The Royal Thai Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa have changed their visa application process from 01 March 2023 and now use two agencies to issue visas: VFS and BLS. Currently VFS are not yet set up to issue any Thai visas in South Africa and only BLS can do this. The list of visas that are issued do not include the Non O - retirement, only the Non OA - Retirement.

I do not want an OA visa even though I meet all the requirements.

If I apply for a 60 day tourist visa (TR) can I apply for a retirement extension with this once in Thailand or is it just easier to come in on a visa exempt and apply for a Non O once in the country? I already meet all of the Non O requirements.

Thank you for your kind advice