Non-Immigrant O-A Visa

[GuruBob]

This is my first post to this forum but I have been reviewing most of the posts for the last 6 months and am grateful for the insight and advice that this forum has given me in understanding certain aspects of life in Thailand as a farang.

My question relates to the non-immigrant O-A visa specifically when it comes round to extending that visa. I am fairly comfortable with the requirements of acquiring the visa (police, medical check etc) and am aware that a multiple entry Non Imm O-A visa will provide 2 years (with one visa run) before I would need to make a decision about whether retirement in Thailand is a suitable long term option for me.

One of the benefits of securing a Non-Imm O-A visa seems to me that the financial requirements can be met by funds in a bank account outside of Thailand which leads to my first question. I assume that when it comes around to extending the O-A visa annually, I would then need to move suitable funds into a Thai bank account to meet the financial requirements of the visa extension?

As an alternative though, at the end of 2 years, couldn't I return to my home country and apply for another multiple entry Non Imm O-A visa and thereby gain an additional 2 years but with the benefit of being able to leave the funds in a bank account in my home country?

This is more acceptable to me as I have heard that if I choose to leave Thailand and give up my retirement status it can be difficult to move funds from a Thai bank account outside of the country. Additionally, leaving funds in home country means I can still attract a much better rate of interest on those funds.

Thanks in advance for any advice...

[terak69]

At the end of the 1st year you re-enter Thailand before visa expires and obtain a further years extension. Decide whether you need re-entry permit for 2nd year - no need to move money here for 2nd year

3rd year - yes you can return to home country & repeat process without having to move money into Thailand

[Mario2008]

Correct, for an extension the funds need to be in an account in Thailand. (or you show an income of 65,000 a month, can be from abroad).

Applying for a new O-A in your home country is indeed another option.

[GuruBob]

Thank you Mario2008 and terak69. Those were the answers I was hoping for

Two additional questions if I may...

Is it correct that under the Non Imm O-A visa, I still need to meet the requirements of the 90 day reporting? and

Terak69 mentions I may decide with respect to a re-entry permit for the 2nd year. I assume therefore that the original multiple re-entry (obtained when I organise the original Non Imm O-A visa) only covers me for the 1st year.

What is the process of gaining the multiple re-entry permit for the 2nd year...how much does it cost, and what is required to acquire it. Can I obtain it when I return back to Thailand at the airport after the visa run at the end of the 1st year for instance or do I need to go to the Immigration office to sort that out.

Thanks once again.

Edited July 7, 2011 by GuruBob

[lopburi3]

1. Any stay longer than 90 days will require address reporting.

2. Re-entry permit from immigration office (not airport arrivals) and cost is 1k single or 3.8k multi entry. Photos and passport copies.

[Lite Beer]

Yes you have to report to Immigration every 90 days.

During the second year if you exit the country you will lose your permision to stay.

You need a Re Entry Permit from Immigration.

1,000 Baht for a single and 3,800 for a Multi.

Passport size photo is needed.

[GuruBob]

Thanks lopburi3 and Lite Beer!

Perfect...I finally feel I've got a handle on the Visa situation!