Answered4 years ago

What are the requirements for extending a Non-Immigrant O-A (retirement) visa at Samui Immigration?

Non-Immigrant O-A Visa Visa Extension Retirement Visa Samui Immigration Thailand Immigration Requirements

Brent *******

asked Oct 12, 2022

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Hello, has anyone recently done an extension on a Non Immigrant O-A (retirement) at the Samui Immigration office? I'm looking for a list of what's required or a phone number to call so I can get that information.

We have to make the trip over from Phangan so I want to be prepared.

Answer summary

The user is seeking information on the requirements for extending a Non Immigrant O-A (retirement) visa specifically at the Samui Immigration office. They are looking for a list of necessary documents or a contact number to prepare adequately for their trip from Phangan.

13 repliesnewest first

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Stuart *********

Just checking are you on your first year of the initial non OA or the second? When was it issued?

4 years ago

Brent *******

@Stu***

, we are on the first year on the initial visa. This will be our first extension.

4 years ago

Stuart *********

@Brent ******

Ok. Why not leave Thailand and re enter just before your visa expires. As long as you have insurance you’ll be stamped in for a full year. This “second” year is not multiple entry as the visa itself has expired, but you can buy a re-entry permit to keep your “allowed to stay” date alive.

4 years ago

Brent *******

Under 70 so not a huge issue, just the new requirements make it more costly.

Perhaps next year we will leave and come back in under visa exempt and then apply for Non Imm O so we can escape the insurance cost. We'll see what it looks like at that time.

4 years ago

Stuart *********

@Brent ******

As a Canadian you’ve got it good. However extending an OA will need the insurance requirement. Probably not an issue if you’re under 70, but certainly can be if you’re nearing that or over.

4 years ago

Brent *******

Correct

@Stu***

, we are Canadian so already have our income letter etc.

We are on Phangan so doing an international flight out and back means ferry, flight to BKK, overnight, flight to ???, return and repeat, gets rather expensive.

4 years ago

Stuart *********

@Brent ******

OK that changes perspective. I’m assuming you’re not from the US or UK or Australian (can’t tell by your profile).

4 years ago

Brent *******

@Stu***

we (wife and I) would be extending using 65K + income verified by our consulate and she follows me by us providing a notarized marriage certificate.

4 years ago

Stuart *********

@Brent ******

border bounces are as simple as they used to be. Especially with a valid visa. Granted from Samui they won’t be easy nor “free”, but you used the word “we” so that implies more than one of you (I’m guessing two). To extend your AO you’ll need 800k x 2 (1.6 million) in thai bank accounts for an extension. You can certainly get a couple of plane tickets from USM to BKK and then on to Cambodia or Malaysia for a bit under that.

4 years ago

Brent *******

Except that border bounces are nowhere near as simple as they used to be, plus we are on a little island that takes time and THB to get to an airport that will have international flights.

In short, it does cost something.

4 years ago

Bobby ********

@Brent ******

Jesus Christ man! Do what

@Stuart ********

suggests. The whole point and the value of the OA is a simple border bounce avoids the hassle of visiting an immigration office! Just do it. It's a free year, costs nothing

4 years ago

Stuart *********

@Brent ******

many (probably most) people use the OA visa as a two year visa option which doesn’t need funds in Thailand. You need the insurance to get the time, but many “rinse and repeat” by going back to their home country and buying another one and stay here for years without the need for funds.

4 years ago

Brent *******

That option has been on my mind

@Stu***

4 years ago