Why was I not admitted for a full year on my recent Thailand entry with a non-immigrant O-A visa?

Nov 20, 2023
a year ago
Jeff *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
To the hive minds of the Thailand visa group:

I am a US citizen with a non-immigrant O-A visa with a length of stay 1 year. The Visa ends May 2024. Typically every time I enter Thailand I am admitted to stay 1 year from date of entry. But on my recent entry in November 2023 the stamp read admitted to May 2024 not November 2024. Why was I not admitted for 1 year from date of entry? thank you.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A US citizen with a non-immigrant O-A visa experienced an unusual visa admission upon entering Thailand in November 2023. Instead of being given a one-year stay from the entry date, they were admitted until May 2024. Respondents suggest that this could be due to the duration of the associated insurance policy, which may affect the length of stay granted upon entry.
Jeff *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
thank you all for your thoughts on this matter.
Roberto *********
When does your passport expire?
Roberto *********
@Jeff ****
If it's one of the approved Thai Insurance companies they should do this for you
Jeff *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Roberto ********
Interesting. I will inquire. I thought to visit the main immigration office.
Roberto *********
@Jeff ****
Ok. Not that then. Maybe the insurance has not been updated on the immigration database and still shows May 2024
Jeff *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Roberto ********
you may be right. I did extend the policy without notifying immigration.
Jeff *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
good point. Oct 2030.
Brandon ************
You'll be stamped in for 1 year, or until the end of your insurance policy. If you purchased an insurance policy until May 2024 then you would only be stamped in until May 2024.
Jeff *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
thank you for your reply. I thought it may be an insurance issue but my coverage is to May 2025. the immigration officer did not ask to read my insurance document.
John **********
@Jeff ****
did you show your policy to the immigration officer, he was probably working from your original policy which will be in the system.
Jeff *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
i did not show the policy. I am in Thailand now and wonder if I can update the immigration system when I exit Thailand. thank you.
John **********
@Jeff ****
you could go in and do your next 90 day in person and ask them
Vernon *********
@Jeff ****
You can leave Thailand again in May 2024 and when you show your May 2025 insurance you will be stamped in for another year.
Jeff *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Vernon ********
thank you for the suggestion.
Brandon ************
@Jeff ****
then it's possible they just made a mistake. It's your responsibility to check your stamp every time and if there is an issue to get it fixed at that time because it will either be much more difficult or impossible to get it fixed later.

That being said, unless you have no plans to leave Thailand again until May next year, you can just make sure you get the correct stamp next time you enter.
Jeff *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
thank you for the response.
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