@Charles **********

Not being sarcastic at all. Any strategies from MFA are usually announced well in advance.

@Todd ********

Agreed. If it was going to be extended it would have been announced by now in order for people to make forward planning. The TAT made a big noise about it in January and rumours were spreading like wildfire, and it suddenly died a quiet death. The Tourism minister does not have the clout of the Immigration Minister or the Foreign Minister so he was probably told to "STFU". Sixty days would be excellent, but the sales of tourist visas would be affected and the government wouldn't like that. Of course, they could always give 60 days and start charging 4000 baht for extensions? 😆

@Brook *******

Although I should add that it is possible to extend the OA inside Thailand without insurance, provided the applicant has been denied insurance and has 3,000,000 baht in a Thai bank account. However, this is impractical as the whole reason for opting for an OA in the first place is to avoid transferring any money to Thailand. However, your assertion that insurance is required is not correct, as I have outlined

@Brook *******

You do not "renew" the OA visa. You get an extension. But as

@Brandon ***********

has pointed out the OA is not designed for extending. It favours moreso people who will be returning to their home country every 18-24 months. This negates the need for ever visiting immigration. This is why the OA is 12-months Multiple Entry, as it allows a two year stay with no extension required.

@Brook *******

I don't know how that works. My friend has only been here about months. I understand his plan is to get the free second year, and to return to Australia for a few months during this time, and then to repeat the process. If you have been denied insurance you would be best to contact your own embassy and consulate to enquire as to their procedure. The guidelines do say in the event of a denial the procedure of the embassy and consulate will be followed. It's no secret that embassies and consulates often "do their own thing" which doesn't always follow Immigration, as they are completely separate ministries under different ministers

@Brook *******

My buddy did it through the Sydney Consulate. He was denied insurance due to a number of pre-existing conditions.

@Brook *******

Correct - it's embassy specific, like most MFA directives. Australia allows assets in home country. You would need to check with your own embassy or consulate as to their conditions

@Brook *******

No there's a later one which amended this one

@Brook *******

Decree of Royal Thai Police No.