What Are the New Insurance Requirements for Extending a Non-Immigrant O-A Visa in Chiang Mai?

Wow, how coincidental is this :O

I just talked to a friend who IS on an O-A yearly extension and lives in Chiang Mai. He had everything ready to apply for a new yearly extension (his current extension expires this friday)

BUT

seeing as he was on extensions from an original O-A visa from 2014 the immigration officer refused his application and told him to either BUY insurance from one of the 12 thai insurance providers OR bounce out and back in at the Mae Sai - Tachiliek border with Myanmar to get a new 30 day visa exempt entry and come in to apply for an in-country 90 day Non-O visa (it goes under consideration for 21 days in Chiang Mai) then after he gets that apply for a yearly extension because extensions off O visas do not require insurance.

SO there is your proof, you WILL need proof of insurance to get a yearly extension of stay off an O-A visa in Chiang Mai, and without it you will not get your extension..

Have you asked Thai Immigration in Chiang Mai? That might be your best answer. And if you ask now, you can be better prepared for your next step.

I had mine extended on the 24 of October at CM and was told by Immigration that I was lucky because the following week I would have needed health. insurance

There are so few people who actually have O-A visas and/or extensions that you are way better off posting in a Chiang Mai related f/b group or forum.

I'd wager ANYONE on an O-A who is applying for an extension AFTER the 31st of Oct is required to show proof of insurance from one of the 12 thai carriers <- I say that because the police order currently in effect states it specifically.