Hello all. I recently read that if one holds an O or OA visa and travels outside of Thailand within the first year of its validity the visa is automatically renewed for another year from the date of the return. I have had several trips outside of Thailand during my first year as an O Visa with multiple entries holder. I just don't see how this is possible and hence my confusion . Also does this apparent extension occur upon every trip? I plan to return from the UK on April 1 and my current O Visa expires on May 28th. Surely it's not automatically extended upon my return to April 1 2026. I read about this auto renewal in a recent post. Thanks,Glyn

Here's my experience with the Thai Consulate in LA for my DTV:

Applied on August 16.

Further requests more docs on Aug 23.

Approved on Sept 12.

Any requests for extra docs, expect 5 extra business days as that is written on the website. Just know that.

Very easy. I applied as a freelancer. Lists of things I've provided:

1. My main portfolio website and 4 projects and impressive case studies I've recently done related to my recent and current clients.

2. Last year's tax document

3. My joint bank account showing the total of $30k (shows my address, name, and my husbands name). Along with statements of 1 month only.

4. Provided 6 recent invoices for my freelance work and for extra, showed the total paid invoices cost starting beginning of January of this year to Aug 16, as proof that money is flowing in consistently.

5. Proof of freelance contract employment.

My husband just turned in his application for marriage affiliation with me for DTV. That should be an automatic, and easy acceptance.

I hope this helps!

Hello everyone, I'm coming back to Thailand next month with 2 valid French passports. The first is almost full, this is why I made a new one. I have a 1 year extension based on non OA "retirement" visa.

I plan to renew my yearly extension of stay in March and get it on the new passport. When I enter Thailand should I ask for the entry stamp to be on the old or the new passport ? Would option 2 make my life easier and would officers agree to do so ?

Thanks.... I hope I was clear... 😂 😂 😂

Can I apply for the "800,000 baht in a bank visa" while I am here in Thailand and eliminate the health insurance requirement?

I have a retirement visa and multi reentry. When returning to Thailand, will I need to show proof of health insurance coverage? I have international health insurance from an American based company. Will that be acceptable?

First retirement visa renewal coming up.

Question:

One does not need health insurance or medical certificate when renewing inside Thailand?

I hear conflicting things from google about this requirement being implemented but no official sites show this as a requirement.

My husband and I have in previous years arrived in Thailand with O-A visas based on retirement. We’re considering applying for O visas based on retirement this year. We are Canadians.

I’m finding it a bit confusing. The consulate in Vancouver says we must both apply individually for it but there is no link on the thai evisa website to do so. Hopefully I can get better answers from here than I got from the consulate.

Is it best to for us to arrive on a visa exempt and apply in-country for an O-visa based on retirement?

We understand that we need to deposit the 800,000thb in a thai bank account and show proof of it.

How does the ‘trailing spouse’ work?

Is insurance required?

I appreciate any help you can provide.

It remains very difficult to get a metv visa now. Before it was much simpler. Now only in Rome they issue visas and it takes three days of time!! Before I went to Genoa which was closer to home and in three hours they gave me the visa. They also ask to pay for six months' health insurance before you make your visa and tell you not to buy your ticket before you have your visa. They tell you to only make a presentation of the ticket that only a travel agency can do.

I have a question about the health insurance requirement. The extension of stay, based on retirement, is due in mid-August. I originally came on a Non-OA. What is the required amount of insurance that I will need? Thank you.

What do you think. IF they get rid of Thai Pass and test & go does that indicate the health insurance requirement will most likely be dropped too?