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What is the process to transition from an O-A visa to a Non-O visa in Thailand?

O-A Visa Non-O Visa Visas for Retirees Visa Extension Thailand Immigration Retirement Visa Thai Visa Rules

March 24, 2024

6 months ago

Steve ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Will come to the end of the second year on an O-A visa in June. So I will need to move to an O visa I believe.

Is there a guide as to the process to do this?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion revolves around transitioning from an O-A visa to a Non-O visa in Thailand. Users share insights on the visa options available for retirees, highlighting two primary paths: applying for an extension of stay based on the Non-OA visa or obtaining an initial Non-O visa followed by an extension. Key requirements include proving financial stability and health insurance. There is also clarification on whether it's necessary to leave Thailand during this transition.

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James ********

I believe that the OP has the answers needed for his question.

Thanks all for your helpful replies.

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Graham *********

Not sure I understand all of this. I'm planning on getting a Non-OA for retirement in the UK before travelling.

Once I'm in Thailand, can I just not extend for a year at a time continually as long as I can meet the insurance and finance requirements? Thanks!

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Tod *********

@Graham ********

you can indeed get yearly extensions without any issue inside the country at the immigration office as long as you have proof of a new year of the mandatory 100K USD health insurance and proof of meeting the financial requirements each year

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Tod *********

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Nongnuch ********

@Steve **********

you could apply for the 1-year Extension of Stay Permit out of your former Non-Imm-O/A visa, but then you need to prove a tgia-listed Thai private health insurance for the whole year. . . . if you exit Thailand and invalidate the stay permit of the O/A visa, you are free to apply for a 90-days Non-Imm-O visa and from this visa to the 1-year Extension of Stay Permit, without the proof of a mandatory insurance . . the initial 90-days Non-Imm-O visa can be issued to you either by applying in your home country, or by a "change of visa type" from a touristic entry, to the 90-days Non-Imm-O visa on Immigration. For both ways you will need to fulfill a few requirements - like the financial proofs

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James ********

@Nongnuch *******

mostly correct. However you must leave Thailand and reenter Thailand to get off the OA based retirement and then can start over with the application for the Non O Visa as retiree and the One year extension of stay as retired inside Thailand.

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Nongnuch ********

like I wrote: " if you exit Thailand and invalidate the stay permit of the O/A visa"

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Nongnuch ********

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Ellie *******

It's not a "need" to move to a Non-O-based retirement visa. It's about which way you really want to go.

You have two options to be on a long-term extension based on over 50/retirement.

1. Applying for an extension based on being over 50 starting from Non-OA entry by meeting all requirements including mandatory insurance policy. You may do this without leaving Thailand.

2. Getting an initial Non-O visa being over 50 from scratch, then applying for the following 1-year extension for the same reason. You must leave Thailand once but you may not need insurance for the initial Non-O visa application. You can apply for an initial visa at the Thai embassy/consulate outside Thailand or the local immigration office once you enter as a tourist.

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Steve ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

so in terms of the first option. You are saying I can extend my current stay by 12 months if I have the necessary insurance? And I can do that at an Immigration office? Is there a particular document set or application that is required to do so?

In terms of the second option. I can leave the country and return on a 30 day entry. Then apply at an Immigration office for a non-O “initial visa.” But I cannot do that in-country from my position on an O-A extension?

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Ellie *******

and you are right, you cannot change your Non-OA-based entry stamp to Non-O-based without leaving Thailand.

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Ellie *******

@Steve **********

, your understanding for each is correct. This is general information for 1-year extension based on over 50. But it's not the actual one for your immigration office. you need to get the latest handout of the requirements from your local office.

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Steve ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

sorry to be dim.

From this document under the heading ORIGINAL “6 different views.” Of what exactly?

And under Proof of Funds. “Bank letter.” Given the updated passbook and transaction history are also requested what specifically does the bank letter need to cover?

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Ellie *******

@Steve **********

, You need to check with the local office for details. This is just a piece of general information, not the exact list at any of the immigration offices.

In case asked for photos for a retirement extension. Usually several photos of the applicant (with family if you have) in different locations and various positions, including one at the front of the facility (condo) showing the name and address, in front of your house number, in the dining area and others inside your house.

The bank letter is for the bank to prove this account (No. xxxxxxx) is yours (by name, passport number, etc).

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Steve ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you 😊

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Steve ***********

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John **********

@Steve **********

listen to

, she is correct. And just to confirm you can't switch from a non-oa based extension to a non-o based extension anywhere. You need to get off the non-oa before starting all over again with a non-o visa which you can get inside Thailand if you meet the criteria

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Steve ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

was listening! Was just clarifying is all 😊 Also I thought an O-A had a 2 year life as it were. So come in again just before the visa expires and get stamped for a second year. Hadn’t realised subsequent 12 month extensions were possible with the appropriate insurance.

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Wannikea *********

@Steve **********

realize if you buy a multiple reentry permit on the second year or extension of the OA you won't be able to get off it before the extension or year expires.

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John **********

@Steve **********

yes you can get a 2nd year out of a non-oa as you describe assuming you have a 2nd year of insurance

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James ********

@John *********

correct ✅

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James ********

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Ellie *******

forgot one more option.

3. Going back to your home country to apply for a new Non-OA visa and repeat that two-year process.

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Ellie *******

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