Difference O & O-A

[knockoutrock]

Hi !

I'm in the process of moving to LOS, 63 year old retired and married to a thai and fulfill the different criterias for

the visas that I understand are applicable for me, the Non-Immigrant visa O or O-A, both with multiple entries.

The difference between this two except for the criteria when apply are as I can see the lenght of permission to stay
(90 day or one year), and for the O visa U have to leave and re-enter the country to get another 90 day permission to stay.
And for the O-A visa there is one year permission to stay and U have to report to immigration every 90 day.

Isn't it possible to report to immigration with the O visa instead of leaving the country every 90 day and if so I can’t see
any reason for applying for an O-A or have I missed something ?

Regards Leif

[jacksam]

Leif, I think you pretty much covered. Which country is your passport. The oa is nice in that it basically gives you 2 years. Ultimately you will be in same boat as folk on an non imm O. Many threads about reporting and various ways. Even online.

The oa requires a police check, medical etc. Also requires all copies bound and certified. Costly if they stop allowing JP to do it. (Those comments 're bound etc are are for AU)

Your going to be here long time perhaps. Personally I'd just get an non imm o

[oncearugge]

"Isn't it possible to report to immigration with the O visa instead of leaving the country every 90 day"

No

It may help if you were to say what you hope to achieve.

Are you intending to remain in Thailand long term?

[knockoutrock]

Hi !

Thank U all for friendly an adeqaute answers

Im from Sweden and I intend to stay long long time and this give me only the choice of O-A, with the O it will be to much travelling every 3 months

"Jacksam" could U try to explain that "basically 2 years", I read about it and it involve a "visa-run" in the end of the year of the O-A but I don't really

understand why that is

Regards Leif

[jacksam]

OP . I'm not an expert. There are many threads on your question and people like ubonjoe and others will give definitive advice.

The nice thing about the OA is you can come and go from los over first 12 months. In other words you don't need a reentry permit. At the end of the first 12 months (look at enter be for date) you can exit los then reenter and receive a further 12 months extension. The point is after that you will be on annual extensions based on same requirements as non imm o.

The extra time on an oa while in los, will give you plenty of time to set up you funds in thai bank or proof income or combo. Many threads to explain all.

Enjoy Thailand buddy.

[Jingthing]

Assuming the OP is seeking to retire in Thailand.

So basically two choices to start:

Choice 1: O-A visa obtained in the home country. Used well, that can be made to last about two years. After that, then start applying for annual extensions based on retirement in Thailand. 90 day address reports required while in Thailand.

Choice 2: Single entry O visa obtained in home country, a neighboring country to Thailand, or even IN THAILAND via CONVERSION from entry on a 30 day stamp or tourist visa. After that O is obtained (good for ONE 90 day stay) then during the last 30 days of that 90 day stay apply for an annual extension based on retirement in Thailand. 90 day address reports required while in Thailand. Travel outside Thailand every 90 days NOT REQUIRED. Repeat annual extensions for continued living in Thailand.

A multiple entry O visa (one year) is not a relevant option for the OP, as his intention is to live in Thailand on retirement status. Even if he could get it, why would he want it? With that, indeed, travel outside Thailand would be required every 90 days.

Instead he would want want of the two options as above.

[IMA_FARANG]

"Isn't it possible to report to immigration with the O visa instead of leaving the country every 90 day"

No

It may help if you were to say what you hope to achieve.

Are you intending to remain in Thailand long term?

I came to Thailand in 2010 with a one year multi entry Non O visa intending to retire here.

Yes, you have to do a border run every 90 days on that visa.

But if you have the financial requirement and are 50 years or older then you can convert that visa to an annual retirement extension which is good for one year annual renewals.

Done correctly, you can then stay in Thailand as a retiree with an annual extension even when your original one year visa has expired.

Just as long as you meet the annual renewal requirements for your retirement extension.

[Jingthing]

Sure, but a multiple entry O visa is overkill if the intention is to enter the retirement system in Thailand. More logical to start with a single entry O and then shortly after start with annual retirement extensions.

[AYJAYDEE]

Sure, but a multiple entry O visa is overkill if the intention is to enter the retirement system in Thailand. More logical to start with a single entry O and then shortly after start with annual retirement extensions.

in some countries you cant get a single non-o based on just being 50+ yr old. they direct you to o-a

[steve187]

while on a non immigrant 'o' visa, an alternative to leaving Thailand every 90 days for a border run, would be to obtain a 60 day visit Thai wife extension (1,900 baht at local immigration office) in the final weeks of the 90 day permission to stay stamp, thereby extending each stay to 150 days.

[ubonjoe]

Since you are married to a Thai I suggest you get a single entry non-o visa and then during the last 30 days of the 90 day entry form the visa apply for an extension of stay based upon marriage at the local immigration office where you are living. You will need 400k baht in a Thai bank in your name only for 2 months or proof of 40k baht income by getting an income letter from your embassy.

With an extension there is no need to do border runs every 90 days. Just 90 day reports to immigration.

[Liquorice]

@knockoutrock.

Most expats staying in Thailand long term do so by obtaining 'extensions of stay' from a local Immigration office.

You can get an extension of stay based on retirement, but must be able to show 800,000 baht deposited in a Thai Bank a/c, or prove a monthly income of 65,000 baht from overseas, OR

An extension of stay based on marriage, but must be able to show 400,000 baht deposited in a Thai Bank a/c, or prove a monthly income of 40,000 baht from overseas.

If you choose the option of funds deposited in a Thai Bank, it must be held in that account for 2 months prior to applying for an extension.

With either option you do not have to leave Thailand.

You obtain the extensions and do 90 day reports at your local Immigration office.

So bearing this in mind, you really only need to choose a Visa that suits your criteria being married to a Thai.

The single entry Non Imm O Visa would be you best option in my opinion. (90 days)

Within the last 30 days of that Visa you then apply for an extension of stay of your choice (you must meet the financial criteria).

[AYJAYDEE]

@knockoutrock.

Most expats staying in Thailand long term do so by obtaining 'extensions of stay' from a local Immigration office.

You can get an extension of stay based on retirement, but must be able to show 800,000 baht deposited in a Thai Bank a/c, or prove a monthly income of 65,000 baht from overseas, OR

An extension of stay based on marriage, but must be able to show 400,000 baht deposited in a Thai Bank a/c, or prove a monthly income of 40,000 baht from overseas.

If you choose the option of funds deposited in a Thai Bank, it must be held in that account for 2 months prior to applying for an extension.

With either option you do not have to leave Thailand.

You obtain the extensions and do 90 day reports at your local Immigration office.

So bearing this in mind, you really only need to choose a Visa that suits your criteria being married to a Thai.

The single entry Non Imm O Visa would be you best option in my opinion. (90 days)

Within the last 30 days of that Visa you then apply for an extension of stay of your choice (you must meet the financial criteria).

is an income tax statement sufficient proof of income?

[ubonjoe]

Income from outside the country can only be proved by a letter from a persons embassy.

If married to a Thai and working proof of 40k baht income is proved by tax payments on the income.

[OJAS]

Sure, but a multiple entry O visa is overkill if the intention is to enter the retirement system in Thailand. More logical to start with a single entry O and then shortly after start with annual retirement extensions.

Fine if the OP is intending to rely on the 65k monthly income method of proving finances, but might not obtaining a single-entry non-O prove a risky strategy if he is relying on the 800k bank balance method? What if he had to do the rounds of several bank branches here before finding one that was prepared to open an account for him? He would, of course, then need time to transfer the required 800k from Sweden. This might all prove too tall an order for him to accomplish within even the 2-month seasoning period for his initial retirement extension.

In deciding whether to opt for a multi-entry non-O or non-OA, the OP needs IMHO to consider whether or not the costs (both direct and in terms of personal inconvenience) of undertaking border runs every 90-days as required by a non-O are likely, in his case, to outweigh the additional costs (and requirements) of obtaining a non-OA.

[AYJAYDEE]

Income from outside the country can only be proved by a letter from a persons embassy.

If married to a Thai and working proof of 40k baht income is proved by tax payments on the income.

so it will depend on what the embassy requires as proof i assume

[ubonjoe]

Income from outside the country can only be proved by a letter from a persons embassy.

If married to a Thai and working proof of 40k baht income is proved by tax payments on the income.

so it will depend on what the embassy requires as proof i assume

Correct

Some embassies have stricter requirements than others. Some will only do letters for pension income.

Some ask for nothing because you do a sworn statement as an affidavit or statutory declaration.

[Liquorice]

Sure, but a multiple entry O visa is overkill if the intention is to enter the retirement system in Thailand. More logical to start with a single entry O and then shortly after start with annual retirement extensions.

Fine if the OP is intending to rely on the 65k monthly income method of proving finances, but might not obtaining a single-entry non-O prove a risky strategy if he is relying on the 800k bank balance method? What if he had to do the rounds of several bank branches here before finding one that was prepared to open an account for him? He would, of course, then need time to transfer the required 800k from Sweden. This might all prove too tall an order for him to accomplish within even the 2-month seasoning period for his initial retirement extension.

In deciding whether to opt for a multi-entry non-O or non-OA, the OP needs IMHO to consider whether or not the costs (both direct and in terms of personal inconvenience) of undertaking border runs every 90-days as required by a non-O are likely, in his case, to outweigh the additional costs (and requirements) of obtaining a non-OA.

Any Bank will open an account for a foreigner.

The problem, as I've stated before is that a foreigner cannot open a 'Personal' or 'Current' account in Thailand unless he has PR status.

If you ask to open this type of account, you will get a 'No' reply, which is taken by the foreigner to mean he cannot open an account.

The type of Visa you hold dictates the type of account you can have.

Ask for the correct account to match the criteria of your Visa status and it isn't a problem.

Anyone on a Non Imm O type Visa can open a 'Savings' account and get a Visa debit card.

They can also open a 'Fixed Term' account.

Passport and Proof of Address is the only requirement.

[ubonjoe]

PR is not required to open a current account but a work permit would probably be needed. I don't understand why a person would want one though, Checks are a rarity here.

Also immigration will not accept a current account to get an extension of stay.

[Liquorice]

Income from outside the country can only be proved by a letter from a persons embassy.

If married to a Thai and working proof of 40k baht income is proved by tax payments on the income.

so it will depend on what the embassy requires as proof i assume

Correct

Some embassies have stricter requirements than others. Some will only do letters for pension income.

Some ask for nothing because you do a sworn statement as an affidavit or statutory declaration.

It doesn't specifically have to be proof of income from a Pension. Just an income.

The British Embassy for example will accept bank statements for income derived from investments, bonds or house rental.

The Embassy will the do a letter for Immigration based on the financial information you supplied.

The US and some other Embassies don't require any proof of income, you declare the amount, under oath. (Affidavit)

As long as Immigration receive a letter from your Embassy confirming income, they accept it in good faith.

[knockoutrock]

Hi !

OP here, thank U all for explaining, I'm learning a lot here

I meet the financial criteria and it seems like a good idea to enter LOS on O visa and then apply for an annual extensions
based on retirement or family.

If I wan't to be able to do some tourist thing in some neighbouring countries when staying on the annual extension isn't this
depending on the visa that the extension relies upon in this case the O visa and this has to be with multiple entries ?

Regards Leif

[Jingthing]

While on ANNUAL EXTENSIONS, if you want to travel outside Thailand, you have two choices.

First, you could purchase a multiple reentry permit that stays valid for your entire extension stay.

Secondly, if you don't travel much, you can purchase SINGLE reentry permits as needed, available at immigration or even at BKK airport before departing.

These permits are separate and optional.

For people who stay in Thailand all year, they are not needed.

The extensions in themselves do NOT include any reentry privileges. In other words, without a valid permit, leaving Thailand would be the end of that extension.

[oncearugge]

Hi !

OP here, thank U all for explaining, I'm learning a lot here

I meet the financial criteria and it seems like a good idea to enter LOS on O visa and then apply for an annual extensions

based on retirement or family.

If I wan't to be able to do some tourist thing in some neighbouring countries when staying on the annual extension isn't this

depending on the visa that the extension relies upon in this case the O visa and this has to be with multiple entries ?

Regards Leif

An extension of stay is valid for 12 months.

If travel is undertaken during this time a re-entry permit is required.

[Jingthing]

OP, when you choose between an extension based on retirement or marriage (I assume you've rejected the O-A for some reason) be sure to post for further advice about details on the mechanics of financially qualifying for these options. Depending of course on the type of financial qualification you plan on using.

[tonbridgebrit]

Assuming the OP is seeking to retire in Thailand.

So basically two choices to start:

Choice 1: O-A visa obtained in the home country. Used well, that can be made to last about two years. After that, then start applying for annual extensions based on retirement in Thailand. 90 day address reports required while in Thailand.

Choice 2: Single entry O visa obtained in home country, a neighboring country to Thailand, or even IN THAILAND via CONVERSION from entry on a 30 day stamp or tourist visa. After that O is obtained (good for ONE 90 day stay) then during the last 30 days of that 90 day stay apply for an annual extension based on retirement in Thailand. 90 day address reports required while in Thailand. Travel outside Thailand every 90 days NOT REQUIRED. Repeat annual extensions for continued living in Thailand.

A multiple entry O visa (one year) is not a relevant option for the OP, as his intention is to live in Thailand on retirement status. Even if he could get it, why would he want it? With that, indeed, travel outside Thailand would be required every 90 days.

Instead he would want want of the two options as above.

Right, so enter Thailand on a tourist visa, and go to Immigration Office to get a single entry O visa. I take it you've got to be over 50. Do you need to show a Thai bank account with whatever hundreds of thousands of baht (and the money has been there for two or three months) ? Anything else ?

[oncearugge]

Assuming the OP is seeking to retire in Thailand.

So basically two choices to start:

Choice 1: O-A visa obtained in the home country. Used well, that can be made to last about two years. After that, then start applying for annual extensions based on retirement in Thailand. 90 day address reports required while in Thailand.

Choice 2: Single entry O visa obtained in home country, a neighboring country to Thailand, or even IN THAILAND via CONVERSION from entry on a 30 day stamp or tourist visa. After that O is obtained (good for ONE 90 day stay) then during the last 30 days of that 90 day stay apply for an annual extension based on retirement in Thailand. 90 day address reports required while in Thailand. Travel outside Thailand every 90 days NOT REQUIRED. Repeat annual extensions for continued living in Thailand.

A multiple entry O visa (one year) is not a relevant option for the OP, as his intention is to live in Thailand on retirement status. Even if he could get it, why would he want it? With that, indeed, travel outside Thailand would be required every 90 days.

Instead he would want want of the two options as above.

Right, so enter Thailand on a tourist visa, and go to Immigration Office to get a single entry O visa. I take it you've got to be over 50. Do you need to show a Thai bank account with whatever hundreds of thousands of baht (and the money has been there for two or three months) ? Anything else ?

Obtaining a "conversion" from a tourist visa entry to an "O" visa entry can only be done in Bangkok and involves two visits to immigration.

MUCH better to arrive with a single entry non imm. "O" visa.

[Jingthing]

Are you sure?

I've recently read reports this can be done at Jomtien again, at least via sending the application to Bangkok.

Anyway for conversion to O visa with second step being retirement extension using the 800K in Thai bank method, NO SEASONING is required at the conversion step, but two months seasoning is required for the extension step.

[tonbridgebrit]

Assuming the OP is seeking to retire in Thailand.

So basically two choices to start:

Choice 1: O-A visa obtained in the home country. Used well, that can be made to last about two years. After that, then start applying for annual extensions based on retirement in Thailand. 90 day address reports required while in Thailand.

Choice 2: Single entry O visa obtained in home country, a neighboring country to Thailand, or even IN THAILAND via CONVERSION from entry on a 30 day stamp or tourist visa. After that O is obtained (good for ONE 90 day stay) then during the last 30 days of that 90 day stay apply for an annual extension based on retirement in Thailand. 90 day address reports required while in Thailand. Travel outside Thailand every 90 days NOT REQUIRED. Repeat annual extensions for continued living in Thailand.

A multiple entry O visa (one year) is not a relevant option for the OP, as his intention is to live in Thailand on retirement status. Even if he could get it, why would he want it? With that, indeed, travel outside Thailand would be required every 90 days.

Instead he would want want of the two options as above.

Right, so enter Thailand on a tourist visa, and go to Immigration Office to get a single entry O visa. I take it you've got to be over 50. Do you need to show a Thai bank account with whatever hundreds of thousands of baht (and the money has been there for two or three months) ? Anything else ?

Obtaining a "conversion" from a tourist visa entry to an "O" visa entry can only be done in Bangkok and involves two visits to immigration.

MUCH better to arrive with a single entry non imm. "O" visa.

Well, in that case, when applying for Non imm O visa back home, you must be over 50, and show them a Thai bank book with whatever hundreds of thousands of Thai baht, and it's been in there for two or three months at least. Anything else ? Stuff like medical records ? Anything else needed ?

[tonbridgebrit]

Are you sure?

I've recently read reports this can be done at Jomtien again, at least via sending the application to Bangkok.

Anyway for conversion to O visa with second step being retirement extension using the 800K in Thai bank method, NO SEASONING is required at the conversion step, but two months seasoning is required for the extension step.

Thanks Jingthing.

[Jingthing]

It isn't always possible to get a single entry O visa in home countries based on the reason applying for retirement extension in Thailand. Often they will say apply for O-A or forget it.

In that case (unless you want to apply for an O-A which isn't a bad way to go), the single entry O must be obtained another way.

Common ways are the CONVERSION in Thailand or at a Thai embassy/consulate in Laos or Malaysia.