DrJack54

You can enter Thailand on visa exempt provided you don't have a valid visa or reentry permit. Multi entry non O based on marriage is still available at places such as Savannakhet. You now require 400k seasoned for 2 months. What is the ongoing plan? You can enter visa exempt and obtain a non O at local immigration office and subsequent 12 month extension.

Thanks for the update. So definitely funds 2 months. Indeed apply for your 12 month extension after can show funds in your Thai bank for 2 months+

This thread may provide some options. Personally I would be spending few days in Saigon . Direct flights should be available from CM. https://aseannow.com/topic/1336345-lao-borders-some-at-least-now-requiring-overnight-stay/

I haven't however previously could be done in person OR via mail.

The plan you outline and variations of visa exempt (60 days) with or without 30 day extensions will work. For how months continuous stay in Thailand with almost zero time out can you use visa exempt entries is up to the io at land borders and airports. There has always been not stated limits at airports however we do see denials of entry and warnings to obtain a "visa" Thinking some folk have read too much into the word "unlimited" used in announcement of the change to 60 days. Also how long the 60 days will continue. Only one person's opinion but I'm thinking folk could easily manage a 6 month stay (2 visa exempt + 2 extensions) After that spend some time elsewhere then VE again. Time will tell. Yes there are agents that can grease the wheels. Already mentioned in this thread. Current topic discussing some aspects of this https://aseannow.com/topic/1337283-splitting-my-time-between-thailand-my-originating-country/

You are not making sense. The OP is not married (he mentions partner) To have extensions from a non O it would be based on retirement. Regardless of how much of the year he spends in Thailand he would be required to meet the financial requirements. 800k 2 months prior + 3 months after application and not below 400k in other months. Not attractive for some. Again this thread is not about what may or may not happen re tax. He has options other than extensions from non O. Especially with visa exempt currently 60 days or it that changes perhaps a METV every year for 6 month stays per year.

Correct.

OP, correct answer above. The 800k for 2 months prior and 3 after concerns the date application is made. The 12 month extension will be from expiry date of current extension. In your case dec 15, regardless of application date

Yes the 800k pain for your plan of only 6 month in/out. Insurance not required if you obtain a non O based on retirement+ extension. Be aware that flying visa exempt to Thailand the airline at departure may require onward flight within 60 days. You can buy cheapest throw away ticket or check out google "onwardticket.com"

Seems that you have been obtaining extensions from a non O-A. Extensions from a non O-A based on retirement require insurance. Extensions from a non O-A based on marriage do not require insurance Extensions from a non O do not require insurance. If you really wish to kill off your non O-A then best option is to border bounce enter visa exempt and obtain non O retirement at your immigration office. imo remain with extensions based on marriage. Easy financial requirements.

Staff at airline desk issuing boarding pass would not use term "reentry permit". They are looking for evidence to be able to enter Thailand visa exempt. Meaning an onward flight within 30 (currently 60) days....OR A visa or reentry permit. Prior to covid I went to Vietnam every month for several years and am very well aware of what the airline staff are looking for. I even have the page with permit marked so I can show them quickly. As soon as they see it they proceed. In 2019 there were several reports of denied entry at BKK and DMK and airlines at departure were very vigilant on checking for onward flight or "visa" (again the word they use) Everyone knows that extension has requirement of being 50+ ...not retirement. The fact is everyone uses term "extension based on retirement"

Stop. Immigration and airline staff use the word "visa" for a one word cover all. Even at CW there is large sign "Visa Extension" No such thing. I don't have a visa. I have an extension based on retirement. The reentry permit allows me to reenter Thailand. I have had extensive chat with airline staff regarding this. You sound like you fly very little.

OP, as pointed out above.....visa exempt entry is currently 60 days so you will not need to obtain extension at Pattaya immigration. At departure from USA the airline may want to see your return/onward flight. A printout or screenshot of flight is fine. That's it good to go.

They know. Another example is the zillion times I've flown Saigon to Bangkok. The check in staff at Saigon flicking through my pp. Me: what are you looking for Them: visa. I then point them to reentry permit. My most recent trip (3 weeks ago) they did not ask for it.

Your posts are vague. Does your passport country provide income letter? For better advice which immigration office do you deal with. Most likely you have not seasoned 800k for 2 months. Combination method or monthly transfers will not work for you

Not the norm. If first extension from a non O marriage then immigration might allow extension based on retirement as it's more easy for them. However not the norm.

Providing boarding pass is standard. Immigration officers allow people through without as they are well aware that while it's required folk are poorly informed.

Yes it is the easiest solution without future problems that I also chose. That's fine for married folk. The OP is not married. While extensions from a non O retirement is an option it requires have funds (substantial) in Thai bank in his name only maintained all year round.

I see couple of easy options. Since you live in KK ...that is relatively shortish run to Nong Khai for border bounce. With visa exempt currently providing 60 day stamp + is extendable by 30 days .... You could simply fly into Thailand visa exempt and later do one border bounce = 60+30+60+30 (6 months) If at some point in future visa exempt reverts back to 30 days you could consider METV. Since border bounce not a big hike from KK.... you could even skip doing extensions and just bounce twice = 60 + 60 + 60 Wash and repeat following year.

Topic now covered. Thread closed.

Are you referring to visa exempt 60 days OR SETV (single entry tourist visa)? Both provide 60 stamp. Both can be extended by 30 days

The main one is 800k in Thai bank account in your name only seasoned for 2 months prior to day of application. Have you done that? BTW your wife will need to attend and your 12 month extension will commence date of application

800k for 2 months prior to day of application maintained for 3 months afterwards and back up to 800k 2 months prior to next extension and not below 400k in other months.

Seriously? In future buy a multiple reentry permit 3800b. You can even splurge and pay 200b for immigration at airport to fill in the TM8 and provide photo. Also be aware that flying visa exempt the airline at departure may wish to see onward flight. Poor plan..

Can obtain non O in Thailand even from visa exempt entry. (see attached thread). The UK guy could have done border bounce reentered visa exempt and apply for non O at local immigration office. If extra time is required to obtain funds then the 60 day visa exempt can be extended by 30 + he could obtain a 60 day extension to visit wife. https://aseannow.com/topic/1315828-visa-exempt-to-90-day-non-o-spouse-visa-conversion-in-thailand/