Seeking the definite low-down on Non-Imm O-A visas, extensions of stay and re-entry permits

[vitp4145]

Forgive me if this post elicits groans along the lines of "oh no, not again", but I have read many posts concerning multiple entry Non-Immigrant O-A (Long Stay) visas, extensions of stay and re-entry permits and they have engendered a sense of confusion in me that gives me the motive for this post.

Undoubtedly, my circumstances may not fit all, but I would wager they fit many and so I would like to present my understanding of the issues, with a later edit to account for any inaccuracies I may be labouring under, so that anyone new to this will be able to get a clear overview of what is what.

I am a UK citizen, 58 years of age and have entered the Kingdom on a Non-Immigrant O-A (Long Stay) multiple entry visa.

My visa was issued on the 6th August 2014. It is required to be used by 5th August 2015.

I arrived in Thailand on 13th August 2014 and the stamped entry in my passport states that I am admitted until the 12th August 2015.

It is my understanding that if I choose to stay in the Kingdom - no leaving and coming back in - then I must apply for an extension of stay in a 30-day period ending on 12th August 2015.

Given that it is a multiple entry O-A visa, should I leave and re-enter the Kingdom on any date before 5th August 2015, I will receive a stamp that states I am admitted for a further year from my date of re-entering. For example:

1) I leave the Kingdom on 5th February 2015, returning to the Kingdom on 19th February 2015. My passport will be stamped as admitted until 18th February 2016.

2) I leave the Kingdom on 31 July 2015, returning to the Kingdom on 3rd August 2015. My passport will be stamped as admitted until 2nd August 2016.

So, if I were to do both 1) and 2) or just 2) above, I would be admitted until 2nd August 2016, with nothing more to concern myself with but the 90-day reports and ...

... TWO months before 2nd August 2016 I would have to have funds in a Thai Bank to meet the requirements relating to an extension of stay (i.e. B800,000 or an income of B65,000 per month, or a combination of the two). In any case, I would have to apply for an extension of stay in a 30-day period prior to 2nd August 2016 (in the above example).

However, I would not have to concern myself with obtaining re-entry permits as long as I left and re-entered before 5th August 2015.

Further, from the date my O-A visa expired (5th August 2015), even though I may be stamped as being admitted until August 2016, should I wish to leave the kingdom anytime between 5th August 2015 and 4th August 2016, I would need either to obtain a single-entry or multiple-entry permit at my local immigration office.

Following the above logic, with a stamp in my passport stating admittance until 4th August 2016, come what may, I would then have to apply for an extension of stay.

I apologise if this post is not set out as clearly as it could be, but that is likely the result of my own confusion ...

Please, folks, wade right in and point out any misunderstandings that I am labouring under, so that I may edit the above and - hopefully - provide a measure of understanding, not just for myself, but for all others who may be in doubt, just exactly how this whole shebang works.

[Lite Beer]

Any time you enter before 5th Aug 2015 you will get a stay of 12 months.

After 5th Aug you will need a Re Entry Permit if wishing to leave and return.

You would have to apply for a 12 month extension during July 2016

[Diplomatico]

I think you pretty much nailed it. A minor quibble in that you can get a re-entry permit at the airport (not just your local Immigration Office) but other than that your outline reads as an accurate description. I've done much of what you've postulated with differing dates (obviously).

[vitp4145]

I think you pretty much nailed it. A minor quibble in that you can get a re-entry permit at the airport (not just your local Immigration Office) but other than that your outline reads as an accurate description. I've done much of what you've postulated with differing dates (obviously).

I didn't include the option of getting a re-entry permit at the airport as I read somewhere on this forum that no reports of anyone having done that had been posted, so I thought it better to omit that one.

But I am grateful for affirmative feedback (both replies) as it can be confusing. It's welcome to be able to think I've got it squared away.

[steve187]

what a good, well written easy to read post

[SheungWan]

The income of equivalent 65,000 baht per month does not have to be shown in a Thai bank.

[vitp4145]

The income of equivalent 65,000 baht per month does not have to be shown in a Thai bank.

I tried to edit my OP so as to include this qualification, but the Edit links seems to have gone.

Many thanks

[SheungWan]

The income of equivalent 65,000 baht per month does not have to be shown in a Thai bank.

I tried to edit my OP so as to include this qualification, but the Edit links seems to have gone.

Many thanks

I believe that overseas income statement has to be certified by your home embassy, so you can't just present the income statement without this.