@Bobby *******

using an agent is not illegal. The visa obtained is a valid visa. It’s a typical Thai ‘grey area’ and the way Thailand operates at pretty much every level. Plenty of people who fully meet the requirements of Extensions of Stay pay an agent to avoid the paperwork and queuing at Immigration. They are doing nothing illegal and nothing wrong. It is perfectly valid. As for ‘repercussions’, I have not heard or known of any problems with authorities for the many thousands of people using agents for ‘Retirement’ visas in 35 years of visiting Thailand.

The hysteria by some on here where agents are concerned is hilarious.

I’m not suggesting everyone should use an agent but it’s a perfectly valid option for some.

I’d like to correct some false information in the replies. (One person that’s replied gives wrong information a lot!).

First, you can now get a Non O visa ‘for Retirement’ in Australia. It’s only been allowed recently but it is now on the RTE Canberra website.

Second, you DO need Health Insurance (400k baht inpatient /40k baht outpatient) for the initial visa application in Australian. It’s only for annual Extensions of Stay that insurance is not required for the Non O.

As for your initial question, the Non O-A is the only visa that will give you 7 months or more in Thailand without needing extensions etc. It does require paperwork and 3m baht insurance.

The STV is ending and isn’t really suitable.

The Non O is for 90 days and then you need an Extension.

The only way of doing this without money in Thai bank is to use an agent. IF you are prepared to do this then you can also just enter on a TR and pay an agent - though it’s not cheap.

Have you tried using the e-visa website to see what happens?

Officially, yes you do need to submit a new TM30 each time you leave the country and return. Some immigration offices might tell you ‘no need’ when you turn up to do it but it’s not consistent, so best to go and do it.

@Bruce ********

The visa is for one entry (unless you specifically got a multi-entry in the first place). If you leave Thailand you will need a new visa to re-enter (unless you qualify for Visa Exempt entry of 30 days - you will if you are from USA).

They have said it will only take a day or two but they could be very busy when they open the system up again. You should be ok. No visa needed as you can enter Thailand for up to 30 days without one. You will need appropriate insurance to get the Thailand Pass.

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

I’ve rented a condo for 1 month on each of my last 7 trips. 2 through AirBnB and 5 through local agents. More expensive than long term rental but perfectly possible.

If you are under 50 there really isn’t a fully legitimate way for you to stay in Thailand long term. You could get a Special Tourist visa which gives you up to 270 days - but no guarantee that visa will continue beyond next September. Otherwise it’s a Tourist Visa and then you’d leave the country every 90 days and get a new visa (unless they continue Covid extensions).

Otherwise, you pay an agent for a year visa (Education or Volunteer).

None of these allow you to legally work in Thailand but if you are working on a computer in your apartment and don’t tell anyone then you are unlikely to be found out.

You’ll just need to apply for a Thailand Pass which will require you to book a Test & Go package and have acceptable insurance.

@Dimitris *******

There are different types of Non-immigrant visas. There are several Non O visas for various purposes. It would take too long to explain them all.

For long stay without working if over 50 then most people get either a Non O-A visa or a Non O visa ‘for retirement’.

You can only get a Non O-A in your home country.

You can get a Non O either in your home country (but some don’t offer it) or within Thailand.

In recent years they have introduced compulsory Health Insurance for Non O-A visas and look as if they are increasing the bank balance required.

For these reasons it is now better to get the Non O.

If you have more money there are other options as well. Non O-X or Elite but few people get these.