First Time Retirement Visa

[Dodger]

This is not Barry Kenyon…and it is a new requirement.
https://www.thaihealth.co.th/en/non-...nt-o-a-1-year/

I know, I was referring to Barry's similar article in today's PattayaOne.

Ironically, my extension expired on Oct 1, 2021. I had the insurance they were looking for (as described in these articles you're reading) so there was no problem.

The reason I upgraded my policy through AA earlier this year was exactly for this reason.

They're trying to push the sales of these policies now because the flood gates are about to open, thus the reason the article you just linked us to only addresses new applicants for the O-A visa - when in fact, it applies to all holders of O-A visa's.

Wide-spread rumor has it that O-Visa holders are next on the hit parade.

I'm just going to throw this out there:

Immigration isn't necessarily thrilled with people who comply. They would much rather have people use the services of an Agent. You and I both know the reason why. Of the 16 foreign expats that reside in my building here in Bang Saray, there's only one guy, other than myself, that complies with all these requirements and walks into immigration every year to extend. The rest just go about enjoying life and let their Agents handle the rest.

TIT

[Manforallseasons]

I agree at some point all long term holders of an O visa will be required to meet the new insurance requirements and I suggest anyone with a long stay O visa makes sure their policy has no age cut off date, as time goes on many that wait to buy insurance will be unable as they will be deemed too old.

[Gaybutton]

I agree at some point all long term holders of an O visa will be required to meet the new insurance requirements

I agree with what you say about trying to make sure of having an insurance policy that has no age cut off date. I certainly wouldn't want my insurance to be cut off as I am reaching the age at which I am more and more likely to need it.

As for what will be required for O retirement visa holders, maybe requirements will change and maybe they won't. Many have convinced themselves that they will. However, the fact remains that so far I have seen no indication whatsoever that will happen. Even if it does happen, we don't know whether requirements will be grandfathered in.

I learned a very long time ago to follow the advice of one of my old friends, a prosecution attorney in Florida: "Don't worry until you have something to worry about." That is good advice and so far from immigration there is nothing to worry about. I'll do my worrying if and when some sort of official change comes out if they start requiring something I can't comply with. I won't be losing any sleep over rumor mill predictions.

[Oliver2]

If our applications are rejected for this reason, I assume we will be able to find different insurance cover and resubmit. And, in general terms, l also assume, or at least hope, that an application that is rejected will include an explanation as to why.

[Dodger]

If our applications are rejected for this reason, I assume we will be able to find different insurance cover and resubmit. And, in general terms, l also assume, or at least hope, that an application that is rejected will include an explanation as to why.

Personally, I'd rather do it the right way from the beginning and remove all these assumptions.

Telling ones insurance company that IP and OP coverage must be clearly described for immigration purposes should suffice. If the Company can't and won't do that, then I'd question the coverage myself and find another company..

[goji]

Personally, I'd rather do it the right way from the beginning and remove all these assumptions.

That's normally what I'd do. However, Emirates provide insurance included in the cost of the ticket.
The insurance is proven to meet Thai requirements for the covid insurance on COE, but I'd forgotten that the O-visa has different insurance requirements.


I've avoided middle Eastern airlines like Emirates in the past, but these days the choice of flights is more limited. The combination of free changes, with no limit on extensions to the trip, free insurance and sensible flight times swung the decision.
The alternatives were KLM, who would not allow a later change of flight beyond 3 months and Swiss, who had an inconvenient early morning departure from LHR.

The "free" insurance lasts for the duration of the trip, which was, I thought, a big plus.
Unfortunately, "If the trip is extended after I take the outbound flight, they cannot extend the insurance".
This is a slight blow, as it would be unwise to start with a return flight that is beyond 90 days.

[goji]

90 day O-visa received, with the "free" Emirates insurance.

[Dodger]

90 day O-visa received, with the "free" Emirates insurance.

You mentioned before that Emirates insurance has been proven to meet Thai covid requirements (U.S. $50k) - so it looks like you're all set.

Happy sailing.

[Oliver2]

Excellent news. Thanks for sharing.

[francois]

It has been posted on AesanNow that a Non-O visa (not Non O-A) can now be had in USA at a Thai consulate/embassy.