O-A Visa

[alans]

I have an English mate who has been in Thailand for about 5 years and currently lives in Bangkok. We have been discussing the compulsory health insurance. He tells me because his O-A Retirement Visa was originally issued in Thailand, he doesn't need health insurance. I think he might be wrong and could be in trouble when he next extends his Visa, but would like some advice?

[gotlost]

I have an English mate who has been in Thailand for about 5 years and currently lives in Bangkok. We have been discussing the compulsory health insurance. He tells me because his O-A Retirement Visa was originally issued in Thailand, he doesn't need health insurance. I think he might be wrong and could be in trouble when he next extends his Visa, but would like some advice?

O-A visa can only be issued in your home country not in Thailand.

[alans]

That's what I thought but he is adamant he got it here. He has used a dodgy agent from day one, who takes him to Pattaya to do extensions and get him "around" the financial requirements. Personally, I think he will take a tumble next time it is time to extend, both for the health insurance and financial requirements, now the funds have to be in your account for a period before and after the extension. Up to now the agent has deposited 800k in the morning and withdrew it once the extension was approved.

[gotlost]

That's what I thought but he is adamant he got it here. He has used a dodgy agent from day one, who takes him to Pattaya to do extensions and get him "around" the financial requirements. Personally, I think he will take a tumble next time it is time to extend, both for the health insurance and financial requirements, now the funds have to be in your account for a period before and after the extension. Up to now the agent has deposited 800k in the morning and withdrew it once the extension was approved.

 
 
He can go back and pay again. They will sort it out for him.