in Greece doesn't give the O-A, only non immigrant O single entry. Thank you for your advice.
Answer summary
A French expat living in Greece seeks advice on whether obtaining a non-immigrant O visa would be more suitable for long-term travel to Thailand instead of the tourist visa and expresses interest in converting it to a retirement visa O-A once in Thailand. Comments clarify that the O-A visa is not available within Thailand and suggest applying for it in Paris instead.
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James ********
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James ********
Dolomites Bretagne that is a wise decision 😉 Much better for you. Good luck 🍀 ....and with that I close commenting.
Dolomites **********
OP@James *******
yes you right. My residence is Greece but unfortunately the NON OA not available in Thai consulate in Greece. I will go to Paris to get the NON OA.James ********
Some Thai Consulates will grant visas so long you are IN RESIDENCE from the country the Consulate is located.
James ********
@Dolomites *********
that is what I thought. Make application in Paris. The O-A is best for you as you travel and stay in Thailand many times.Dolomites **********
OPThank you James. Yes I called them several times, only NON O SINGLE ENTRY is available. They told me to go to Thai Embassy in Paris if I want à NON OA RETIREMENT.
James ********
Or make application in France for the O-A as you are French.
James ********
The Athens Greece website shows the O-A is available. But check with them regarding you being French and have residence in Greece.. Can you apply for the O-A?
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/?type=3&source=48Dominic *****
The O-A is not available inside Thailand. You can, with ฿800,000 in a Thai bank for 2 months, get an annual extension of stay.
Dolomites **********
OPDominic Tay OK thank you so I will get extension of stay 1 year with
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0 baths in my Thai bank...Dominic *****
@Dolomites *********
you have to understand the difference between a visa (which you get outside Thailand) and extension (which you get at Immigration inside Thailand).Dolomites **********
OPDominic TayThank you... you mean retirement visa?
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