DrJack54

No problem. It's not required. I can't account for immigration officers not being up to date.

No. Most agents use Bangkok Bank. The cost will be 4-4.5k max. No insurance

You have Reentry permit. No TM30 required.

Hotels should do TM30 for any foreign guest. How did you enter Thailand? Did you have a reentry permit. Also are you intending to need to attend immigration for example an extension?

When you returned to Thailand was it on an existing visa or reentry permit then you do not need to file a TM30. On the other have if you returned visa exempt or a new visa (eg tourist visa) then you would need to file a TM30 if planning to have interaction with immigration office.

The METV is supposed to be applied for in your own country or country where you have permanent residency. Some folk have asked about obtaining a METV eVisa and just use that when entering from another country (eg Vietnam). I haven't seen a report of someone actually doing that. More just asking if it's possible. Farang are slippery at times. In Saigon you could obtain a setv at the consulate. Appointment required

Certainly they will require something to indicate your address when you apply for the non O. A TM30 should be sufficient. Fo some obtaining a non O retirement inside Thailand may not at that stage have a rental contract etc. For your first extension you at that point would still not have made a 90 day report so again just have the TM30 for your current address.

Your right to go.

It's a ripper and perfect for 45 yr old. Threads on that and currently it's 600k but basically gives a 5 yr stay and can be extended. For someone say 48 then its prob best to stuff around with visas and visa exempt entries until they turn 50 and and do non O retirement. Marriage is a solution but imo should never be done for visa options. Note: there is a current thread running on METV. Might be worth a read.

First up two different visas Single entry non O retirement gives a 90 day stamp. In the last 30 days of that permit you obtain a 12 month extension. No need to leave Thailand during that time. If you do wish is exit and reenter you need to purchase a reentry permit either single or multiple. 1000 and 3800 respectively. A multiple entry visa based on marriage is a 12 month visa and allows for stays up to 90 days and then you need to exit. Note that a 60 day extension is available to the 90 day stay for each entry. I realize you are asking about retirement. This ME Non O marriage is popular with some married guys as it does not require the same financials. ME Non retirement was previously available at Savannakhet however I think only based on marriage is currently available.

An METV gives you up to 9 month stay. For 6 months border bounces with extensions give 60 days messy but you are able to obtain 2 per calendar year. Tourist visa with extension would give approx 3 months and then you could do visa run. My choice is Saigon but many go to Laos. To some extent depends where you are based in Thailand. Obviously at 45 yrs best option is PE (Elite visa) 5 years easy peasy but pricey.

So 9 days and no approval. Personally I would do in person report at immigration. Without approval the fact that you filed is irrelevant. Of course in future you an file up to 15 days early giving more wriggle room.

Assume you are under 50? Your travel patterns should not cause an issue however while visa exempt entry via air have no stated limit you will come under increased scrutiny. For ongoing 6-9 months per year in Thailand visa exempt entries not best option.

Nup. It's useless added material. The entry stamp in your passport confirms when your 90 report is due not some boarding pass.

Little point in obtaining a tourist visa. Just do a border bounce for visa exempt entry. Exit on or prior to 6th. Reenter on 7th or later. You will be given a 45 day stamp. Your non O-A is then gone. Next go to immigration and obtain a non O. That gives a 90 day stamp. In the last 30 days of that permission apply for 12 month extension.

Need to have made a 90 day report. "Or do I need to wait and ask for it when I do my first 90 day report?" You can apply for the residence certificate immediately after filing your 90 report so good idea to do it in person. You can photocopy the receipt and hand that over for the residence certificate. That costs 200baht and is mailed to you SMS. Stated to take 2 weeks but more often within a week. If your embassy supplies an equivalent (proof of address) then you can use that. Immigration better option.

No. Also no insurance required for the extension.

No offense but things have changed dramatically with the new money laundering laws. I also opened my first ever Thai bank account many years ago on a tourist visa in Bangkok. Not possible now.

I recommend agents that have tract record for particular job. In Bangkok Siam Legal has assisted many in opening bank account. Approx 4k . Money well spent. All the agents in Pattaya do it also for folk that live there.

Above post covered your questions. I assume you did not purchase a reentry permit to protect your extension from the non O. If that's the case just enter visa exempt that gives a 45 day stamp. Plenty of time to obtain the non O. Regards money from overseas requirement, check with your immigration office. If the funds have been here in Thailand for some time then might not need to show that funds come from o/s

I have not however I note that they have a physical office and staff and reviews. Non O retirement and subsequent extension is a simple process for agent and also can be done by yourself if funds in the bank. You could also chat with ThaiVisaCentre

Ouch....few years back when they had crackdown on TM30 most folk were being fined 800b

What is your planned stay? As I mentioned above...unless you have need to deal with immigration then no need to concern yourself with TM30

Unless you plan to deal with immigration for eg extension then no TM30 required.

You entered on a tourist visa (60 days) and extended by 30 days. (not a non O) Only one extension per entry is possible. You need to do border run for a visa exempt entry or obtain another tourist visa at nearby consulate eg Laos, Cambodia etc