thailand
Ask question
This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

What is the difference between Non-Immigrant O and Non-Immigrant O-A extensions issued in Thailand?

Non-Immigrant O VisaNon-Immigrant O-A VisaRetention of Visa StatusVisa Extensions in ThailandRetirement VisaThailand Immigration RulesHealth Insurance Requirements for VisaVisa Application Process
Nov 9, 2023
a year ago
Bennett ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi. I'm confused. I'm on a 1-year retirement extension issued INSIDE Thailand. Is this called Non-immigrant "O-A", or is it simply Non-immigrant "O"? (The stamp in my passport only says "Non-Imm", no letters.) Thanks for any advice!
2,682
views
2
likes
87
all likes
48
replies
2
images
10
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post seeks clarification on whether a retirement extension issued inside Thailand is categorized as Non-Immigrant "O" or Non-Immigrant "O-A". Commenters clarify that since the extension was obtained within Thailand, it is classified as a Non-O visa. They discuss additional details, such as the requirements for health insurance distinguishing the O from the OA category, and explain the process for obtaining a one-year extension of stay.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Pelle Eriksson
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...
recently on Facebook
Luca G.
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...
recently on Google
Trusted Retirement Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Bennett ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi all. I'm going to turn off comments on this post. I don't want it to get ugly. Thanks to all for input and advice, much appreciated!
a year ago
Like
Reply
Gregor **********
I am surprised that so many members of this group are struck stooopid. Maybe they want to be "real americans" . . . . ."we are the best, but we have no fucking idea about the World outside of the US" . .we are proud to be Stoooopid
a year ago
Like
Reply
Teresa ***********
Non O Retirement visa. My husband renew it yearly for 7 years now. You are required to do notification every 90 days (online or drive through) . In case you want to travel outside Thailand... get a reentry
a year ago
Like
Reply
Gregor **********
@Teresa **********
 you don't "renew a retirement visa". . . all you do is renewing your yearly "1-year extended stay permit". You discontinued to hold a visa 7 years ago
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Gregor **********
Reply
Marty *********
The wording of the question was a little confusing to me. If what he is talking about is an EXTENSION of his visa the the way to tell the difference between an OA and an O visa is if they required health insurance to get the extension. An OA visa extension requires health insurance. An O visa extension does not require health insurance.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Bennett ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Marty ********
 Thanks. I applied inside Thailand, no insurance required. I was merely asking literally what it’s called - O or O-A - because it was a question on a form I had to fill out.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Patena ********
@Bennett *******
 thank you 🙏🏼
a year ago
Like
Reply
Patena ********
@Bennett *******
 Hi, how does one obtain a 1 year extension of stay permit ?

We just have exemption as we arrived one week ago.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Bennett ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Patena *******
 You apply at immigration for the Non-O 90 day visa, then when approved it converts to a 1-year retirement extension. You must be 50 years old, & have 800,000 THB in your Thai bank account. Some other requirements. There is a lot about this in this facebook group.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Bennett ********
Reply
Gregor **********
@Bennett *******
 what you are on, is a "one year extended stay permit". You are NOT on a visa anymore. The 90-days Non-Imm-O visa itself, from out of which you received the "1-year extension of stay permit based on retirement" did expire when you entered Thailand. However I must note, that Thai Immigration does not differ between a stay permit and a visa. For them it is all the same, regardless that this is technically wrong
a year ago
Like
Reply
Bennett ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
And I used the term extension in the post. Just was confused on its label.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Bennett ********
Reply
Rob **********
If it was issued inside of Thailand it will be a Non O, as a OA can only be issued in your own country.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Ta ************
Pardon me for being a noob, what does an O stand for?
a year ago
Like
Reply
Ludwig ***********
@Ta ***********
 it’s the “other category” including retirement and marriage, as opposed to the categories specifically listed (study, work…).
a year ago
Like
Reply
Ta ************
@Ludwig **********
 Thanks for clarifying
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Ta ************
Reply
John **********
@Ta ***********
 other
a year ago
Like
Reply
Ta ************
@John *********
 Thanks!
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Ta ************
Reply
Bennett ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks everyone!
a year ago
Like
Reply
Matteo ***********
Yours it's NON-O Retirement Visa
a year ago
Like
Reply
Gregor **********
look. In case you don't believe me. Ask the question in the "Thai visa advice" group. Thai visa "Guru" Tod Daniels will tell you EXACTLY the same as I am telling you. if you still insist in your STOOOPID reprisals, you should get whipped for imbecility, like the do in Singapore
a year ago
Like
Reply
Steve ********
@Gregor *********
 There's no need to ask in any other group. Thai immigration call it a visa extension. They are the government department issuing it and you're telling me they're wrong but a "Facebook Farang" is right? Ok. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
a year ago
Like
Reply
Gregor **********
@Steve *******
 exactky: Thai Immigration calls it a "visa Extension" . . .. when ya look it up closely, Thai Immigration has only extended your stay permit . . . STEVE: you are STOOOOPID. sorry to say but you are utterly stooopid , can't help you , you have a deficit in your education
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Gregor **********
Reply
Gregor **********
@Matteo **********
 wrong. what he wants to say, he is on a "one year extended stay permit". He is NOT on a visa anymore.

The 90-days Non-Imm-O visa itself, from out of which he received the "1-year extension of stay permit based on retirement" did expire at the very moment he entered Thailand and got stamped a 90 days stay permit.

And this 90 days stay permit got extended for one year. The stamp in his passport says “1-year extension of stay permitted until…” and the reason for which he received the extended stay permit, will be a small stamp that says “retirement”

However I must note, that Thai Immigration in their own Thinglish does not differ between a stay permit and a visa. For them it is all the same, regardless that this is technically wrong
a year ago
Like
Reply
Matteo ***********
@Gregor *********
 Alright ok, you've been very precise. Yes that's what it is technically. So it is a 1 year Extension of a NON-O Retirement Visa. done 👍
a year ago
Like
Reply
Steve ********
@Matteo **********
 Don't listen to him. You're either on a "visa" or a "visa extension" in Thai immigration terminology, which is what counts!

*****************************************
*****
a year ago
Like
Reply
Gregor **********
@Steve *******
 a "visa" is a title which allows you to ENTER a country.

A stay permit is a title which allows you to STAY inside the country.

After you ENTERED, the visa is void.

You are in the country with a stay permit.

And in case Immigration extends it, they will extend your stay permit.

Immigration cannot extend a void and "USED" visa.

I sincerely hope the correct termination is AS CLEAR AS MISSISIPPI MUD now

Thai Immigration wrong termination, is not my cup of tea, it's theirs . . it's on THEM !
a year ago
Like
Reply
Steve ********
@Gregor *********
 So Thai Immigration have got it wrong, but you've got it right? Oh dear, you need to stop drinking so early in the day 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
a year ago
Like
Reply
Gregor **********
@Steve *******
 you couldn't be more wrong. Just let it sink in, pal. no worries, some day or the other you gonna understand it
a year ago
Like
Reply
Steve ********
@Gregor *********
 You talk out of your arse, but I realise English is not your native language, so it's little wonder you can't grasp the terminology
a year ago
Like
Reply
Gregor **********
@Steve *******
 I am in close touch with the diplomatic team of my Embassy. Their stance is the same I am telling here. The Thai Immigration talks ass out of the mouth. They DON't extend visa. They only extend stay permits
a year ago
Like
Reply
Steve ********
@Gregor *********
 It's ok I've found it. A stay permit is permanent residence. 🤣🤣🤣🤣
a year ago
Like
Reply
Gregor **********
Steve. Your are STOOOPID! The appliction to a "Permanent Residence" in Thailand is a totally different thing
a year ago
Like
Reply
Steve ********
@Gregor *********
 There's no such thing as a STAY PERMIT. Send me a link to a Thai government website which uses the term STAY PERMIT. I've already provided the Thai immigration website which states VISA EXTENSION a couple of dozen times. Put your money where your mouth is or shut the fuck up
a year ago
Like
Reply
Gregor **********
@Steve *******
 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 "can't grasp terminology" . . . . Dude, ya gotta get real. You must have missed something during your education.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Gregor **********
@Steve *******
 English is my second mother language, I shook hands with Bobby Kennedy and you are the "arse" who is speaking 😂 🤣 😂 poor puppy. My sponsor was a highly decorated 1-star General of the US Army . . what kinda gutter kid are you?
a year ago
Like
Reply
Gregor **********
@Steve *******
 actually it would be VERY EASY to prove that I am right. Just look at the stamp of a guy on a "retirement extensions of stay". The stamp says: "extension of stay permitted until . ." and a date. NOWHERE it says that this stamp is a visa. If you and Immigration were right, then show me WHERE on the stamp it says that it is a visa? A VISA CANNOT BE EXTENDED, PERIOD! It clearly states that the "stay permit" got extended. The "reason" of the extension of the stay permit is an extra stamp or handwritten note, says either "retirement" or "married"
a year ago
Like
Reply
Andy ********
@Gregor *********
 just read your comment and unfortunately you are wrong. An extension of stay on a non immigrant O has different requirements to an extension of stay on a non immigrant O-A.

When you get a new passport then immigration will transfer your current visa into the new one. The transferred stamp will detail the visa type, O, O-A or whatever visa you are currently extending.

Maybe next time it will be best to check before you start disagreeing with more knowledgeable than yourself.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Gregor **********
@Andy *******
 when you are on an extension of stay you have received "out of a former Non-O visa", Immigration will only move the "extension stamp" to your new passport. They were never allowed to move a "visa sticker" or nowadays Visa stamp. Immigration can only move their OWN stamps, which are the entry stamps and the extension stamps. Immigration does NEVER extend a visa, this is technically not possible - regardless they call an extension of a stay permit a " visa extension". Immigration is unfamiliar with the fact that a visa and a stay permit are TWO different technical terminations of a different situation. You ENTER a country with a VISA, and you will receive a stamp which is a STAY PERMIT ("admitted until" and in the upper right corner there will be a small stamp of a hand written entry about the visa-type the stay permit is based upon!) and from the date of entry on - if you entered with a single entry visa - you are in Thailand on a stay permit and NOT on a visa. Only if you entered with a multi entry type visa, the visa remains valid until its expiry . . HOPE YOU FINALLY UNDERSTOOD because I am sick of discussing the matter with people who act like stubborn bricks
a year ago
Like
Reply
Gregor **********
@Andy *******
 I reckon it is VERY SAD that you seem to be mocked for the pitfalls of terminations. Let me explain! That's because a Non-Imm-O/A visa is a multi entry type and stays valid until the visa validity expiry. However a single entry 90 days Non-Imm-O visa will be stamped "USED" upon entry, and you will be in Thailand on a 90-days stay permit. Dig? Just read your entry stamps, guys. DON'T discuss with an expert if you are not sure about your gibberish . .
a year ago
Like
Reply
Gregor **********
@Steve *******
 Yes, Thai Immigration is wrong. They are too lazy to correct their confusion. A visa is not the same as a stay permit. Period!
a year ago
Like
Reply
Gregor **********
@Matteo **********
 you are still in the wrong. It is a 1 year Extension of the stay permit that you received when you entered Thailand with a "Non-O-retirement Visa". The visa cannot be extended any more because it became invalid for use at the port of entry. The visa doesn't exist any more, and that's why it cannot be extended 😇 🙂
a year ago
Like
Reply
Steve ********
@Gregor *********
 It's a visa extension. That's the correct term.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Gregor **********
@Steve *******
 That's wrong! No, it's not a visa extension. A visa cannot get extended at all! The visa is already invalid/"Used". It's a stay permit extension. It's just that Thai Immigration doesn't make a difference between a visa and a stay permit, although they are technically speaking not the same thing
a year ago
Like
Reply
Steve ********
@Gregor *********
 Ok, so Thailand Immigration is wrong, but you're right. I think I'll go with the official title, not your invented one! 😂😂😂

*****************************************
*****
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Steve ********
Reply
John **********
It's most likely an extension based on a Non-O but it will depend on the original visa it's based on. If you obtained the original visa inside Thailand it will be a Non-O but if you obtained it in your home country it could be either so you'd need to check the actual visa rather than the extension stamp
a year ago
Like
Reply
Marty *********
@John *********
 If it is an extension then they would have required insurance if it as an OA.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Marty *********
Reply
Steve ********
It'll be a non-O
a year ago
Like
Reply
Bennett ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve *******
 thank you!
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Bennett ********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
What are the key differences between Non-O and Non-OA retirement visas in Thailand?
71 comments
9 months ago
What is the difference between a retirement visa and a retirement extension in Thailand?
32 comments
a year ago
Which is more beneficial for a retirement visa in Thailand, the O visa or the O-A visa?
20 comments
2 years ago
What are the differences between Non-Immigrant O and Non-Immigrant OA visas in Thailand?
6 comments
2 years ago
What are the differences between the Non-O and Non-OA retirement visas in Thailand?
19 comments
2 years ago
What are the differences between an OA and an O visa in Thailand?
28 comments
3 years ago
What are the differences between Non-O and Non-OA visas in Thailand, and why did my stay duration change after re-entry?
28 comments
3 years ago
What are the differences between the Retirement O visa and the Retirement OA visa in Thailand?
31 comments
3 years ago
What is the difference between Non-O Visa and Non-OA Visa for Thailand?
9 comments
3 years ago
What are the differences between Non-O and Non-OA visas for retirement in Thailand?
2 comments
3 years ago
What are the key differences between a Non-Immigrant O (Retirement) visa and a Non-Immigrant OA visa in Thailand?
44 comments
4 years ago
What are the Differences Between Thailand's Non-O and Non-OA Retirement Visas?
38 comments
5 years ago
What Are the Differences Between Non-Imm O and Non-Imm O-A Retirement Visas in Thailand?
9 comments
5 years ago
What Is the Difference Between O and O-A Visa Extensions in Thailand?
12 comments
5 years ago
What Should I Look for to Confirm My O-A Retirement Visa in Thailand?
7 comments
5 years ago
What Is the Difference Between Non-O and Non-O-A Visas in Thailand?
11 comments
5 years ago
What Are the Differences Between O and OA Visas in Thailand?
5 comments
5 years ago
What are the differences between the NON-O and NON-OA visas when it comes to extensions and 90-day reporting in Thailand?
13 comments
5 years ago
What Are the Differences Between Non-Immigrant O-A and Non-Immigrant O Visas in Thailand?
11 comments
5 years ago
How can I determine if my retirement visa is a Non-O or Non-OA in Thailand?
3 comments
5 years ago
How can I determine if I have an 'O', 'O-A', or 'O-X' Non-Immigration Visa in Thailand?
9 comments
5 years ago
What is the difference between an O visa with an extension for retirement and an O-A visa in Thailand?
25 comments
6 years ago
What are the key differences between the Non Immigrant O-A visa and the Extension of Stay for retirees in Thailand?
22 comments
6 years ago
What is the difference between a retirement visa (O-A) and an extension of stay in Thailand?
30 comments
6 years ago
What is the difference between a retirement visa and an extension of stay for retirement in Thailand?
7 comments
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.