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What are the differences between an OA and an O visa in Thailand?

OA visaO visaVisa renewalVisa typesThai immigrationHealth insuranceRetirement visaExtension of stay
Jun 26, 2022
2 years ago
Mike *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello

I have a OA visa now and have to renew in July. Can someone explain to us the difference etween a OA and a O?

I paid 800 us last year for OA visa health ins. I am 64 and just trying g tofigure out what Visa I need

Thank you
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the differences between the OA (Long-Stay) and O (Other) visas in Thailand, specifically for expats considering visa renewal options. The OA visa generally offers advantages such as less stringent financial proof requirements if one prefers not to maintain a Thai bank account, while the O visa may require additional financial documentation if changing from OA to O. There are considerations regarding healthcare insurance, with mandatory health insurance being necessary for the OA visa renewal. Comments suggest strategies for renewing the OA visa including border runs and applying for extensions at immigration offices. The importance of obtaining a signed certificate of foreign insurance for those using international plans was also emphasized.
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  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Ellie *******
I think OP got some idea of what he wants to do for his next year. Unfortunately, insurance detail is out of the scope of this group.
@Mike ********
, If you still have questions regarding the original topic, please contact one of the moderators.
2 years ago
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Bobby ********
OA is the best if you don't want to transfer money into a Thai bank account, and if you intend visiting your home country every two years.
2 years ago
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Marty *********
I think another question is, do you want to continue buying health insurance?
2 years ago
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James ********
@Marty ********
 it appears that he does from his reply
2 years ago
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Mike *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
800 us. 5000 deductible
2 years ago
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Mike *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Will do
2 years ago
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James ********
@Mike ********
 what is your age?

Curious as you stated you paid US $800 with $5,000 deductible?
2 years ago
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James ********
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James ********
@Mike ********
 contact your insurer ASAP to be certain that they will complete and sign the Foreign Insurance Certificate that is shown above.

Some insurers are unwilling to complete the form.
2 years ago
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James ********
@Mike ********
 contact your US insurer...they will need to issue you a new policy for one Year...

Suggest that you time the effective date to be the planned Date to re-enter Thailand.

ALSO...They will need to give you a signed CERTIFICATE OF FOREIGN INSURANCE... Along with the certificate of insurance.
2 years ago
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James ********
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Mike *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes of course I do. I have this American ins and it was good enough for this year. I think I’m owing to renew this policy
2 years ago
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Marty *********
@Mike ********
 If you exit and reenter before this first year expires then you can get stamped in for another year and I think you need to renew that US insurance. What you need to think about is if you extend this visa inside Thailand then you may need to buy Thai insurance or look into getting your US insurance policy to state that they meet the Thai requirements. The point is the insurance valid to get the visa is not necessarily the insurance required for a 1 year extension. Getting a non-O visa decouples the your health insurance from the visa and you may have more health insurance choices. I came on an OA visa in 2017. I purchased Thai health insurance when I realized that my US policy wouldn’t adequately cover me here living full time in Thailand. My Thai insurance qualifies to extend my OA each year.
2 years ago
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Marty *********
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Bobby ********
@Marty ********
 Exactly. Why on Earth would anyone want to cover themselves in case of accident or sickness? Madness!!
2 years ago
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Jack *********
@Bobby *******
 I have two health insurance plans. The Thai one for immigration and a real one. Why pay for two
2 years ago
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Marty *********
@Jack ********
 The insurance question is very complicated. There is no way to recommend to anyone else other than to point out that it is necessary for the OA visa so you should think about what you are going to do when you need to extend or go back for another visa.
2 years ago
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Jack *********
@Marty ********
 yes just pointing out what I am doing. I have not changed yet
2 years ago
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Jack *********
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Marty *********
@Bobby *******
 If the answer is No (his choice) then he needs to pursue a non-O. Otherwise he can continue health insurance with either a non-O or OA. But you know this . . .
2 years ago
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Bobby ********
@Marty ********
 Exactly! Why bother with health insurance when you can beg for money on GoFundMe? 😆😆😆
2 years ago
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Bobby ********
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James ********
IF...you want to change the OA based extension of stay to the Non O...you can do it. Will need to leave Thailand and reenter. Land borders are now OPEN.

BUT... you must be able to show proof of your Thai bank account with 800,000 Thai baht deposited in your name only.
2 years ago
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James ********
When was the OA visa issued ?

Are you in the first year of it?

OR

You now have a one year extension of stay based on the OA as a retiree?

When does the insurance for the OA visa/extension expire?
2 years ago
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Mike *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you James
2 years ago
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James ********
IF you are still in your first year of the OA visa.. then simply make a border run and re-enter Thailand BEFORE the ending date now stamped in your passport..

You will need to show proof of the required OA insurance policy...buy it before you leave and request issue date of the planned re-entry into Thailand...

You will be stamped in for one added year..up to the ending date of the OA insurance you purchase.

NO PROOF of the financial requirements needed at this time in getting the One year extension of stay.

However if you leave Thailand anytime during the added one year...you will need to buy a reentry permit to keep the extension of stay valid.
2 years ago
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Mike *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
 first year
2 years ago
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Mike *********
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Robert *******
Let's give it a try:

Take a look at your visa, you will see a enter before/valid until date, if that date is in the future you can leave Thailand, come back and get 1 more year of stay OR until the validity date of your health insurance.

OR you can go to your local Immigration Office and apply for a 1 year Extension of Stay, please ask them for their requirements.

It is almost impossible to give advice based on I have a Non O-A visa and I want to renew. You can not renew an issued and used visa, you can OR use the multiple entry, apply for a new visa OR apply for a new Extension of Stay.
2 years ago
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Ellie *******
With "renew", which do you mean, getting a new Non-OA/O at your home country, getting the second year entry from your current Non-OA entry, or applying for a new 1-year extension?

This is a very summary of comparison of retirement options in Thailand.
2 years ago
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Ellie *******
Please check...

'Enter before' date on your visa, and 'until date' on your entry stamp
2 years ago
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Mike *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ellie ******
 thank you. I live here and have a OA and just want to renew for a year
2 years ago
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Ellie *******
@Mike ********
 Do you mean, you want to apply for 1-year extension from Non-OA entry?

When is your Non-OA visa itself (sticker) expires?
2 years ago
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Mike *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ellie ******
 July 13th
2 years ago
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Mike *********
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