Is the Non-O visa multi-entry and how does it compare to the Non-OA visa for retirement in Thailand?

January 16, 2022
3 years ago
Mark *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi All, If I apply for an NI "O" visa is it multi entry? Or am I better off with a NI "OA" visa for retirement purposes. TIA
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The Non-O visa for retirees (aged over 50) is not a multi-entry visa; it allows a stay of 90 days with the requirement of a re-entry permit for leaving and returning to Thailand. Conversely, the Non-OA visa is a multi-entry option with a stay duration of one year. However, the Non-OA visa requires more documentation, including health insurance and a criminal background check, while the Non-O visa is generally easier and cheaper to obtain if you have sufficient funds in a Thai bank account.
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.
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John ********
I have had both non imm oa and o extension based on retirement ...overall, particularly if you already have 800k in a thai account I found the o retirement extension option both easier to get and overall cheaper due to less certificates and insurances. Particularly as you pass age 65 and insurance premiums rise steeply often.
Mark *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *******
was that 1 year multi entry?
John ********
@Mark ******
see Benjamins answer. Essentially a non imm o is for 3 months and then an in thailand extension (yearly in my case as I live here). A re entry pass is obtained on each exit from thailand (I only visit family in uk once a year) so single. A multientry pass allowing 3 reentries is an alternative option. These are also obtained in thailand prior to leaving and return.
Benjamin ******
@John *******
I thought a multi-entry pass allows unlimited entries. Are they restricted to three now ๐Ÿ˜ฎ
John ********
@Benjamin *****
you may be right but I thought limited to 3 ...but is slightly cheaper than 3x single entry. I never use the multi so i could be wrong!
Benjamin ******
@Mark ******
> o retirement extension

That would be the One Year Extension of Stay based on Retirement. This is acquired after you arrive in Thailand (usually on a Non-O visa). The extension of stay fee is 1,900 THB. A Multiple Entry Re-entry permit is 3,800 THB.
Mark *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
If I apply for an OA visa from UK, would I still apply for an extension of stay?
Benjamin ******
@Mark ******
If you apply for a Non-OA visa from the UK, you can still apply for a one year extension of stay based on retirement. Remember though:

1. You can only apply for a One Year Extension of Stay based on Retirement when you have 45 days remaining on your current "admitted to" stamp (30 days for some immigration office).

2. You will need Thai health insurance for a One Year Extension of Stay based on Retirement from a Non-OA visa. This is NOT required if you entered on a Non-O visa.
Hombre *******
U can get 1year non o multiple entry but must leave the country at least every 90days (borderrun)
Benjamin ******
@Hombre ******
The problem with a Non-O Multiple Entry visa is that border bouncing is very difficult, and not a viable plan as of right now. I don't know if the consulate is selling that specific Non-O visa right now either.
Hombre *******
@Benjamin *****
guess so, just got a single one, I'll go for 1yr extension in a while with affidavit from consulate
Benjamin ******
Assuming that NI is short for Non-immigrant:

1. The Non-O Visa based on being over 50 is NOT multiple entry. This visa allows you to stay in Thailand for 90 days, and allows one entry. If you want to leave Thailand and return, you will need to get a re-entry permit, which keeps your "admitted to" stamp "alive" when you leave. This visa is cheaper to acquire at the local consultant, and *MIGHT NOT* require a police report or special health insurance.

2. The Non-OA visa based on being over 50 *IS* multiple entry. On each entry, you are stamped in for one year, or the length of your health insurance, whichever one is less. This requires more paperwork including a criminal background check, must be issued from the Thai consulate of your passport (i.e. if you're holding a British passport, the Thai consulate of London), and requires medical insurance. IF you acquire a One Year Extension of Stay based on being over 50, you will need health insurance.
Harris *******
@Benjamin *****
I have an multiple entry Non-OA retirement visa, which expires on August 3rd this year. If I back to US in March and return to CM in July, how long will the immigration officer give me when I re-enter the country? Thank you!
Ellie *******
@Harris ******
either shorter, 365days or your insurance expiry
Harris *******
@Ellie ******
Thank you very much!
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