After numerous trips to LOS on multi entry tourists visa's I'm planning on making the final one way trip this year.

I can get the OA visa here (USA), good for the one year and at the same time give them what they need for the retirement visa.

They're asking for a background check. I have 2 minor misdemeanor convictions from 20- 25 years ago (never any time served).

Does anyone have any first hand knowledge as to what would make them deny this type of visa?

Thanks for the input.........

Edited July 28, 200817 yr by Baht Man

I don't believe many have "first hand knowledge" so will just say that in my opinion you would not be likely to have a problem.

I agree. But even if there is a problem you can always get the Retirement Extension in Thailand as no police check is needed. So do not worry.

I don't believe many have "first hand knowledge" so will just say that in my opinion you would not be likely to have a problem.

I have an 'OA' issued overseas and tend to agree only to add from experience it could depend on where you lodge your application. In Aust. the Thai consulates in Perth and Brisbane are great where as Sydney is the pits. I know you are talking USA but I have read on these forums that a similar situation exists there.

I went to the local police station in Az. and they did a fast check on the computer and then gave me a letter on their letter-head which stated "No wants or Warrants" pending. Some folks say you need a FBI report but that is diff. not the case.. For the medical side of it just download a med. certificate from the web., if you can use the VA its free. Good Luck

I agree. But even if there is a problem you can always get the Retirement Extension in Thailand as no police check is needed. So do not worry.

Am I to understand that I can come over on the OA and ask for the retirement extension there? No background check needed?

Seems simple enough if thats the case.

Is there a "best place" to go for the retirement extension.

Would it be wise to set up transfer accounts with folks like Citibank or HSBC (I'm talking to both now) for future transfers?

Thanks folks, hope to see ya soon

The OA visa is the retirement visa/extension of stay (pre approved) that you obtain in home country and provides a one year stay on arrival. You only need a non immigrant O visa to extend your stay in Thailand. And you can obtain it inside Thailand if required by making application with 21 days or more remaining on a tourist visa or visa exempt entry.

You should set up a wire transfer agreement with whatever bank you like so that you can access it by internet, or fax, or phone so that you can transfer funds to your Thai account within having to return to US. Be aware that if you do not use income/pension (letter from Embassy) that the bank deposit must be in country at 800k or higher for 3 months prior to application for extension of stay.

Yes. It is up to you.

You can if you want, come to Thailand on a Single Entry Non O Visa OR a Tourist Visa and get a years extension. But you will need 800,000 Baht in a Thai bank for 3 months or 65,000 Baht a month income/pension.

You do this every year.

Some people prefer to get the O-A Visa in there own country, but if you are worried about the police check it is another option.

Yes. It is up to you.

You can if you want, come to Thailand on a Single Entry Non O Visa OR a Tourist Visa and get a years extension. But you will need 800,000 Baht in a Thai bank for 3 months or 65,000 Baht a month income/pension.

You do this every year.

Some people prefer to get the O-A Visa in there own country, but if you are worried about the police check it is another option.

Thanks to you and lopburi for the info. I'm aware of the $$ in the bank for the 3 months rule but was under the impression that I could not get an O-A in Thailand itself if I came in on a tourist visa.

A lot hinges on the sale of my place here in Texas if I'll be able to stay this time for good of just do another annual 3 months there.

If I can get the extension there I guess it don't matter then if I come over on a Non O or a tourist if they both can be converted.

Thanks again..........

Yes. It is up to you.

You can if you want, come to Thailand on a Single Entry Non O Visa OR a Tourist Visa and get a years extension. But you will need 800,000 Baht in a Thai bank for 3 months or 65,000 Baht a month income/pension.

You do this every year.

Some people prefer to get the O-A Visa in there own country, but if you are worried about the police check it is another option.

Thanks to you and lopburi for the info. I'm aware of the $$ in the bank for the 3 months rule but was under the impression that I could not get an O-A in Thailand itself if I came in on a tourist visa.

A lot hinges on the sale of my place here in Texas if I'll be able to stay this time for good of just do another annual 3 months there.

If I can get the extension there I guess it don't matter then if I come over on a Non O or a tourist if they both can be converted.

Thanks again..........

The Non Imm O is preferable as it used to get the year extension.

The Tourist Visa will have to be converted to a Non Imm O first at a cost of 2,000 Baht.

The cost of the year extension is 1,900 Baht.

I have an 'OA' issued overseas and tend to agree only to add from experience it could depend on where you lodge your application. In Aust. the Thai consulates in Perth and Brisbane are great where as Sydney is the pits.

Lemme guess. The consulate in Sydney is MFA -- manned by Thais -- while the consulates in Perth and Brisbane are honorary consulates -- manned by local blokes.

For the OP: You've got 3 excellent honorary consulates in Texas: El Paso, Houston, and Dallas. They'll gladly entertain your questions via phone, mail, or email. Contact info easily Googled.

Using the Thai Embassy, or the MFA consulates in LA, Chicago, or New York, is not recommended.