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What are the requirements and process for obtaining an O visa for retirees in Thailand if you don't meet financial criteria?
Thailand visaO visaretirement visavisa application processexpat adviceentry visashealth insuranceimmigration ruleslong-term stay in Thailand
Aug 6, 2023
3 years ago
Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI know it is late there and I might not find anyone who can help me with my questions regarding entry visas. I hold a passport from the USA and am intending on arriving in Thailand around the end of the month. I have heard/read/researched so many varieties of the requirements and differences between the OA and the O. I am focusing on the O visa for now. I plan on coming in-country and just getting the tourist visa then going through the process of applying for the O. I am 74 and do NOT meet the financial requirements that I have read about. I am close, but not quite. I just watched a year-old video on Vagabond Buddha that said the O visa did not require an insurance policy. I have so much conflicting information on how to extend any of these types of visas including the basic tourist visa. (I read that the Thai government is cracking down on border runs, etc.) Any advice would be appreciated. I had thought about getting a work visa as I have been teaching English in Brazil for the last 15 years and am fully certified to do so...but my age seems to be an issue....ug.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking information about applying for an O visa in Thailand, particularly for retirees, and is concerned about meeting financial requirements. They plan to enter Thailand on a tourist visa and then transition to the O visa. Community comments clarify that the O visa does not require health insurance when obtained in Thailand, but it's advisable to have it. There are suggestions to use visa agents to navigate financial requirements and support for obtaining a retirement visa. Participants discuss various aspects of immigrant life in Thailand, including the ambiguity of rules and advice on health insurance.
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.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Retirement Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Jay *******
I'll send you a PM.
Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTERDo you have an office in Pattaya
THAI ******************************
Our team would be happy to assist you with securing long term stay based on retirement in Thailand.
Our visa team is reachable
You can read our reviews here:
We are one of the most experienced visa agencies in Thailand, and we primarily cater towards retirement visa clients which are seeking full service options.
Our visa team is reachable
****
via line:**********************
You can read our reviews here:
*************************
We are one of the most experienced visa agencies in Thailand, and we primarily cater towards retirement visa clients which are seeking full service options.
Christopher *************
Contact The
@Thai *****************************
David **********
If you dont comply with the low financial requirements and also cannot work then one has to be curious how you plan to survive.
Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@David *********
I managed surviving 74 years....I imagine a few more are possible! haha. Ya, ya....I know...but...20 years in Brazil have taught me a few tricks. All hell breaks loose, and I have a heart attack, I fly to Manila and go to the VA hospital.Janin ******
@David *********
, and the cost of health insurance!John ***********
@Janin *****
Although the AIA one for over 70s has a low premium of slightly more than $2000 a year, the trade off is in the high excess which precludes insurance use for anything other than the most serious health incidents. And of course the problem has to be one that cannot be linked to a known condition.Reply to
John ***********
Reply
John ***********
You're a brave man making this move at 74. Can only assume you're in great health for your age to forsake a country with free health insurance for one in which at best a health insurance policy will require an excess minimum of $3000+ and exclude any pre-existing conditions. Good luck to you.
Paul ********
@John **********
Many people in their 70s can’t afford housing and food in the US. Medicare is nice, but not sure I want to live in a van and poop in the bushes to access it.John ***********
@Paul *******
I understand your point, but the sort of people unable to afford to live in the states are going to be truly battling if a heart attack or stroke suddenly stikes in Thailand.Paul ********
@John **********
Living in the USA in abject poverty for years, possibly decades, out of fear of the consequences of a possible heart-attack or similar seems an extraordinarily poor life choice to me. My high floor two-bedroom sea-view condo with rooftop pool here costs me LESS per month than my parking space back in the US.
I would rather live well here and risk dying a bit prematurely than live forever in abject poverty in a country I don’t even recognize any more - all as a slave to medicare.
Have you researched the situation for 65+ y/o retirees in the USA these days? It’s pretty dire.
And incidentally, health care in the USA is not exactly stellar.
It is possible to get insurance here. And there are hospitals above government ones but below Bumrungrad that give great and inexpensive service.
But of course, up to you.
John ***********
@Paul *******
I understand very well your desire to live in Thailand versus the USA. If you have a 2 bedroom apartment with pool in Thailand you are obviously not on the poverty line. I am in a similar position as a 70 year old here who also has to make a decision to forsake the safety of a free healthcare system to take my chances with a system for which I would have to pay. It's not the 'dying prematurely' bit that worries me. It's having a stroke or heart attack in a foreign country and spending a huge chunk of my capital on hospital and medical care, while having no local personal support. Dying quickly whether prematurely or not would be the preferred outcome.Reply to
John ***********
Reply
Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John **********
well, that doesn't sounds too optimistic! EeekJohn ***********
@Ed *******
Over 70s hardly have the insurance companies lining up for their patronage.John **********
@Ed *******
many of the insurance companies won't touch you at your age. If you can find one that will it'll be expensive. Once you hit 75 I don't think any will as a new customer.Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
Just doing a short google search I found several that want to 100. Got other expats saying the same without huge costs like John mentioned..of course there is a chance I get a rude awakeningJohn ***********
@Ed *******
I was quoting what I was told by an insurance broker active online as a poster. Very high excesses are compensated by a low yearly premium of around $US2000. If you find something better please PM.Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John **********
John...I understand that it is going to put a dent into my budget...but I plan on compensating by living frugally. There are certainly advantages to living in Brazil such as the free health-care system. In the last 20 years, I have rarely needed to use it though. Basically healthy...but, ya, getting older. My rent here is about *****
bht a month. I already have a place in Thailand for 3000....yes...it is very simple, but that is good enough for me. I will use the remainder to pay for the stupid health insurance. hahaha. If it does not work...I will try Cambodia, Vietnam, The Philippines... I never intend on getting closer to the 'wallking streets' than, say 10 KM. Not my thing. I don't even like beer. Water is good. I managed living, pretty much, on my own in Brazil for 20+ years....I just started getting Social Security and my small military pension 11 years ago. Before that, the exchange rate here was much lower than it is now...but I survived, and I will survive there too.Shaz ********
Ed Childs I hear the 1 year visa process in Cambodia is very simple. Healthcare system isn't as good as Thailand but life is cheap, the people are kind and immigration isn't such a headache.
John **********
@Ed *******
usually how it works is if you are an existing customer they will keep insuring you but many won't take you on as a new customer if you are over 65, even less if you are over 70 and I suspect none if you are 75.Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTER9
Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
not good news, but why have received só many quotes already? Confusing at bestJohn **********
@Ed *******
from Thai insurance companies?Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
yesEd ********
ORIGINAL POSTERWent*
Reply to
Ed ********
Reply
Christopher *******
Be careful of youtube videos. They are accurate up to the time of making the video. This goes for any internet information. The laws governing foreigners, banks, immigration are always changing
Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Christopher ******
ya...I wish they had a time search option... I tried to watch mostly recent vids...but happened on that one by Vagabond Buddha who I follow.Reply to
Ed ********
Reply
Евгений **********
Good luck, let me know if you need agency contact branches there's in Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai
Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Евгений *********
thanks...when I hit the ground, I will need an agent.Reply to
Ed ********
Reply
Евгений **********
Same my visa now. You can do your visa by agency. My agency supported me after COVID time.
Totally fine was 37 for 18 months, two days ago I have expired for 15 thousand Thai baht
Totally fine was 37 for 18 months, two days ago I have expired for 15 thousand Thai baht
Евгений **********
So, your right way as I see to have retirement visa.
Paul ********
@Ed Childs
Check your messenger inbox- just sent you some info.
I sold everything and moved here from the US several years ago. Had never visited Thailand before. Couldn’t be happier.
Check your messenger inbox- just sent you some info.
I sold everything and moved here from the US several years ago. Had never visited Thailand before. Couldn’t be happier.
Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTERwow.... I was not expecting the great info...thanks to all. I will be living somewhat inland from Pattaya city and plan on immersing myself into Thai culture. I've been in Brazil for 20 some odd years and don't have one gringo friend here. Not sure there are any English speakers in my city, let alone gringos. I never hear any language other than Portugues. Hopefully, I can pick up basic Thai fairly quickly. Anyway...it's time for some new adventures before I hit 100... (smile). Thanks again for the good info...If I land in Thai prison or worse, I will ask for help. kkkk.
David **********
@Ed *******
you wont just pick up thai unless you are a very talented polyglot. You will have to study it. Portuguese won't help you learn thai, they have nothing in common at all.Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@David *********
Thanks, I have been studying language and language teaching for years and I do know that Thai is not in the same category as the romance languages. Actually, it is proven that learning more than one language does help learn another one, no matter what the source. Something about learning languages changes the way our brains function. That being said, I guess I misstated my 'just picking upReply to
Ed ********
Reply
Eric **********
@Ed *******
As you know Thai isn't based on Latin or a romance language... Very few words and tonal in nature. I will bet you won't pick it up like Spanish or Portuguese! Good luck on your last big adventure!Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Eric *********
I am a bit worried about that, but I will try....that's what is important. I know how to say 'hello' and 'you're welcome' already. Strangely enough, I remember it from my time in Thailand in 1968. hum.Reply to
Ed ********
Reply
Steve *******
@Ed *******
I got my Visa in Pattaya using Key Visa, it cost me 29,000 baht. I did have the money required in a bank account. If you do not they can help organise this for you. ********************************
Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
Bonnie *********
Just go to the Embassy website and they will explain the differences.
Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTERanyone want to trade my permanent residency visa in Brazil for one in Thailand? :-P
Edna *******
Ed Childs I’m curious, why are you leaving Brazil? Have you traveled to Thailand? Is it imperative that you leave at a certain time? If you are able to prepare your satisfactory entry time and stay,
ahead of time, it would be a lot less stressful. Making a permanent or semi permanent move involves a lot of preparation to tie up affairs and decide what’s the important basics to bring along. Thai paperwork isn’t the fastest process and unpredictable. If you do use an agent, research a good one.
ahead of time, it would be a lot less stressful. Making a permanent or semi permanent move involves a lot of preparation to tie up affairs and decide what’s the important basics to bring along. Thai paperwork isn’t the fastest process and unpredictable. If you do use an agent, research a good one.
Edna *******
After many years residing in one spot, who knew? Looks like you have it figured out?
As for me I’m older than you. I have a large extended family in Isaan. Love it and my fiancé.
All the luck, one never knows what’s ahead. I never had any idea my heart would be in Thailand. The old saying goes, “nothing ventured nothing gained”. I’ll add one, good or bad, a life well lived.
As for me I’m older than you. I have a large extended family in Isaan. Love it and my fiancé.
All the luck, one never knows what’s ahead. I never had any idea my heart would be in Thailand. The old saying goes, “nothing ventured nothing gained”. I’ll add one, good or bad, a life well lived.
Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Edna ******
One of my cousins played a Brazilian bossa nova album for me when I was 11...that was around 1962. I fell in love with it. When my friends were buying the beach boys, I was buying Jobim...I studied architecture in my first go around after being in Vietnam and saw the architecture of Oscar Niemeier and really dove into reading about Br. My home remodeling company went belly up after ****
, my daughter turned 20 and I said...."time to go" never looked back. I have nothing figured out and never will...but I love the quest.Reply to
Ed ********
Reply
Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Edna ******
well...I had a house sale today and literally sold everything I own. Brazil is like home to me and will always be...much more so than the USA. I will blame watching too many videos about old men in Asia on my decision. No, I am not looking for a young Thai woman... I have lived all over Brazil and traveled all over S. America....I just want something completely different. I am a Vietnam vet...so, yes, I did visit Thailand some 50 odd years ago. My reasoning and behavior then were vastly different than what they will be on this trip...kkkk. stress is good, eh? :-PReply to
Ed ********
Reply
Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTERDamn...I am feeling kind of stupid. What I understood is that I do not need anything if I just fly into Thailand with a RT ticket. My plan was to begin the process of applying for a longer stay visa after I arrive. Possible/
Paul ********
@Ed *******
Chances are very good you won’t be asked for a RT ticket. But you could be. A full ticket back to the US is unnecessary. Just buy a cheap ticket to vietnam or Cambodia if you’re really worried about it. You’ll find this ambiguity a constant thing in Thailand. There’s the letter of the law, what actually happens most the time, and then the worst possible thing that happens less than 1% of the time.
So it’s best to just embrace the ambiguity. Easier for some than others!
Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul *******
man, I thrive on ambiguity. years in Brazil taught me well...haha.Paul ********
@Ed *******
Annual visa renewals (technically, extensions) from Maneerat agency with one re-entry permit currently run 13,500baht. If you travel a lot you can get a multiple re-entry permit for 3000-ish more.You have to report to immigration every 90 days. Most agents do it for you, some for free, some charge 100baht.
Reply to
Paul ********
Reply
Henrik ****
@Ed *******
, if you do not comply with the requirements either in your home country or in Thailand, then you must take advantage of the Thai system that either you comply or you pay 🙂Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Henrik ***
lmao...okReply to
Ed ********
Reply
Phil ******
@Ed *******
yes. So initially you will enter Thailand on VISA EXEMPT. This will give you 30 days with an option to apply for an extention for another 30 days.. During this time find an agent to do a Retirement Visa without having to find the 800k in a bank account. Approx cost is 25-30k.Damien ********
@Phil *****
at 74 I think it will b very hard to find insurance in Thailand and if he can I doubt any insurance company will pay a claim at that ageMaybe get travel insurance for the first year there ??
Phil ******
@Damien *******
there is policies and payment id conjecture by you or anyone else. This decision is up to the O'Per.Reply to
Phil ******
Reply
Gordon *******
@Phil *****
Yes use an agent, a lot of people go down this routePhil ******
@Gordon ******
I know this as been here a long timeReply to
Phil ******
Reply
Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Phil *****
Thanks Phil!! will I need health insurance?Paul ********
@Ed *******
Insurance is not legally required for a non-O retirement visa obtained in-country, but it’s a real gamble if you don’t buy some here. I strongly suggest gritting your teeth and buying whatever you can afford once your visa is sorted. Comparing the probability of facing serious problems without insurance, compared to the risk of problems if you use an agent for your visa, you’re literally taking several orders of magnitude more risk by staying long term without local health insurance.
Phil ******
@Ed *******
recommended. Lets face it what do you have now?Reply to
Phil ******
Reply
Mike *********
Get a lawyer
John-Paul ******
@Mike ********
or an agent.Paul ********
@Mike ********
What does he need a lawyer for?Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mike ********
lol...what's a lawyer? kkkkReply to
Ed ********
Reply
Henrik ****
Basically, either you comply or you do not comply with the financial requirements. However, the Embassy in your home country is (probably) more flexible on how to comply as they most likely will accept your annual tax report as evidence of monthly income. BUT most likely even a Non-O at the Embassy will require health insurance, and then the Non-OA will be more convenient in most cases as it gives you a 1-year stay per entry and by being valid for 1 year it gives you close to 2 years stay in total. The only disadvantage using OA is the need for health insurance for the full 1 year and it will also require a clean police record.
Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTERFairly certain I don't have any of those maladies...although I do tend to walk with a slight tilt towards crazy.
Mark ********
Ed ChildsI've got the 3rd stage Syphilis but I haven't told anyone yet.
Reply to
Mark ********
Reply
Andi ***********
@Henrik ***
A certificate of good health also part of the OA application. O requires no health checkEd ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andrew ********
anyway...I just did a full exam for Brazlian parasites and other S American sheet...will know Monday!Andi ***********
@Ed *******
ok..There is a specific list of exams that are required. You should check that.Mark ********
@Andrew ********
Leprosy, TB , Elephantiasis, Drug Addiction and third stage Syphilis.Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andrew ********
Pretty sure I covered them...any communicable díseases...I also just had a full regular physical.Dianne *****
@Ed *******
the specific conditions to be excluded on the medical for the non OA are elephantitis, syphilis and leprosyHenrik ****
@Dianne ****
, actually, the same requirements apply to anyone entering Thailand, only difference is that on the Non-OA you have to prove it when applying for the visa.Andi ***********
@Ed *******
what I received for my OA application *******************************************************************************
Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andrew ********
thanks...Reply to
Ed ********
Reply
Alistair **********
If you don't meet the financial requirements for a retirement visa, you can find an agent to sort it for you. Should cost between 25-30k. You can just come in visa exempt or you can get a tourist visa online first.
Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Alistair *********
why does David's laugh emoji make me nervous? hahaGraham ******
@Ed *******
Because paying an agent 25-30k includes a bribe for Immigration so you get your Visa illegallyPaul ********
@Ed *******
Yeah, actually. Long-term expats tend to be passionate about their breakfasts. You can strike up a conversation in a restaurant that will yield a wealth of information from someone actually living here.When I got here I spoke with a dozen or so bar and restaurant owners and learned how they do things. Some had geen here for decades. There info has served me well.
I suggested Pattaya before discovering you plan to live elsewhere. Of course you can do everything in a different city and there are advantages to getting your Visa from an immigration office near where you plan to live.
On the other hand Pattaya has a huge concentration of expats and established trustworthy businesses serving our needs, so it may be easy to start here.
I only mention an American bank because I assumed you would be collecting Soc security. While you can have it directly deposited in a Thai Bank and many do, I prefer the safety of having it in a US bank first.
But if you have a Brazilian bank that will work too. Just remember that lovely as Thailand is, it is a cruel and heartless place to have money issues.
ALWAYS HAVE A PLAN B. 🤗
Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul *******
I get it... I am going to be close to Pattaya...just not in the city...I have already got a little room over by Wat Nong Prue. Cheap is my agenda. I live well in Brazil for a tiny amount...expecting some sticker shock when I get there. I just have my ss put into the direct deposit card and use wise (which recently quit working for me) to make transfers. It might be a hoot to go walking around Pattaya City looking for expats. I may give it a try. thanks. You know, Brazil has it's issues as well. Most of my Brazilian friends who have been to Thailand say it is safer, cleaner, and less corrupt...imagine that!Paul ********
@Ed *******
Sounds like you are already better equipped than most to be happy here! Please feel free to hit me up when you get here. I’m retired here living only on my SS, and am extremely comfortable. I can give you lots of advice. Happy to sit down for a coffee or beer.
I will warn you that a high percentage of expats here (US and otherwise) are grumpy far-right wingers. Lots of racists. I mostly avoid the community. Not much into nightlife.
But like all generalizations, this one has its flaws and there are many fine upstanding guys living here.
Definitely sort your Wise before arrival if you can.
Wise just put a bunch of work into making it work better here in Thailand. Been literally flawless for me for the last year or so. Transfers usually take about 10 seconds from hitting “GO.”
Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTERPaul , That sounds good and, from what you have said, seems like we are on the same page.
Paul ********
@Ed *******
I suspect you are going to love it here. It is so much better than even the best youtubers portray. Endless possibilities, no matter your lifestyle and activity choices.And you get back what you give it. Grumpies get grumpier. Happy get happier.
Enjoy.
Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul *******
I try my best to be on the happy side....kkkk. I am really looking forward to whatever happens. I can roll with it...you know?Reply to
Ed ********
Reply
Paul ********
@Ed *******
This forum is a southern baptist church. Agents are a Buddhist temple. Why are you expecting Baptists to help you be a Buddhist?Because all good Baptists know for certain that Buddhists are destined to burn in hell for all eternity.
As an American passport holder, you are eligible for a visa exempt status on arrival.
*******************************************************************
Once here I recommend you go to Pattaya and yak with a handful of expats about the rewards, risks and prevelance of using a Visa Agent for people in your particular financial situation.
You will find that many use Maneerats agent to assist in setting up your “non-o” retirement visa and extension, found in Soi 13-2 just up from beach road. And there are others. Might as well use the agent to open your Thai bank account as well.
Keep a good solid US bank account, and open a Wise account and get it all set up before leaving the US.
Buy health insurance from a Thai company as soon as you can. Stuff happens here - 600,000baht hospital bills will ruin your whole day without insurance.
Finally if you let the baptists here scare you out of doing something that hundred of thousands do trouble-free on the regular, consider getting your retirement visa in Cambodia instead. Cheaper and easier than Thailand.
Andrew *********
@Paul *******
Well said PaulEd ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul *******
haven't had an american Bank account in 20 years...I live in Brazil. Thanks for the info...you find these expats just wandering around aimlessley? I used to do a gringo watch in Rio de Janeiro, but I don't go there anymore. On your advice I will get the insurance..not used to needing it..all free medical here.Reply to
Ed ********
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Brandon ************
I don't know what a "basic tourist visa" is but there's only one tourist visa. You apply for it before you come to Thailand and it gives you 60 days when you arrive, and you can apply for a 30 day extension one time. Doing a border run is not an extension, it's getting a new entry stamp.
To apply for a non-O visa based on retirement you need to have 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account in your name only. Most offices don't require it to be in for any amount of time, just proof that it was transferred from overseas. A few offices like Jomtien/Pattaya require the money to be in your account for 2 full months already when you apply for the visa. There is no insurance requirement for a non-O you get inside Thailand.
The initial non-O visa gives you permission to stay for 90 days and after 2 months you can go apply for the 1 year extension which will basically require all of the same paperwork you used to get your initial non-O visa.
To apply for a non-O visa based on retirement you need to have 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account in your name only. Most offices don't require it to be in for any amount of time, just proof that it was transferred from overseas. A few offices like Jomtien/Pattaya require the money to be in your account for 2 full months already when you apply for the visa. There is no insurance requirement for a non-O you get inside Thailand.
The initial non-O visa gives you permission to stay for 90 days and after 2 months you can go apply for the 1 year extension which will basically require all of the same paperwork you used to get your initial non-O visa.
Jeffrey *******
@Bra****
Will a Wise transfer from my US bank to my BKK bank satisfy the "proof that it was transferred from overseas"??Keith ************
@Jeffrey ******
if, when you transfer the money via wise, you select the "funds for long -term stay in Thailand" in the drop-down menu that asks for the reason for the transfer, it should be ok.Terry ********
@Keith ***********
that doesn’t always work. It stopped working for me in the past but I will be testing it again. It may be necessary to go through a process that Wise support can tell you about.Keith ************
@Terry *******
, I did have it happen to me once. The transfer went through Kasikorn, and then to my bank and showed up as a local transfer. I spent quite a while sitting in k-bank, getting the paper to show it was an international transfer. However, immigration never looked at it 😂Reply to
Keith ************
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Edna *******
Brandon Thurkettle say, the two month aged money, is the rule through out the kingdom.
Graham ******
@Edna ******
Yes it is, for a 12 month extension but not for the initial Non-O. It is only a couple of offices that use a seasoned rule for the Non-O as stated above.Reply to
Graham ******
Reply
Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTERThanks Brandon...when I said 'basic tourist visa' I just meant the one you get if you come with a rt ticket that does not require any application process. I guess I meant that...kkkk. I have never heard of the non o and have watched an estimated 14 million videos that all seem to have a slight variation on the theme. Regarding O visas. I have only heard about the O and the OA...and what I picked up was that the OA was applied for before you entered Thailand and the O in-country. Damn...I am more confused by the minute. I have permanent residency in Brazil and it just seems so easy.. (smile)
Brandon ************
@Ed *******
O visa is non-O, just like the OA is a non-OA. It means non immigrant visa. You're talking about visa exempt which means no visa at all and gives you 30 days. You'd be better off getting a tourist visa to give you extra time to figure things out on the ground.
You can got both an O or an OA in your home country before you travel to Thailand. You can ONLY get an OA in your home country but you can get an O from your home country or from Thailand.
An OA requires you to show money in your home country bank account and will give you 1 year in Thailand, but also requires you to have $100,000 of insurance coverage.
An O will only give you 90 days in Thailand so will require you to apply for the 1 year extension which will have the 800,000 baht requirement.
If you get the O from your home country they will require you to show proof of funds from either Thailand or your home country, and may require you to have a small amount of insurance for the 90 days the visa is valid for.
Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTERThanks Brandon...I guess I will hit the ground running and see what happens. I will look around for an agency as well.
Edna *******
Ed Childs pretty expensive, you can do the paperwork, your a teacher. Follow the Thailand embassy’s/ consulate official rules. This site is a lot of help, but don’t count on it fully. Good experienced teachers are always needed. Age perhaps, but worth a try. Do you speak Thai? Would be a big plus.
Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Edna ******
Portugues sim Thai No have taught English here...M.Ed and TEFL cert, but have been getting some negative feedback de to my age.Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
I am on sort of a short rope here. I live in Brazil and they closed the Thai consulate that is close to where I live. Is it possible to apply for the tourist visa online and get it fairly quickly? (like two weeks quickly)Brandon ************
@Ed *******
I just checked and it's not possible. So you'll need to get started quickly once you arrive. If you intend on using one of the offices that requires you to have the money in your account for 2 full months before you apply for the non-O visa it will be impossible for you to do so without leaving and returning to Thailand because the maximum time for visa exempt will be 60 days with an extension and that's not enough time to open an account, transfer the money, and let it sit for 2 months.Reply to
Brandon ************
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Lynnette *******
@Ed *******
what you get when you arrive without a visa is an entry for 30 days visa exempt: that means "no visa".Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Lynnette ******
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