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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
2 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
The user visited a local immigration office to apply for a Non-Immigrant O visa while being on a visa-exempt entry. However, they were informed that they could no longer apply for this visa from within the country and needed to first leave Thailand to apply for an e-visa. This prompted questions from the community regarding the validity of the immigration office's advice, with responses indicating that it is usually possible to apply for a Non-O visa from a visa-exempt status under certain circumstances. The conversation reflects frustrations with the complexities of Thai immigration rules.
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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.
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
Wannikea *********
"My local immigration office", specifics please
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
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 same
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 Thailand
Andy ************
@John *******
It's common knowledge that some immigration offices have their own rules and policies which are not reflected in others
Graham ******
@John *******
Yes you can if you have the bank account and the required funds
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ranong
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