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Why was I told I can't apply for a Non-O visa as a visa-exempt applicant?
Jun 5, 2025
a year ago
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTEROn 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 ?
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.
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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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.
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
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.
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.
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 spendersDavid ********
@Mike *****
you are talking absolute nonsenseMike ******
@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.'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.Reply to
David ********
Reply
Nigel **************
I got mine last November in Petchabun office. But I had a bank account for many years already
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
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
had time !Reply to
John ********
Reply
Wannikea *********
"My local immigration office", specifics please
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Wannikea ********
RanongReply to
John ********
Reply
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?
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.
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Graham *****
immigration lady said rules have changed . Flipping nightmare !Graham ******
@John *******
Yes, it's almost impossible to open a bank account now on a tourist entry stamp but Immigration rules remain the sameReply to
Graham ******
Reply
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Graham *****
90 day non O based on retirement application after bank account is opened !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.
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Graham *****
I get that , but was told by many on here that you could get o visa from inside ThailandAndy ************
@John *******
It's common knowledge that some immigration offices have their own rules and policies which are not reflected in othersGraham ******
@John *******
Yes you can if you have the bank account and the required fundsReply to
Graham ******
Reply
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTERRanong
Reply to
John ********
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