Non-Immigrant visa category O

[StraightTalk]

Due to circumstances beyond my control my Non-Immigrant visa category O (issued in Brisbane 2004, good for multiple journeys) and extension-of-stay based on retirement (issued annually in Jomtien) were annulled July 2015.

However, I was permitted to continue to stay in Thailand on an extension ("application of stay is under consideration") which had to be renewed every 3 months.

This disastrous condition is now a thing of the past alas the Jomtien immigration office will not issue a new Non-Immigrant visa category O visa and/or extension-of-stay based on retirement and advised that I will have to go abroad to start the visa application process anew.

I am a 69 years old Australian citizen, own a car, condo and have got sufficient funds available at my Thai bank account.

Since I disfavour extended travelling by air what are my options and the application requirements (documents etc.) for obtaining a Non-Immigrant visa category O in a nearby country e.g. Cambodia, Laos or Singapore?

TIA.

[ubonjoe]

You can get a single entry non-o visa in Vientiane Laos without a problem. You will just need to show your bank book showing 800k baht in your account.

You could fly from the airport in Utapao to Udon Thani on Air Asia then take a van from the airport in Udon to the bridge in Nong Khai to cross over to Vientiane.

[jacksam]

Ubon spot on as usual. Also note that now AirAsia have direct flight to Vientiane. Ubon is nice spot for overnight stay if go down that track.

[StraightTalk]

You can get a single entry non-o visa in Vientiane Laos without a problem. You will just need to show your bank book showing 800k baht in your account.

You could fly from the airport in Utapao to Udon Thani on Air Asia then take a van from the airport in Udon to the bridge in Nong Khai to cross over to Vientiane.

Thanks for responding. It's good to know that a single entry non-o visa can be obtained in Vientiane Laos without any troubles.

I'd prefer obtaining the single entry non-o visa as quickly as possible and return to Pattaya without much delay.

I'd appreciate if you or anybody else reading this post could provide some additional information as I have no idea on how much time I should make available.

After submitting the visa application how long will it take for getting my passport stamped with the visa?

Should I book a flight with an 'open' return?

Where to make hotel bookings in Udon Thani or Vientiane?

Do you have any good hotel recommendations?

Is the Thai Baht currency accepted in Laos, should I take US$?

Any other pertinent info to assist and speed up the entire travel and visa application process?

TIA.

[StraightTalk]

Ubon spot on as usual. Also note that now AirAsia have direct flight to Vientiane. Ubon is nice spot for overnight stay if go down that track.

Thanks but according to Air Asia 'Search Flights' info there is no flight from Utapao to Vientiane .

[ubonjoe]

To fly directly to Vientiane on Air Asia you would have leave from Don Mueang in Bangkok.

You apply for the visa the morning of one day by 11:30 and pick it up the next afternoon at 2 pm.

[ubonjoe]

Ubon spot on as usual. Also note that now AirAsia have direct flight to Vientiane. Ubon is nice spot for overnight stay if go down that track.

I think you meant to write Udon not Ubon..

[StraightTalk]

To fly directly to Vientiane on Air Asia you would have leave from Don Mueang in Bangkok.

You apply for the visa the morning of one day by 11:30 and pick it up the next afternoon at 2 pm.

Thanks again, I'll be guided accordingly.

I was searching for an visa application form to download and came across this website: <http://vientiane.thaiembassy.org/en/consular/visa.php>

The link (Visa regulations in English) in relation to "Non-Immigrant visa type O" (at the bottom of the page) does not to contain information pertaining to retirees but refers to a "No O-A visa".

I am somewhat confused; Can you shed some light on this?

I was able to download a visa application form from:

<http://www.thaisavannakhet.com/docs/Visa%20Application%20Form.pdf>

I don't have an Address in Lao PDR nor do I have a Guarantor in Thailand and find 'Date of Arrival in Thailand', 'Travel by' and 'Duration of Proposed Stay' kind of irrelevant.

Can you foresee any 'challenges' for not completing the form to the entire extend?

TIA.

[ubonjoe]

To fly directly to Vientiane on Air Asia you would have leave from Don Mueang in Bangkok.

You apply for the visa the morning of one day by 11:30 and pick it up the next afternoon at 2 pm.

Thanks again, I'll be guided accordingly.

I was searching for an visa application form to download and came across this website: <http://vientiane.thaiembassy.org/en/consular/visa.php>

The link (Visa regulations in English) in relation to "Non-Immigrant visa type O" (at the bottom of the page) does not to contain information pertaining to retirees but refers to a "No O-A visa".

I am somewhat confused; Can you shed some light on this?

I was able to download a visa application form from:

<http://www.thaisavannakhet.com/docs/Visa%20Application%20Form.pdf>

I don't have an Address in Lao PDR nor do I have a Guarantor in Thailand and find 'Date of Arrival in Thailand', 'Travel by' and 'Duration of Proposed Stay' kind of irrelevant.

Can you foresee any 'challenges' for not completing the form to the entire extend?

TIA.

There is no info on website for the single entry non-o for being 50 or over. Don't be concerned about that since many people have gotten them in Vientiane.

You can leave the Lao address and guarantor blank that is for Laotians applying for visas.

Here is the most recent visa application form for Vientiane. New Vientiane Form July 2015.pdf

And this for the Lao VOA. Lao visa on arrival form.pdf

[StraightTalk]

To fly directly to Vientiane on Air Asia you would have leave from Don Mueang in Bangkok.

You apply for the visa the morning of one day by 11:30 and pick it up the next afternoon at 2 pm.

Thanks again, I'll be guided accordingly.

I was searching for an visa application form to download and came across this website: <http://vientiane.thaiembassy.org/en/consular/visa.php>

The link (Visa regulations in English) in relation to "Non-Immigrant visa type O" (at the bottom of the page) does not to contain information pertaining to retirees but refers to a "No O-A visa".

I am somewhat confused; Can you shed some light on this?

I was able to download a visa application form from:

<http://www.thaisavannakhet.com/docs/Visa%20Application%20Form.pdf>

I don't have an Address in Lao PDR nor do I have a Guarantor in Thailand and find 'Date of Arrival in Thailand', 'Travel by' and 'Duration of Proposed Stay' kind of irrelevant.

Can you foresee any 'challenges' for not completing the form to the entire extend?

TIA.

There is no info on website for the single entry non-o for being 50 or over. Don't be concerned about that since many people have gotten them in Vientiane.

You can leave the Lao address and guarantor blank that is for Laotians applying for visas.

Here is the most recent visa application form for Vientiane.

And this for the Lao VOA.

Your kind assistance to clear up my concerns is very much appreciated!

Many thanks for the forms and your time responding to my posts.