DrJack54

Consider that a "lost in translation" thing. There has never been specific requirement to return to home country flight. It's a "get out of dodge" flight.

That is just a rogue request. First up it would only need to be flight out of Thailand (onward flight) and even that should not be required. Let the games begin.

So this just happened to you now. Damn...would not have been such an issue if you had know. So seems these reports are solid now. One night stay required Nong Khai crossing. Did you try and offer some baht to obtain some flexibility?

The OP is referring specifically to visa exempt entry to Thailand

Off topic post re online reporting removed.

Posts re online 90 reporting will be removed as off topic

Think you will find that auto gates for visa exempt will only be made available when the proposed ETA is introduced and up and running.. When that is introduced is anyone's guess. Edit: ..From Mr Google.... "The ETA will allow a single entry and be valid for up to 60 days. Visitors can extend their stay by 30 days if needed. Those with an ETA can use automated immigration gates at checkpoints. By scanning the QR code on their ETA, travellers will be able to clear immigration more quickly."

That is very true. Some put it down to possible "fake marriages of convenience" Guys (some) married to Thai national for many years would beg to differ. Rightfully so. imo

I'm aware of the nonsense re "income letter" from embassies. Then Thai immigration wanted the income verified. So some embassies stopped providing them. Passport renewal is completely unrelated. There should be zero requirement to submit current pp in application process. What do they need it for.

Long statement regarding legality of agents removed. I posted this early on... "Further posts re legality or otherwise of agents will be removed as off topic"

What service are you looking for. https://aseannow.com/topic/1298468-good-visa-agency-in-chiang-mai/

The married guys certainly get put through the ringer compared to extensions retirement. If any guys 50+ can use income method (65k per month) then of course extensions retirement is an option..

Yes I was extremely surprised to find out that both Canada, USA, and no doubt many others require existing pp to be part of the application. Especially given that my recent renewal AU passport was all done online using my Android. The existing pp is not included with application.

Was not aware of that. That would be really helpful.

This is form CW and some other offices use https://aseannow.com/applications/core/interface/file/attachment.php?id=995063&key=4ad28e64c063398b61d0a726240743c6 Notice list of docs bottom of form. If using money in bank method for extension retirement be aware that some offices want bank book and update. This is new rabbit trap. Don't worry about anything from embassy some embassies have stopped providing letter to immigration to allow transfer.. Great you got the new boy. Don't forget to update your bank. They will do that for you next time you deal with teller.

First up I edited my post re overstay. Yes if you decide to start over then obtaining the 60 day extension would see you past flight departure date. To start over you could obtain non O marriage eVisa in UK OR Return visa exempt and obtain non O at local immigration office.

Don't follow. The OP was blind sided. Previously he would not have had that type of issue at that border crossing. Welcome to the "new age" of border runs.

You won't be on overstay. The 60 won't help as that pushes expiry date to approx May 4 and you will be out of Thailand. However would avoid overstay if you plan to start over. Suggest you apply for the 12 month extension as you outlined and if arrives on time great.... If not then take your flight and start over with new non O OR buy another flight. Painful

Oh Geez...the 60 extension doesn't help. So expiry March 4 you can apply extension ~ Feb 4 (if funds seasoned for 2 months) Interesting.

As soon as you apply for the 12 month extension that locks you into those dates. Meaning you will be given an under consideration period. I realize you have provided various dates. To refresh. What is Date of expiry of current permission of stay. Dates of period of this trip out of Thailand.

Occasionally when someone applies for a 12 month extension (marriage) and is under consideration period, an urgent need may occur to exit Thailand. Yes a reentry permit can be obtained however it's expiry date will be same as your "return date" for final stamp

A 60 day extension "to visit wife" is done and dusted on day of application. If have not applied for 12 months extension you can obtain the 60 day extension. Sometimes done to buy time for seasoning.

No.

ubonjoe cut/paste covers it. And yes you could use income method with 12 month of transfers. "To apply for a non-o visa based upon marriage you would have to go to a embassy or consulate. Immigration does not change non immigrant visa categories. You would have to have a tourist visa or visa exempt entry to apply for a non immigrant category O visa at immigration. If you are on the 90 day entry from a non-b visa you could apply for an extension of stay based upon marriage at immigration. If on a one year extension of stay issued upon working issued at immigration you could change the reason for it to one based upon marriage after your current extension is canceled"

You are over stating the importance of retired expats in Thailand. Most of who are very happy with living here. The financial requirements, especially for married folk are not onerous. Granted the paperwork across the board could/should be simplified.