Answered2 years ago

What are the differences between the various "O" visa categories in Thailand, and what activities are permitted?

Thailand Visa Non-Immigrant O Visa O Visa Categories Visa Regulations Immigration in Thailand Expat Life in Thailand

David **********

asked Jun 5, 2024

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Are all "O" Visas the same? I have a plain "O" visa. What can you do and not do in Thailand while on an "O" visa?

Answer summary

The "O" visa in Thailand is not a singular category, as it encompasses multiple subcategories based on specific reasons for issuance, such as marriage, retirement, or having a Thai child. The term 'plain O visa' is misleading, as each Non-Immigrant 'O' visa has a designated purpose that determines the activities permitted for the holder. There are at least 8 different categories within the Non-O visa type, and some sources indicate up to 17 variations, which impact what one can and cannot do in Thailand.

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Rob **********

There are actually 17 different categories for a O visa, so immigration says. They are definitely not all the same.

2 years ago

Steve *******

Same visa but issued for different reasons

2 years ago

Pascal ********

You can spend your money, that´s all you can do.

2 years ago

Chris *******

No such animal as a "plain" non-o.

You have a visa based on something.

Retirement, marriage etc.

That reason dictates what you can and cannot do.

2 years ago

Stuart *********

The O stands for Other. There are numerous Other reasons for obtaining a Non O. Marriage, Retirement, Thai child to name a few.

Not sure what you mean “can and can’t do. “

2 years ago

David **********

@Stuart ********

I applied for retirement, but got a 90 Day "O" VISA. It does not say retirement on it.

2 years ago

Nongnuch ********

@David *********

it most probably is the "90-days single entry Non-imm-O retirement/over 50 visa" that you got. In Thailand, you need to converse it into the "1-year Extension of Stay Permit" (which Immigration calls visa extension"). The reason "RETIREMENT" for this "extended stay permit" will be stamped somewhere along the "extension" stamp. Like this stamp:

2 years ago

David **********

I still a little new to all the VISA categories, but I'm getting more educated.

I do not have the stamp yet. Just an approved notice from Embassy. I spoke with a music university in Bangkok about taking some Jazz music classes. The school mentioned if I applied and was accepted to the school they assist in getting the education visa. So if I am on a Non-Immigrant "O' VISA retirement/Over 50 VISA I would need to get an education VISA? Is that how it works?

2 years ago

Stuart *********

@David *********

Possibly mentions in Thai writing what the reason is for.

2 years ago

Nongnuch ********

each Non-Imm-O visa got a "reason" it was issued for. There is nothing such as a "plain Non-Imm-O visa". There are exactly 8 different "Non-O" visa categories. "O" means "other". And there is O-A and O-X

2 years ago