DrJack54

Just one example of thread..

Boring opportunity cost analysis. Done often to demonstrate what? Folk using money in bank method leaving 800k at minimal % rate are well aware of what that can earn in super account or other investment.. BTW very simplistic analysis. Choose to use an agent or meet the financial requirements... Up to you. Advice not required.

No problem. Your explanation very clear. Just posting to make you aware that this topic comes up often and I'm not sure of the forum that covers it. Read threads in "general" Think a mod will move your OP. Also many threads in particular local forums such as this one ...

Your first step will be to apply for residence certificate. Cost is 200baht. Takes up to 2 weeks to be posted out. In order to obtain a residence certificate in Bangkok you will need to have done 90 day reports. There are other requirements such as a medical certificate that is a formality at any clinic aware of requirements. Of course your divers license from home country is not retained. This topic cover in MANY threads in "motor forum"

I hope folk on extensions based on marriage take notice of your post. Bottom line is have the 400k for 2 months prior and maintain during under consideration period. Approx 3 months all up. Very sweet deal. Not difficult.

For starters the OP was asked at CW. Also many reports of being asked to show bank book at various immigration offices.

You mean final stamp after under consideration period? Current thread that touches on that. Best to maintain funds during under consideration period. Having said that have only read of being warned if the funds have not been maintained.

You are 50+ years of age hence you can obtain a non O based on retirement. You can obtain the non O retirement in USA or in Thailand from a visa exempt or tourist visa entry. Easy process. Non O marriage has benefit of much easier financials. However at this point you are not married.

No it's not true. Visa exempt entries via air are unlimited however you have spent lot of time in Thailand and some would suggest next entry via air would be best with obtaining tourist visa. There is no 6 month rule. You are allowed 2 land border visa exempt entries per calendar year.

Read ubonjoe post above. You did not receive "visa on arrival" You entered visa exempt and given 30 day stamp. You can apply at immigration office for 30 day extension. Cost 1900baht. No problem.

He does nothing special on arrival. Just que as normal. The io will notice UK passport and absence of visa or reentry permit and then stamp him in for 45 days (as from Oct 1) He will not require the items you mention to show to the io. At departure the airline may wish to see his onward (return) flight. Since he has this then zero issues.

Exactly. Do recall reports of receiving a warning when going for final stamp and money was checked and not 400k in account. Cannot recall someone being refused the final stamp for not having kept the 400k during the under consideration period. For those not sure best to ask their immigration office.

You could have filled in the TM7 along with acknowledgement forms yourself. Immigration must laugh at folk that accept charge of 8000baht to fill in simple form.

Was the OP,s first extension. The io may have asked for TM30. Also at office where they have assistants do doc check some just request TM30. I have similar history to yours. Been here 10 years and for first extension I had a lease. I have never done a TM30.

Back to back tourist visas ongoing is also risky.

Each entry to Thailand via land or air with a visa exempt or tourist visa can be extended by 30 days.

Just one person's opinion. The non O-A can only be obtain in your country. Apart from that it's not a good idea (imo). Also forget the O-X and others that you mention. The best pathway is non O marriage if you end up marrying or non O retirement. Both have financial requirements. Both provide ongoing annual extensions. Prior to you obtaining the non O and extentions you mention staying in Thailand with visa exempt stamps and 30 day extensions. That's possible however only for certain period time. While visa exempt entries via air have no limit, doing back to back out/in flights using visa exempt will end in tears. You have available 2 visa exempt via land with extensions. Also you can obtain tourist visa in nearby countries. Added note: Opening a bank account (in last few years) can be very difficult on a tourist visa or visa exempt stamp. Suggest that you use an agent for this. You do not need an agent for the non O and extentions.

OP, where are you planning to apply for the non O retirement. Be aware that you need to have 15 days remaining on your stamp. 21 days at some office such as CM. You can obtain 30 extension if more time is required. Bangkok Bank is one of the banks that WISE can transfer large sums so no problem there.

You can obtain a 30 day extension to tourist visa and visa exempt entry. Cost 1900baht. The TM30 is often ask for by immigration. It records where you are staying. If staying at a hotel then they can provide you with record of filing the TM30. Be aware that from Oct 1 the visa exempt gives a stamp of 45 days. Better option imo.

The hotel can do it Some immigration offices have a doc check and that screenshot can be printed out and satisfies immigration.

That is correct. Your family has a trip booked with return hence that satisfies the onward flight for visa exempt that the airline at departure sometimes asks for. The visa exempt entry will give a 45 day stamp. No need for tourist visa.

Think I'm being picky. The OP could have posted a more simple question.

From the OP.... "I have a current non o visa and I will be flying back with them from USA to Thailand soon". The OP is not in Thailand. Also bit irrelevant. The OP could have posted a must more simple question. That statement is not clear that family member actually has a return ticket. Also from the OP.. "or can we just buy a throw away ticket to show onward travel". The OP seems very aware of onward flight rules for visa exempt. Would be surprising not aware of 45 days from Oct 1

@raptorea can you clarify what onward flight or return flight that your family member has.

The OP is imo not clear. Mixing his trip with with family member. Bottom line is sounds like family member flying without visa. The airline may require onward flight. That applies to when visa exempt was 30 and also when 45.