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

Nov 26, 2019
5 years ago
Steven *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Has anyone in Chiang Mai extended their Non-Immigrant O-A visa since the new Insurance requirements became effective and not been asked to produce proof of Medical insurance?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
This thread discusses the new insurance requirements for extending a Non-Immigrant O-A visa in Chiang Mai. Several comments confirm that, post-October 31st, proof of appropriate medical insurance from designated Thai providers is mandatory to obtain an extension. One user shares their experience of successfully extending their visa before the new rules took effect, while another recounts a friend's challenge when denied an extension due to not having the required insurance.
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Tod *********
And we are done. If that's not proof enough I don't know what is.

Good Luck (y)
Tod *********
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..
Tod *********
update, my friend is now half way to the Mae Sai - Tachiliek border as we speak, then heading to the immigration office tomorrow to apply for the 90 day Non-O visa.
James ********
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.
Steven *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Sometimes the answer you receive from one IO is not the same as another and another when you actually apply.
Barry *******
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
Tod *********
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.
Steven *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I'm asking because it seems that there are posts from those who are coming through the Bangkok immigration that have not been asked for proof of insurance.
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