What do I need to change an exemption visa to a Non-Immigrant O visa in Thailand?

Feb 21, 2021
4 years ago
Iain **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Advice required I'm looking to change an exemption visa to a Non-immigrant O visa . What will I need ?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
To change from an exemption visa to a Non-Immigrant O visa in Thailand, it's important to note that an exemption is not an actual visa and cannot be changed directly. You will need to apply for the Non-O visa, ensuring you meet specific monetary requirements, such as having 400,000 baht in a Thai bank account. It's advised to visit local immigration offices for guidance and check resources such as the Phuket Immigration Volunteers website for detailed instructions. Be prepared to provide varied documentation based on the purpose of your Non-O visa, such as retirement or marriage.
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.
Steve *******
On what basis are you applying for the Non Imm O? The same visa covers marriage, over 50(retirement), dependants and volunteering. All require different paperwork.
George *************
Interesting that facebook won't allow me to link directly to it because facebook has suspended all news links in Australia, so I'm guessing that the Phuket Immigration Volunteer website is hosted in Australia and somehow is considered a news site. Facebook is becoming a hot mess. ;-)
George *************
Reminds me of the time facebook blocked my post saying I liked Beaujolais nouveau on the grounds that it violated "community standards." ;-)
George *************
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In response to Australian government legislation, Facebook restricts the posting of news links and all posts from news Pages in Australia. Globally, the posting and sharing of news links from Australian publications is restricted.
George *************
After you have obtained your Non-O inside of Thailand by following the above instructions you will need to apply for a an extension of stay for purpose of Retirement or Marriage. Detailed instructions are available at the PIV site under Long Term Extensions: Marriage (M) or Retirement.
George *************
Here you go, from the excellent Phuket Immigration Volunteers site. Facebook won't let me link to it directly so copy the following into your search address box at the top of the screen and REMOVE the word REMOVE. It will take you to the correct information:

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Michael ********
@George ************
oh yes i just tried it. Think you are right must be hosted in Oz
Michael ********
Main thing will be the monetary requirement needing
*****
0 baht in a Thai bank account.

Phuket is quite well organised personally i would just pop down to the office and speak to one of the volunteers there.
Iain **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks Mike, never had the need to go down to the Phuket office in the past, but going out to work and coming back in on the exemption sure limits your usual benefits. Want to get back on a non-immigrant O
Michael ********
@Iain *********
yes i had to do first time as well when i went back in July.

Its fairly painless once you got all the paperwork. But not all offices do it the same the volunteers there though will give you a list of all required and then check it before submission.
Tony ********
@Michael *******
so are you able to apply for a non o based on marriage visa in country now would it be 90 days
Michael ********
@Tony *******
i came in July and had to get my non O outside as no tourists then. But people have been converting there TR and visa exemption to non O inside Thailand easier if you already have bank account with money in it
Iain **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *******
Got bank accounts . No issue ,have yellow book also
Tony ********
Michael Dawson Can you convert Covid 60 day extension to non O visa ?
Michael ********
@Tony *******
not sure i know people have done TR to O visa. If you meet all the requirements i dont see why not
Tony ********
@Michael *******
thanks for your input just interested as it is very difficult getting back to australia so I'm advised
Steve *********
An exemption isn't a visa, so you can't "change" it. You may be able to apply for an actual visa depending on the type you want and on your circumstances.
Michael ********
David Broadfoot
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Michael ********
David Broadfoot good to know but that info was straight from there website.
Iain **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Cheers
Iain **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Sure has bud! It making things helll of a challenging
Iain **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello Steve, I've always had Non-imigrant O visas, but since COVID I'm trying to avoid the UK. I'm returning home to Phuket from work to the family and will arrive in on an exemption. My issue is my driver's licence expires and I need to apply for a non-immigrant O visa. I'm married to my Thai national wife and we have children so this may be of advantage, but not sure how to tackle the visa problem
Michael ********
@Iain *********
you have one year from license expiring to be able to renew
Iain **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Michael Dawson, I just want to get back on a visa and have the licence renewed before the crowds start and rules change. You know what can happen in Thailand at the drop of a hat 🤨
Michael ********
@Iain *********
As far as i know all offices for renewals are closed at least according to there website.
David ******************
@Iain *********
What can happen?
Steve *********
@Iain *********
good luck! I'll be honest that Mr Covid has screwed up our understanding of the normal rules!
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