An update that may help some people.
I did not met the new requirements for application of an extension against my OA visa.
As a New Zealander i decided to do my application for a new OA visa in Australia.
I had the advantage of previous living there and a AU bank account.
Arrived Perth, next day went to Post Office, completed Police certificate request, cost 54.30, this took 5 days to arrive at my stated address, (friends place).
Same time had passport photos taken, need three for visa application.
Next day went to medical centre for medical certificate, completed, note this can take a full day as you need to go to different places for different tests. Then go back to the doctor after 4 days to pick up certificate.
Printed bank statement showing sufficient funds.
Completed forms off Thai embassy website, three pages.
Went to “Notary Public” (lawyer) where 2 copies and original set were notarized, cost 150.
Courier all documents with passport and return courier envelop to Thai embassy, cost 275, arrived next day, embassy process took 3 working days, courier back 4 days due to weekend.
Total process time from arrival and back to Thailand took 2 weeks however return ticket date was a bit tight.
As a NZ’er the process using the AU Thai embassy was very simple, what i cant clarifiy is can you use another country bank statement, ie NZ bank.
Doing this means i only need living expenses here, not the full funds in baht. It also means there is no minimum funds kept, nor any maturity time for funds in the bank. And i will get almost 2 years from this visa without any concerns before i have to repeat the process. At the moment there is no consideration for medical insurance, but i have that in place anyway.
TLDR : Answer Summary
A New Zealander shared an update on the process of applying for a new OA visa from Australia, as they did not meet the extension requirements for their existing OA visa. The person detailed the steps taken, including obtaining a police certificate, medical certificate, required passport photos, and notarized documents. They highlighted that the application process at the Thai embassy in Australia was straightforward, and noted the advantage of not needing to keep large funds in a Thai bank account. Comments from others followed, discussing the pros and cons of applying for a new visa versus an extension and sharing experiences with different Thai consulates.
OA RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the OA 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 OA 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.
