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What is the difference between an O visa with an extension for retirement and an O-A visa in Thailand?

O visaO-A visaThai retirement visavisa extensionimmigration rulesexpat in Thailandfinancial requirements for visahealth certificate for visavisa comparison
Aug 21, 2019
5 years ago
Kym ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Todd seems to close topics down too fast. I’d like to know the difference between an O visa with extension to stay (retirement) and an O-A and pros and cons on both.

Genuinely trying to get it straight in my head.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion outlines the differences between the Non-Immigrant O visa (with extension for retirement) and the Non-Immigrant O-A visa. The O visa allows for a 90-day stay initially, after which one can apply for a 1-year Extension of Stay, requiring 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account. The O-A visa, however, provides a 1-year stay upon entry, requiring proof of funds from a foreign bank of the same amount. The O-A visa offers the advantage of potential unlimited entries and multi-year stays through border runs, while the O visa typically requires annual border exits and renewals. Additionally, some participants discuss the health certificate requirement for the O-A visa and the financial proof needed for both visas.
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.
James ********
And as
@Tod ********
 has provided a good explanation of the visa differences I close commenting. Thanks to all who contributed
5 years ago
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Joe ***********
Most Thai Embassies / Consulates allow the proof of 65,000 Baht equivalent per month for 12 months with proof from home bank that such an amount of money past through your bank account even if the money only stopped there on the way to Thailand.
5 years ago
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Roger ********
Only real problem with the O-A that l can see is the health certificate. With my blood pressure l doubt l'd pass. :-)
5 years ago
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Edward ********
@Roger *******
 The high blood pressure is not on the check list. The problem will be if they bring in the health insurance
5 years ago
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Tod *********
most thai consulates (not all though) allow you to down load the medical certificate form and have it signed HERE in thailand by a doctor before you go back to get the O-A visa from the consulate in your country. That saves money AND needless testing because that medical certificate states you are free from Leprosy, Tuberculosis, drug addiction, Elephantiasis, third phase of Syphilis :O
5 years ago
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Christian *******
@Roger *******
 sorry my mistake health certificate is required but I don’t think blood pressure make a problem
5 years ago
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Roger ********
@Christian ******
 Really? Thanks for that
5 years ago
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Christian *******
@Roger *******
 health certificate not officially required at today’s date
5 years ago
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Christian *******
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Robert *******
For the Non Immigrant O-A visa you need 800.000 Thb or equivalent currency in any bank but after you get the visa your are free to use the money, for the Extension of Stay you need 800.000 Thb in a Thai bank in your name, but this money must be seasoned 2 months before application date till 3 months after application date and the rest of the year not less than 400.000 Thb.
5 years ago
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Kym ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
 ok mate. Clearer now. Thanks. If you want to close off commenting you can.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
With the Non Immigrant O-A visa you get 365 days of stay on entry, with the Single Entry Non Immigrant O visa you get once 90 days of stay and with the 1 year Multiple Entry Non Immigrant O visa you still get 90 days of stay at entry but you can leave and come back as much as you like within these max 90 day periods till the valid until date of the visa. BIG difference in the visa is the -A (minus A) sign behind the O.
5 years ago
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Kym ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
 yes the reason and monetary requirements are different but I still don’t understand why he needs the border bounces.

I know they are different visas and we have different circumstances.

I more concerned about what I need to do to retire in Thailand with the least amount of hassle.

The money in the bank is not an issue at the early stage of my retirement although it could be later.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
Different visa, different requirements, please do not compare
5 years ago
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Kym ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
 thanks mate, that’s doable. A friend uses the O visa married to a Thai, but he often seems to need a border bounce and a return home once a year to renew.

Not real sure he’s doing it right 🙂
5 years ago
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Kym ******
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Kym ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks guys, that’s clearer. O-A money in the bank or is that O? (I mean the 800k)
5 years ago
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Tod *********
INSIDE thailand to get a year extension using banked money it's 800K baht in a thai bank account in your name

OUTSIDE thailand to get a year-long, multi-entry Non-O-A VISA from the thai consulate in your country you show proof of funds using your bank account in your country. no need to bank a baht in thailand
5 years ago
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Tod *********
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Tod *********
The obvious advantages to the year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O-A (Long Stay) visa from a thai consulate are:

- visa valid for unlimited entries for a year

- every entry gets you stamped in for a year

- meet the proof of funds by using a bank in your country

- able to get two years of stay out of a one year visa

- only deal with the immigration office for 90 day reporting for 2 years :O
5 years ago
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Kym ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
 thanks for leaving this open a little longer, it’s helping me and I hope others might benefit.
5 years ago
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Kym ******
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Robert *******
Non Immigrant O-A, you apply in your home country, make your way into Thailand, get 1 year of stay on entry, you may make a border run just before the Valid until date and get a new 1 year of stay. Means you almost can stay 2 years inside Thailand. At the end of this second year or you fly back to your home country for a new visa or you apply at your local immigration office for an Extension of Stay.
5 years ago
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Kym ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thomas Puskar if the information was clear and easy to understand then I would agree with you.

When I asked a question on the immigration website I got no reply.

That’s why the two way medium of Facebook is often a good pathway to knowledge.

Thanks for your contribution anyway.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
Thomas Puskar Why? Did i mention something wrong?
5 years ago
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Robert *******
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Robert *******
Non Immigrant O visa gives you 90 days of stay on entry into Thailand, before this ends you apply for the 1 year Extension of Stay if you can meet all the requirements. If done, you can stay 1 year inside Thailand and only have to report if you are 90 days or longer inside the Kingdom. At the end of that year, you apply again, get 1 year and so on.
5 years ago
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Tom ********
@Robert ******
 thank you.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
yes there is. Phuket, Bangkok, Chang Mai and Buriram allow you to apply for an Extension of Stay during the last 45 days of your stay, other immigration offices 30 days.
5 years ago
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Tom ********
@Robert ******
 a quick question in regard to non-o,. Is there a limit to how early you can apply for extension of stay?
5 years ago
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Tom ********
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