Hi. I obtained an O-A visa abroad (with multiple-entry) issued 3 Sep 12 with "enter before 2 Sep 13" noted (USA Passport holder, over 55, pension income). I first entered Thailand on this visa on 30 Sep 12, and went in/out several times in the following months. The last entry to Thailand was 26 Mar 13, when they stamped "admitted until 25 Mar 14". However, I departed again on 31 Mar 13 for a long absence, only returning on 11 Sep (two days ago). Upon arriving at Suvarnabumi I was told that I should have returned by 2 Sep to be able to use the O-A. They gave me a 30 day "no-visa required" entry instead. So the first question is - was that correct? I really thought my previous entry into Thailand, when they stamped "admitted until 25 Mar 14", would allow me to return up to that date.

The second question is, presuming I'm left with getting an O visa at Chang Watttana, what exactly will that allow me? I understand it allows an initial 90 day stay then I must exit Thailand. But can that also be extended? I'm really confused now as to what the practical options are.

Any advice re the above two questions would be most appreciated.

They are correct - if you had intended to use your last permitted to stay you would have had to have obtained a re-entry permit prior to exit. Your multi entry O-A visa died before you returned and without the re-entry permit your last entry was also history.

You can convert to a single entry non immigrant O entry with 15 days or more remaining on your current stamp for 2,000 baht at immigration if you can show financials of 65k per month income embassy letter or have 800k in a bank account here or combination to meet 800k for year. You can then obtain a one year extension of stay and remember to obtain a re-entry permit for any travel.

They were correct because you entered after your visa expired.

In order to keep the permitted to stay date you got from previous entry you would of needed to get a re-entry permit from immigration.

If you have 800k baht in a Thai bank or can prove income of 65k baht you can convert to a non immigrant visa entry. Then after 60 to 90 days you can apply for an extension.

The 800k would have be in the bank 60 days then.

Thank you to both responders. Strangely, I feel less bad now knowing I made the mistake myself rather than immigration!

Re the O visa issued here, do you know the cost of each extension (each for 90 days?) as well as the reentry permit? Also, can I use the same embassy letter for each extension or is a new one needed each time?

Reason I'm asking is I'm trying to see if it is easier/less expensive to get two separate O visas, each for 90 days (that's the total time I'll need this time around) rather than the first O visa, then an extension with multiple re-entry possibilities?

Thank you to both responders. Strangely, I feel less bad now knowing I made the mistake myself rather than immigration!

Re the O visa issued here, do you know the cost of each extension (each for 90 days?) as well as the reentry permit? Also, can I use the same embassy letter for each extension or is a new one needed each time?

Reason I'm asking is I'm trying to see if it is easier/less expensive to get two separate O visas, each for 90 days (that's the total time I'll need this time around) rather than the first O visa, then an extension with multiple re-entry possibilities?

Visa is 2000 baht, extension is 1900 baht for one year and re-entry permit 1000 baht for a single or 3800 for a multiple.

You will need 2 income letters.

Visa entry is one time only unless you leave and re-enter.

Edited September 13, 201312 yr by ubonjoe

You are not likely to be able to obtain two single entry non immigrant O visas in any case from information provided. Normally they would only be issued in a one time for extension of stay if not married to a Thai.

Thanks again for the replies. Only remaining question is re UbonJoe's mention that two embassy letters (income evidence) would be required. Why two?

One original for visa entry application and one for extension application.

They will not accept copies.

Edited September 13, 201312 yr by ubonjoe

One original for visa entry application and one for extension application. They will not accept copies.

UbonJoe, Thanks and sorry to keep asking questions, but this is my first O-Visa, so unsure of the best practices.

When I first request the USA embassy letter do I also request two originals at the same time in anticipation of the extension request within 90 days? Would that be the normal way to go? Also, would there be a charge for two letters at that time?

You pay for each stamp and signature. You could get both at same time since immigration now allow getting them up to 6 months early.

You will need to make an appointment for embassy. They are mandatory.

Info here: http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/service.html

You can fill in affidavit online and print it out. Click on affidavits on above webpage.

You pay for each stamp and signature. You could get both at same time since immigration now allow getting them up to 6 months early.

You will need to make an appointment for embassy. They are mandatory.

Info here: http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/service.html

You can fill in affidavit online and print it out. Click on affidavits on above webpage.

That link will give you the affidavit form that you can fill out by hand (two copies in your case, but do not sign until you're with the consular officer) or you can fill out the form on line before printing it here:

http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/service/notarial-services.html

Or use the second link in the paragraph below to bring up the form that can be filled in on line. The embassy charges $50 each or currently Baht 1500 each (as of last Thursday anyway) for the seal & official signature.

Income Affidavit

The Thai government requires all U.S. citizens with Thai retirement visas to verify their income when they renew their retirement visa annually. Please print out this income affidavit (PDF 23KB) form to complete by hand or complete this income affidavit online then print it out. Please remember not to sign the form before you come to the American Citizen Services Unit. You will need to sign it in front of a designated officer.

Fee: $50

Edited September 14, 201312 yr by Suradit69

I should of written notary services instead of affidavit.

Very much appreciate the advice provided. I went ahead and obtained the income affidavit(s) and submitted the application for the initial non-Imm O visa.

However, am still unsure about the following:

- is it necessary to depart Thailand between the end of the three month O visa and the 12 month extension to stay?

- when the first one-year extension to stay nears the end, what is the process for continuation? Specifically, is it necessary to go thru the O visa + extension to stay process, or can one go directly to the 12 month extension to stay?

Thanks, Al

Just go back in 60 to 90 days and apply for the extension.

When your extension is within 30 days of ending you just apply for a new one.

Edited September 18, 201312 yr by ubonjoe

" is it necessary to depart Thailand between the end of the three month O visa and the 12 month extension to stay?"

No, it isn't.

" when the first one-year extension to stay nears the end, what is the process for continuation? Specifically, is it necessary to go thru the O visa + extension to stay process, or can one go directly to the 12 month extension to stay?"

Go directly to an extension.