What are the requirements to extend an O-A visa while in Thailand?

Aug 10, 2023
a year ago
Sharon ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
We are entering on an O-A visa obtained from Canada. What are the requirements to do an extension of stay in country through the Hua Hin Immigration? I know about leaving the country and returning before the visa valid until date to get an extra year but interested in knowing about extending in Thailand
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TLDR : Answer Summary
To extend your O-A visa while in Thailand, you need to meet specific requirements at your local immigration office. Key requirements include having 800,000 Thai Baht in a Thai bank account in your name and proof of a health insurance policy valid for the duration of the extension. Canadian citizens can use an Affidavit of Income from their embassy to satisfy financial requirements instead of holding 800,000 THB in a Thai account. If married, one spouse can apply for a Non-O visa as a trailing spouse, which could simplify the financial obligations.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
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  • 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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Ellie *******
@Sharon **************
, This is general information for an extension based on being over 50, including starting from Non-OA entry. Check your local immigration office for their specific requirements list. You cannot use bank records from a Canadian bank account. You need to get an affidavit for your income from your embassy in Thailand to use your funds in Canada as financial proof.
Sharon ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
We are a married couple. We do not want a Non-O. Other than leaving Thailand and having to return just prior to the original non o-a visas expiration date, do I understand correctly that the 800,000thb must be in a Thai bank account not just a copy of our bank account in Canada as we originally submitted to get the Non O-A? We understand we require health insurance
Sharon ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks everyone for your comments
James ********
@Sharon **************
as my Thai friends often say... Up to You.

We wish you success in whatever Thai Visa for retirement you choose.

Getting the Affidavit of Income FROM the EMBASSY of Canada in Bangkok is what many Canadian passport holders use for their retirement plans for Thailand.
Wannikea *********
When you say we, each of you has an OA visa? Can you clarify your marital status if married at all. If married the one spouse can obtain a trailing spouse non O visa as James has pointed out, saving the need for both of you to each banking the 800k later on.
James ********
Suggest you use the search tool top of this forum Page...

ENTER....

CANADA Affidavit of Income

CLICK on it and all posts about getting a Non O Visa as retiree will pop up to read the experience of other Canadian passport holders.
James ********
Here's one of the posts to read

About the Affidavit of Income FROM the EMBASSY of Canada in Bangkok

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7/?mibextid=Nif5oz
James ********
When you are in Thailand, Ask your local Thai Immigration office for their list of requirements for the Non O Visa as a retiree and as a TRAILING SPOUSE.
James ********
As you said WE are entering Thailand with the OA visa, you can also return to Canada at the end of the TWO years obtained with the OA visa and APPLY for a New OA visa.

And I assume that you are a legally Married Man and Woman, the SPOUSE can get the Non O Visa for retirement as a TRAILING SPOUSE ... by going to a neighbor SE Asia country to obtain a Non O Visa as retiree and reenter Thailand. Go to the Thai Immigration office and apply to be a TRAILING SPOUSE attached to the Spouse with the one year extension of stay as retired.
Jeffrey ************
Get the requirements from local immigration office. All are different.
James ********
With the OA visa for retirement, if you want to obtain the one year extension of stay as retired at your Local Thai Immigration office, meet the requirements for it.

The TWO ADDED requirements are to have 800,000 Thai baht in a Thai bank account in your name only plus proof of your having a health insurance policy required for the OA visa to be in force during the full one year extension sought.

As a Canadian passport holder, Suggest you contact your Embassy of Canada in Bangkok and ask for their Affidavit of Income, which will be accepted by Thai Immigration in lieu of your having the 800,000 Thai baht in a Thai bank account and no health insurance policy required.

You would have to leave Thailand without a re-entry permit during the time you have the OA based retirement extension and re-enter Thailand Visa EXEMPT.

THEN go to your local Thai Immigration office and apply for the Non O Visa as retiree and the One year extension of stay using the Affidavit of Income from your EMBASSY of Canada as PROOF of meeting the financial requirements.
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