What do I need to obtain a Non-Immigrant 'O' Visa in Thailand as a married expat?

Question

Hi gurus.

My objective is to get a version of the non-immigrant “O” visa. Right now I have a non-immigrant “OA” Visa set to expire Nov 11. I do not want to pay for the ‘mandatory’ insurance on my visa renewal.

I’ve had a seasoned retirement account (for years) in a Pattaya bank branch, and I use Jomtien Immigration. I am 75, married in 2017 at the Banglamung Amphur, and live with my Thai wife in a rented Pattaya condo.  I have the marriage documents translated to English with Ministry of Foreign Affairs stamps affixed.

I guess starting the non-immigrant “O” process in Savanaket is a non-starter.

What do I need to do, get in order, prove, provide, etc. to get a Married “O” visa (if, in fact, that’s what it’s called)? When should I do this?

Is there a better visa option for me? How about an in-country non-immigrant “O”, if that exists.

Thanks in advance.

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user seeks to transition from a non-immigrant 'OA' visa to a non-immigrant 'O' visa due to concerns about mandatory insurance costs. As a 75-year-old married to a Thai citizen and living in Pattaya, he inquires about the requirements and processes to obtain the 'O' visa based on marriage. The community advises on potential challenges, including the need for proper documentation and updated bank statements to prove financial eligibility, emphasizing the importance of consulting with local immigration authorities well before the current visa expiration.

Alan ******** · Answer

Thanks Todd,

I now gather that getting an extension based on marriage is not a sure thing. Ugh.  I’ll go to Soi 5 in a couple of weeks.

I have to request the normal renewal of my Aetna insurance which does not have the out patient component and find out what the “OA” version tab would be. I understand it’s really up there. Also going through another age band is going to be something.

Cheers

Tod ********* · Answer

You don't have that many options, you either GET insurance that meets the minimum required and apply for your yearly extension like normal with the 800K baht banked for 2 months before you apply

OR

You go to the immigration office with your thai wife BEFORE you need to get the extension, make sure you can switch the reason for your extension to one based on retirement from an O-A to one based on marriage to a thai and if they say you can do that you apply for a yearly extension based on marriage showing 400K baht in a thai bank account in your name only for 2 months before you apply, along with submitting the correct documents. That's why I said go to the immigration office WELL BEFORE you are going to apply for what ever extension so you have time to get the documents together

Alan ******** · Answer

Sorry I forgot this: I have a multi re-entry as well.

Tod ********* · Answer

You can't get a Non-O visa in country off an O-A visa entry stamp, period end of story. :( it cannot be done.

What you MIGHT be able to do is when your stamp is getting ready to expire apply for a yearly extension based on marriage to a thai by meeting the proof of funds, turning in the correct documents, photos, etc

I'd go to your immigration office and check to see that you can indeed apply for a yearly extension based on marriage from an O-A visa entry stamp (you should be able to and it should not require you to have insurance)

What do I need to obtain a Non-Immigrant 'O' Visa in Thailand as a married expat?

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