Difference O & O-A

[tonbridgebrit]

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.

So, when you do this in Bangkok or Jomtien, to get the single entry O visa, all you need is to be over 50, and to have the Thai baht in the Thai bank account ? As in, you show them your bank account book ?

[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.

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 ?

To "convert" also requires a bank book with 1000's of Baht or an Embassy letter certifying a qualifying monthly income!

No medical records are needed.

[tonbridgebrit]

Thanks, conversion needs the baht in the account, OR, a letter certifying the qualifying monthly income.

[wpcoe]

Thanks, conversion needs the baht in the account, OR, a letter certifying the qualifying monthly income.

...OR a combination of annual income + savings to equal B800,000, for a extension based on retirement. Again, income certified by letter from your embassy and savings certified by letter from bank.

[Liquorice]

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 ?

No!

Category "O" To visit Thai spouse, children, parents, voluntary job, retirement (with State Pension)

Category

"O-A"

To applicants aged 50 and over who wish to stay in Thailand for an entended period without the intention of working.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS :

The applicants must submit the following relevant documents depending on the purpose of their visit.

Basic Documents requires by all types of Non-Immigrant Visa.

• Visa application form completely filled out
• Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months and its copy
• Two (2) recent 2 x 2 inches photographs (taken within the past 6 months)
• Evidence of adequate finance (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family)
• Letter of acceptance from the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (Alien Occupational

  Control Division, Department of Employment, Tel +662-245-2745, 245-3209, 617-6578, 617-6584

  Fax: +662-6176576, 245-2593) *(Please see below)

Note: The Royal Thai Embassy reserves the rights to request for other additional documents, depending on the type of Non-Immigrant Visa

Additional documents requires by each type of Non-Immigrant Visa;

Non-Immigrant Type O

• Birth Certificate (applicant's child)
• Certificate of Marriage or its equivalents (if married to Thai national)
• a copy of marriage certificate,a copy of Thai passport/a copy of Thai ID of spouse and (3 months bank statement showing monthly income of more than £1,400 anuually.)
• An official recommendation letter from organization perform voluntary job in Thailand (for volunteer job)
• Pension statement if the applicant is a pension earner.

Non-Immigrant Type O- A

• Proof of income with a minimum of £1,400.00 per month or £1,400.00 or £16,500 anuually
• Medical Record
• Criminal Record check

http://www.thaiembassyuk.org.uk/?q=node/49

You only need to show funds in a Thai Bank account when doing a conversion or applying for an extension from within Thailand.

For Visas from your home Country you show your UK Bank statements as proof of funds.