On several occasions I have seen posters state as fact that if one obtains a Thai Non-IM OA visa for retirement from their home country, one can stretch that for two years.  Could someone please kindly state how this works, the mechanics of it?  I don't understand at all how this would be done.  I have lived in Thailand on a "retirement visa" for 4 years now, and the above is an option for me, I just can't wrap my head around the particulars of how this works, and how one can stretch a one-year visa into two.   

 

A poster recently stated: "The non-im OA visa is technically good for one year but will last for two years if you leave and reenter Thailand just before the visa expires at the end of the first year. If you want to leave and reenter Thailand during the second year of the OA visa, you need to first get a reentry permit from the Immigration Office."

 

A hearty thanks in advance.

 

The recent poster was correct

I did it and that is correct. I went to the Cambodian border at the end of the one year visa validity. I came back over the border immediately and Thai immigration stamped me in for another year.  Also correct about reentry permit for travel outside the country in the second year. 

The OA visa allows unlimited 1 year entries for one year from the date of issue. By leaving and re-entering on or before the date the visa expires a new 1 year entry will be obtained.

After the visa expires a re-entry permit is needed to keep that last one year entry valid if a person wants to travel.

A visas expiration date is just that. After entering the country the visas expiration date means nothing.

To add a bit more for clarity. When you get an O/A visa you get stamped into Thailand for a year every time you enter. If you go out of the country ten times, you will get stamped back in for a year each time you re-enter. If it's the last day of the visa validity you still get stamped back in for a year. 

Well, I do appreciate the replies everyone.  It begs the question why everyone isn't doing it this way (barring inability/non-desire to go back to home/any country), it sounds like a preferable option.

32 minutes ago, ptcarter said:

Well, I do appreciate the replies everyone.  It begs the question why everyone isn't doing it this way (barring inability/non-desire to go back to home/any country), it sounds like a preferable option.

Yes, its doable.  But think of all the hassle of going back to your home country to apply for the OA visa together with police check, medical, etc.  May be still bearable for some.  After awhile Thai Imm may also tighten this loop hole up by limiting the number of OA visa you can apply.

1 hour ago, Kopitiam said:

Yes, its doable.  But think of all the hassle of going back to your home country to apply for the OA visa together with police check, medical, etc.  May be still bearable for some.  After awhile Thai Imm may also tighten this loop hole up by limiting the number of OA visa you can apply.

I agree.

 

Despite the travel back to their home country, I think this will be a popular visa choice to move to, under the new new laws, so I can definitely see a tightening up on this visa. 

 

Most likely it would be a quick and simple adjustment of making it a 12 month multi entry visa, no second year anymore.  However, it's possible they could limit how many of these visas one can apply for.

Edited April 23, 20197 yr by Thailand Outcast

2 hours ago, ptcarter said:

Well, I do appreciate the replies everyone.  It begs the question why everyone isn't doing it this way (barring inability/non-desire to go back to home/any country), it sounds like a preferable option.

Lots of people do it that way, including me.

It is only doable if you are going back to your home country on a regular basis anyway 

 

I do six in Thailand and six in the US and it suits me since my only interaction with Thai Immigration is for my 90 day report and a very occasional Residency Certificate

 

The only downside is that you must arrange your travel dates to return to Thailand , on the second year , to arrive before the Visa expires

16 hours ago, Thailand Outcast said:

 

Despite the travel back to their home country, I think this will be a popular visa choice to move to, under the new new laws, so I can definitely see a tightening up on this visa. 

 

Agree that it will be a popular move for those with the capability (money, health, no anchors here) to go back to home country. Given that the new immigration requirements squeeze those with less money, and this option we are talking about requires more money and capability (because of travel to home country), I'm not sure those who are most affected by the new rules will be able to afford to take advantage. So, there may be less migration to this method than we anticipate.  Thank you - and all - for previous comments.

It is only doable if you are going back to your home country on a regular basis anyway 
 
I do six in Thailand and six in the US and it suits me since my only interaction with Thai Immigration is for my 90 day report and a very occasional Residency Certificate
 
The only downside is that you must arrange your travel dates to return to Thailand , on the second year , to arrive before the Visa expires

Can this be extended for 30 day like other visas. If so, it gives 30 day flexibility

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1 hour ago, onera1961 said:

Can this be extended for 30 day like other visas. If so, it gives 30 day flexibility

A visa cannot be extended. Only a permit to stay can be extended.

20 hours ago, ptcarter said:

Well, I do appreciate the replies everyone.  It begs the question why everyone isn't doing it this way (barring inability/non-desire to go back to home/any country), it sounds like a preferable option.

Most actually would rather complain than solve problems. 

20 hours ago, Kopitiam said:

Yes, its doable.  But think of all the hassle of going back to your home country to apply for the OA visa together with police check, medical, etc.  May be still bearable for some.  After awhile Thai Imm may also tighten this loop hole up by limiting the number of OA visa you can apply.

Thai Immigration is already thinking about limiting the number of OA visas, or rather lowering demand, by making a Thai health insurance policy mandatory for the OA visa.

 

 

6 hours ago, SEtonal said:

Thai Immigration is already thinking about limiting the number of OA visas, or rather lowering demand, by making a Thai health insurance policy mandatory for the OA visa.

 

 

If they do it for OA,it will be for all,so my guess No!