What are the advantages and disadvantages of having an O visa compared to an O-A visa in Thailand?

Apr 28, 2021
4 years ago
Chris **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
So apparently I can obtain and O-A visa 12 months from Thai embassy in Canada. This allows you to keep your money in a Canadian bank or invested here which makes more sense.

My goal is to have multiple entry which it does (outside COVID issues). I need insurance with O-A which I would get anyway. I want to ensure there are no retrictions for renewals etc if I want very long term, as in retirement permanently.

My question: what are the advantages or disadvantages of a O vs O-A I need to be aware of?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the differences between the O visa and O-A visa for expats in Thailand, particularly focusing on financial requirements, health insurance mandates, and multiple entry advantages. Participants clarify that the O-A visa allows for a longer stay with multiple entries and includes specific financial requirements (either a monthly deposit or a lump sum in the bank). They also mention that health insurance is mandatory for the O-A visa, and detail procedures for maintaining the visa status in Thailand, including renewing after two years and managing funds in local accounts.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
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Chris **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
You all actually helped a lot. Im going to avoid the hassles and potential next covid like situation , keep my 800k baht invested in Canada and BUY a 5 yr Thai elite easy and is upgradable to 20 yr Superiority version. Ps. I see a lot of other forums expats that seem very cranky and negative. Thanks.
Sid *******
I came here on a OA Visa issued in Canada . You need the equivalent of 800,000. Baht in your Bank in Canada . The Embassy will require a Print out of a Bank Statement plus a letter from your Bank stating you are the owner of the account. Multiple Entry means under normal circumstances for the first year you can leave and enter the Country as many times as you want without a re entry permit. Each time you re enter you will be stamped in for another year. You are not required to leave. As long as you leave and return before your first year is up you will be stamped in for another year when you return.

So you get two years from your initial Visa. The big difference is as long as you stay on the OA Visa you will be required to have Health Insurance. At the end of 2 years you will be required to have money in Thai account. As a Canadian you can just go to the Canadian Embassy and get a letter stating you have the funds. It’s very easy just show them a copy of your Tax returns for that year.
Kathy ****************
To get the OA it will be a 5 entry visa.. Must have $2500.00 per month deposit or $18,000.00 in an account.. If married spouse must have there own monies in a separate account in their name only...
Chris **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kathy ***************
sorry. Can you clarify what “5 entry visa” means?
Kathy ****************
@Ch***
the OA retirement Visa you have to get a 5 entry visa you can not get just a 1 entry.. The Embassy in the US charges $200.00 for the Visa...
Michael *********
@Chris *********
She means you have to leave every 90 days, so you get 4 entries (initial + 3 more, and if you then leave a few days before the visa expires, you get an extra one, the 5th entry.
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