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What is the correct process for obtaining and extending an O-Visa in Thailand?

O-Visa NON-O Visa Visa Extension Re-entry Visa Thailand Immigration Expat Visa Rules Retirement Visa Bank Account for Visa

Nov 28, 2025

2 days ago

Farang *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Have I got this right

I enter on a visa exempt. 

Apply for an O-Visa, I have the requirements, and I get 90 days. 

Apply for a year extension. 

I have to leave after 90 days but need to get a re-entry visa to return.

I re-enter for another 90 days then leave after getting another re-entry visa which would allow me back in 7 months. 

When I return can I apply for another year extension? 

Thanks.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is seeking clarification on the process of entering Thailand on a visa exemption, applying for a NON-O visa, and the subsequent steps for obtaining a one-year extension. Key points include the need for a Thai bank account with required funds, managing re-entry permits, and the practicalities of visa applications. It appears essential to initially apply for the NON-O visa from the home country, maintain proper financial requirements, and adhere to immigration rules to ensure smooth re-entry and extension.

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.

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Bob **********

It doesn’t work like that once you get a year extension you leave and return up to the end date of the extension but you’ll need the bank account and you won’t get one without a long stay visa

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James ******

Is medical insurance required for first 90 day non o retirement application in home country?

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James ******

Thank you boyz.

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Phil ******

no thats a Non OA

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Pete *******

no.

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Reply to

Pete *******

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Ant ***********

Apply for your Non-O 90 day retirement Visa before you leave your home

Country .

6 months ago a lot easier , Now Difficult and expensive to convert retirement Visa from a tourist .

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Mark ******

@Ant **********

I agree I’m going through it now and having to leave Thailand to do my retirement Visa.

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Mark ******

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Phil ******

@Farang ********

no I would apply in your home country and then enter Thailand. Get a bank account and put required funds in there for 2 months prior to non o extension

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Greg ***********

@Farang ********

you worry too much. When you get issued a 1-year extension of the stay permit on Immigration, just buy a multi re-entry permit for it for 3800 Baht on the spot. . . . . . With a multi re-entry permit stamped in your passport, you can exit and re-enter Thailand as many times as you wish, during the one-year validity of the "1-year extended" stay permit

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Jesper *******

If you do not have a thai bank acct then this plan doesn't work.....if you do have a thai bank acct then its possible apply for a 90days nonO and there after apply for 1yr extension once u get that apply for multiple re entry permit...you can come and go as u like until your 1yr extension is amost due and apply for another 1yr extension

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Michael ********

@Farang ********

oh if IO in your district is ok thats good you can do all that, depends how many times you coming in and out whether to get multiple entry or single entry. Forgot costs i just get the multiple its 4000 baht

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Greg ***********

@Michael *******

it's only 4000 when you buy at the airport. I buy my multi re-entry permit right after Immigration has stamped a new 1-year extension into my passport. On Immigration it costs 3800 Baht

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Farang *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Greg **********

thanks for that info.

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Michael ********

@Greg **********

oh wow a whole 200 baht savings 555

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Greg ***********

@Michael *******

and it is about ease of travel. Why wait until you are at the right departure tract (it has to be departure 2 at the Suvarnabhumi and if you exit at departure 4, you need to walk all the way to departure 2 !) it is about the easiness of living: When I apply for the 1-year extension, I also apply for the re-entry permit. It is done & dusted within 25 minutes, and I don't have to worry about it. I know reports from people who forgot to buy one at the airport, and their extensions became invalid

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Greg ***********

@Michael *******

it's not the savings . . it's me insisting on correct reporting

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Greg ***********

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Lyndon ************

You don't have to leave after 90 days on the non-o and year extension. I haven't left in 7 years.

The hardest part now about obtaining a non-o in country, is opening a bank account. It's a chicken and egg problem that's a challenge to solve. Easier to arrive on a non-o (don't get a non-oa by mistake, differing ongoing requirements) open a bank account, deposit funds, season for 2 months and extend for the year.

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Michael ********

Better get the Non O wherever you are now this is 90 day visa. Then you apply for a years extension.

Do you already have bank account as funds will be needed in Thai bank account for the extension (not the initial 90 day visa) and dont think you will be opening bank account with a visa exempt stamp

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Farang *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Damo **********

agreed.

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Farang *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Michael *******

Thanks I have ALL the requirements for an O visa. Previously had an O visa but life is complex at the moment and travelling in three weeks. Based on IO in hometown he suggested come in and apply for an O visa after arrival. Just wanted advice on the 90 days and rentry

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Bob **********

@Farang ********

as long as you have a bank account with 800k in it you shouldn’t have a problem but applying in your home is much easier and the only extension would be for one year and you’ll need the money for that some offices don’t require the 800k for two months prior but some do

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John **********

@Farang ********

you can only do this if you already have a Thai bank account

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Farang *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

so I can do it. Thanks

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Farang *********

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Ian ********

I assume you mean you already have a Thai bank account with

*****

0 bt in .Once uou get a 1 year extension you have to get a re entry permit to keep the ext valid if you leave the country.You have to do 90 day reports not leave every 90 days

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Reply to

Ian ********

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