I think it is important not to be categoric with what can and can't be done. Things are not always as they seem, and posters may inadvertently have omitted something important or misunderstood something.

For example, I have previously obtained a Non Immigrant O (O/A) visa within Thailand. But, the important point to note however, was that I already had a Non Immigrant B visa and work permit. When I terminated my employment I took the relevant documents to Immigration (in my case it was Phuket where I was living at that time - some years ago) and they converted it to a Retirement (O/A) Visa. So I think the key point here was that whilst I did get a Non Imm O/A, I already had a Non Imm visa (and not a tourist visa).

It's also worth reiterating what has been said before, that Immigration are the people who actually make the decisions.

Sorry but I do not believe you obtained an OA visa inside Thailand - please take a look at the stamp. What you appear to have done is obtain a one year extension of stay for retirement using a normal TM.7 extension of stay form.

A visa is used for entry into Thailand - the non immigrant OA is special is that you obtain a one year permitted to stay stamp on arrival. It is not something that is issued by Immigration.

When I came here it was on a 60 day tourist visa from the Los Angeles Thai consulate!Following their advice,I presented myself to the change of Visa desk in Bangkok.I was issued a retirement visa!

I am wondering if those using the term tourist visa,are actually talking about a 30 entry permit not a tourist visa issued outside Thailand!

If so,I don't believe you can convert to a retirement visa from that.That being true,you would have to get the visa from outside Thailand at aThai consulate and then apply for the change of visa in Thailand!

The key thing here is that you stay in Thailand on an extension of stay - not on a visa. When you submit a TM.7 it is for an extension of stay - not a visa. Immigration issues extensions of stay for retirement - they only issue a visa (if required) to allow the issue of an extension of stay later.

You can obtain a one year extension of stay from a non immigrant visa using just a TM.7 form and proof.

You can obtain a one year extension of stay from a tourist visa with an extra step using a TM.86 form to convert to a single entry non immigrant O visa. You then proceed as para two.

You can obtain a one year extension of stay from a visa exempt entry with an extra step using a TM.87 form to obtain a single entry non immigrant O visa (if you have 21 days or more remaining on your permitted to stay stamp). You then proceed as para two.

All above require proof of meeting retirement requirements and are for that process. Cost is 2000 baht for visa (if required) and 1900 baht for extension of stay for one year.

Apologize if I sound pandemic or brisk. We are often talking apples and oranges in the visa/extension field.

when i get Non-imi O at Nonkhai from my turist visa i get this stampe



and after my visa run i get this




and i have multi to



so whats my stamp?

Like usual apples and oranges. Think the question by "tutone" was "Will the Nong Khai immigration office issue a visa change from tourist visa to non-immigrant O", which I answered correctly. Now he has 2 options. Of course he is now confused by bring up OA

First photo:
You have a one year extension of stay for retirement until February 2010.

Second photo:
Travel stamps

Third photo:
Multi re-entry permit matching your page one extension of stay.

look up you see my torist 3 m to non-imi O so they do that.

Yes and that was done in November so they have been doing for a few months - also they allowed the final extension early - most often you are asked to return with less than 30 days to obtain the one year extension of stay. But that has varied from office to office.

I have looked to try and find the answer to my question before I ask here but can't find the right spot. So I will ask---- which would be the better visa to have to stay in Thailand with my wife for as long as life???? O or OA ???????

thanks for any help
snowman

snowman wrote:I have looked to try and find the answer to my question before I ask here but can't find the right spot. So I will ask---- which would be the better visa to have to stay in Thailand with my wife for as long as life???? O or OA ???????

thanks for any help
snowman

''O'',if you have the financial requirements!You do not have to leave the country,just report your residence every 90 days and extend each year!

Thanks Stan
Now do I try to get the O visa here in the states or come to Thailand on a tourist visa and convert it? I have seen much on the subject but still not sure.

You get the ''O''visa in Thailand!You get an ''OA''initially at a consulate outside of Thailand and then convert in Thailand to the ''O''!

You do not have to meet minimum requirements for the ''OA'',but you have to leave the country every 90 days !

If you have the financial requirements for an''O'' and convert,then you report every 90 days at the immigration or through the mail to the immigration inside Thailand.

My suggestion is that you get a multple entry ''OA'' from a consulate and that will give you plenty of time to setup your financial requiements in Thailand,decide if you want to stay etc. etc.

When I came here the last trip,knowing I was going to stay,I got a 60 day tourist ''OA'' visa,made arrangements for the wire transfer of funds,came here and went to Immigration to apply for my ''O'' retirement visa!

The lady in the consulate recommended this approach as the fastest and easiest because the tourist visa got instant approval versus having to wait for approval of the multiple entry ''OA'' visa.This ,she said had become a problem at the L.A. consulate because of a new boss at the time,12 years ago!

My suggestion is for you to get the ''OA'' that suits your purpose and desires at the moment and is the easiest to get.You can always tell them at your consulate what your objectives are and hopefully they will make it easy on you!

Best of luck!

Thank You so much for the info Stan.

It seems most of you can't read properly.

You cannot get a visa in Thailand, for Thailand.

You can change one type of visa (that was obtained outside of Thailand) to another type, if you meet the requirements at a Thai Immigration Office.