O-A Visa & Re Entry Permits?

[just bob]

I'm finding conflicting information.  I am applying in the USA for an O-A one year "retirement" visa.  Once in LOS, do I need to obtain re entry permits during the first year of the visa?  I know they are required during a second year extension.  Thanks all.

[elviajero]

It's a multiple entry visa so you can enter as often as you want, without a re-entry permit, until the 'enter before' date (end of first year). 

[BritTim]

As stated, there is no need for re-entry permits until the visa expires. The conflicting information comes from people who do not understand the difference between a visa and an extension of stay.

[JimGant]

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  The conflicting information comes from people who do not understand the difference between a visa and an extension of stay.

 

Actually, the conflicting info comes from the Thai Embassy Consulate site itself:

 

Quote

Recommendations for foreigners with Non-Immigrant Visa “O-A” (Long Stay) while staying in the Kingdom:
Upon arrival, holder of this type of visa will be permitted to stay in Thailand for 1 year from the date of first entry. During the one-year period, if he or she wishes to leave and re-enter the country, he or she is required to apply at the Immigration office for re-entry permit (single or multiple) before departure. In the case of leaving the country without a re-entry permit, the permit to stay for 1 year shall be considered void.

 

Such guidance dates back to when O-A visas were single entry. Now, for many years, O-A visas are only issued as "multi entry" types-- so such guidance is bunk, since a re-entry permit is not required during the one-year validity period of the O-A visa.

 

Cut and paste of expired guidance is not very helpful.  (Not that anyone from the Thai Consulates bothers to read this forum.)