DrJack54

100% wrong. The OP asked a simple question. Think at age of 81 he has the right to make a call on what he wants, which appears to be use agent for non O and subsequent extensions and live in Thailand. Folk standing on a dias preaching, provide poor advice.

What ongoing hassle.

That is correct. He would require a new non O. As you know the financials are checked retrospectively. Believe after killing off the existing non O he could also reenter visa exempt and obtain the non O with 800k in bank. All bit irrelevant as he doesn't have the dosh and at 81 thinking agent is good option given his age. I for one will certainly be using agent if I make mid 70,s

Yes. I use FD account with Kasikorn for my extension financial requirements

Haven't looked at EZ savings rate. Probably more like 2.5% Also that return is taxed. The topic is discussed in banking/finance forum. Edit: just checked EZ savings SCB Bank. Rate seems less than what I posted. Best check it out yourself

OP, have you already entered Thailand. Your wife would need to enter Thailand on a Non O in order to piggyback as your dependant. Re the 800k you can put it into a fixed deposit account that pays bit better interest. "EZ Savings" is good rate It's an account without bankbook. Covered in this thread https://aseannow.com/topic/1314449-highest-interest-rates-on-saving-and-money-market-accounts/

That information from London embassy is incorrect. Nothing unusual. Occurs often.

They cannot do anything to extend his permission of stay apart from applying for extension and having it rejected be given 7> days. He needs more than that. Border run coming up.

There is no way to obtain the couple of weeks. You need to exit Thailand and do border bounce for 30 day visa exempt entry. Even then you will need 30 day extension to the visa exempt entry. Since you are in Pattaya you can use one of the many companies that do border bounce (same day) This guy @Pattaya57 did one recently and gave positive review. By all means chat with eg Maneerat for expert advice. Seems NAN is the lady to talk to.

Not really up to you is it. The OP asked a simple question regarding use of agents. He has in the main been given sound advice. Your posts are off topic.

You already have the Thai bank account so that's very handy. You cannot do anything in regards to obtaining the Non O retirement which is first step for the agent. If you wish to come to Thailand prior to turning 50 you could obtain a SETV in own country. That gives you 60 days and can be extended by 30. By then you will be 50. There is a current thread asking about agent. Will attach the links. My post in this thread has links to 2 threads. Also one specific to Pattaya. Maneerat is one often recommended. There are others. https://aseannow.com/topic/1316124-retirement-visa-agent-recommendations/ "I have a bank account but prefer not to put my 800 k into it. Will an agency help me with that?" Answer: yes

As others have mentioned..... Are you in Thailand? Do you have a Thai bank account? Where do you plan to live in Thailand? Passport country? Marital status? Assume you want agent to avoid financial requirements?

Struck

Already suggested to the OP in his other thread. Seems he has opted for one stop agent. I'm sure he is aware of option of obtaining non O in home country.

In addition to your non O and annual extensions you may wish to consider money transfers. There is a banking/finance forum. Lot of USA guys use WISE. I also use them for transfers from Oz. Simple process for ongoing living in Thailand

Previous typo altered

OP, both answers above from @Lemsta69 and @scubascuba3 have you covered. In Bangkok you could check out thaivisacentre however they will be more expensive. Given that you also require time for agent to open bank account entering Thailand with a tourist visa is an option. Also possible with visa exempt entry. https://aseannow.com/topic/1307506-good-visa-agent-in-2023-recommendation/ https://aseannow.com/topic/1285997-visa-agent-pattaya/

No

I realize not related to your question however if your plans change in the future and you require far more extensive stay in Thailand you can obtain METV via mail from Canberra

Cannot see any issue with your plan. The two big positives is that only shortish stays (30 days) and good gap between visits. No issue. Without being rude you age is also a positive. Doubtful you are working in Thailand. Be aware that for visa exempt entry the airline at departure from Oz will want to see return/onward flight within 30 days. Jetstar one example. Ways around this if you decide to obtain an extension at immigration.

Far from pedantic. It determines the #of days you are given and ability to obtain extension. Completely different animals.

Thinking the folk that mentioned "twice" are referring to visa exempt via land borders and yes that is limited to 2 per calendar year. As for entries via air there is no stated limit.

OP, it's all about length of stay per visit and time between visits. You could provide more detail of your pattern of travel to Thailand

Exactly. Also @BritTim suggested same. Good advice above from @highfive also.

This guy recently did a report of run from Pattaya with what seemed to be pretty good company. @Pattaya57 https://aseannow.com/topic/1312731-border-run-pattaya-to-cambodia/ https://aseannow.com/topic/1283219-first-border-run-from-pattaya-to-cambodia/