DrJack54

Not if he has enough days remaining on permit. 15 days at most offices and eg CM 21 days. He does not have to obtain the 30 day extension

Step 1 is to obtain non O based on retirement. That requires 800k in bank account in your name on day of application. Note also need 15+days remaining on your permission of stay to apply for the non O. That gives you 90 day stay. Step 2 in the last 30 days of your 90 day stamp apply for 12 month extension. The money needs to be in bank for 2 months + on day of application for extension

Just be aware that you need check in and obtain boarding pass as the reentry permit office is after security check. The check in with airline opens well prior to flight time. Don't go ridiculously early as check in may not have opened. The permit office very often has no one waiting. You will be fine.

Think an option would be to ask immigration officer if he will stamp you in for 30days. Overlook your reentry permit. If rejected obviously receive the until stamp given to Aug 15. Deal with your party etc. Then do a border bounce when your permit is expiring and reenter visa exempt.

You can buy a rent a "flight ticket". Google that term and you will find companies that provide that onward flight that sometimes airlines require. You could also buy the cheapest throw away ticket. Not cheap perhaps approx 1500baht. The plan you outline to obtain the non O in Thailand and subsequent extension will be fine. Don't think tourist visa is best option. As you mentioned.....you can obtain 60 day extension to visit Thai wife. Do you have Thai bank account in your name for the non O .

I mentioned that option in previous post....... "There are financial requirements. Being from Germany you can use income method or money in bank method."

Yes. It's the norm Your extension is basically already approved. Disregard pick up being past and existing permission of stay.

That is a scaremongering post and frankly embarrassing. There is zero issue obtaining reentry permit at airport. There are many immigration officers that would take care of application. By all means waste a day at immigration..

As you mentioned it's all about the immigration office and that's why I asked OP early which office. He is KK so best from someone dealing with that office to give first hand experience. I deal with CW so the procedure I use is perhaps not helpful for the OP.

The OP does not deal with CW. The non O is obtained at office where you live. The non O retirement extensions has very little paperwork compared to extentions marriage. However very big difference in financial requirements.

Which immigration office. Yes day prior is fine.

When you change reason for extension your new extension starts from day of application not from expiry of existing extension

No offense taken. I have read report recently of immigration at passport control in Thailand asking for flight out. That turned out to be 3 years ago at a time when DMK (in particular) went a bit crazy. It's very rare for that to occur. The requirement of onward flight would in the main be from airline at departure. BTW the guy that made report did not have onward flight and was admitted.

Illegal doesn't come into it. The rent ticket would either be accepted or rejected. If rejected could step away from check in and book throw away flight. Have never read report of airline not accepting.

No Thaipass or insurance required. If you are vaccinated have proof with you. Your 2 months left on extension is irrelevant as you did not obtain reentry permit.

That is correct and if your stay was over 6 months (you indicated 6-8 months) you would require 2 border runs. You indicated not preferred option due to health. You would need to exit Thailand twice.

Which immigration office

OP your UK passport would cover it.

It requires insurance was my point.

A non O retirement visa gives you a 90 day stamp. You can obtain the non O in own country or inside Thailand from tourist visa or visa exempt entry. In the last 30 days of that permit you apply for a 12 month extension. There are financial requirements. Being from Germany you can use income method or money in bank method. When you refer to a multiple entry you are referring to non O-A. That visa gives you a one year permission of stay every time you enter Thailand durning the one year life of the visa. Previously this would be very good option for you. However it comes with an insurance requirement and for many that has made it less appealing. With the non O and annual extensions you would need to be in Thailand each year to apply for your extension.

Many tick second box.. Which immigration office are you dealing with?

When I stated "has financial requirements" I was referring to obtaining a non O and subsequent 12 month extension. As I mentioned couple of times in thread I think there are better options. Lot depends on your longer term plans. Is this 6 month stay in Thailand plan to be ongoing. 6 in Thailand 6 somewhere else. Outline your plan and think you will obtain better suggestions. Regarding your 90 day report. Worry about that later. It's a minor thing.

Yes. What is your recent history of staying in Thailand.

Since the OP,s friend is asking about entering thailand the preamble regarding "first world countries" is irrelevant.

#1 is simple and bullet proof. Some folk simply lock away 800k and keep it in dedicated bank account. #3 some immigration offices do not accept combination method.