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Why was I told I can't apply for a Non-O visa as a visa-exempt applicant?

Non-O Visa Visa Exempt Thai Immigration Visa Application Process E-Visa Visa Rules in Thailand

Jun 5, 2025

23 days ago

John ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

On advice from many online sources , I visited my local immigration office to apply for non immigrant 0 visa . I am on a visa excempt but was told that the application for that   visa was no longer available from a visa excempt applicant and I have to leave the country and apply for a e-visa . Then apply at the same office for the o visa . What is this nonsense and why ?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A user reported that after visiting the local immigration office to apply for a Non-O visa while on a visa exempt entry, they were informed that the application was unavailable and were advised to leave the country to apply for an e-visa first. This led to confusion and frustration, as other users commented that it should be possible to apply for a Non-O visa while in the country, depending on specific conditions. The discussion included various opinions on the application processes and experiences with different immigration offices in Thailand.

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Mike ******

If it can be made more complicated you can be sure Thailand will do so. Vietnam are reaping the benefits of Thailand's over-fussy mindset.

22 days ago

Euan ********

@Mike *****

how do you explain that?

Visa options in Vietnam are very limited and in most cases, including retirement, you have to leave the country after 90 days before reapplying

22 days ago

Mike ******

I am talking about Visa on Arrival - the one that millions of tourists want. Compare this, 'As of June 2025, Thailand's Visa on Arrival (VoA) policy allows eligible travelers to stay for 15 days. This duration remains unchanged despite recent adjustments to visa exemption rules for certain nationalities.

Can the Visa on Arrival Be Extended?

Yes, a VoA can be extended once for an additional 7 days by applying at a Thai Immigration Office. The extension fee is 1,900 Thai Baht, and approval is at the discretion of the immigration officer.' Compare the Thai rigmarole to your 90 above in Vietnam. I was trying to explain why tourist numbers in one country are increasing, whilst Thailand's are going down the plughole.

22 days ago

Jack ********

@Mike *****

you have no idea what you’re talking about. Most people enter Visa exempt and get 60 day. Visa on arrival is only used for people from a few countries that aren’t exactly big spenders

20 days ago

David ********

@Mike *****

you are talking absolute nonsense

20 days ago

Mike ******

@David *******

It seems you are right. I have consulted

@ASEAN **************

and been told there is a 60 VoA. 'There has been talk / rumour of reducing the 60 days exempt to 30 days. This is presently ONLY a rumour but keep your eyes open on AN in case that does happen.'

20 days ago

David ********

@Mike *****

it's not a visa on arrival, it is an exemption. A visa on arrival (VoA) only applies to certain countries who don't qualify for the 60 day exemption. You CAN apply in advance for a 60 day tourist visa through their e-visa portal much like you do the 90 day Vietnam visa. The 60 day exemption can be extended another 30 days by going to immigration and paying 1900 baht.

20 days ago

Reply to

David ********

Nigel **************

I got mine last November in Petchabun office. But I had a bank account for many years already

23 days ago

Brandon ************

Did you have at least 15-21 days left on your existing stamp? That's a requirement as well, and if you don't have enough time you cannot apply

23 days ago

John ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

had time !

22 days ago

Reply to

John ********

Wannikea *********

"My local immigration office", specifics please

23 days ago

John ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Wannikea ********

Ranong

22 days ago

Reply to

John ********

Jan ******************

You should be able to a apply for a Non O in country on a TM.87. It’s known that some smaller immigrations don’t offer this service. Where du you stay?

23 days ago

Graham ******

What Non-O were you looking to get and from which Immigration Office? It seems that all you were told is incorrect, you can get Non-O Visas from a Visa Exempt entry or a Tourist Visa entry.

23 days ago

John ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Graham *****

immigration lady said rules have changed . Flipping nightmare !

22 days ago

Graham ******

@John *******

Yes, it's almost impossible to open a bank account now on a tourist entry stamp but Immigration rules remain the same

22 days ago

Reply to

Graham ******

John ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Graham *****

90 day non O based on retirement application after bank account is opened !

23 days ago

Graham ******

So if you don't have a Thai bank account one way to get your Non-O is to get it from a neighbouring country then re-enter, open a bank account, transfer 800k then apply for the 12 month extension. That is probably what you were being told, no bank account on a Visa Exempt entry stamp.

23 days ago

John ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Graham *****

I get that , but was told by many on here that you could get o visa from inside Thailand

23 days ago

Andy ************

@John *******

It's common knowledge that some immigration offices have their own rules and policies which are not reflected in others

23 days ago

Graham ******

@John *******