What are the best options for switching from a Non-Immigrant OA to a Non-O (Retirement) Visa in Thailand?

Question

First, I wanted to thank all the contributors over the last few months to my various questions￼. They’ve made my entry on the non-immigrant OA very smooth, and I’ve think it was largely due to you. So many thanks! Now onto the next challenge😅.

So, as stated, I’m on the non-immigrant OA, but after learning what I have on these boards, I’d like to switch to the Non O (retirement) rather then doing extension of stay at my one year. I’m aware I can get that free second year but this post isn’t about that.

When I was at immigration last week, they told me not to use an agent to switch from OA to O without leaving the country. I don’t know if ￼they are cracking down on this, but she told me it isn’t legitimate from their point of view￼. She said that I could pop over to a neighboring country and then re-enter on either a non-immigrant O (90 day), or a tourist visa and then convert it when I’m back in the country. So my questions are related to these two methods. Based on what she told me, I should leave the country just before my visa expires, and then I’m able to start the process of one of these other two methods. ￼

Is the process easier one way or another? I’m inclined to come in on a tourist visa and just do the non O application once I’m in country since I’ll already have my money seasoned in the bank due to the OA that I’m on now. So I’m wondering what the requirements are for that method?

Or, is there any benefit to coming in on the Non O (90 day) if I’m applying from Vietnam through evisa? If memory serves, one of the questions is asking for proof of the residence of the country you are in, and I don’t know what I would be able to provide if I was just visiting Vietnam for this purpose?. The agent told me I did not have to return to the US, so would it even be possible from a neighboring country to apply for the non O, given that they require some sort of residential proof from when I’m there?

Any input on either of these two methods would be helpful? And yes, I’m looking to do this on my own since I’m learning a ton by doing all of these various things without an agent. Thanks

Ask Thailand · Answer

The discussion revolves around an expat seeking to switch from a Non-Immigrant OA visa to a Non-Immigrant O visa. Contributors suggest two main paths: leaving Thailand to apply for the Non-O visa from a neighboring country, or attempting to convert to the Non-O visa from within Thailand. Several members highlight the importance of proper documentation, including proof of residence for visa applications, and emphasize the need to stay updated on immigration office requirements. Key considerations include whether an Airbnb stay (TM 30) is sufficient for the residency proof required for the extension of stay.

John ********** · Answer

So you've updated the post with regards using 12 calendar months of transfers for your 1st extension of the new Non-O visa you plan to get? The first thing to do is ask your immigration office if they will allow this as some expect you to use the 800k baht method for the 1st extension.

You can't apply for the 90 day Non-O visa inside Thailand as that requires you have 800k baht in your bank account, many immigration offices require it comes from overseas, and there are a few offices that can't do it at all. So you would need to leave Thailand just before your current Non-OA reaches its valid until date, once it has passed that date go to the evisa website and apply for a Non-O visa using the consulate that serves your current location and wait until it is issued before returning to Thailand. Its important you keep up the 65k baht overseas transfers all the while so you can show there are a full 12 months of transfers immediately prior to applying for the extension of stay

Wannikea ********* · Answer

Whatever method you choose, realize that your extension will be at the same time every year, that may or may not be convenient for you, so you might want to also use this metric in your planning.

Brandon ************ · Answer

You don't have any desire to see Laos or Vietnam? It's a good excuse to make a trip and apply for the visa during this time.

The requirements aren't anything exceptional to convert inside of Thailand, but it will require at least 2 trips to your immigration office. That can be a whole day affair in some provinces.

If you want to try it, go to your immigration office about a month beforehand and ask them for their handout of requirements to convert from tourist to non-O visa. That'll be the most up to date and specific to your immigration office.

Andreas ********* · Answer

allow me to correct your agent in one detail: you do not have to be resident in Vietnam, to be able to apply for the 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa. You only have to show a proof that you are physically in Vietnam (by a hotel receipt and the entry stamp, for example)

John ********** · Answer

You have to leave Thailand anyway for a few days so for me it would be simpler to get the 90 day Non-O visa while outside Thailand. You can normally just show your entry stamp into the country as proof of location. On return you then just do the 12 month extension of stay when down to the last 30 days or so.

If you go the visa exempt route you have to visit immigration inside Thailand when you still have enough time on your entry stamp to apply for the 90 day Non-O visa, then when it's approved 2-3 weeks later go back to immigration to get it stamped in your passport. Then when down to the last 30 days or so return to immigration for an extension of stay

What are the best options for switching from a Non-Immigrant OA to a Non-O (Retirement) Visa in Thailand?

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