What are the renewal requirements for an O-A retirement visa in Thailand, and what should I do about missed 90-day check-ins?

Aug 13, 2024
3 months ago
David *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
It's time to renew my O-A retirement visa and I'm hoping to get some questions answered...

Is it true that for a renewal that no proof of heath insurance is required?

Where is the closest immigration office to me? (I live in Ekkamai) Port immigration? Their website seems to be down.

Here's the big one...As I've begun the renewal process, I've just discovered I should have been doing 90 day check-ins. I do have one trip out of the country and back again, if that counts. Am I in big trouble?

Thank you in advance!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking information about renewing their O-A retirement visa in Thailand. They have questions regarding the necessity of health insurance proof for renewal, the location of the nearest immigration office in Ekkamai, and the implications of not having completed their 90-day check-ins. Community responses clarify that proof of health insurance is required for the one-year extension, and the nearest immigration office for residents in Bangkok is Chaeng Watthana. Additionally, if the user has missed the 90-day reporting, they may incur a fine of 2000 baht, but can still proceed with their extension application.
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.
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Bob **********
Is this your first OA ? And have you got your second year ??
David *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
No...I got my O A last year when I lived in Manila. This is my first time going for an extension
Bob **********
@David ******
if you exit and enter before the expiration of the visa you’ll be stamped in for a year as long as you have insurance
David *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob *********
I got my first one last year...this is my first extension
Graham ******
@David ******
Do you have the 800k seasoned for your extension?
Bob **********
@David ******
did you do a border bounce for your second year ?
Alan ********
Yes do a runner 🤪🤣🤣🤣
Dave ********
Immigration offices have "checklists" they can give you for requirements. I recommend getting one from the office. Also, I personally value my visa and permission to stay here so compliance is very important to me. If you miss 90-day check-ins, and if you value your stay here, I'd recommend looking harder at compliance. There's too much left to the discretion of the immigration officer you deal with to be going in for a major event like an annual extension and have all sorts of gaps.
David *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dave *******
absolutely correct....an oversight on my part, now that I know I'll follow the rules...no intent of dodging it intentionally
Jeff ********
Nope
Chris ******
Why wouldn't you just do the 90 day reporting it is part of the agreement.

If you want the good life then be respectful and report.
David *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chris *****
now that I know, I will
David *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you all! Very helpful. Yes, it is an O-A visa, and I want to have health insurance anyway, but now I know I must have it. I now know where to go to extend. Is it just me, or does it seem like paying a 2k baht fine is easier than going all the way to immigration to check in? As I understand it, you have to check in physically the first time and after that it can be done online.
Graham ******
@David ******
After you've done one 90 day report in person (as you will have done by paying the fine) you can report online
Darin ********
Yes you are in trouble, you must report every 90, if you left the country without applying for re entry before leaving your retirement visa is cancelled when you leave the kingdom
Michael ********
@Darin *******
OA is multi entry doesnt need re entry stamp
Darin ********
@Michael *******
no it is not you must apply for multi entry. I live here in Thailand with wife and family do You.
Michael ********
@Darin *******
Dont believe read Thai goverments information about the visa. The multiple entry part you have to scroll down to visa fee.

**********************************************************************************
Michael ********
@Darin *******
No OA is multi entry yes i have lived here a very long time. Most O visa you have to apply for re entry permit. I however have a multiple entry Non O
David *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
My O-A says multiple...maybe there are variants
Michael ********
@David ******
no he is mistaking your OA visa with an O visa. OA visas are multiple entry
Stephan ***********
@David ******
No, there are no variants. Don't worry... you're correct, he's wrong... that's it.
Marty *********
You may also want to check to see if you really have an OA visa since you don’t seem to know how it works. Many people confuse the OA and O visas thinking “retirement” visa is an OA visa. They discover that they have an O visa which doesn’t require health insurance for a 1 year extension.
Marty *********
You should check to make sure the insurance you used to qualify for your OA visa when you applied in your home country will qualify for the 1 year extension of your OA inside Thailand. Typically they want you to have Thai insurance but if you have the right documentation then maybe non-Thai insurance will qualify.
Jim ********
Just do a border bounce and get a new 12-month stamp. 90 days after that do a 90-day report, and the "missed" ones will be forgotten. I used to do that regularly with the OA
Greg *********
I’m on an OA and my understanding is you have to show proof of a paid year of health insurance to extend every year. Also, 90 day reporting every 90 days, so you might get your pee pee slapped for that. 🤷🏻‍♂️
Graham ******
@Greg ********
Yes, a 2000B fine for not complying with the 90 day reporting
Graham ******
To get a NON-OA Extension of Stay you still need to have approved insurance just like the original Visa.
Brandon ************
1) you cannot renew a visa. You can apply for an extension.

2) If you have an 1 year OA visa that you purchased from the Thai embassy in your home country and it required proof of insurance, then if you apply for an extension in Thailand you will also need proof of another year of insurance every year for your extension.

3) It doesn't matter what the closest immigration office is. If you live in the province of Bangkok, then you apply for a 1 year extension at the Chaeng Watthana immigration office.

4) if you missed a 90 day report and they notice when you're applying for your extension, you will be fined 2000 baht.
Peter *********
Yes
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