What is the best way to apply for an O-A visa while moving to Chiang Mai?

Nov 22, 2019
5 years ago
Aidan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks for the add. I am currently living in UK but I travel to Chiang Mai every 4 months. However it is my intention to move to Chiang Mai in August for the foreseeable future. I have looked at online O-A visa application in UK which gives you a 1 year visa. I believe that you can apply in Thailand and this gives you two years initially. If this is correct, can someone please advise the best way in doing this. Thanks for your help. Aidan Innes.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user intends to move to Chiang Mai and inquired about the process for applying for a Non-Immigrant O-A visa. The O-A visa can be applied for online in the UK for a one-year stay, and upon re-entry, it can be managed to extend close to two years. It's crucial to have appropriate health insurance, especially when transitioning to an extension of stay. Comments provided clarity on application procedures and insurance requirements.
James ********
Just to be clear...the application for the O-A is done IN THE UK ONLINE...BEFORE you fly to Thailand.
Aidan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks to you all. Great advice cheers. Looking forward to my next visit to Chiang Mai next month. Cheers
Tod *********
These are the requirements for the O-A visa from the thai consulate in London (the ONLY consulate there that sells the O-A visa)

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-Non-Immigrant-visas.html#7
Tod *********
One other thing you need to keep in mind IS

You will need to show proof of health insurance (you can use your current insurance in your country to BUY the visa from the thai consulate there) BUT after you get the two years of stay out of that visa and go to get a yearly extension of stay you will need to carry health insurance thru one of the approved thai providers.
Aidan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
thanks enquiry pending with AXA.
Robert *******
The 1 year valid Multiple Entry Non Immigrant O-A visa gives you 1 year of stay on entry. If you enter Thailand as soon as possible after getting this visa attached you have 1 year of stay, and if you leave and come back Thailand again just before the Valid Until date mentioned on the visa you get again 1 year of stay, both together will be close to 2 years of stay.
Aidan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks very much Robert
Robert *******
And before that years pass, you apply for the Extension of Stay with the 12 months of foreign deposits
Robert *******
yes, but take care the details. you have to enter Thailand again just before or on the Valid until date mentioned on the Visa to get the 1 year extra
Robert *******
If you fully used this visa, you can apply for an Extension of Stay at Immigration and for you that means or 800.000 Thb in a Thai bank account in your name or at least 12 months of minimum 65.000 Thb foreign deposits into a Thai bank in your name prior the application date.
Aidan *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
Thank you. I intend to use my pension as income to stay. I have friends who did not have to prove income until the end of the initial 2 year period? Showing a bank statement of international cash transfers into Thai bank for the last 12 months. If you apply here you have to provide this immediately? Is this right?
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