Trying to determine the main pros/cons from the many posts on the subject, but still not perfectly clear. I am a US citizen though living, and applying, in Europe. Am over 50 yrs and can demonstrate sufficient resources. Also, over the coming year plan to travel frequently out/in Thailand, so the 90 day requirement for departing with the O may not be so important.

Some specific questions: (i) with the OA is it only necessary to report when you reach a 90th consecutive day in country (therefore no separate reporting needed if out/in Thailand within 90 days)?; (ii) also with the OA, is the method of “reporting by post” realistic and practical? (iii) with the O do you need to show a departing air ticket when you arrive each time in Thailand? (iii) also with the O is it possible to do the “visa run” type of departure/return (that is, cross the border then immediately back)?

Would also be grateful for any other practical plusses and minuses for the O/O-A from those experienced. Thanks

i yes

ii depends on office

iii no

iii(2) yes

Do you have residence in Europe? If not they will likely not provide an OA visa as police check/medical would be required from country of residence.

You will not obtain a multi entry non immigrant O visa in the immediate area of Thailand so trip to Perth or further would likely be required for long term.

Most of retirement age obtain a single entry non immigrant O visa and after 60 days or so in Thailand extend there stay for a year at a time. Easy as only requires proof of the normal 65k income/or 800k in bank two months/or combination. Travel would require re-entry permit which is also easily obtained in Thailand.

Thanks for the info. In your last para you mention the easy route in obtaining the O. Apart from the process of getting the O or O-A, any other less apparent advantages/disadvantages of the two (eg. renewals)?

The non-O would give you 90 day before you have to do an extension of stay, (a multiple non-O 15 months) and a O-A 1 year (a multiple O-A 2 years) before you have to get an extension of stay OR get a new visa.

The only difference is in the application process and how long you can stay with your original visa. Once the visa is expired and you need to get extensions of stay there are no differences. In both cases you extend under the same rule for an extension of stay based on retirement.

Thanks for that. All becoming very clear now.