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Answered5 months ago

What challenges can I face when dealing with Thai IO Officers for my Non-O visa renewal?

Nick *******
asked May 22, 2026
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What’s with ‘some’ IO Officers.

Last year I applied for my Non-O ext myself, no agent. I sat with an old’ish officer and she pulled up one page that had part of the photo copy slightly blurred but very easily readable. She said it wasn’t up to standard but she could fast-track my application if I paid 16K baht. I mentioned politely, I’d prefer to do it myself and would get another copy. She obviously realised I wasn’t prepared to pay for the ‘extra service’ so she processed my application as it was. 🤦‍♂️

I returned today for my renewal and I got the same officer. In addition to keeping the 800K in my account, I have also been transferring 65K each month. So this time I asked for the new application to be based on the monthly transfer method. She said “No 800K better” I asked why I couldn’t do it and her answer was because it’s easier for her to check. 🤦‍♂️. So yet again, I politely asked to use the monthly transfer. Begrudgingly she said OK, but I had to have the transfer land in my bank on the same day each month. When I said some days fall on a weekend and so it’s impossible to do it on exactly the same date, she just didn’t answer.

The joys of living in Thailand.
Answer summary
The post recounts the author's frustrating experiences with an Immigration Officer (IO) while applying for and renewing a Non-O visa in Thailand. The officer insisted on maintaining a high balance in the account and attempted to push for an unnecessary fee to fast-track the application. The author prefers to handle the process independently, highlighting the challenges of navigating visa requirements and the attitude of some IO officers.
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Nick *******
Nick *******
I am Australian also. I have flights booked mid June for a 60 day visit.

Due to the uncertainty i decided to apply for a 60 day tourist visa. Spent this afternoon on it.

Cost $60 and I really hate exposing my financial position. Visa free was so much easier.

So to answer your question, play safe, get a tourist visa. IMHO
Trevor *********
Trevor *********
Nick Smith what is that visa called, whenever I looked I says no visa required
Nick *******
Nick *******
Trevor Rickard TOURIST VISA
Judi *******
Judi *******
Date of landing it starts
Sandra *******
Sandra *******
Apply for Visa online. Relatively easy to do … save the stress of uncertainty.
Petr *********************
Petr *********************
Hopefully they announce change at least one year in advance!!!
Kim *********
Kim *********
Petr S. Van Valkenburg that will never happen 😅
Petr *********************
Petr *********************
Kim Nielsen they don't consider people's planning, how rude!!!
Stephen ********
Stephen ********
Petr S. Van Valkenburg Only 15 days
Petr *********************
Petr *********************
Stephen Howell people mostly plan vacation in advance, they need at least one year notice before any change !!!
Jay *******
Jay *******
Petr S. Van Valkenburg That's not how Thailand works.
David **********
David **********
once the day of start arrives 30 days is the limit
Brian ******
Brian ******
The new policy has been approved but has not gone into effect yet, it has not been printed in the Royal Gazette, therefore no date has been set. But you better get here soon.
Brandon ************
Brandon ************
There's nothing to honor. You did not make a contract with the Thai government. Whatever the rule is at the time you arrive is what will determine your entry stamp. You can apply for a tourist visa about a month before your trip if you want a guaranteed 60 day entry stamp, or you can apply for a 30-day extension from your immigration office in Thailand if you only receive 30 days on entry.
Stalwart *******
Stalwart *******
I think I’d just get a 60 day tourist visa now. Just cost me £30 GBP and was relatively straightforward. That way you won’t need to sort a 30 day extension there or need pay your airline to alter flights.

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