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Should I apply for a 90-day STV or a NON O-A visa for a one-year stay in Thailand?

Thailand Visa Non O-A Visa Social Security Income Visa Renewal Long-term Stay Expats in Thailand Retirement Visa STV Visa Immigration Rules

Jun 14, 2021

3 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Please advise... I am over 50 years old and in the USA now and planning for a stay of up to a year in Thailand and I am a bit confused on what my visa plan should be. Should I do a 90 day STV or a NON O-A. Here's my question on the STV 90 day will I be able to renew and stay for a year without leaving the country or for the NON O-A will my social security income which will exceed 65,000 baht monthly eliminate the requirement for a 800,00 baht deposit in a Thai bank? Thanks for the help!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is seeking advice on whether to choose a 90-day Special Tourist Visa (STV) or a Non-Immigrant O-A visa for a stay of up to a year in Thailand, given their situation of being over 50 and residing in the USA. The comments suggest that the Non O-A visa is more suitable for a longer stay and allows for an annual renewal without leaving the country. Additionally, it is clarified that social security income can satisfy financial requirements for the O-A visa although having 800,000 Thai baht in a Thai bank is typically necessary for extensions, unless obtaining the visa abroad. The community generally advises against the STV due to its limitations.

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.
Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

Marty *********

You said you only want to stay one year. You can meet the financial requirements for a 1 year OA visa using money in your US bank. You will only need money in a Thai bank if you choose to extend the OA for an additional year.

If border travel is easier a year from now you could get an additional year on your OA visa by leaving and reentering toward the end of the first year. Each time you enter during the first year you get stamped in for a year. Your money is still in a US bank until you apply for a 1 year extension inside Thailand.

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Wannikea *********

As James indicated the the O-A visa can be used to stay in Thailand almost 2 years if you time it correctly with a trip outside Thailand and return just before the visa validity expires, as you will be stamped in for an additional year.

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James ********

I have placed the topic ...

OA Visa home country...

on your post ...

Click on it and all posts re the OA visa will pop up to read. It will be helpful to you.

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Tod *********

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said, your best option is the get the year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant type O-A visa from the thai consulate in your country before you wing your way here.

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James ********

The fact that you earn 65,000 Thai baht a month will not help you get the Non O retirement visa or its one year extension of stay based on retirement when first applying for this in Thailand.

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Kim ********

According to London embassy STV has now stopped. I am in the process of applying for a three month tourist visa extending it and then changing to Non-O visa in Thailand.

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James ********

thank you for your helpful reply

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Kim ********

your information is really giving me pause for thought, I’m reluctant though to transfer my funds to my Thai bank until I actually get to Thailand as I have been stuck in the U.K. since last March and each time I nearly get there alas another lockdown!! Fingers crossed this time .

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Dave ********

you could of left during the last lock down as I did , I used house relocation / move / emigrating never got stopped or questioned at airport having said that I had ALL letters for evidence ie shippers dog exporters , my house rental etc and they never asked for anything it was a breeze 👍👍👍👍

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James ********

or get the OA visa in your home country UK. Keeping your $$$ in the UK and not in a Thai bank account

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James ********

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James ********

Do NOT get the STV visa ....it will not fill your purpose of staying in Thailand. It's ending September 30th. And a terrible visa for your planned stay in Thailand.

Get the O-A Visa and then you will be stamped into Thailand for one full year. And during that first year its multientry if you are able or chose to leave and return to Thailand.

You can use your pension and other income you receive for the OA visa if you obtain it in your home country.

To extend it or if you choose to come to Thailand and then apply for the Non O visa for retirement... You will need to have 800,000 Thai baht in your Thai bank account in your name only.

It's easier to get the OA visa in your home country.

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Mike ******

Here is the key line about applying for a new Non OA from a Thai Embassy/Consulate: – an income certificate (an original copy) with a monthly income of not less than 65,000 Baht; or

– a deposit account plus a monthly income totaling not less than 800,000 Baht. In Mr. McManus' case a document from SSA would suffice. I have applied for 3 OAd's in the last 5 years and a letter from my Government Pension board certifying that I make more than the min 65,000 Baht in equivalent US Dollars was always accepted. The 65,000 Bath international transfers applies if one applies to extend the OA at Thai Immigration.

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Chris **********

With the Non OA, you will need to have a Police Report, a Medical Report, Covid 19 Insurance, Meficsl Insurance ( both provided by Thai Companies I believe) and currently Pre flight Covid test no more than 72 hours old, plus you must have a 14 day quarantine arranged in advance, in an approved Thai facility. You may also have to have proof of vaccinations.

There is also the possibility of another route. The Phuket "Sandbox" scheme which is about to be initiated. Check our the rules on Google or a Thai Government Web site.

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Benjamin ******

@Chris *********

>The Phuket "Sandbox" scheme which is about to be initiated

The Phuket Sandbox scheme:

1. Has not been approved yet

2. Is visa agnostic

3. And there are no rules to entry via the "sandbox" on any embassy website yet (because it's not approved).

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James ********

@Benjamin *****

but the important thing is that the Thai Prime Minister has said that the Phuket sandbox plan will open up July 1st.

That was made in his announcement on Friday.

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Chris **********

Yes, he posted it on his Facebook site.

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Chris **********

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John *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you... I am not married and coming single. Do I understand correctly that with my pension well over 65,000 per month that I may qualify for the Non O-A visa without a 800,000 Bhat deposit in a Thai bank?

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James ********

you will qualify for the OA visa in your home country with proof of income of 65,000 Thb monthly or 800,000 Thb annually with the combination method accepted by the Thai Embassy in your home country.

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James ********

not in the first year. As you will not be able to show proof of having 65,000 Thai baht or more being transferred into Thailand by international transfer ..

That can be done for the second year's extension of stay based on retirement inside Thailand.

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James ********

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Gregor **********

WTF is a Non O married visa for retirement ???? It is either a Non-O married OR a Non-O retired. And you cannot convert to a Non-O from a Non-O/A

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James ********

@Gregor *********

typo error with my auto reply 😂😂meant to be based on retirement .

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James ********

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