DrJack54

First up it would be unusual for anyone with covid extension to need/want a reentry permit. Hence I have not read one report illustrating it's possible. My suggestion was in response to fella that posted this..... "I've been thinking of returning home (Penang, Malaysia) for a while to deal with some administrative matters related to my late father's estate". I can't see why it wouldn't work. That's it! The fella in question can ask immigration for a reentry permit and find out if there is any road block. As for return imm officer at passport control would look at his reentry permit and stamp him in till date on permit. Now if you have something constructive to add then go for it.

Ubonjoe has outlined pathway to your non O and subsequent annual extension. A small (catch 22) is having a Thai bank account. Not straight forward. An agent is a good option. I mean agent just for bank account..

As they say....all depends on your immigration office. For past 10 years have dealt with CW for extensions based on retirement. I have NEVER even done a TM30. Ever. I have never provided 90 day report receipt for extension.

Lot of guess work in all of that. I suggest that MANY tourists have traveled to Thailand (especially visa exempt) know they can extend by 30days and also obtain covid extension....s. Doesn't that seem strange? Not to me. Clearly government has its reasons. The fact the gov placed it over and over into gazette is all that matters. BTW the affidavit has been supplied by them.

Indeed....wasn't aware that there was a different turn around time for land borders. Hopefully someone with recent experience will update.

If your staying in a hotel then it's a breeze. Before checking in make sure the hotel is doing TM30 and they will give you screenshot. That's all you need. More complicated if staying with gf or whatever. Still not too difficult.

Yes I mention that in my first post and hoping that you could clarify the steps for wife to piggyback on his non O and extension. ...... "Not 100% clear on what your wife need to do to piggy back on your non O. Ubonjoe or expert can clarify that"

Previously did it himself. Also currently has the required funds in Thai bank. Agent not required.

Doubt anyone would suggest agent as the OP stated this...... "We have always maintained a balance in our bank during our enforced absence in excess of 800,000 baht". The OP would not require an extension. With money already in place he can obtain non O retirement as soon as he arrives.

OP, plenty of reading material on your options here......

Many have done exactly that. In fact earlier this year I had a USA couple that had to travel visa exempt as their usual tourist visa process time was too long. They then extended the exempt by 30 at Bangkok and later obtained a covid extension at Hua Hin. Many have done that. No issue.

As per my question above to OP, does immigration require you to provide a TM30 or you just include it in your document package.

State Australia.

Why not get the kids a 60 day tourist visa? You state..... "thinking of getting $14 online onward flight BKK to Kuala Lumpur return tickets so kids can go under 30 day on arrival visa exemption" The tickets will be accepted. You could also try them traveling without onward flight and be prepared to step away from check in if rejected and buy two onward flights on the spot. Obviously you would require internet. If challenged about onward flight have kids expired Thai pp. They cannot be rejected entry to Thailand.

You mean non O. Non O-A is only available in your own country or country where you are a permanent resident. You can enter visa exempt as a pathway to non O retirement.

Two jabs. Booster as I understand it not required to be considered fully vaccinated.

This thread is about residence certificate at CW.......not Phuket. I give up. Also you state.... "90 day report, I do by post , never a problem" Nothing to do with OP. BTW why would anyone expect issue with 90 report via mail.

I used an agent when covid was big issue. It's not now. Not sure of your point.

Again, exactly my experience The thing is I am not anti agent. Have refered many folk to agent for various reasons. Back during height of covid I wanted to obtain TDL. I did the residence certificate myself at MTT. However que numbers for non Thai at transport office were very restricted. I used agent BSR bikes. The lovely thai lady met me at 7.30am transport office. I was given que #1 So yes agents can assist. Just don't listen to some rubbish in this thread. For residence certificate I asked few agents such as ... BSR and Fatboy's and visa agents. NOT POSSIBLE. Ignore the peanut gallery.

DeeMoney. Mind you if you have a plan then imo does not take long to run down 800k. Also covert some to your home currency and walk out with it. You will obtain best advice in other forum . Been asked many times

Where does it state that in the requirements to obtain a covid extension. Reminds me of all the posts along the lines ....."nothing to stop you going home" Whatever that means. The Thai gov have provided option for folk to obtain covid extension.

Check out this thread. Think ubonjoe posted couple of links you could check out. https://aseannow.com/topic/1258928-according-t-the-current-version-of-non-uniform-immigration-can-a-visa-on-arrival-be-converted-to-a-non-b/

You are back to square one. However given that bank account in place, it's very easy for you to obtain a non O retirement in Thailand. You can enter visa exempt. Not 100% clear on what your wife need to do to piggy back on your non O. Ubonjoe or expert can clarify that. For yourself the pathway from visa exempt entry to non O retirement and then annual extensions is a breeze.

No.... Your original entry visa exempt can change to non O based on retirement or marriage. So that depends if you are 50+ or married to a Thai.b However it would buy time. At some point the TP and 10k insurance for reentry will be dropped. The option I pointed out re Covid extension is far more simple than a visa run. It's a no brainer.

You could search requirements for covid extension. Virtually same as the 30 day extension to visa exempt. Same TM7 form.. 1900baht. They will provide you with an affidavit that has few tick boxes. Select second option. Which immigration office?