Gwen Coathanger. I have OA as the insurance doesn't bother me. Many people already have insurance which is not accepted by immigration for extensions. These people prefer the O(50+) as it means they don't have to double-up on insurance cover. For Australians the only avenue is to enter on a tourist or exempt and to obtain the O(50+) in-country, as an OA cannot be changed to an O(50+)

Gwen Coathanger. Perhaps read Stuart Cumming's initial comment. There are big differences between O(50+) and OA, especially when it comes to the bottom line of money and value. There's nothing "fine" about it!

Lawrence Bell. Complicated and time-consuming? If you're wanting to live long term in Thailand and start dealing with Thai immigration, please get used to these words. 🤣

This proposal has not yet been gazetted. Best to wait. I heard it starts on January 1st, the same date as the 300 baht levy on tourists entering the country

Janin Ackx. It's technicallyy a visa based on being over 50, but that's too much of a mouthful. Even immigration stamp or write "retired" or "RET" in your passport. But we know what the OP is looking for.

Stuart Cumming. In the past, Australians have done it either by way of OA, or tourist/exempt and converting in-country. In the pre-covid days (and pre mandatory insurance days) many would take the OA, get the 12 months, do a border bounce to get the "free" year, at the end of that allow the OA to expire whilst in Laos (or Cambodia etc), re-enter on an exempt, and then head straight to immigration to get the O. In the two years they were in the country they will have set up the required financials either by way of 800k or the 65k/month process. It worked for a long time!

Janin Ackx. Everyone entering needs covid insurance

Stuart Cumming. You know the Thai visa system better than most, and you're asking about an anomaly?

Stuart Cumming. Non-O for 50+ is not available in Australia. They would need to enter on tourist or exempt and convert in-country, which is easy enough if they meet the financial requirements.