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What are the advantages of the Non-O or Non-OA visa compared to the LTR visa in Thailand?

LTR Visa Non-O Visa Non-OA Visa Visa Comparison Thailand Retirement Visa Expat Visa Options

Aug 5, 2025

23 days ago

Brian ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

It seems that for those that qualify based on the passive income requirement, the LTR is an easier option for a long stay. Is there an advantage by going the non o to oa route over the ltr?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The LTR (Long-Term Resident) visa appears to be a superior option for those who qualify based on passive income, offering several advantages over the Non-O and Non-OA visas. Key benefits of the LTR include a 10-year multiple-entry validity, no need for frequent 90-day reporting (only annual reporting required if not leaving Thailand), a simpler application process with fewer stringent insurance requirements, and the ability to work remotely. Although an application for LTR is free and approval can be confirmed quickly, the cost of alternative visas like Non-O and Non-OA can accumulate significantly over time due to unavoidable fees for extensions, re-entry permits, and mandatory insurance. Overall, if eligible, the LTR is highly endorsed by users for its convenience and cost-effectiveness.

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Dave *******

LTR is relatively easy to get if you meet the conditions. I did not use an agent and it took 6 weeks from submitting the application to the BOI website and receiving the stamp on my passport. I will travel out of Thailand more than once per year … so I am exempt from the reporting. The Fast track is nice when departing.

22 days ago

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

LTR is the best visa if you qualify, plain and simple. Don't even listen to anyone if they mention the cost because that's not a factor in any way.

The LTR is a 10 year multiple-entry visa, which means you won't have to apply for re-entry permits. And you also won't have to do 90-day reports, only report in annually and that's only if you don't leave Thailand at least once a year. And when you do travel, you can use the Fast Track lanes at the airport.

While it does have an insurance requirement , it's not a stringent one like the Non-OA which must be from a list of Thai companies, so you can use nearly any insurance, and you should have insurance anyways.

Non-O: Visa price is 2000 baht, and annual extensions are 1,900 baht. A multiple re-entry permit each year is 3,800 baht. That means over 10 years you would pay 53,300 baht.

Non-OA: Visa price is whatever your embassy charges. Annual extensions starting from year 3 would be 1900 baht, plus the price of mandatory insurance and re-entry permits each year. I can't tell you how much insurance will cost but you're going to be WAY over the price of 10 years of non-O, probably after only 2 years.

LTR: If you purchase in Bangkok, exactly 50,000 baht with all the listed benefits (including tax exempt on most categories). If you purchase from your embassy, you'll probably pay a few hundred dollars more.

22 days ago

Brian ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

great info. Thanks. Looks like the best way to go. Do you know if there is residency requirement such as needing address in Thailand. Can I use this visa to come and go as I please without staying at one permanent address. Do I need to show lease, etc?

22 days ago

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

@Brian *******

no, you don't need to ever have even been to Thailand to apply. The whole application process is done by the BOI. You can find their LTR website by searching Google for "BOI LTR"

It's free to apply and you can find out if you're approved before even deciding some plans because your approval is good for 60 days.

22 days ago

Reply to

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

Kim **********

You can also work remotely even on the retirement ltr which you cannot on the non o. Just frustrating to reach the passive income number.

22 days ago

Jo **********

LTR is far better no paperwork over 5 years

23 days ago

Ian ********

Price vs. 90 day reporting and visa extensions .

23 days ago

Bob **********

Not on a LTR you report once a year in Bangkok and the year resets if I leave and return,I travel a lot so I’ll probably only ever do my 5 year up date

22 days ago

Brian ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ian *******

I did see the application fee is high.

23 days ago

Todd *********

@Brian *******

there is no application fee. And the visa fee is 5000 per year multi entry. Cheapest visa there is

23 days ago

Bob **********

@Brian *******

the insurance with the LTR and OA is a big difference but LTR no 90 day report is good and if your worried about tax in Thailand your exempt on the LTR

23 days ago

Tracey ********

@Bob *********

you still have 90 day reporting on ltr visa, all non thais have to do a 90 day report no matter what visa is what I've read?

22 days ago

Todd *********

@Bob *********

there is no insurance requirement for LTR. Just show $100k. By far the better visa. No comparison

23 days ago

Brian ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Todd ********

does this need to be parked in a Thai bank or US investment account will work?

22 days ago

Todd *********

@Brian *******

a US account will work, the money does not need to be in Thailand. However, some have been rejected for it holding stocks/securities vs cash. Others have been accepted.

22 days ago

Bob **********

@Todd ********

I’m required to have insurance and have a lot more than 100k ???I agree if you deposit $100k in a bank for 12 months you don’t

22 days ago

Todd *********

@Bob *********

no. You are required to have insurance OR show $100k USD on deposit somewhere

22 days ago

Reply to

Todd *********

Ian ********

@Brian *******

The 5 year bronze Elite has no conditions for application.

Is 90 day reporting and yearly extensions.

Letters of introduction supplied for opening bank accounts and at DLT for licence.

650,000 baht payable only after approval which takes 4-8 weeks.

It's my back.up.plan if I fail to get a Non O whilst in Thailand.

Worth looking into.

23 days ago

Todd *********

@Ian *******

it’s a good option if you don’t qualify for LTR

23 days ago

Jim *******

@Ian *******

It turns into 5 years x 10,800THB a month for the right to breath Thai air. Accommodation and all else is on you, atop of that price. They do reporting for you, if it is a big deal.

I knew of several Japanese who used their savings to acquire the biggest one, 20 years. Somehow, they all settled in Chiang Mai (probably, the cooler climate and good airline connections). They play golf 2-3 times a week, not sure, could be that golf clubs membership is included or disounted for them.

23 days ago

Reply to

Jim *******

John **********

If you qualify for the LTR this is by far the best option

23 days ago

Reply to

John **********

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