This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

What Is the Difference Between O and O-A Visa Extensions in Thailand?

Visa Rules O Visa O-A Visa

Feb 2, 2020

6 years ago

Mel ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi. I currently have an O-A visa extension. The visa was obtained in the uk, then extended on re entry to Thailand about 6 months ago. Can anyone tell me in simple terms the difference between an O and an O-A visa / extension. I appreciate that with an O-A I will need medical insurance to get my 2nd extension but what is the actual difference ? Also, I am allowed to apply for an O if I already have an O-A ??

976

views

all likes

replies

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The main difference between the Non-Immigrant O and O-A visas lies in their requirements. The O-A visa requires medical insurance for extensions, while the O visa does not if applying for an extension based on being over 50 years old. Switching from an O-A visa to an O visa is not straightforward and typically involves additional steps.

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted Thai Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Robert *******

And with the last words of Mel: Thanks, I close the commenting.

There are options, apply for a new Non Immigrant O-A visa in your home country, is an option but you need a health insurance but can keep all your money in your home country. (Btw how do people pay the bills in Thailand?)

Get the Non Immigrant O visa, no health insurance needed.

(Btw how do people pay their hospital bills if needed)

And so there are different options to think about. Good luck.

6 years ago

Tod *********

I don't believe you extended anything 6 months ago when you entered on that visa. That visa is good for unlimited entries during the validity of the visa and each entry gets you stamped in for a new year entry stamp

Let's start out with some hard dates from you about the O-A visa you hold:

What was the date the visa was issued AND what was the "valid until" or "enter before" date on the VISA itself?

6 years ago

Gregor **********

@Bobby *******

but if he gets a new O/A in his home country, the home based insurance - given the company signs the foreign ins. certificate - is only valid for a first year of the O/A. Once the valid until date is reached, for the "free second year" he will need a new insurance, a Thai insurance from the tgia list. Are you sure you want to recommend this process? He can get a Single Entry Non-O based on being over 50 in his home country once the old O/A is invalid, and start out NOT needing any insurance (which to have is good, but not one out of those bogus Thai insurances)

6 years ago

Bobby ********

You also have the option of returning to your home country at the expiration of your current "permitted to stay" stamp and apply for a new OA. This negates the need to transfer money to a Thai Bank as your are assessed on money you have in your home country. You can also use a local insurance company provided they will validate the insurance form. You will of course have to meet the requirements again of police report and doctor's certificate. This effectively gives you another two years of stay.

6 years ago

Tod *********

IF you have an entry stamp that says you're allowed to be here until June 2020 <- which is what you should have gotten when you stamped in on a valid O-A visa in June 2019 you cannot apply for a yearly extension until you have 30 days or less left on that stamp :O That's why I'm asking you to check your dates because I think you were told wrong information.

6 years ago

Mel ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

I obtained my visa whilst in the uk. Issued July 2018 valid for 1 year, multiple entry.

I visited the uk last year in June re entering Thailand early July and had my passport stamped giving me a years extension.

6 years ago

Reply to

Mel ********

Ellie *******

Maybe FYI. About so-called retirement visa by Tod.

****************************************************************************

**********

*****

3/permalink/

*****

6 years ago

Mel ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ellie ******

thanks

6 years ago

Reply to

Mel ********

Robert *******

Actual difference is only in the requirements. Using a Non Immigrant O-A via means you need a health insurance and for the Non Immigrant O visa you do not if you apply for the Extension of Stay based on being over 50 years of age.

6 years ago

Mel ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Robert ******

thanks.

6 years ago

Reply to

Mel ********

Bobby ********

You cannot move directly from an OA to an O. Tod Daniels has compiled the following guide which explains the steps required

****************************************************************************

**********