What are my options for extending my O-A visa in Thailand before it expires?

O-A Visa Visa Extension Health Insurance Border Bounce TM7 Form Financial Requirements Thailand Immigration

Jan 1, 2023

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

I apologise for bugging you guys again, but I am having trouble comprehending some of the advice I am getting from different forums.

I am on an O-A longstay ( retirement) visa out of Australia and am stamped in until the end of March 2023 (coincides with my health insurance policy).

I wish to apply to extend for another year.

These are the different advice options I have received:-

1) Renew my health insurance and do a border bounce prior to the visa validity date of 27 February 2023 (not the stamped in date). This option was suggested on the basis that I wouldn't need to meet the financial requirements of banked monies in a Thai bank account because I would have exited Thailand and then come back in on the same day.

2) Apply to extend my stay via a TM7 form. This is where I am totally confused. I have been told that by applying via a TM7 I would not only require renewed health insurance BUT  banked monies as well. I just don't understand the requirement for both.

I am hoping I can extend my stay for another 365 days via renewed health insurance and proof of funds only (no banked monies in a Thai bank). That is how I obtained my visa initially.

Could you please clarify the situation for me.

TIA

Graham

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user, currently on an O-A longstay (retirement) visa, is seeking clarification on their options for extending their visa. They received conflicting advice: one option suggests renewing health insurance and doing a border bounce to avoid financial requirements, while another advises applying via a TM7 form, which may require both health insurance and proof of banked funds. Commenters clarify that a border bounce just before the visa's expiration date can provide a new one-year entry stamp without needing Thai bank funds, while applying for an extension might require proof of funds. Overall, they advocate for the border bounce as the simpler solution.

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.

Tod *********

alas it would appear this has turned into a 'catch all' post about OA visas. IT is not 🙁

It was a post about someone who HAS an OA visa and wanted to know the difference between entering just before the visa expires to get a new year entry stamp OR applying at the immigration office to get a yearly extension of stay.

Thanx one and all for your comments. IF you have questions about getting an OA visa go to the thai consulate in your country and read the requirements and/or make your own post

We are done (y)