How many Non-Immigrant Visa categories are there, and how do I choose?
Eight main categories foreigners use: Non-B (regular employment), Non-B-A (investor ≥ THB 10M), Non-O (family/spouse/child/parent of Thai), Non-O-A (retirement 50+), Non-O-X (10-year, 14 nations), Non-ED (student), Non-M (media/journalist), Non-O Volunteer (NGO). Choose by (1) purpose (work/reside/study), (2) duration (short = Non-B; 10-year = LTR/Elite), (3) budget (deposit 0-3M), (4) nationality (Non-O-X limited to 14 nations).
Non-B vs Smart Visa — key differences?
Non-B: 1 year renewals, separate WP required (THB 3-6k/yr), 90-day reporting, employer change = new WP, works in any industry. Smart T/I/E/S/O: 1-4 years, WP-inclusive, 12-month reporting, spouse can work, only 13 BOI target industries, airport fast track. Cost roughly THB 5-15k/year for both.
Non-O (Thai spouse) — how many months must I hold THB 400k?
First application: THB 400,000 in a Thai bank for 2 months prior. Renewal: ≥ THB 400k for 3 months before + must stay 2 months after. Early withdrawal breaks the rule — restart the clock, or switch to the income route (THB 40k/month with Income Letter).
Does Non-O-A require health insurance?
Yes — mandatory since 1 Oct 2022. Minimum USD 100,000 (~THB 3.5M) from a Thai OIC-approved insurer (15 main providers), COVID/pandemic covered. Premium THB 30-60k/year age 50-70, rising sharply with age. Regular Non-O (spouse) does not require insurance.
Non-O-A vs Non-O-X vs LTR-WP — which retirement path?
Non-O-A: 1-year renewals, THB 800k deposit, USD 100k insurance, flexible withdrawal — for 1-4 year stays. Non-O-X: 5+5 years, THB 3M locked deposit, 40k/400k insurance, only 14 nations — for 5-10 year stays. LTR-WP (Wealthy Pensioner): 10 years, USD 80k/yr income, Digital WP, fast track, optional 17% flat tax — for 10+ years. Rule of thumb: ≤4y = O-A, 5-10y = LTR-WP (easier than O-X), ≥10y = LTR/Elite.
Non-ED — which language schools does immigration accept?
Schools licensed by (1) Ministry of Education, (2) Office of Vocational Education Commission, or (3) ONIE (non-formal education office). Curriculum ≥4 hrs/week, attendance ≥70% (roll-call). Immigration audits regularly — 'ghost schools' get visa cancellation + blacklist.
Non-B extension in Thailand — company requirements?
Company must have (1) paid-up capital ≥ THB 2M per foreign staff (BOI exempt), (2) 4 Thai employees per foreigner, (3) latest PND-1 showing Thai + foreign salaries, (4) most recent financials without accumulated losses, (5) foreigner salary ≥ THB 50k for some nationalities, (6) valid Work Permit. Fail any = refusal.
Apostille (14 Feb 2026) — which Non-Immigrant types benefit?
All that use foreign documents: Non-B (degree + WP-3), Non-O (marriage/birth), Non-O-A (police + medical), Non-ED (degree + transcript), Non-M (portfolio). Before: Thai embassy legalisation 2-4 weeks + THB 2-5k. After: single Apostille sticker 5-10 days + THB 500-2k. Cuts visa filing by 2-3 weeks and 40-60% cost.
Can I change Non-Immigrant category inside Thailand?
Some allowed: (1) Tourist/TR → Non-B via TM-86 with employment contract + WP-3, (2) Non-ED → Non-B after graduation + employer, (3) Non-O (marriage) → Non-B (still needs WP), (4) Non-B → Non-O when spouse still Thai. Not allowed: Non-O-A → Non-B (retirement can't work), Tourist → Non-O-A. Fee THB 2,000, timeline 30 days.
What happens if my Non-Immigrant Visa expires while I'm in Thailand?
1-30 days overstay: THB 500/day, max THB 20,000, can still extend, no blacklist. 31-90 days: THB 20k + airport report on exit. 91d-1y: 1-year re-entry ban + THB 20k. 1-3y: 3y ban (self-report) or 5y (caught). 3-5y: 5y (self) / 7y (caught). >5y: 10y ban. Best practice: file extension or exit 15 days before expiry.
