Answered9 months ago

Should I choose a Non-Immigrant O visa or a Non-Immigrant O-A visa for long-term stay in Thailand?

Non-Immigrant O Visa Non-Immigrant O-A Visa Visa Type Comparison Retirement in Thailand Visa Extensions Thai Immigration Requirements

Stanley ********

asked Jan 30, 2026

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I tried looking through previous posts and when I think I have it straight I get confused. I’m on the Immigration website. I can choose Non-Immigrant  O visa and file for extension during my “90 days”. Would Non-Immigrant O-A be better since it’s multiple entries for a year? 

I am 56, retired and plan out setting roots in the land of smiles.

Answer summary

The discussion centers on whether a retired expat should choose the Non-Immigrant O visa or the Non-Immigrant O-A visa for long-term stays in Thailand. Several commenters express that the Non-O visa is preferable due to fewer requirements, such as mandatory health insurance and the need for a substantial amount of money in a Thai bank account, which are necessary for the Non-OA visa. They highlight that the O visa allows for simpler extensions and less bureaucratic hassle. Concerns about insurance and financial requirements highlight the complexities of the visa application process.

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John ******

Baan Thai Immigration Solutions

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9 months ago

John ******

Baan Thai Immigration can answer your questions

9 months ago

Andreas *********

you will regret it if you chose the Non-Imm-O/A Longstay Visa. You will need a private Thai insurance forever, and for the annual extensions after the first 2 years, you need the 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account. It is always better to start on the 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa and from there to the 1-year extension of the stay permit

9 months ago

Jim *******

Andreas Mueller Is that true? Non OA visa does not require 800K THB in Thai bank account, I think. It is more complicated with health insurance and police check (Non OA visa) but I could not see the rquirement for 800K THB in the Thai bank account. Likely, in your home account.

9 months ago

Andreas *********

Jim Davis you missed where I said "after 2 years"

9 months ago

Andreas *********

Jim Davis correct, but as soon as the 2 years you can squeeze from a Non-O/A visa are expiring, and you are applying for the extension, you will EITHER need an income affidavit from your embassy over a minimum of 65,000 THB, OR a 12-months statement from your Thai bank confirming a 65,000 THB transfer from abroad, consecutively every month since 12 months, OR 800,000 THB in your Thai bank account since 2 months. And from the 1-year extension onward, you will need the tgia-listed Thai private health insurance. . . . . .The only way to keep your money outside of Thailand would be you fly back home and apply for the next 365-days Non-Imm-O Longstay Visa

9 months ago

Brandon ************

The non-O is going to be better if you plan on staying in Thailand long-term. The non-OA has mandatory insurance for as long as you continue doing yearly extensions, and you have to choose from a list of Thai insurance companies.

9 months ago