Good afternoon,
I've got an unusual situation that I'm wondering whether anyone here has had some experience with.
Usually before I come to Thailand, I apply for a Non-Immigrant O visa from the Thai Embassy in Poland (I'm a Polish national and my wife is Thai). Previously I've applied in person at the embassy so I had to leave my passport there until I get the visa (usually took just a couple of days), but this year the embassy has switched to the new e-visa process, which I do think is an improvement (no need to go to the embassy or leave the passport), but at the moment takes a lot more time than before.
As a result, I arrived in Thailand before I got my 3-month visa, and entered by getting a visa exemption stamp. The visa was granted a couple days later.
So I imagine that in this situation I would need to get out of the country, and enter again to activate my 3-month visa. However, I would like to ask if there is some easier (more reasonable?) solution here - I assume I'm not the first person in this situation, so if someone knows how to handle such a case please kindly let me know.
Specifically, I'm wondering if the immigration office in Bangkok could possibly help with the issue, or it this route not worth trying (in my previous experience the immigration officers there are very helpful if asked politely) - that's currently the best idea I have, but maybe someone knows a better way.
I would be very grateful for any advice.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking advice after arriving in Thailand on a visa exemption while waiting for their Non-Immigrant O visa, which they applied for online. Community responses suggest that to activate the new visa, the user must leave Thailand and re-enter, as it's not possible to have two visas simultaneously or alter the immigration stamp once issued. Some recommend visiting neighboring countries like Laos for a brief stay before re-entering to ensure the Non-O visa is properly activated.
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.
