Switching from Non-Immigrant OA to Non-Immigrant O on basis of Retirement

[Liquorice]

11 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

 

Are you obtaining extensions from non O-A based on retirement or marriage.

Retirement requires insurance 

Marriage no insurance requirement 

chiang mai later posted;

 

5 hours ago, chiang mai said:

This is probably my oversight, I changed my reason to stay from retirement to marriage, about ten years ago and had overlooked the fact that those OA holders using retirement as the basis of their stay, required insurance. Whether or not anyone was grandfathered in subsequently, I don't know since I wasn't affected. Apologies.

 

[skorts]

1 hour ago, JimTripper said:

Are you otherwise covered, or will be going without insurance?

I have a global medical insurance policy (excluding USA) with £1 million of annual in-patient cover (policy issued in the U.K.) so over 100 times the ฿400,000 in-patient requirement being re-introduced for OA annual extensions.

 

I have a high excess to keep the premiums down so self insuring to an extent but know I am covered if I have a serious accident or major health issue. 
 

As it is not issued by one of the Thai panel insurers and I have no outpatient cover it is not accepted by Immigration. Completely bonkers in my opinion which is why I am ditching my O-A Visa.

 

Having taken this policy out as a continuation policy of my employer scheme when I left employment many years ago I have no pre-existing conditions. If I  tried to get medical insurance now with a new insurer I would have several exclusions. 
 

Buying an annual Thai medical insurance policy with a huge excess and medical exclusions makes it worthless as I will never claim on it.

Edited 13 hours ago by skorts

[DrJack54]

7 minutes ago, skorts said:

If I  tried to get medical insurance now with a new insurer I would have several exclusions. 

That is an issue for many.

Good you have excellent alternative.

Clearly you are better off with a non O with the process you outlined in OP.

[skorts]

Just now, DrJack54 said:

That is an issue for many.

Good you have excellent alternative.

Clearly you are better off with a non O with the process you outlined in OP.

Thanks for your reassurance Dr Jack. I wish I had switched a long time ago but I have been a bit concerned about compulsory medical insurance being introduced for O Visas too as it seems the next step. But I will switch and cross that bridge if it ever happens. 
 

Appreciate your feedback. You and others like Liquorice are doing a fantastic job supporting us all with your expertise through what can only be described as a minefield 🙏

[DrJack54]

2 minutes ago, skorts said:

.....I  have been

 a bit concerned about compulsory medical insurance being introduced for O Visas too as it seems the next step....

 

Much of that is scaremongering.

IF that was to eventuate then most likely other options would be available. 

In recent time LTV, DTV etc.

Make the switch to non O and chill.

Your financials are in place. Bank account etc.

Good move. 

[bigt3116]

One option that never seems to get mentioned for a Non-OA is if you have continued with the health element of the social security, (having previously worked), that is also accepted and of course that is only 432 baht a month.

[WDSmart]

I did this about ten years ago. I went to the Thai Embassy in Laos and got the O Visa, which was a 30-day visa. When I returned to Thailand, I got a one-year stay extension based on retirement. I've been getting the one-year stay extension ever since and have even switched back and forth between an extension based on marriage and retirement several times.

[KhunBENQ]

20 hours ago, skorts said:

The thing I am not sure about is 3. above, and whether I can go to Immigration and apply for a Non-Immigrant O Visa almost immediately after entering Thailand on 60 days Visa exempt or I have to wait until later during my 60 day Visa exempt period?

I went immediately in 2022 (30 day visa exempt).

 

Border run Sunday 17.7.2022 (July).

Apply Non-O on 19.7.2022 and got under consideration until 12.8.2022.

Picked up Non-O on 6.8.2022 (didn't wait under consideration🙂).

Issue date of Non-O was 2.8.2022 resulting in an "admitted until" 30.10.2022.

 

Applied for extension on 4.10.2022 (almost as early as acceptable).

Got extension until 30.10.2023.

... and so on

 

So the new date for your extension is somewhat arbitrary and depends on when the boss signs the application.

In my example 2.8. resulting in a look alike entry stamp admitted until 30.10.

Since then 30 October is my extension due.

Edited 31 minutes ago by KhunBENQ

[Liquorice]

5 hours ago, bigt3116 said:

One option that never seems to get mentioned for a Non-OA is if you have continued with the health element of the social security,

Perhaps because the O-A doesn't permit employment.

[khomlong1]

Why not have a break at Savannaket In Laos, just over the border. The Thai consulate can issue a 90 day non.o visa . Takes 2 days. You can then extend it for 1 year retirement towards the end of this period .

[Slugs11]

You can start the process of applying for the Non O visa straight after you get back into Thailand.  I did the same as you’re planning. I left Thailand to kill off the old Non OA visa, re entered Thailand the next day and started the process of applying for the Non O visa within  the first week. Just wanted to get it all completed and not leave it to the last few days.