DrJack54

You stated that you never left Thailand......from your post... ." I never even left Thailand." Meaning immigration on Thai side of border sent your pp over to Cambodian side for entry stamp all while you had a coffee with Thai immigration. Ridiculous. All this not to be confused with illegal practice of many many years ago where expats could send passports with an agent to border while they sat in Bangkok or wherever. In any event I don't believe your account. Even in recent years you need to physically exit Thailand at border and reenter. That involves obtaining entry doc (or eVisa) to bordering country. All of which has nothing to do with the fairytale that you outline.

The post you quoted stated in part...... "That said, my last same day out-in was a few years back, so I guess things have changed and I shall not try that again." He exited Thailand. His post was about not having to stay one night in Cambodia. Enough. On ignore

Not at all. Just post facts relevant to thread without fairytale. You state: "I made a border run to Cambodia several years ago and it was a breeze. I never even left Thailand. The IO said he'd take care of it for me for 300 baht" Yeah right!

Good thing that this has been mentioned again Sometimes there is a non approval when folk do not use autofill (magnifying glass after first couple of fields) Thinking most of the time it's down to small difference in address entry. Naturally you need to update any changes such as entry date as pointed out in earlier post.

Online : earliest is 14 days prior up till due date.

I don't think you are wrong. Immigration will not be aware of situation and won't cause an issue. Depending on your financial situation you could (as I mentioned earlier) at some point exit Thailand (do not buy a reentry permit) and reenter visa exempt. The pathway to obtaining a non O and extension has been discussed in many threads. Of course you would require the 800k in your bank account on day you apply for the non O . That gives you a 90 day stamp. Obtain 12 month extension in last 30 days of that stamp. You certainly have a lot on your plate. Best of luck.

It's not really a legal matter. As you are over 50 you could obtain an extension based on retirement. I'm not sure if you will need to exit Thailand. I'm guessing here....you may need to exit Thailand and reenter via exempt and from that obtain a non O retirement. For that you would require 800k in bank account in your name only. Subsequently you could obtain 12 month extension.

How old? You could consider extensions based on retirement.

No wonder people opting to enter Thailand visa exempt. Will be interesting to see if the 45 days due to end March 31 will be extended.

In the thread mentioned in first reply, I was basically saying that the evisa for Thailand should not be applied for while you are in eg Vietnam. Felt comfortable with that position Fast forward..,.I just obtained an evisa (SETV) for Vietnam. Oz folk need a visa for Vietnam. So basically yes Oz but live in Thailand and just now obtained an evisa for Vietnam. One difference with the evisa that I just obtained is that there is no requirement to upload flight details. You only need to enter you airport entry. Don't understand why eVisa (for tourist visa) is so difficult for Thailand. There are so many threads asking for advice on how to fill out the application.

No. He can apply for a non O retirement from a visa exempt or tourist visa entry into Thailand.. To apply for non O he requires 800k in Thai bank account in his name only. He requires minimum 15 days remaining on his permit on day he applies. I outlined the steps and requirements earlier in the thread.

He can extend his visa exempt stamp by 30 days. That won't help a lot. He requires 15 days remaining on permit to apply for non O retirement. Given his situation, eyesight etc, I suggest he consider agent for the whole box and dice Meaning 1. Open bank account. 2. Obtain non O retirement (without need for funds in bank) 3. 12 month extension. It's not cheap first up. Perhaps 35k. Ongoing would cost ~15k every year for extension. It's just an option. Personally I don't use an agent and not a big deal for me to have funds in bank and attend immigration office once per year for extension. When mobility becomes an issue for me it will be agent time. No problem.

Depending on the embassy that can take some time to arrange. Also it's far from free. The OP friend would be best to use agent especially with the issues indicated.

This isn't much help, however I have seen this discussed previously. I searched threads but could not find ones I have read in the past. In any event I recall that folk do exactly what you plan. They choose airlines that have the most cost effective check in baggage allowances. Vaguely recall one with 5 large suitcases. The plan works without taxes. Hopefully someone with first hand experience can advise.

The OP stated this .... "It's high season and a friend is finding it difficult to find suitable accommodation ( he has specific needs) for long term stay based on a Non O based on retirement" Reading between the lines having "specific needs". The visa you refer to is a ME Non O based on marriage. Previously ME Non O based on retirement was possible. Currently don't think it's available in Savannakhet. In any event that one year visa requires exits from Thailand. Thinking not best option.

How relevant is this to anyone doing a border bounce to Cambodia in the near future? Your charm and tale is nice story. Again irrelevant

He stated earlier in the thread.. "French embassy"

Added after thought.... Your friend is best served to obtain his non O at immigration office where he intends to obtain his subsequent 12 month extension.

Just to clarify...I was referring to agent to open bank account. Difficult these days with a visa exempt or tourist visa entry. As for the non O retirement and subsequent extension he can do that by himself if he has the funds. Process not difficult. If he has mobility issues an agent for the entire process is certainly an option.

You can lead a horse to water.... Clearly your not thirsty.

He is better off using an agent as time is of the essence. Once he has the bank account and transfers the required funds obtaining the non O is not difficult. He will not be able to obtain a residence certificate in Bangkok without having done a 90 day report. Most agents can open an account quickly. Not expensive. You state... "In the meantime he is booking a hotel for a couple of months to give him time to find the right place, and to apply for the Non Imm O.". He is doing it back to front. 1. Open bank account. 2. Transfer 800k into bank account 3. With 15 days + remaining on permit apply for non O retirement 4. Consider/look for long term accommodation. 5. Obtain 12 month extension. Points 4 and 5 interchangeable.

I went with agent and they advised me that one was sufficient. They are 200baht a pop in Bangkok. Perhaps I would have needed 2 if I went without agent. I used agent as it was covid times and que # was difficult. Using same agent in a months time for 5 yr renewal as still bookings (as I understand it) are still busy in Bangkok.

Is that a Thai wife? You would be aware that you can obtain a 60 day extension to visit Thai wife if more time required.

You would imagine with such vast experience you would be aware of the fundamentals of renting a property in Thailand. Does not appear to be the case.

Yes and be aware that you have easy options to extend your stay. With each visa exempt entry you can obtain a 30 day extension and also a 60 day extension to visit wife.