DrJack54

No need to go on day of expiry. However if handy to your immigration office chat with them about your plan.

The "at the discretion of io" is true however generally refers to entries via air and land for entry. Most commonly in reference to continuous stay using visa exempt etc. Even businesses have that type of statement. eg Restaurant with small print "we reserve the right to refuse service" Can that same immigration officer refuse to issue say a reentry permit. No. The io,s are clerks. "At io discretion" is dangerous option for some power tripping io in random office. My guess is he was waiting for the farang to offer 5k (inducement) plus the 2k (visa fee) The dragon lady at Jomtien being infamous for making up rules such as recent thread requiring funds in the bank for 2 months converting from visa exempt to non O retirement. And she gets away with it. Outrageous.

I have never seen one. Relax your application will be approved.

This thread has no mention of using an agent. Everyone is aware of having agents obtain a non O and subsequent 12 month extension. Your point...

Your expiry date now means nothing as you application is under consideration. No worries just wait.

The immigration officer is completely wrong.. There have been so so many threads where folk have exited Thailand to kill off the non O-A reenter visa exempt and obtain a non O using TM87 form. Zero issues. This thread is basically about couple of rogue officers/offices.

There are MANY threads outlining procedure to "kill off" the Non O-A and obtain a Non O based on retirement. In summary the way to do this is to exit Thailand and obtain a non O in nearby consulate OR..... Exit Thailand without reentry permit and reenter visa exempt. Subsequently with TM87 and required other docs the main one being funds in the bank obtain a non O. This has been common place since the introduction of insurance requirements. The visa exempt entry can be done via land borders and air.

Immigration allows "conversion" from tourist visa or visa exempt to a non O based on retirement or marriage.. From tourist visa use TM86 and from visa exempt use TM87. This thread is highlighting the few immigration offices that make up their own rules. Another example is Jomtien where they are insisting of funds seasoned for two months for the conversion to Non O when of course the funds only need to be in bank on day of application. Fortunately these rubbish offices are very small number out of ~ 75.

Again. Irrelevant! The OP does not have a non immigrant visa. Also 5 years ago situation is irrelevant. Rules for banks have changed drastically. As for links to bank rules be it Bangkok bank or whatever just ignore them. They are all out of date.

Deal with OP. Read again his question and note his situation. As far as using a non O-A to avoid having funds in a Thai bank account that would require a new non O-A every 2 years. The OP clearly not opted for that..

The OP cannot obtain a non O-A. So nothing to consider. It's not an option. He won't find an "accommodating branch" (in Bangkok) .

There are even worse examples. Current thread where Jomtien requiring 2 months seasoning for application for non O. The actual rule is 800/400 on day of application. To be clear I'm not referring to extensions rather application for non O . Ridiculous rogue immigration offices in Thailand.

You really do not understand the financial requirements for a non O-A.

That would be crazy option. Non O-A only available in home country or country where you have permanent residency status. You would be better off to obtain non O based on retirement. The OP stated this.... "So I have just arrived on a 60 day tourist visa, and am planning to apply for the retirement visa" Yet you post about non O-A. Funny.

The big roller Thai made zero difference. You had appropriate visa for bank requirements at that time. You did not state when this occurred. In last few years requirements have changed significantly

In case you missed it... This is from OP... "Does anyone now of any other bangkok based agent that can still open an account? " The OP is asking about CW Pattaya is irrelevant. Bangkok is the only province that has the TM47 requirement.

Unfortunately true. There are couple of offices that play that game. Fortunately the other 73 offices require 2 months prior to application. As usual in Thailand everyone needs to be aware of their own immigration office requirements. Bit ridiculous when you think about it.

Agents that I have dealt with in CW state that they cannot assist with certificate of residence. Added issue is that to do it yourself requires a 90 day report at CW. I did this one week ago for TDL. TikTok Jomtien charge 1500b for certificate of residence. . Perhaps the 700b is for hand holding and jump que. Still worth it.

Mike, that's an impressive site. For once clearly laid out details of services. . 4k for bank account very reasonable. Along with other services. Hopefully someone will report personal experience at some stage.

OP, talk about minimal details. You need do lot better than that for sensible advice.

No

Bingo!

Immigration officer is a nutter. Which immigration office.

I did exactly that in 2021 at Chatuchak DLT. There was only certain number of "spots" per day for foreigners. I used BSR bikes for the "spot" and hand holding. 2500b for car & bike. 1800b car only. Those prices included DLT charge. This week on Wed made the appointment and paperwork check and Thur the actual license issue. Obviously no agent required. Very simple process.

I made typo error. Just corrected it. Regarding the deposit into FD account. "NOT required...". Having said that io can vary so I generally suggest a deposit into the FD is a good idea.