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 Visa Rights and Restrictions

Jun 5, 2024

6 months ago

David **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

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?

1,032

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

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.

Rob **********

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

6 months ago

Steve *******

Same visa but issued for different reasons

6 months ago

Pascal ********

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

6 months 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.

6 months 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. “

6 months ago

David **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

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

6 months 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:

6 months ago

David **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

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?

6 months ago

Reply to

David **********

Stuart *********

@David *********

Possibly mentions in Thai writing what the reason is for.

6 months ago

Reply to

Stuart *********

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

6 months ago

Reply to

Nongnuch ********

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Join the Group

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

What are the key differences between Non-O and Non-OA retirement visas in Thailand?

71 comments