What is the correct procedure for the entry stamp validity for a Thailand O-A visa when health insurance is involved?

Aug 18, 2022
2 years ago
Peter *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I have a 1 year O-A visa expires 31/10/22. Have been in/out of thailand 3 times this year, every time I get stamped for 12 months stay from date of entry. I arrived this week and they would only stamp me up to the end of my visa, end Oct 22. Had a bit of an argument with the officials about it - showed them previous entries etc, but they were adamant and wouldn't change it.

Anyone have similar visa and can advise which is correct?

Thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The entry stamp for a Thailand O-A visa is dependent on the validity of the holder's health insurance. If the insurance is valid for the entire year, the holder should receive a 12-month stamp upon entry. However, if the insurance is about to expire, the stamp will only be valid until the insurance's expiration date. Previous experiences of being stamped for a longer period likely resulted from oversight by officials. Thus, if the insurance is shorter than the visa's validity, the stamp will match the insurance period.
Ադամ ********
I have OA since December 2020 they only stamp me in until the date my insurance expires. Last time at CNX airport I only got 6 more months. The insurance expiration was written on the visa sticker. This year it is on my e visa. I want to do anotheryear/ stitch together (buy another year insurance that overlaps by one more day) and see if I can get another 12 months out of my current visa and enter later this year. I don’t know if it will work 🤷‍♂️.
Garrett ***********
The entry stamp on a Non-OA needs to match your insurance. If your insurance is valid for less than 1 year then you'll only be stamped in for the period of time up until your insurance expires.

If an officer overlooked that in the past and stamped you in for a year anyway, they were wrong.
Peter *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ok Tx
Peter *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Quick question - do you know what's happening with the proposals for 10 year Visas , supposed to be from Sept this year?
Kool *******
@Peter ********
there already is a 10 year visa. It is the type OX, as opposed to the OA, that you have now. The big difference is the financial requirement, as it requires a bt3million deposit, and health insurance for the duration of the visa. It is issues as 5 years, with one 5 year extension making up the ten years.
Scott *******
I think they are still asking too much for there to be any great interest.

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Peter *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Scott ******
Thanks for this
Garrett ***********
@Peter ********
You need $1m of assets as a baseline.
Peter *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Garrett **********
When are they accepting applications, and how does one apply
Brandon ************
@Peter ********
they aren't accepting applications until September 1st. You'll apply from the BOI website.
Stuart *********
Entering with a OA visa will give you 365 days each and every time whilst it is still valid - dependant on the health insurance you have. If your insurance expires tomorrow for example, you’ll be stamped in until tomorrow. If it expires on Aug 17 2023, you’ll be stamped in until then. Without knowing your insurance details it’s impossible to know who’s right or wrong.
Peter *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I got visa with Insurance at same time I applied in London. My insurance expires 31-10-22 as well. When I arrived in June they stamped me for 12 months to Jun 23. Are you saying I would have to renew my Insurance each time to get a 12 month stamp/
Ralph ********
@Peter ********
and when you get it for one more year you have to also get it updated for multiple entry again. Or you will only get 30 days and your visa will be kaput.
Steve ********
@ราล์ฟ ******
You cannot get an OA extension to be multiple entry. You have to purchase a separate re-entry permit, which you can do at the airport when leaving the country
Ralph ********
@Steve *******
I wish I knew that back then.
Stuart *********
@ราล์ฟ ******
what? That’s makes no sense.
Ralph ********
@Stuart ********
the 1st year is multiple entry i think bcos the multiple entry is only valid for a year. The 2nd year is then renewed but you have to separately get the multiple entry alse if you leave, your visa ends. Happened to me. The immigration guy couldn't stop laughing at me i was so surprised. I confirmed it afterwards. I had to go back to country embassy and go thru the whole effing process again. Trust me 😁. I was allowed in on a 30d tourist visa, a thin silver lining.
Stuart *********
@ราล์ฟ ******
OK I see what you’re meaning. Yes you can get almost two years from an OA visa. If you enter just before the visa expires and have the relevant insurance you’ll be stamped in for a year. That second year is not multiple entry (the visa has expired) so to keep your entry stamp alive you would need a re-entry permit. 1,000 baht for a single or 3,800 baht for multiple. Can get at a local immigration office or the airport.
Stuart *********
@Peter ********
yes. Entry stamp is dependent on insurance. One year or as long as the insurance is valid until, which ever is the shorter.
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