What visas do my partner and I need to live in Koh Samui while following Thai immigration rules?

Visa Rules Non-Immigrant Visa O Retirement Visa O-A Volunteering in Thailand Immigration Advice Thailand Visa Types Living in Thailand Long-Term Stay Visas

Nov 27, 2018

6 years ago

Tina ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi all, 

am sure this has been asked time and time again, but wanted to get you opinion before speaking to the thai embassy in Melbourne.

Partner and I want to move to Samui. I want to be able to do vol work. he is old enough (I am not) for retirement visa but needs Non-Im O first I believe. We both have enough money in the bank to meet requirements. 

Basically we want to find a way to live there forever but want to follow the rules. 

Am I right that we both need the Non-Im O visa??

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user wants to move to Koh Samui, Thailand, with their partner and is seeking clarification on the necessary visas. They believe both need a Non-Immigrant O visa and are considering their options for long-term residency while complying with the rules. Comments indicate that one partner could qualify for a Non-O-A (retirement visa) due to age, but the user, not being married, might have to rely on a tourist visa initially. Recommendations include applying for a multi-entry tourist visa and finding a volunteering organization before settling into the required visa categories.

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.

Tina ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank to everyone with their advice! I think we are sorted now. Samui here we come!!! would welcome any friend requests from any expats - especially in Samui :)

6 years ago

Tina ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I have just been advised the best option for ME would be the tourist visa, then if I find vol work apply to immigration. Best for HIM would be the retirement vis (O-A). does that sound right?

6 years ago

Tina ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@T**

thank you! I was suspecting as much but needed reassurance :) cheers

6 years ago

Tod *********

A 6 month METV <- multi-entry tourist visa would certainly buy you almost 9 months in country and that should be enough time for you to find a place to volunteer at and then get the correct visa etc to do so..

AND

The O-A visa is a perfect fit for your partner who is over 50.

6 years ago

Glen *********

Tina Amer you have to apply for non-o volunteering outside the country...not inside. So once you find an organisation that is prepared to sponsor you, you will need to apply at an Embassy outside the country.

6 years ago

Reply to

Glen *********

Tod *********

You mention your 'partner'.. Are you two married? If not you can't get any visa based on him holding a visa or extension :/ If you are and he got a year-long, multi-entry Non-O-A (like I recommended) you could get a Non-O <- (note there is no A after the O) based on being his spouse.

6 years ago

Tina ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

not married no, so visa's would not be linked in any way

6 years ago

Reply to

Tina ******

Tod *********

The thai consulate in Melbourne does not issue the O-A visa I mentioned you'd either get it from Canberra or Sydney

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-NON-IMMIGRANT-VISA.html

6 years ago

Glen *********

To volunteer you need the organisation to sponsor you, your Non-O (volunteer) visa and work permit (if still required).

You could study Thai language, cooking, boxing etc with student visa...to allow you to stay longer.

Otherwise apply for 6 METV that can give ypu up to 9 months stay if you time it right.

6 years ago

Tod *********

He could get a year long multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O-A (Long Stay) visa from the consulate in Australia BEFORE he comes here.

6 years ago

Tod *********

That visa would get him stamped in for a whole year when he enters.

6 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

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