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

Visa Types Non-O Visa Non-OA Visa Health Insurance Requirement Retirement in Thailand Expat Living Visa Comparison Immigration Rules

Oct 29, 2019

5 years ago

Andrew ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Non OA Vs. Non O. Any point to a OA?

Am I correct or wrong in assuming the only advantage of the Non OA is the first 2 years without having to bring 800k into a Thai Bank?  Compared to the Non O 3+12 month with 800k in the bank. Seems to me if I have the 800k what's the point of having a OA over an O?

After two weeks a few hospital exams, several affidavits about my current conditions this 51 year old finally got health insurance. Now I have to take it to the Thai Health services to have them fill in their form only to fly back to NZ to apply. I am not sure how anyone applying from their own country is going to get all this done, let alone the problems being over 60 trying to get Thai insurance without the premedical exams.

It occurs to me the reason given for health insurance was the bail out on hospital bills. This can be done on a Non OA, but my understanding is they just take your bill out of your 800k bank account with the Non O.

So extending the Non OA requires health insurance, but switching to a yearly Non O will only require money in the bank?  

I know this topic is done to death. I have not seen yet a comparison of the two options and any discussion as to why the health insurance is required (no money in a Thai bank). If this is the thinking of immigration, then the simplest conclusion is, you need 800k to retire in Thailand and screw getting the OA over the O

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion centers on comparing the Non-O and Non-OA visas for expats in Thailand. The Non-OA visa allows for an initial 2-year stay without the need to maintain 800k THB in a Thai bank, unlike the Non-O visa, which requires the funds and a renewal process every 3 months. Health insurance is mandatory for Non-OA visa holders after certain deadlines, while Non-O holders do not have this requirement. Various comments illustrate frustrations with immigration policies and the differing documentation needed for each type of visa.

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Robert *******

People over 50 years have different options to stay in Thailand long time, Or with the Non Immigrant O visa followed by Extensions of Stay or with the Non Immigrant O-A visa. Two different ways with different requirements. There is no best way, the way that works for you, like you are able to travel every other year back to your home country to apply for a visa, could not work for another who likes to stay inside Thailand. Choose the visa that fits your purpose and your way of living.

5 years ago

Alan *******

FYI. Here is what the Melbourne, Australia Consulate wants when applying for a Non O (spouse) Visa, with multiple entries;

1. A letter from your spouse written in Thai and signed off which needs to be stating:

Your relationship

Purpose of stay/ plan you would do in Thailand

How long you are going to stay for each entry

Your accommodation in Thailand

2. A copy of your Thai or Australian marriage certificate

3. A copy of your Thai spouse’s passport or Thai National ID card

4. A copy of any name change certificates of your spouse (if applicable)

5. Official bank statement showing a closing balance at least $8,000 under your name (Access within 6 months)

6. A copy of your flight itinerary going into Thailand

7. Original Passport (valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Thailand)

8. One x passport sized photograph

9. completed application form

For non-Australian or non-resident applicant, proof of an Australian Visa (VEVO)

Fee is $300 which is payable by cash, bank cheque or money order

5 years ago

Tod *********

And while that is anecdotally interesting they are NOT issuing that visa based on being over 50 but based on marriage to a thai so it has no relevance in this conversation.

5 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

the differences between an O-A visa from a thai consulate in your country and an O visa/yearly extension have been beaten to death.

AT THIS TIME <- meaning as the rules are written now, O-A visa holders and people who get yearly extensions from an O-A visa need insurance after Oct 31st.

Whereas people who started with O visas and got yearly extensions do not.

There is no rhyme or reason to it, there is no 'let's discuss it". I mean it is what it is, if you hold an O-A visa/extension and don't wanna get insurance break the chain, (cancel your extension, leave the country, get a 90 day Non-O, come back and get a new yearly extension).

5 years ago

Andrew ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

is it not possible to switch from a OA to an O from within Thailand?

5 years ago

Reply to

Andrew ********

Al *******

There is the issue of needing to do a border run every 90 days with the o vs. none with the o-a. Also not everyone is moving to Thailand permanently, which makes the o-a, pre insurance requirement, easier and more flexible.

5 years ago

Al *******

Just a follow up, for those like me who visit for six month increments and don’t want to bring money here etc, in attempting to move away from the o-a, there really is no alternative other than a 90 day non imm o with a 60 day extension, which would get me close to my six months.

5 years ago

Tod *********

there is no need to do 90 day border runs with an O visa and a year extension either. Let's stay on topic.

5 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

you are looking for logic where there is none.

5 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

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