DrJack54

The OP is using Bangkok Bank. Previous reports from folk using that bank indicate that bank statements cannot be done "on the spot"

Bit irrelevant isn't it. Here from the OP..... "Im 36 years old, no marriage no kids" Marriage and retirement irrelevant for him. Didn't even mention Thai gf.

The bank gives you 12 months of bank statements on the spot? Which bank..

Yes of course and the reports of obtaining visa in Phnom Penh have been positive. Flights from BKK to Phnom Penh not too bad.. BTW positive reports re obtaining visa on arrival. No issue.

OP, if couple of years means your 48 then obtain METV (9 months) along with stay in other Asean country. Vietnam my pick. Wash and repeat the following year.

I did online (new system) for the first time last Monday 11th. Pending and just now received an email with confirmation. CW immigration. Problem is I also mailed as the pending troubled me.

So my experience with online 90 report. Previously have been using Post as continuous failure with old online system. My window opened Monday 11th. I tried the new online and received "Pending". Still pending on the Tuesday. I decided to use mail method on the Tuesday. Today the EMS shows delivered. Just now received email informing me that my online report is successful. So I have doubled up. Ramifications?

First post answer: Yes. Be aware that this is for bank letter. If someone obtains new passport the details will need to be updated where the account was opened.

From the OP...... "Im 36 years old, no marriage no kids. I just want to find the easiest way to stay here longer to enjoy the country and my free time." The OP in his first post and this one above makes zero reference to marriage or even Thai gf So what's all the posts about using marriage as an option.

The OP is not using income method. He is using money in bank method. Source of funds not required.

In my experience with CW they want an updated bb on the day of application. Easily done by making a deposit at same time of obtaining bank letter. However not possible with 8.30am appointment. Immigration would obviously be aware that the first appointment of 8.30 people would always be late due to what you outline.

Your confirmation email should have a desk number. The "assistants" may check your docs. Note: print out your confirmation email. Don't you need to attend bank lower level? Seems curious time for appointment.

It's stuff like this that is a shame. Your friend should not have been required to show other bank accounts. Just another io wanting to wear big boy pants.

Which immigration office.

Where

I have same MO. At CW bank statements are not required when have a dedicated bank account for immigration purposes. Only photocopy of bb is required. Jomtien can be weird, just attend early enough to allow for request of bank statement. Of course should not be required.

Yes. Be aware that if your bank account has many transactions that immigration may require bank statements. Is this first extension or ongoing extension.

You don't require any insurance for your non O obtained in Thailand. Nor will you require insurance for your 12 month extension.. Already having a Thai bank account is a bonus. Thinking that you can quickly place funds in bank and apply for your non O here. You need apply for your non O with 15+ days left on your stamp from visa exempt entry. You can obtain a 30 extension if time is needed. Obviously you can do all this also with a tourist visa entry. The funds only need to be in bank on day you apply. That gives you a 90 permission of stay. In the last 30 obtain your 12 month extension funds having been in bank for 2 months min.

Sorta strange that my experience is completely opposite to yours. I also did trip to Saigon every month from BKK pre covid. For several years. With my amount of travel I could easily live in Thailand on visa exempt entries. However that very quickly became impossible. First step was that I was warned/advised to obtain tourist visa. In those days you could obtain a triple entry and I did that at Saigon. At some point the immigration officer there told me that..."your living in Thailand and you over 50. You need obtain non O retirement". Rest is history. Then you obtain a visa exempt with short turn around 100 times. Hope that works for you ongoing.

The interesting thing is it seemed that it was one imm officer in particular. After week or so those reports ended. People were also being asked for flight out. CW is not the only culprit. Hua Hin was requiring letter from your embassy and not accepting the affidavit that has been fine with most offices. I haven't read any recent reports. Hopefully someone will post first hand recent experience. I suggest try CW. As stated if friend entered on TV or visa exempt then no reason why CE should not be issued.

Prior to covid there were several reports of being refused entry, DMK being chief culprit. Too soon to tell what will happen at airports for current visa/v exempt runs now that it's possible to exit Thailand and return via air. Anyone that has been here on covid extensions for some time, would be well advised to obtain a visa.

Fact check?. How long was each stay and how long between each visa exempt entry.

If your friend entered on a tourist visa or visa exempt he can obtain a covid extension prior to May 25. CW were being very rude with "this is your last one" however many reports of what you state. Friend should try CW, there is no reason why should not be issued with a CE. Yes can obtain in another province with a new TM30 but messy option..

Since rule changed some folk cannot obtain covid extensions..

You wouldn't have an issue. First visit was a one year visa. Perhaps if you were doing back to back visa exempt entries via air you may have had issues.