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What are my options for extending my stay in Thailand and obtaining an O visa after arriving on a 60-day visa exemption?

Visa ExemptionVisa ExtensionsNon-O VisaVisa ConversionRetirement VisaThai Immigration
Dec 24, 2024
2 days ago
David ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Married to a Thai for 33 years but worked abroad and visited Thailand on Tourist visas. On retirement got an O-A visa but with COVID and my Mums passing I had to leave before renewal than spent two years in the UK.

Returned last year on an O visa.

This year had intended to do the same but due to a medical issue not able to know when I was flying and by the time I did could not get a visa.

So arrived on a 60 day visa exemption and the local IO said pop back for a 30 extension.

So would it be best after 90 days to do

1. A border bounce in Loas.

2. Stay in Loas or Cambodia for a few days an return. I have a genuine ticket to leave within that additional 60 days.

Also can you get an O visa whilst in Thailand on a visa exemption.

Cheers
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The person, married to a Thai citizen for 33 years, is currently in Thailand on a 60-day visa exemption and seeks advice on extending their stay or converting their visa. They inquire about options like getting a 30-day extension, performing a border run to Laos, or applying for an O visa while in Thailand. Commenters provide insights into immigration regulations, suggesting the possibility of converting the visa exemption to an O visa, applying for extensions based on their marriage status, and considerations regarding crossing borders. They stress the importance of consulting local immigration offices and ensuring compliance with necessary documentation for any visa changes.
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Peculiar ******
I'm not a visa expert, but I'll try to provide some general guidance. However, please consult the Thai embassy or consulate, or an immigration lawyer for personalized advice.

Visa Exemption and Extensions

1. *60-day visa exemption*: You've already utilized this option.

2. *30-day extension*: The local IO suggested this, but be aware that extensions are typically granted for unforeseen circumstances, not for regular visa runs.

Border Run Options

1. *Border bounce in Laos*: This option is possible, but be cautious:

1. Ensure you have all necessary documents, including a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and sufficient funds.

2. Be prepared for potential scrutiny from immigration officers.

3. There's a risk of being denied re-entry or receiving a shorter visa exemption period.

2. *Stay in Laos or Cambodia for a few days*: This option is generally considered safer and more respectful of immigration regulations:

1. Spend a few days exploring Laos or Cambodia to demonstrate your intention to travel.

2. Keep records of your travels, such as hotel bookings, transportation tickets, and photos.

Obtaining an O Visa While in Thailand

It's generally recommended to apply for an O visa from outside Thailand. However, in some cases, it might be possible to apply for an O visa while in Thailand on a visa exemption:

1. *Consult the Thai embassy or consulate*: Reach out to the Thai embassy or consulate in Thailand to inquire about the possibility of applying for an O visa while on a visa exemption.

2. *Meet the eligibility criteria*: Ensure you meet the requirements for an O visa, including having a valid passport, proof of marriage to a Thai citizen, and sufficient funds.

3. *Prepare required documents*: Gather all necessary documents, including your passport, marriage certificate, and proof of income.

Please note that immigration regulations can change, and individual circumstances may affect the outcome. You should also consider reading a book or two before your travel.. I'd recommend a book "Thailand Unveiled 2024-2025" by James Anderson on Amazon..it has all the info and recommendations you need..you should check it out šŸ˜€
a day ago
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Robin *******
Iā€™ve just asked immigration in non bua lam phu 2 days ago I was told I can come to Thailand on the 60days on arrival stamp tourist. And ask immigration for a change to retirement or marriage visa , I was told to go for the retirement visa as it is easier to get
a day ago
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Martin *******
You can get a non-O retirement visa in Thailand. You need 800k THB in a thai bank account in your name. Go to the immigration office to get a list of requirements (letter from bank, copies of passport, etc).
a day ago
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Jan ******************
As
@Gar***
 states get the additional 60 days visiting Thai family if youā€™re marriage is registered in Thailand.

You cannot apply apply for a DTV inside Thailand.

You can apply for a 90 days Non O in Thailand and youā€™ll need 15-21 days left on your stamp.

If you apply based on being over 50 years the requirements are proof of 800K baht transferred from abroad. Based on marriage itā€™s 400K baht.

If youā€™re able to get affidavit letter from your embassy regarding income the requirements are 65K baht a month as retired and 40K based on marriage.
2 days ago
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Andy ************
Get a DTV - it's the new "Super Visa", everyone's getting them now
2 days ago
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Jan ******************
@Andy ***********
 You canā€™t get a DTV from Thailand and you canā€™t get a DTV only based on being a regular retired with pension.
2 days ago
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Jim ********
@Jan *****************
 Not quite true. I'm retired and already dumped the non-O for a DTV. I'm a "remote worker" for my own business, which is actually registered in my daughter's name. She gives me a "work contract" which stipulates I can work remotely. I can't remember exactly what work it is I'm doing, but I can find out if you need to know šŸ˜‚. Already been out of the country and back twice. Stamped back in with a flourish and a smile for a fresh 180 days each time! Welcome to the new retirement visa! No need to visit immigration offices and put up with their pedantic inconsistencies for five years. How good is that? āœ…āœ…āœ…
2 days ago
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Ron ******
@Jim *******
 Hahahaā€¦I donā€™t know whatā€™s funnier, youā€™re story or that you told the world about it on FBšŸ¤£šŸ¤£.
a day ago
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Jim ********
@Ron *****
 And what's even funnier are the dumb morons who think Jim Howard is not a pseudonym! šŸ˜‚šŸ˜‚šŸ˜‚
a day ago
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Bouros *******
@Jim *******
 How much cost that for a DTV five years.

The conditions as well please?

You can DM me.thanks
2 days ago
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Jim ********
@Bouros ******
 It cost me around
*****
baht, as I bought it in Australia for AUD$600. The conditions are listed on the embassy website specific to the country you are applying from
a day ago
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Jan ******************
@Jim *******
 Yes, this is the way if you prefer to do it this way. And you dumped the Non O by leaving without a re-entry permit an applied i Aus or outside Thailand.
2 days ago
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Jim ********
@Jan *****************
 Applied in Australia. I left just before my last non-O extension expires, spent my usual six weeks back home, during which time I set up the structure to obtain the DTV. Best thing I ever did as far as visas are concerned!
a day ago
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Jim ********
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Andy ************
@Jan *****************
 What rock are you under? I already know personally five people have switched from non-O to DTV. You obviously have no idea how easy it is to register a business name and give yourself a work contract! Keep up, the DTV is the new retirement visa.
2 days ago
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Jan ******************
@Andy ***********
 Not the same rock as you obviously. As you understand you canā€™t apply for a DTV in country. And I agree if you are retired and still in a position where you can have or set up a business with remote work itā€™s for sure possible to get a DTV. For several people who never have been in private business with a regular state pension thatā€™s probably not an option. For my selv as an example who are able to get an extension of stay each year with multiple re-entry permits only be showing a affidavit letter from my embassy, I donā€™t see the benefits in a DTV.
a day ago
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Andy ************
@Jan *****************
 Never once did I say you can apply in Thailand, although many do and then simply bounce to activate it, but there are a number of easily accessible neighbouring countries in order to do this. It's very easy to set up a business name and give yourself a contract, that's how a few I know who have done it. There's no proof of income required, just a simple 500k in a bank or super fund in your home country. For regular travellers like myself the benefits are very good. Less cost over five years and the absolute best is no need to ever visit an immigration office in Thailand and put up with their pedantic inconsistencies! There's no financial criteria within Thailand, so very easy to stay way under the taxation radar. It's to each their own. For those happy to sit in Thailand year in year out the non-O is best, but for avid world travellers the DTV is the best retirement visa!
a day ago
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Jan ******************
@Andy ***********
 And I guess it also depends on the particular tax agreement your own country has with Thailand. For Norwegians as an example partial taxation to Thailand is an advantage. But we donā€™t have this 60+ plus fond as you mentioned.
a day ago
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Andy ************
@Jan *****************
 Only money transferred into Thailand is possibly taxable, although you're correct, a lot depends on the respective DTA. I can see a lot of retirees now bringing in cash each time they travel. This stays under the radar as far as the tax office is concerned
a day ago
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Jan ******************
@Andy ***********
 Ok, I see your point.
a day ago
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Jan ******************
@Andy ***********
 DTV can only be applied for at an embassy/consulate outside Thailand. Yes and it can work if you set up a business at home/abroad.

The only visa that can be applied for inside Thailand is a Non O visa.
2 days ago
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Jan ******************
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Carsten ************
@Andy ***********
 what's "super" in paying 10k for every extension and the border run once a year, if the op is married and can choose the non o?
2 days ago
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Andy ************
@Carsten ***********
 Must be a different DTV you're talking about. The one I'm talking about is 10,000 for FIVE years, extensions are 1900 baht. A lot of people still travel, but sure if someone wants to stagnate in Thailand for the rest of their life I guess the clunky old non-O is the way to go! šŸ˜‚šŸ˜‚
2 days ago
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Joseph *******
@Andy ***********
 Iā€™d rather ā€œstagnateā€ in heaven than ā€œtrample underfoot.ā€
2 days ago
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Andy ************
@Joseph ******
 Yeah, another deluded foreigner who really believes Thailand is "Heaven". It's a great country to live in, but a long long way from "heaven". Next time you walk past a canal breathe in deeply and catch that soothing aroma of rotten sewage and tell yourself this is heaven! šŸ˜‚šŸ˜‚šŸ˜‚
a day ago
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Joseph *******
@Andy ***********
 I swam in a canal in Kamalasai in 2004. It was wonderful. I get it that Thailand is apparently not for you, but thatā€™s okay. Not going to argue, rather than suggest you not let your personal grumpiness dampen the mood of everyone else.
a day ago
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Andy ************
@Joseph ******
 I'm simply being honest. You can pretend that Thailand is "heaven" but I'm realistic. I love it here. 15 years living here, but I'm not delusional
a day ago
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Joseph *******
@Andy ***********
 Delusional & honesty are subjective to oneā€™s reality, their cultural & familial upbringing. It sounds like you base your observations & judgments on a worldview that structured who & what you became. You should know by now that no two peopleā€™s beliefs or views are the same. To me & most of my farang friends, there is no country on earth that comes close to Thailand. It is absolutely heaven compared to life in the U.S. I would have given up my American citizenship 20 years ago were it not for my pension & related incomes, which I would lose.
a day ago
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Andy ************
@Joseph ******
 Ok so you compare it to one country. Yes, pension. Same with UK and Australia. Reliance on pensions. What pension would you get in Thailand? Exactly. So your comparison with one country makes it heaven. I'm a farang, but more than that I'm a realist. I don't hide behind foggy rose-coloured glasses. If you can accept the corruption at every level, the fake smiles aimed at your wallet, the dreadful disrespect shown by Thai road users, ignoring people trying to cross the road and people walking on a Footpath, the filthy canals and beaches, the non-existent sewage system.....I could go on. As I say I love it here, but heaven? No chance
a day ago
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Joseph *******
@Andy ***********
 Donā€™t know what to say. Guess I have more of a positive disposition than you do. Chatting with you has helped me to believe I have finally, successfully removed myself from the matrix.
a day ago
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Andy ************
@Joseph ******
 Being positive whilst ignoring the obvious means a person is living in a delusional world. I guess in your world there's no poverty either. It's great that you've reached your little Nirvana
21 hours ago
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Andy ************
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Gardar ***************************
If you have marriage certificate with you, can you extend another 60 days for visit Thai family yes even after the 30 day extension.

Yes you can convert your visa extempt to o cost 2000 baht or something

Recommend talking with your immigration office then here. And they will gladly assist you futher
2 days ago
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Gardar ***************************
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