Thailand visa question: How do I get a “Non-immigrant O” visa?
Dear Ronnie,
As a result of the insurance problems for OA visa holders, I started to look into what the easiest option would be to get rid of that misery. I am in fact an over-70s, have had an OA visa for several years and, like many others, will stay permanently in Thailand, so I will never fly back to Belgium, for several reasons.
So in my case applying for a new visa (eg Non O or tourist visa) in a consulate is not recommended. However, the intention is to obtain a Non-O visa in a different way and to have it renewed annually. So all that remains is a border run (Poipet?) to obtain a Visa Exemption and return to Thailand the same day. Then after 30 days ask for an extension for 90 days and then back year extensions at Immigration in Bangkok as before. But now I read in an article of yours (February 26, 2019) that this is not so obvious yet…
Such as, for example, that they can ask you to prove that you will only stay in Thailand for 30 days, that you must have sufficient liquidity in your pocket, you spoke of at least 10.000 THB, etc. They can therefore make it very difficult for you there. And what if they don't let you back in? You stand there as an old man at the border while you live in Bangkok and you have a lot of money in the Thai bank account. What then done? Will be a very nerve-racking undertaking. Can't think about it.
Moreover, I read on the internet (TripAdvisor) that the Poipet border post is about the worst you can experience in terms of loss of time, corruption and touts, especially on the Cambodian side.
Please provide your views and advice.
Regards,
Roland
Dear Roland,
It is not because you are not going to Belgium that you cannot get a “Non-immigrant O” or “Tourist” visa in, for example, Laos or another country. Why would you have to go to Belgium for that?
The simplest is of course if you can obtain a “Non-immigrant O” in an embassy/consulate. 90 days upon entry and you can then extend it again in the usual way.
If you want to convert a "Tourist" in Thailand to a "Non-immigrant" you can do that too.
You can obtain a “Tourist” status with a “Visa exemption” or a “Tourist” visa. It doesn't matter what it is, you just have to make sure that there is at least 15 days left when you make the application at immigration. The requirements they have to convert a “Tourist” to a “Non-Immigrant” are about the same as those for obtaining a year extension. You should check with your immigration office.
Once your application has been approved, it takes a few days, usually a week, so the remaining 15 days stay period will give you a stay period of 90 days. Just as if you entered the country with a “Non-immigrant O”. You can then extend those 90 days by a year using the known methods.
As for the border crossings. Poipet is not the only border crossing. Just take another one.
And that they won't let you in? You are making a drama out of it. I would be really surprised and you are really looking for it. By the way, do you really not have 10 or even better 000 Baht to show?
And what if they soon don't want to extend your period of stay with a “Non-immigrant OA” because you don't have insurance? Where are you then?
But before you start all kinds of things, first of all inquire about the view of your immigration office regarding the “Non-immigrant OA” visa holders.
As I have stated several times, it can strongly depend on the view of your immigration office.
Perhaps those who already hold a Non-immigrant OA/extension are exempt in your immigration office and only new visa holders/extensions are concerned.
Regards,
RonnyLatYa