What is the process for extending a 60-day visa to a Non-O visa in Thailand?

Aug 6, 2019
5 years ago
Lesley *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi,

My husband and I are in Samui on 60 day visas. We arrived on July 26th. We intend to apply to extend our stay based on being over 50, and live full time in Samui.

At what stage can we request the extension? Do we have to have been here a certain number of days? If we have the financial and other requirements ready, can we go to immigration soon? Your wonderful advice appreciated. Thanks.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A couple staying in Samui on 60-day tourist visas seeks to extend their stay based on being over 50 years old. They are unsure about the timing for their application for an extension and whether they need to meet any specific requirements or duration of stay before applying. Comments provide insights on the need to convert their tourist visa to a Non-O visa, the potential waiting period for this conversion, and the complications faced at the local immigration office, which advised that they must leave the country to obtain the Non-O visa elsewhere.
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Lesley *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
My grateful thanks. We made our application in Hong Kong and they would not issue a 90 day, so extending the process....
Lesley *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
They gave no reason, just said it was not possible.

We accepted that with a smile and collected all the notes for other possible visas.

Nothing else to do really.
Robert *******
And what was the reason that the Immigration Office on Koh Samui could not convert to an Non Immigrant visa? Just as information, not all of the over 70 offices nation wide are allowed to convert visa status.
Lesley *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Just an update. We went along to Samui immigration and were told we can not change our 60 day tourist visa into a 90 day non immigrant. (Thanks Hong Kong!)

We have to leave the country and get one outside. Would you happen to know of any locations where this is possible? Any thoughts on this whole process? I am starting to think about an Elite visa as not sure I can handle the stress!
Lesley *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Very many thanks.
Tod *********
:/ That is NOT known as a user friendly consulate :( I'd say head over to the immigration office get the hand out of what's required to do the in country conversion from a tourist visa to a 90 day Non-O :)

Keep in mind some offices can't do it and instead send you out of the country to get a 90 day Non-O visa at a thai consulate nearby

Good Luck, (y)
Tod *********
Okay, what you're doing is a three step process (at minimum)

You will apply to convert the 60 day tourist visa to a 90 day Non-O visa by meeting the financial requirements

The application will go under consideration for between 14 and 21 days (depending on the immigration office) then you go back and get the Non-O visa and a new 90 day stamp inked into your passport

When that runs down to 30 days or less you will apply for a year extension, again by meeting the financial requirements and providing the appropriate documentation.

GO to the Samui Immigration office and see if they can do the tourist visa to non-O conversion (some offices cannot) and if they can find out how many days you need left on your current stamp to do it AND get the hand out that lists the requirements.
Joe ***********
Usually the last 30 days of your current stay. But could be the last 45 days. Samui immigration will have that piece of info.
Benjamin ******
The problem is that you'll have to convert the tourist visa to a non-o visa first. Some offices do it, some don't. I don't know if Samui will perform that conversation. If nobody is familiar with this, you might have to ask immigration yourself.
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