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What are the differences between the various "O" visa categories in Thailand, and what activities are permitted?
Thailand VisaNon-Immigrant O VisaO Visa CategoriesVisa RegulationsImmigration in ThailandExpat Life in ThailandVisa Rights and Restrictions
Jun 5, 2024
2 years ago
David **********
ORIGINAL POSTERAre 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?
TLDR : 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.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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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.
Steve *******
Same visa but issued for different reasons
Pascal ********
You can spend your money, that´s all you can do.
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.
You have a visa based on something.
Retirement, marriage etc.
That reason dictates what you can and cannot do.
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. “
Not sure what you mean “can and can’t do. “
David **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart ********
I applied for retirement, but got a 90 Day "O" VISA. It does not say retirement on it.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:David **********
ORIGINAL POSTERI 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?
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?
Reply to
David **********
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Stuart *********
@David *********
Possibly mentions in Thai writing what the reason is for.Reply to
Stuart *********
Reply
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
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Nongnuch ********
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