What is the process for converting a tourist visa to a Non-Immigrant O (retirement) visa in Thailand?

Nov 13, 2022
2 years ago
Jamie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi all. big shoutout to everyone here for all their advice preparing my application for conversion from tourist visa to non-immigrant O (retirement) - in particular a HUGE thank you James Miller and Tod Daniels for all the time you took to answer my naive questions. After two visits to the Samui office (they asked me to come back with a medical certificate?!) and visit to my home yesterday by immigration officials to confirm my residence, I think I am home free. Been told to return in two weeks to pick up my visa. I know many people have had varying experiences with the Samui office when applying without an agent, but everyone i dealt with was helpful and friendly - including the immigration officials visiting my home.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post describes the user's successful experience in converting a tourist visa to a Non-Immigrant O (retirement) visa in Thailand, highlighting the assistance received from community members and the helpfulness of immigration officials. It mentions the necessity of a medical certificate, which varies by office, and outlines the process and steps leading to obtaining the visa, including a timeline for further extensions and requirements. Comments provide additional insights and personal experiences related to immigration visits in Thailand.
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.
Gerald ********
My visit to Samut Praken immigration office was a bit different, I arrived with what I thought was all the paperwork till I was asked for my evisa paperwork that I didn't have with me, so I had to go back home and with the help from
@Tod ********
we found a copy on the evisa website where I had applied for it before coming out here. Printed it off and went back on the Monday with everything required, this time everything went smoothly and was only there about
*****
min before getting the visa stamped in the passport, I thought it would have been a few days before getting it stamped in my passport but happy days. The only negative feedback was not everyone there seemed to know what you actually need one person says you need this and when getting to the counter they would say not need this but you need something else, made the wife a bit angry, but in the end all done now and got the year stamp now and thanks Todd for the assistance.
Jamie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Gerald *******
wow, that was a fast turnaround!?!?! Congrats Gerald!
Jamie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ahh that makes sense.
Tod *********
@Jamie ******
he wasn't applying for the 90 day Non-O in country at the immigration office like you are.

He HAD a 90 day Non-O visa that he got from his country before he came here using the online web-portal for the thai embassy in his country.

When he entered he was stamped in for 90 days and then just needed to get the year extension, which is issued the same day as you apply.

What he hadn't done was print the eVisa PDF file <-(which IS your visa) to give immigrations a copy when he applied for his extension.

That's why he had to go back and get his extension after he'd printed it.
Jamie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Tod *********
so when you go back in 2 weeks you'll get the Non-O visa and a new 90 day stay stamp in your passport THEN when that runs down you go back to get the year extension for 1900 baht (which they'll issue on the spot), then buy a re-entry permit after that and you'll be set for the year (except for 90 day reporting)
Jamie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
Excellent!!! Thanks again Tod!
James ********
And before someone says that there is NO medical certificate required for the Non O Visa as retiree...as well as the one year extension of stay as retired...there are several Thai immigration offices which do require a simple medical certificate of good health. It's easy to get at any local doctors clinic... usual fee of 200 +/- Thai baht.
Jamie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
yes James it was easy - took 15 minutes and was $250 baht, but the office required that i get it at a hospital - just an FYI.
James ********
@Jamie ******
yep...I know the routine. I had to get one each year for Siricha Immigration. 15 minutes...say Ahh... and pay 200 Thai baht. Any medical clinic accepted.
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