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What is the typical cost of hiring a company to help with the Thailand O-A visa application process?
Jan 15, 2026
4 months ago
Bernadette ********
ORIGINAL POSTERHi, can anyone give me a ball park figure on working with a company to sort out our O-A visa. Finance etc in place but Uk Thai embassy not replying to emails
TLDR : Answer Summary
The inquiry revolves around the cost of hiring a company for assistance with the O-A visa application, as the UK Thai embassy has not been responsive. Comments suggest that the Non-O visa may be a more popular option due to easier processing. It's noted that applications for these visas are primarily done online, which eliminates some of the complexities associated with traditional applications. Additionally, there are recommendations regarding opening a bank account in Thailand, emphasizing that it would be necessary to have the right visa first.
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.
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Martyn *******
Ref bank statements I printed mine then took a single page photo
Deepak *******
They have made it online because they don't want to be bothered by challenged people clogging their phone lines. Does UK embassy respond promptly? And no embassy will talk to you on the phone to waste their time and explain to you the process. Online application is self-explanatory. If you are stuck you can post here to get clarification
Steve ************
@Deepak ******
The problem i have hit is sending 3 months bank statements as this runs into many pages, the app will only allow you to upload 1 document.Deepak *******
@Steve ***********
merge three months statement into one pdf document and then uploads it.Steve ************
@Deepak ******
you are talking to a 70 yr old who has to try and remember why he was on the embassy website in the first place. I don't think my phone has a pdf fitted.😂Deepak *******
@Steve ***********
go to a shop and they will do it for you. You are 70 and I am also close to 66 but I learned computers when I was 28. The computer was not invented last year. By this time all people should be adept with doing simple things in computerSteve ************
@Deepak ******
thanks for that, I might go to my bank and ask them if they can do it.Reply to
Steve ************
Reply
Stuart ***********
Lynette is correct, the non-O is the more popular choice for the reasons she gave.
I don't think anyone can give you a figure for doing a non-OA, as you would do that online before coming to Thailand.
You can't open a bank account in Thailand on a tourist visa, so you would have to wait until you get either the non-O or non-OA anyway.
It should be relatively simple to open a bank account once you have the above visa without using an agent, you just need to try a few banks sometimes and provide the documents they request.
I don't think anyone can give you a figure for doing a non-OA, as you would do that online before coming to Thailand.
You can't open a bank account in Thailand on a tourist visa, so you would have to wait until you get either the non-O or non-OA anyway.
It should be relatively simple to open a bank account once you have the above visa without using an agent, you just need to try a few banks sometimes and provide the documents they request.
Deepak *******
@Stuart **********
you can open everything provided you spend money.Stuart ***********
No need to spend money, provided you start with the correct visa, and can organise a few photocopies/documents and passport photos. Sometimes you might need to try a few banks until you find one that is willing, but it's not difficult. I am guessing you used an agent and that's why you think you need to spend money.
Reply to
Stuart ***********
Reply
Bernadette ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart **********
thanks, and we apply for the Non - O here before we arrive in Thailand?John **********
Reply to
John **********
Reply
Lynnette *******
Any reason you're doing O-A and not Non-O?
Bernadette ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Lynnette ******
husband wanted to have it sorted before moving - felt it was the best optionLynnette *******
@Bernadette *******
yes, you can do Non-O before you leave for Thailand.Reply to
Lynnette *******
Reply
Lynnette *******
What reason were you emailing embassy? Is your application being processed or "pending'
Bernadette ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Lynnette ******
brilliant thank youBernadette ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Lynnette ******
we just wanted to clarify what the process was. Husband is a planner and leaves nothing to chance. Wanted to run through O-A visa process. We are in Hua Hin in Feb & Mar and planning our move on a retirement visa in July / AugLynnette *******
@Bernadette *******
Ok. But why the O-A? That's the one you use money in own bank wherever it is, mandatory insurance from a limited selection of Thai insurers that aren't the best, police clearance too. Then it's only valid for periods the insurance is for. The Non-O there's no police clearance and no mandatory insurance ( you can choose what you want, when you want ) but you need to open a Thai bank account when you arrive and bank 800k Thai baht. Then extend for 12 months which costs 1900.
Bernadette ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Lynnette ******
we were going to use Pacific Cross for the insuranceLynnette *******
@Bernadette *******
you have to use one of the thai insurers on the list. Is it one of them? Then visa is linked to the insurance duration. The non-O has no specific insurance, you can use what you want. No police check. It gives you 3 months when you arrive and you do the 12 month extension at immigration in the last month.Bernadette ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Lynnette ******
if we do the Non - O visa how easy is opening a bank account as we will be on a tourist visa.Lynnette *******
@Bernadette *******
the non-o you get in uk before arriving, it is what you can use for bank account set up. Why would you be entering on a tourist visa?Bernadette ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Lynnette ******
ah ok. We must have misunderstood and thought the non O could only be applied for in Thailand.Barney ***************
@Bernadette *******
I know it's a bit confusing but here's the deal. The non-O visa is an easy visa to get in the UK (I've just done it). You'll get 90 days on arrival in Thailand and that visa will allow you to open a bank account (Kasikorn are more relaxed). After you have your account you can proceed with your one year extension without all the insurance and police checks etc 👍🙏Bernadette ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Barney **************
thanks, yes it is. We just want everything sorted and done correctly 😊Lynnette *******
@Bernadette *******
as Barney said, non-O in UK. It gives you a 90 day stay. Open bank account soon as you arrive. Season money and go get 12 month extension (with reentry permit if you want to be flexible).Reply to
Lynnette *******
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