@Paul ******

Todd is correct. You will not be asked for a lease or a yellow book when interacting with BOI or the immigration desk across the hallway if you have a pensioner LTR

@Roberto ********

I am more than happy to criticize people paying bribes. Telling people to get an OA and that they don't have to do 90-day reports is not OK.

@Mark *******

You are allowed to re-enter Thailand during the validity of the visa. You must re-enter before the last day of the first year. You will get a permission to stay stamp for 1 year or to the end of your insurance whichever comes first. Note you need to have insurance to stay the extra year. During that second year you no longer have a visa. You only have the permission to stay stamp. You will need re-entry permits to travel that second year.

@Phil *****

He is required to check in with immigration but he is dodging them and not getting caught. If that is how he what he wants to do things then that is up to him. It is just not OK to be recommending it to others as if it is a normal thing to do.

@Roberto ********

If you entered Thailand then they have a record on you. They just aren’t going to chase you down for a 90 day report. The fine for a late 90 day report is just 2000 baht. In any case, if you ever decide to do visa extensions in Thailand they may notice it.

@Mark *******

Of course but after 2 years? I’ve lived in Thailand for 6 years. I got 18 months out of my OA visa and then did yearly extensions after that. I have no desire to go to the U.S. except for a short trip. I also found the OA visa application process to be more work than the yearly extension process in Thailand.

@Mark *******

He was required to do it but didn’t get caught. It will be recorded in the immigration system but I think the penalty is just 2000 baht no matter how late you are.

@Lyndon ***********

or 1,900 baht if you don’t buy a reentry permit.

@Roberto ********

Correct if you return home you a new OA but not if you remain in Thailand and extend yearly.

The OP was concerned about insurance. I suggested looking into getting an O inside Thailand with the goal of continuing yearly extensions, with no insurance requirement, as an option. Getting an OA and returning to apply for a new OA every 1-2 years is also an option. I had an OA for 6 years but never returned to the US long enough for the application process. I also didn’t return for 3 years, 8 months during Covid. I already had Thai insurance before the OA insurance requirement was implemented and I have no concerns about bringing money into my Thai bank account or maintaining the 800,000 baht deposit.

The Thai visa environment is a little complex but that affords potential expats with a variety of options and I was just suggesting what is the most common choice for retirees. Back in 2017 the OA was a better choice than it is now for most people. It depends on your life circumstances.