Is visa exemption to non imm O possible here

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Gregjam
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Is visa exemption to non imm O possible here

Post by Gregjam »

So I was not able to arrive before my Non-Imm O expired and have entered on a visa exemption. Is it possible to get another Non-Imm O while here in Thailand or will this have to be done abroad. Here for over 3 months so trying to avoid/reduce having to fly abroad and return in order to extend.
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Re: Is visa exemption to non imm O possible here

Post by Scout »

It’s not a problem to get non-immigrant O visa at local immigration office, but you have to have 2 weeks remaining on your visa exemption when you apply. After you apply you will have to return to the immigration office in 2 weeks to obtain the visa, which will then be valid for 90 days. After 90 days you can apply to extend your permission to stay for 12 months, which can then be done again annually, year after year, provided you meet the requirements and desire to do so.
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Re: Is visa exemption to non imm O possible here

Post by Gregjam »

That’s good news as I only returned the other day. I will call in the new place next week to find out what they will want as this tends to vary from different locations. I have had many Non-Imm O visas, even had the “retirement “ extension once but my work rotation usually means I am never here into the last month of an entry so cannot get it done ‘properly ‘. The wife is Thai and I can get bank statements for any income requirements. First visit will be to the nice lady in the copy room to see what is required.
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Re: Is visa exemption to non imm O possible here

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Slight change of subject, but does anybody know whether you can convert an O-A visa to an O visa in-country, or do you have to leave and return on a 30 day visa exemption? I was due to leave Thailand in May and soon after my O-A visa will expire and then when I return come in on a 30 day entry and apply for the O visa. My plans have now had to change and it doesn’t look likely that I’ll be able to leave until after my O-A visa is due to expire - I am of course trying to avoid the need of taking out medical insurance that the O-A visa now requires.TIA for any helpful suggestions
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Re: Is visa exemption to non imm O possible here

Post by squire »

You would have to leave and return on a 30 day visa exemption, and then follow the procedure that Scout summarised. A friend of mine who was previously on an annual O-A extension just (successfully) navigated through this process with Hua Hin immigration.
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Re: Is visa exemption to non imm O possible here

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squire wrote: Sun Mar 15, 2020 12:05 pm You would have to leave and return on a 30 day visa exemption, and then follow the procedure that Scout summarised. A friend of mine who was previously on an annual O-A extension just (successfully) navigated through this process with Hua Hin immigration.
I did suspect that this may be the case, but no doubt the cost of a short-term exit of a day or 2 will be less than the cost of an annual medical insurance policy - thanks
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Re: Is visa exemption to non imm O possible here

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Dannie Boy wrote: Sun Mar 15, 2020 12:19 pm
squire wrote: Sun Mar 15, 2020 12:05 pm You would have to leave and return on a 30 day visa exemption, and then follow the procedure that Scout summarised. A friend of mine who was previously on an annual O-A extension just (successfully) navigated through this process with Hua Hin immigration.
I did suspect that this may be the case, but no doubt the cost of a short-term exit of a day or 2 will be less than the cost of an annual medical insurance policy - thanks
Having just read about the Corona virus thread, I’m also wondering whether I could get caught up in this fiasco. If I leave the country for a day or two and return on a 30 day exemption with the intention of applying for an O visa, I could be forced into 14 days quarantine and not allowed to visit immigration, making it very tight to be able to get all the paperwork done before the 30 days runs out - looks like a visit to Imm May be required to see what they say!!
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Re: Is visa exemption to non imm O possible here

Post by PeteC »

If you took a quick trip to a neighboring country like Laos, Malaysia, Burma or perhaps Cambodia if they aren't restricted at that time, I can't see why there would be a problem. If the UK is restricted and you have a UK passport, you're not coming from there, nor have you been there recently. Your whereabouts is proven by the stamps in your passport.

Of course, all of that may be too logical?
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Re: Is visa exemption to non imm O possible here

Post by barrys »

This could be a very interesting thread for my situation! Can someone please tell me what the requirements are at the time of applying for the O visa with at least 14 days left on the visa exempt stamp......
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Re: Is visa exemption to non imm O possible here

Post by hhinner »

I think you can get a 30 day extension to a 30 day visa exempt entry.
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Re: Is visa exemption to non imm O possible here

Post by barrys »

hhinner wrote: Sun Mar 15, 2020 5:29 pm I think you can get a 30 day extension to a 30 day visa exempt entry.
Thanks, I'm aware of that. So let's say, for example, I'm 2 weeks into my 2nd visa exempt and I then want to apply for an O visa, what are the requirements when I apply at that stage. Does money have to be in the bank at that point? Is health insurance required at that point´?
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Re: Is visa exemption to non imm O possible here

Post by Dannie Boy »

barrys wrote:
hhinner wrote: Sun Mar 15, 2020 5:29 pm I think you can get a 30 day extension to a 30 day visa exempt entry.
Thanks, I'm aware of that. So let's say, for example, I'm 2 weeks into my 2nd visa exempt and I then want to apply for an O visa, what are the requirements when I apply at that stage. Does money have to be in the bank at that point? Is health insurance required at that point´?
You have to have the “seasoned” money in the bank or monthly income, but for the O visa there is (currently) no requirement for medical insurance


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barrys
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Re: Is visa exemption to non imm O possible here

Post by barrys »

Thanks for that. I'm actually looking to go to Thailand in June/July this year, but only want to stay 4-6 months. So I'm looking for the best visa option for that period. I will also have my 2 1/2 year old daughter with me (whose mother is not Thai or European, but she does have a European passport). Anyboby have some ideas please. Although this seems to be similar to what the OP is seeking, I'm really sorry if it encroaches on his thread, so could the mods please move this if appropriate.
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Re: Is visa exemption to non imm O possible here

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Dannie Boy wrote: Sun Mar 15, 2020 12:49 pm
Having just read about the Corona virus thread, I’m also wondering whether I could get caught up in this fiasco. If I leave the country for a day or two and return on a 30 day exemption with the intention of applying for an O visa, I could be forced into 14 days quarantine and not allowed to visit immigration, making it very tight to be able to get all the paperwork done before the 30 days runs out - looks like a visit to Imm May be required to see what they say!!


Watch the news Dannie. I just read a headline (I have no details) that Malaysia is closing their borders to all foreigners today until further notice. Quick trip there may not be possible. :cheers:
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Re: Is visa exemption to non imm O possible here

Post by Dannie Boy »

PeteC wrote:
Dannie Boy wrote: Sun Mar 15, 2020 12:49 pm
Having just read about the Corona virus thread, I’m also wondering whether I could get caught up in this fiasco. If I leave the country for a day or two and return on a 30 day exemption with the intention of applying for an O visa, I could be forced into 14 days quarantine and not allowed to visit immigration, making it very tight to be able to get all the paperwork done before the 30 days runs out - looks like a visit to Imm May be required to see what they say!!


Watch the news Dannie. I just read a headline (I have no details) that Malaysia is closing their borders to all foreigners today until further notice. Quick trip there may not be possible. :cheers:
Based on all the uncertainty I’ve been in touch with Matt at AA Insurance and decided that the cheapest healthcare insurance that complies with Imm’s requirements is the best option for this year - maybe (hopefully) next year will be ok. Cheers


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