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What should I do to transition from a visa exempt entry to a Non-O visa in Thailand?
Jan 12, 2026
4 months ago
Farang *********
ORIGINAL POSTERFollowing on from my entry in December in which I was pulled over and given "advice" to get a wife visa. I was given a 60 day visa exempt.
Went to immigration today and they gave me a 30 day extension. Looked over my documents and suggested I return to request an O visa.
No hassles, no wait, very efficient although Baht1,900 lighter but no money wasted on agent fees.
Went to immigration today and they gave me a 30 day extension. Looked over my documents and suggested I return to request an O visa.
No hassles, no wait, very efficient although Baht1,900 lighter but no money wasted on agent fees.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user shared their experience of receiving a 60-day visa exempt entry and obtaining a 30-day extension at immigration, where they were advised to apply for a Non-O visa. The comments highlight concerns about visa regulations and urge obtaining the correct visa to avoid potential issues.
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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Ian **********
The problem you have is that a tourist visa can be used to visit family for periods up to 60 days. If you apply for a Non-O, it says to visit family for more than 60 days, so if you have told them you are visiting your wife, but then keep extending for 30 days, they will advise you to get a Non-O visa. Current guidelines suggest tourists can stay up to 157 days a year using a visa-exempt, but when you tell them you are visiting your wife, you then cease to be a tourist. Get the correct visa, and stop abusing the system.
Jim *******
@Ian *********
What kind of tourist would ever stay in Thai more than 30 days. What 157 days of stay?Farang *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ian *********
thanks, that makes sense. But my average stay is always less than 150 days so not abusing but working within the existing rules at that time.
Ian **********
@Farang ********
If you visit family for more than 60 days, then you need a Non-O visa based on visiting Thai family.Farang *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ian *********
you learn. Life in the UK for last few years was not easy after the death of mum and a very abusive council and police so visa was not a priority.Reply to
Farang *********
Reply
Jeffrey *********
Get visa maybe sent back n time
John **********
Couple of warnings now. Sounds like it's time to get the appropriate visa
James *******
Do u have a Thai bank acct to get that O?
Farang *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@James ******
yes I do. Long story but COVID and the death of my Mum screwed my visa up. But kept the account.John ********
@Farang ********
I did my conversion in country last week. Very similar form to the extension. A few more docs required such as a bank letter.Reply to
John ********
Reply
Jim *******
@James ******
90 days Non O is needed to open bank account unless they somehow already have it from before.Reply to
Jim *******
Reply
Marty *********
no one cares.
bar ***********
Farang *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Marty ********
this is the problem with this site. You post to tell people how you are coping in the hope that it helps others who may be having similar issues. I have found it helpful to hear of other peoples success. Then you have people like you that have nothing better to do than make asinine comments. Shameful
bar ***********
@Farang ********
very true 👍Marty *********
There are literally lots of posts, like yours, everyday which are duplicated over and over about an immigration experience, that are meaningless. The officers decisions here are so random in following/not following the rules that there is no “normal”. You’re not helping anyone in reality.
Farang *********
ORIGINAL POSTERMarty Collins nor are you by pouring cold water on everyone. Every person account of the experiences helps build a picture. You just want to destroy people.
bar ***********
Reply to
bar ***********
Reply
Collywobble **********
@Marty ********
I carebar ***********
@Collywobble *********
me tooMarty *********
555
bar ***********
@Marty ********
guys like you need the boot. You have nothing to contributebar ***********
Reply to
bar ***********
Reply
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