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Should I apply for a Non-O visa in the States or return to Thailand on an exempt entry and apply here?

VisaNon-O VisaVisa TypesImmigrationThailandVisa Exempt EntryO-A VisaFinancial Requirement
Feb 5, 2022
3 years ago
Bob **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello going home for a month I'm letting my O-A go and was wondering if I should apply for a non-o in the states or come back on exempt and apply in country Thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is considering whether to apply for a Non-O visa while in the U.S. or to return to Thailand using a visa-exempt entry and apply for the visa after arrival. Comments suggest that applying for a Non-O visa in the U.S. provides a longer initial stay but requires additional documentation such as health insurance. Alternatively, entering Thailand on a visa exempt or tourist visa allows for easier conversion to a Non-O visa but comes with tighter deadlines for application.
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Perry *******
just get as multiple Entry and sort it out on reuturn.
3 years ago
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Tod *********
@Perry ******
 no real upside to spend that money for a yearlong multi-entry Non-O seeing as bouncing out and back every 90 days is not practical or cost effective at this time

The O/P either needs to come in on a single entry tourist visa and sort out the Non-O here once they hit the ground or just get a single entry Non-O before they come
3 years ago
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Perry *******
@Tod ********
 OPinion.

The cost of new NEW OA is extensive.

Both in money and even more in labor and paperwork.
3 years ago
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Tod *********
@Perry ******
 and no one was advocating the O/P get an OA visa 😕 We were saying either get a 90 day Non-O before they come here OR get a tourist visa and then switch to first a 90 day Non-O and then a year extension inside the country
3 years ago
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Perry *******
@Tod ********
-- In my experience, the

****least hassle*** is just as I suggested.

- Obtain a Multiple Re-Entry Permit-

-- Especially with the additional paperwork and timing required with the current pandemic entry.

+++ 30 days is tight to work any new Visa.

The OP currently has an O-A.

There are several options.

Are we only presenting some?

Or should we present all and let the OP decide?
3 years ago
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Perry *******
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James ********
And of course meet the financial requirement of 800,000 Thai baht in a Thai bank account along with a Thailand Pass to enter. If fully vaccinated...Test N Go too.
3 years ago
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Bob **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
 I've had monthly income for many years should be ok ??
3 years ago
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James ********
@Bob *********
 proof of prior 12 months of income 65,000+ Thai baht transferred internationally to your Thai bank account.

Suggest you visit your local Thai Immigration office and pick up their list of requirements for the one year extension of stay based on retirement.

Which immigration office do you use and have your registered address?
3 years ago
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Bob **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
 yes I've have my TM30 been at the same address for 10 years Jomtien office
3 years ago
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James ********
@Bob *********
 its my office too 😷

Stop by and chat with them soon.

Best to know their requirements.
3 years ago
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Bob **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
 ok thanks
3 years ago
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Bob **********
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Tod *********
If you get the O visa in the US you'll need to carry the mandatory health insurance AND the covid insurance to get back in.

Come in visa exempt or on a single entry tourist visa and then get the Non-O issued inside the country at your immigration office. That way you only need the covid insurance for the time you'll get stamped in for (30 days if you enter visa exempt and 60 days if you enter on a tourist visa)
3 years ago
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Evan ********
@Tod ********
 exactly as I’ve done although gone from O-A to O Spouse/Married. Good advice again Tod👍😀🇦🇺🇹🇭
3 years ago
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John ********
@Evan *******
 on the other hand, I actually needed some extra insurance, so was happy to take out the mandatory ....so depends very much on individual needs.
3 years ago
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Tod *********
@John *******
 the thing is you could find WAY better insurance that meets your need rather than being shoe-horned into one of the 16 thai providers that offer OA insurance
3 years ago
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John ********
@Tod ********
 my point was that I take out insurance covering any enty and O requirements as a supplement and thai backup to my existing uk cover ...I like to cover all the bases.

I no longer do OA because you are indeed directed towards poor and expensive cover
3 years ago
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John ********
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Bob **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
 yes this is what I was considering as my immigration office told me to get rid of the O-A thanks
3 years ago
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Bob **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
That's my best bet save on insurance also
3 years ago
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Fred *********
@Bob *********
 Bobby I came in visa exempt and changed to Non-O easy peasy
3 years ago
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Fred *********
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Robert *******
If you apply in the Status you get 90 days on entry and have time to arrange the copies for the Extension of Stay.

If you enter with the Visa Exempt Entry, you have 15 days to apply for the conversion to a Non Immigrant O visa, and 60 days later you have to apply for the Extension of Stay.

The choice is yours.
3 years ago
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Robert *******
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