Applying for a Retirement visa OA in Thailand

[CamelToe]

I have been in talks with a Visa agent in Pattaya and it seems pretty straight forward to get a Retirement Visa OA set up,but they want my passport for up to 28 days....for what reason is this for? can someone with any knowledge clarify

Thanks in advance,sorry if this has been asked before

[davidge]

You cannot get a Non O-A Visa in Thailand. You can only get it in your home country.

Within Thailand you can get a Non O Visa ‘for Retirement’ which still enables you to get the annual extensions each year but does not require Health Insurance.

If you use an agent, they will convert your Tourist Visa (or Visa Exempt) to a Non O - this is what takes time, usually a minimum of 15 days so they’re probably playing it safe by saying 28 days. They will also get your first annual extension at the same time so when you get your passport back you will be ok for 15 months before your next extension.

[G_Money]

21 minutes ago, davidge said:

You cannot get a Non O-A Visa in Thailand. You can only get it in your home country.

Within Thailand you can get a Non O Visa ‘for Retirement’ which still enables you to get the annual extensions each year but does not require Health Insurance.

If you use an agent, they will convert your Tourist Visa (or Visa Exempt) to a Non O - this is what takes time, usually a minimum of 15 days so they’re probably playing it safe by saying 28 days. They will also get your first annual extension at the same time so when you get your passport back you will be ok for 15 months before your next extension.

100% correct 

[CamelToe]

Cheers guys,thanks for the info