Dear readers,

I have a non imm O visa. I am over 50 years old and have the required amount, more than 800.000, on a Thai bank book for more than 1 year. Now I want to emigrate to Thailand next year.

Because they sometimes make it difficult at the Thai embassy with the non imm O visa and they no longer issue this at the consulate in Amsterdam, I want to come with a tourist visa and have it converted here at Immigration to a non Immigrant O.

On the internet it says in Dutch, posted by the Immigration of Chon Buri Pattaya, up to date 19-10-2018, that this is only possible at the head office in Bangkok and no longer at the Immigration in the province.

Regards,

His

26 responses to “Convert tourist visa to Non immigrant O, is that only possible in Bangkok?”

  1. RonnyLatPhrao says up

    There's something I do not understand.
    Since when do they no longer give Non-immigrant “O” Single entry in Amsterdam?
    I don't think so, but maybe I missed something.

    Or else you can go to Essen. You can also obtain a Non-immigrant “O” Single entry.
    That's all you need.

    In Thailand you can indeed request a change of status from Tourist to Non-immigrant.
    You first get a 90-day stay and you can then extend it for another year.

    Previously this was only possible in Bangkok. A long time ago, certain immigration offices were also given permission to carry out this. Maybe that has been reversed. Could be.
    Normally, however, you can still submit your application at any immigration office and your application will be sent to Bangkok.
    That is why there must also be a residence period of at least 14 days when submitting the application.

    Maybe you can send me the link where it says that Pattaya no longer does this and you have to go to Bangkok.

    In any case, I would first see if you can not obtain a Non-immigrant “O” in Amsterdam, The Hague or Essen…
    Seems a bit simpler to me.

    • jasper says up

      Just got a non-immigrant -O at the consulate in AMsterdam. Only multiples are not possible anymore.

      • RonnyLatPhrao says up

        That's what I assumed too. Hence my advice at the end of the comment.
        Multiple entry in Amsterdam is no longer available since 15/08/16

  2. Sirc says up

    It is indeed so. With tourist Visa no conversion to Visa O in Chonburi.
    But with an OS Visa for 90 days or OM multiple, I don't think a conversion into an OA long stay in Chonburi is a problem.

    • RonnyLatPhrao says up

      You cannot convert a Non-Immigrant “O” to a Non-Immigrant “OA”.

      What you do is extend your period of stay by one year that you obtained with a Non-immigrant “O” or Non-immigrant “OA” visa.

    • RonnyLatPhrao says up

      You cannot convert a Non-immigrant “O” visa to a Non-immigrant “OA” visa.
      Can't go to Immigrate in Chonburi, can't go to Immigration in Bangkok or any immigration office in Thailand.

      What you can do in Thailand at an immigration office is to extend your period of residence, obtained with a Non-immigrant “O” or “OA”, by one year. Nothing else.

  3. Hurm says up

    Just in the hedge. It will be ready within 3 working days. Amsterdam is only a consulate and it no longer issues visas. No problem at the embassy in The Hague. Make sure you have all the documentation with you as stated on their website

    • RonnyLatPhrao says up

      And since when does the Consulate in Amsterdam no longer issue visas?

    • jasper says up

      Nonsense. Of course amsterdan DOES issue visas. However, is limited to Single visa, NOT multiple.

  4. willem says up

    I think the information you provided is incorrect. Amsterdam still issues a Non immigrant O visa but only with single entry. If you want multiple entry, you can easily arrange this at the immigration office in Thailand.

    It is true that people do something more difficult and pay more attention to the so-called retirement status. I stopped working on October 1 and already received a Non immigrant O visa in September. You must prove that you have sufficient income. But as has been written here before, that is less than the 800000 you have indicated in the bank or possibly 65000 per month. When applying in the Netherlands, you must be able to demonstrate a net income of 1250 euros. The higher amounts only come into play once you want to get an annual extension in Thailand. This is possible in the last +/- month of your initial 3-month non-immigrant visa.

    If you still work in the Netherlands, it may happen that it is more difficult to do at the embassy than before. You may also be confused with the Non Immigrant OA visa. This is only issued in The Hague and also only to persons who can demonstrate real “retirement”.

    • RonnyLatPhrao says up

      “If you want multiple entry, you can easily arrange this at the immigration office in Thailand.”
      No, you can't do that in Thailand. You cannot convert a Single entry visa into a Multiple entry visa in Thailand.

      What you can do is ask for an extension and then apply for Re-entries. It's something completely different.
      With entries you will receive a new period of stay upon entry.
      With re-entries, you keep the previously obtained end date of a stay upon return.

      • willem says up

        He wants to immigrate, so he also wants a one-year extension. So also the multiple reentry permit. That's what I mean by easy. No point. 🙂

        • RonnyLatPhrao says up

          I understand.
          But such information is quickly absorbed and then takes on a life of its own.
          We are then asked what you have to do in Thailand to convert a Single entry visa into a Multiple entry visa.
          I would rather correct this immediately 😉

  5. vandyck robert says up

    Picked up a non imigrant “O” 14 days ago at the Antwerp consulate, no problem, it is a visa for 3 months, single entry

    Robert

  6. His says up

    @ Ronny, I was there last Friday and they said that I have to go to The Hague because they only issue tourist visas in Amsterdam, what should I do with all those other answers, can I convert a tourist visa to a retirement visa if I have everything is fine.
    Thanks again and hope I can make sense of it.

    • RonnyLatPhrao says up

      In the first place, I would choose to apply for it in the Netherlands.
      Don't understand why they give other people that Non-immigrant and not you. I think there has been a misunderstanding somewhere. You must clearly state that it concerns a Single entry. Multiple entry has not been available since mid-2016. If you ask, they will forward you to The Hague.
      At least it's still on their website too.
      http://www.royalthaiconsulateamsterdam.nl/index.php/visum-aanvragen

      Requirements for a Non-Immigrant type O (other), single entry
      – You must be 50 years or older to be eligible for this visa.
      The following forms/documents are required for this;
      -valid passport (valid for at least 9 months from the day of entry), copy of your passport, copy of the flight ticket/flight details, 2 recent same passport photos, fully completed and signed application form, copy of your bank statements for the last two months showing your name, positive balance, your income details (minimum € 600 per month per person) and all debits and credits, if married, copy of marriage certificate/marriage booklet (no cohabitation contract/registered partnership). If a partner has no income, the income amount must be at least EUR 1200.
      Costs for a single entry are € 60 (only cash payment possible).
      * Financial Overview
      This overview must show that you have sufficient means to avoid financial problems during your stay in Thailand.
      Accepted:
      – bank statements from the last 2 months with your name, current positive balance, all credits and debits and income
      Not accepted:
      - annual statement
      – only credit and debit
      – bank statement without name
      – bank statement without current positive balance
      – bank statement with black stripes

      Or go straight to The Hague. Maybe send them an email first with what you need to submit.

      You can also choose Essen in Germany. There have been many positive reactions from that consulate.

      If you ultimately want a status change from Tourist to Non-immigrant, you can do so in Thailand.
      If it is accepted that is, and I cannot give you that guarantee.
      It is best to get information from your local immigration office and ask what they want to see.
      If you have to go to Bangkok, keep in mind that it will take a week there.

      By the way, do you have that link that says that you can no longer do that in Pattaya?
      Would love to see what they actually write.

      • Henk says up

        Dear people, I applied for a Non-immigrant o single entry 1 week ago. I can only get it with additional information otherwise I will get a tourist visa for 60 days.
        The additional information consists of the front-back of my wife's ID card and a copy of the marriage certificate.
        I have forwarded this and now waiting.
        I suspect the rules have been tightened.

        • RonnyLatPhrao says up

          You had to do that before if you asked on the basis of marriage.
          That in itself is nothing new.

          “If you are younger than 50 years old and married to a Thai resident or are the parent(s) of children with Thai nationality, you may also qualify for this visa.
          In addition to the above-mentioned forms/documents, we will have a copy of the marriage certificate, a copy of the birth certificate of the children, a copy of the Thai father/mother of the child.”

          http://www.royalthaiconsulateamsterdam.nl/index.php/visum-aanvragen

  7. His says up

    @ Ronny I think your answer to your first post is in the third part, is this correct.

  8. His says up

    @ Ronny, I wrote on google to convert tourist visa to imm O visa in Thailand, and then you get a link with retirement visa.

    • RonnyLatPhrao says up

      Normal.
      Those are also the same conditions to convert your status from tourist to a Non-immigrant on the basis of “Retirement” then.
      It will also be the same conditions that you will need later to obtain your annual extension.
      Upon acceptance, you will first obtain a residence period of 90 days (just as you would enter Thailand with a Non-immigrant visa) and you can then later extend those 90 days for a year.

  9. His says up

    @ronny, on google, thailand retirement visa.

  10. sirc says up

    “You cannot convert a Non-immigrant “O” visa to a Non-immigrant “OA” visa.”

    My friend arrived last year with an O visa. Directly to OA long stay with multiple entry requested in Pattaya. Was issued with 15 months. Was with service from an agency.
    With tourist visa only possible in BKK. We had requested in advance.

    It was a bit irritating that a recent change was requested with the bankbook. So back to the bank again and deposited 100Baat.

    The choice for Kanya with visa on arrival to BKK or with Non-immigrant O to Chonburi for long stay application.
    Non Immigrant Multiple Visa is possible again in Essen, but it is cumbersome and, in my opinion, a waste of money.

    • RonnyLatPhrao says up

      1. You cannot convert a Non-immigrant “O” visa to a Non-immigrant “OA” visa.
      And even if it were possible, what would be the point of converting from a Non-Immigrant “O” to a Non-Immigrant “OA” in Thailand?
      After all, with the Non-immigrant “O” you already get 90 days, which you can extend for a year. If you want to leave Thailand, you can take Re-entries.
      So why would anyone want to convert a Non-Immigrant “O” to an “OA”? Makes no sense and is completely pointless.
      But you may otherwise enumerate the benefits and how much it cost and which forms he had to submit.
      I can predict them otherwise. These are the same forms and proof as for annual extensions and re-entries.
      That is ultimately what he will have obtained, an extension of his original 90 days, possibly supplemented with Multiple re-entries. Nothing left.

      2. Kaya does not come with a “Visa on Arrival”, but may want to come to Thailand with a “Tourist visa”.
      A “Visa on Arrival” is also not available for Dutch or Belgians, because they have a “Visa Exemption”.

      3.No one says they need a Non-immigrant “O” Multiple entry. A Non-immigrant “O” Single entry is sufficient and can easily be obtained in Essen. At least that is the experience of the blog readers, because I have never been there myself.
      This gives him a 90-day stay, which he can then extend for another 12 months. He can then repeat this annual extension annually as long as he meets the conditions.
      For someone who goes to Thailand for a longer period of time or permanently and who normally does not leave Thailand, a Multiple entry is a waste of money. He can get a one-year extension in Thailand for 1900 Baht. If he needs to leave urgently, a re-entry of 1000 Baht is sufficient.

      4. Pattaya may no longer be allowed to convert Tourist statuses to Non-immigrant statuses. This was possible in the past, but may have been reversed. I do not know.
      To Bangkok then. Make sure that there is at least 15 days of stay remaining and take into account that it will take 5 working days for everything to be completed. Costs 2000 Baht and then you get 90 days of stay if allowed. You can then extend those 90 days later in Pattaya by a year in the normal way.
      In the meantime, no one has yet sent me the link from immigration stating that it is no longer possible in Pattaya, but that may well be of course. I would just like to read what it actually says. Maybe there was too much messing around between immigration and agencies…. and Bangkok took that away from them.
      I recently read that it is still possible in Hua Hin, among other places. Make sure you have at least 21 days of stay left when you apply there.

      By the way, as far as agencies are concerned.
      I recently read that the boss in Chiang Mai has been replaced.
      The new one, ordered by Bangkok, would have banned the agencies from doing business with immigration.
      If this is the case, you can assume that something like this is also coming in Pattaya and other immigration offices in the long term.

      • RonnyLatPhrao says up

        Addition

        For those who care or are interested in it.
        Here you can read which forms and/or proof are required to switch from a “Tourist” status (Visa Exemption or Tourist visa) to a “Non-immigrant status” (Non-immigrant visa) in Thailand.
        “Visa” must sometimes be interpreted broadly in the text below. Upon acceptance, you will receive an initial stay period of 90 days, just as if you had entered with a Non-immigrant visa. The “visa” that you receive in your passport (a stamp with Non-immigrant “O”, the reason “Retirement of Thai marriage and a number) therefore only serves as a reference to justify the initial 90 days of stay. You will therefore not be able to obtain entries with it. If you need to leave urgently during those 90 days, a “Re-entry” can always offer a solution. Just like with a Non-immigrant “O” Single entry.

        Another tip for applicants.
        Let this be a guideline only. I also recommend contacting the immigration office and asking what exactly they want to see. This way you can be sure that you have the latest information.

        Success.

        DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED IN SUPPORT OF THE APPLICATION FOR VISA OR VISA STATUS ALTERATION (NON-O): FOR RETIREMENT PURPOSES.

        The application must be submitted more than 15 days before visa expiration and, in case of overstaying in Thailand, application could not be submitted.
        1.1.1 Form TM.86 for the foreigner, who has Tourist and Transit Visa and applies for Visa Status Alteration and applies for non-immigrant visas; or
        1.2 Form TM.87 for the foreigner, who enters into Thailand without visa, but is allowed to stay in Thailand with a permit of stay for a period of 15 days, 30 days, 90 days and applies for non-immigrant visas.
        2.A copy of passport pages (for example, personal information page, last entries stamp, visa sticker and extension stamp (if any) and departure card (Form TM.6))
        3.Either one 4×6 cm photograph or one 2 inch size photograph
        4.Application fee of Baht 2,000
        5.5.1 A guarantee letter from the bank in Thailand in Thai language (Attention: Immigration Commissioner)*
        5.2 A copy of all entries of the applicant's passbook showing that the applicant has a savings or fixed deposit account of not less than Baht 800,000* (all documents must be in the Applicant's name).
        5.3 Evidence of foreign currency fund transferred to Thailand*
        *(Documents under 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3 must be issued and updated to be the same date of the Application and all documents must be in the Applicant's name.)
        or
        6.A guarantee letter from the local or overseas Embassy or Consulate, proving the monthly pension of the Applicant not less than Baht 65,000 per month (together with reference documents showing the source of said monthly pension); or
        7.Evidence of deposited money under Clause 5 and evidence of income under Clause 6 (for one year) showing the total amount not less than Baht 800,000

        Remarks
        1. The Applicant must appear in person every time.
        2. The Applicant must sign to certify on every page of the Applicant's documents.
        3. To be convenient and for speedy service, the Applicant for visa or visa status alteration must arrange and submit a complete set of documents in proper order and must prepare the originals as proof.
        4. For more details, please visit our website at http://bangkok.immigration.go.th

        http://bangkok.immigration.go.th/en/base.php?page=service#

      • RonnyLatPhrao says up

        Addition

        For married, children, parents.
        (Again, the text is very confusing because they put everything together, but it gives you an idea)
        Here too, the advice is to contact the immigration office in advance to inform you of exactly what they want to see.

        DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED IN SUPPORT OF THE APPLICATION FOR VISA OR VISA STATUS ALTERATION (NON-O): FOR A FAMILY MEMBER OF A THAI (APPLICABLE ONLY PARENTS, SPOUSE OR CHILD.

        The application must be submitted more than 15 days before visa expiration and, in case of overstaying in Thailand, application could not be submitted.
        1.1.1 Form TM.86 for the foreigner, who has Tourist and Transit Visa and applies for Visa Status Alteration and applies for non-immigrant visas; or
        1.2 Form TM.87 for the foreigner, who enters into Thailand without visa, but is allowed to stay in Thailand with a permit of stay for a period of 15 days, 30 days, 90 days and applies for non-immigrant visas.
        2.A copy of passport pages of the Applicant (for example, personal information page, last entries stamp, visa sticker and extension stamp (if any) and departure card (Form TM.6))
        3.Either one 4×6 cm photograph or one 2 inch size photograph
        4.4.Application fee of Baht 2,000
        5.5.1 In case of a Thai citizen, please show: A copy national ID card, a copy of house registration papers and a copy of employee's or government officer's ID card;
        5.2 In case of a foreigner with a permit to reside in Thailand or a person who has become a Thai naturalized citizen, please show: residency certificate, alien registration certificate, work permit, a copy of passport and house registration and a copy of documents showing Thai naturalization.
        6.6.1 Evidence proving that the applicant is father, mother or children or birth certificate; or
        6.2 Letter from a government office, embassy or consulate, certifying that the applicant is a member of the referred family; guarantee letter from the Department of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Documents under 6.1 and 6.2 must be translated into Thai or English and certified by local or overseas Embassy or Consulate of the foreigner and by the Legalization Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand) (For more information, please call 0-2575-1056-9)
        7. In case of father is a foreigner: showing an official notarized document from a court of law certifying that child is biological offspring of the foreign father.
        8.The following evidence of income must be submitted.
        8.1 A guarantee letter from the local or overseas Embassy or Consulate, proving the monthly income of the Applicant not less than Baht 40,000* per month; or
        8.2 A guarantee letter in Thai language from the commercial bank in Thailand (Attention: Immigration Commissioner) and a copy of all entries of the applicant's passbook showing that the applicant has a savings or fixed deposit account of not less than Baht 400,000*(Documents under 8.1and 8.2 must be issued and updated to be the same date of the Application and all documents must be in the Applicant's name.)

        Remarks

        1. Both of the Applicant and Thai citizen or person having residency in Thailand must appear in persons

        2. If the supported person is a child, he/she must not be married and reside as a member of the referred family.

        3. If the dependent person is father or mother, he/she must be over 50 years of age. If the dependent person is a child, he/she must not be married, reside as a member of the referred family and must not be over 20 years of age.

        4. The Applicant must sign to certify on every page of the Applicant's documents.
        5. To be convenient and for speedy service, the Applicant for visa or visa status alteration must arrange
        and submit a complete set of documents in proper order and must prepare the originals as proof.
        6. For more details, please visit our website at http://bangkok.immigration

        IN SUPPORT OF THE APPLICATION FOR PROVIDING SUPPORT TO OR BEING A DEPENDANT OF A THAI CITIZEN OR PERSON HAVING RESIDENCY IN THAILAND (SPOUSE VISA) (NON-O)
        The application must be submitted more than 15 days before visa expiration and, in case of overstaying in Thailand, application could not be submitted.
        1.1.1 Form TM.86 for the foreigner, who has Tourist and Transit Visa and applies for Visa Status Alteration and applies for non-immigrant visas; or
        1.2 Form TM.87 for the foreigner, who enters into Thailand without visa, but is allowed to stay in Thailand with a permit of stay for a period of 15 days, 30 days, 90 days and applies for non-immigrant visas.
        2..A copy of passport pages of the Applicant (for example, personal information page, last entries stamp, visa sticker and extension stamp (if any) and departure card (Form TM.6))
        3.Either one 4×6 cm photograph or one 2 inch size photograph
        4.Application fee of Baht 2,000
        5.5.1 In case of a Thai citizen, please show: A copy national ID card, a copy of house registration papers and a copy of employee's or government officer's ID card;or
        5.2 In case of a foreigner with a permit to reside in Thailand or a person who has become a Thai naturalized citizen, please show: residency certificate, alien registration certificate, work permit, a copy of passport and house registration and a copy of documents showing Thai naturalization.
        6.6.1 In case of marriage registered in Thailand, please show:
        – – 6.1.1 Marriage certificate (Form Kor Ror.2)
        – – 6.1.2 Marriage certificate (Form Kor Ror.3)
        – – 6.1.3 A copy of letter certifying marital status before registration of marriage or a copy of letter certifying that the applicant is single (In absence of such letter, a copy thereof can be obtained from the District Office where the marriage was registered. )*or
        6.2 In case of marriage registered in foreign country, please show:
        Family status registration (Form Kor Ror.22) and marriage certificate registered in overseas country
        6.3 A letter from a government office, embassy or consulate, certifying that the applicant is a member of the referred family*
        *(Documents under 6.1.3, 6.2 and 6.3 must be translated into Thai or English and certified by local or overseas Embassy or Consulate of the foreigner and by the Legalization Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand) (For more information, please call 0-2575-1056-9)
        7.If husband is foreigner, the following evidence of income must be submitted.
        7.1 A guarantee letter from the local or overseas Embassy or Consulate, proving the monthly pension of the Applicant not less than Baht 40,000* per month; or
        7.2 A guarantee letter in Thai language from the commercial bank in Thailand (Attention: Immigration Commissioner) and a copy of all entries of the applicant's passbook showing that the applicant has a saving or fixed deposit account of not less than Baht 400,000*
        (Documents under 7.1and 7.2 must be issued and updated to be the same date of the Application and all documents must be in the Applicant's name.)
        8.If husband is of Thai nationality, a certificate of employment must be submitted (certified by the head of his department not more than one month).
        9.Approximately 4 photographs of wedding ceremony or family pictures

        Remarks

        1. In filing the application, both husband and wife must appear in persons every time.
        2. The Applicant must sign to certify on every page of the Applicant's documents.
        3. To be convenient and for speedy service, the Applicant for visa or visa status alteration must arrange and submit a complete set of documents in proper order and must prepare the originals as proof
        4. For more details, please visit our website at http://bangkok.immigration.go.th


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