What are the requirements for extending an O-A visa in Thailand?

Aug 14, 2020
4 years ago
Eric *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Greetings aliens! I’m currently here on the year long extension of my O-A visa which expires October 4. My plan is to go to Cheang Wattana Oct 1 and ask for a year extension and I just want to make sure I’ve got everything they’re asking for.

I wired 800k to my Kbank account here the end of July. I’ve got health insurance already, Pacific Cross, and will be changing the term start date to Oct 1 to sync with the extension. I did get a sheet with info at CW and there is no mention of a local police report or a medical test. Im hoping I’m good to go and not misread or misunderstood something along the way..
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user is seeking advice on extending their O-A visa, set to expire on October 4. They plan to visit Cheang Wattana to apply for a one-year extension and confirm they have the necessary documentation, having wired the required 800,000 THB to their bank but expressed doubts about possible misunderstandings of the extension requirements. Responses clarified misconceptions about additional requirements like local police reports or medical tests, emphasized the importance of keeping funds in the bank for at least two months before applying, and noted that different immigration offices might have varying interpretations of the rules.
Bo ******
FYI, I just did my O-A extension at Tak immigration. They required me to show my 800,000THB in the account for three months prior. Again, this is their rule.
Tod *********
and that you didn't argue with them about it is on you
@Bo *****
:/

The current police order in effect clearly states TWO months before you apply, 3 months after and then the balance can't go below 400K for the rest of the year.
Bo ******
@Tod ********
I agree that it is two months and that it up to us to decide whether to challenge anything which seems to conflict with the regulations. As they say, "There are times to hold them and times to fold them". .😀 I have an excellent relationship with the folks at Tak Immigration. If they tell me three months, I will do three months and not argue.They extend me all kinds of courtesies. As I mentioned in my post, my point was specific to Tak Immigration and FYI relative to that office.
Tod *********
@Bo *****
IF you had an excellent relationship with those passport stamping, paper pushing thai officials they wouldn't try to buffalo you into believing their line that it's 3 months when it is clearly 2 months ;) BUT to each their own..
Robert *******
Did you go 1 month earlier and count 3 month prior Admitted until or permitted up to date?

It is 2 months prior application date at all Immigration Offices,
Eric *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
I have a bank letter stating my 800k was in the bank on July 29. My admitted until date is October 5 so I’ve got just a few days hopefully enough. My health insurance start date is October 1 so that’s the day I’m planning on going to CW.
Eric *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bo *****
I got a sheet with O-A extension requirements at CW and it clearly says 2 months. I’ve learned in this group that different offices have different rules..😄
Michael ********
@Bo *****
The law says 2 months. If the 3 months vs 2 months as required by law was the only issue I believe a person could challenge this in spite of what some local office says.
Michael ********
It may be prudent to apply up to 30 days before the expiration date. You still get the years extension but this allows you to work out any details vs trying to do so a day or so before expiration.
Eric *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *******
I couldn’t wire the 800k into my acct here any sooner so that’s setting my date to apply at CW. Hope for the best..!
Saffy *************
Hi Eric just a question, have you had your 2nd year stamp on the OA purchased in your home country? Is this for a new year?
Tod *********
AT this point it doesn't matter if it's his first OR second year entry stamp,

Even if it's only his first year he can't get out and back in to the country to get the second year stamp now :/

He's getting a yearly extension as that's his only option ;)
Saffy *************
@Tod ********
For my info only thanks 🙏🏼
Eric *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks very much for your reply! This group has always been very helpful, and making an appt at CW - genius! 😎
Tod *********
Just so you know you can make an appointment at C/W for a new retirement extension and then just show up 10 minutes before that time and jump the whole queue :O

Here's the link

***********************************************
Marty *********
@Tod ********
New as in the very first extension or new as the next extension?
Tod *********
@Marty ********
new as in any time you need to go apply for another extension seeing as they expire and you get a new one every year :P
Tod *********
You are confusing the requirements to BUY an O-A visa from a thai consulate in your country with the requirements to get a year extension of stay from the immigration office inside the country.

There is no medical certificate or background check required when applying for a year extension.

If you're using the 800K baht banked money you need the funds in your account for 2 months on the date you apply for your extension (not when your current stamp expires). You need to have the
******
insurance from one of the 13 approved thai insurance companies (Pacific Cross is one of those) and you need to have the rest of the required documentation listed on that sheet.
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