What is the process to change a Non-Immigrant OA Visa to a Non-Immigrant O Visa in Thailand?

1. 800k deposit

2. OA visa expired

3. Entry with visa exemption

4. TM87 and follow below ⬇️

I discussed this with my immigration, he suggested to leave to country and come back with Visa exemption, he will extend me based on Non-0. Not needing the insurance, but he mentioned that in the future maybe all extensions need an insurance. Better check this with your immigration before you leave the country.

Switching from a Non-Imm O/A to a Non-Imm O Visa:

The only way to exit the "Non-Imm O/A Visa" status is to wait until the visa's validity period has expired.

Afterward, you can invalidate your most recently stamped permission to stay by exiting Thailand without a re-entry permit.

You cannot invalidate the visa in this manner during the first year of its validity, because it includes a multi-re-entry permit. Therefore, you cannot simply void the visa by exiting the country; you must wait for the visa's validity period to run its course.

You now have two options:

****You apply for a 90-day Non-Imm O Retirement Visa in a neighboring country or in your home country, and re-enter Thailand using that visa. You can then apply for the "1-Year Extension of Stay Permit" (providing the necessary financial proof) before the 90-day period expires.

OR

****You apply for a 60-day Tourist Visa in a neighboring country, or re-enter Thailand under the 60-day visa-exemption scheme.

Using this entry status, you then apply at Immigration for a "Change of Visa Type" to a 90-day Non-Imm O Retirement Visa by fulfilling the applicable financial requirements.

Starting 30 days prior to the expiration of that 90-day permission to stay, you can then apply for the "1-Year Extension of Stay"—at which point you are NO LONGER subject to the mandatory health insurance requirement and are free to choose your own coverage.

The Non-Imm O/A Visa is popular primarily among those who wish to keep their funds deposited in their home bank account, and who return to their home country every two years to have a new Non-Imm O/A Visa issued.

For the two-year period covered by this visa, International health insurance policies are accepted as valid coverage. The sole advantage of the Non-Imm-O/A visa—compared to the 90 days granted by a Non-O visa followed by an extension of stay—is that it allows you to spend a full year in Thailand (and potentially a second year) without any further concerns, while you keep your funds in your home bank account.

All that is required is to complete the "90-day report" on Immigration.

However, anyone intending to establish a long-term residence should begin with the Non-Imm-O visa, as this preserves their freedom of choice regarding health insurance coverage.

I plan on doing OA for the first year, establishing 12 months of 65K in bank transfers, taking that time to also get a firm handle on where I want to settle. Then leave the country and apply for the Non-O after a year. Seems pretty straightforward. I hopefully eliminate the insurance requirement and the 800K requirement. We’ll see.

Leave the Country when your current permission to stay expires and apply for a Non Imm O visa in a neighbouring Country.

Are you on a Non-OA visa (first 12 months), an in country 12 month extension or a 12 month entry stamp obtained before your Non-OA expired?