DrJack54

You make it sound like trip to immigration office is like going to 7/11. For some it's a half day trip. Did you read the guy you quoted. He stated .... "About a 30 minutes total... to apply and wait. " And that was with "several people in front of him" I have done 10 at DMK and only once was there someone being processed.

Suggest print out front/back on one sheet. OP, don't forget photo.

OP, which immigration office.

What on earth is this thread doing in "visas, work permits" forum. Pub forum at best.

Not sure understand what BOSTON has to do with things. The flight for visa application or flying visa exempt does NOT need to be return flight. Any ONWARD flight is fine..

There is actually another level of service. You can use agent to guarantee visa exempt entry. It's not cheap . Approx 8k

For any visa application or entry visa exempt where onward flight is required one option is to actually purchase a flight (cheapest) and not actually use it. Just chuck it. Flights eg Bangkok to Saigon approx 1500b

Not sure what you mean by renewal or visa extension In any event... 90 count starts from day of application for extension in the case of your FIRST extension. For subsequent annual extensions the TM47 has nothing to do with it..

No problem.

This thread covers lot of points for ME Non O https://aseannow.com/topic/1303919-non-o-visa-and-when-to-start-extension/

Be aware that you can have an FD a/c and a savings a/c with the same bank and the "letter" from bank for extensions lists both accounts. If opting to do that one suggestion is to have 400k+ in the FD As for bank I suggest Kasikorn. They can provide statements (if required) same day. Bangkok Bank do not. Also Kasikorn is one of the 3 banks that do not have low limit for transfers using WISE. If extensions are at CW they have a branch lower level. SCB do not have branch at CW and seem to be closing branches over recent years

Couple of reports that Jomtien were requiring 2 months seasoning to obtain non O . Of course the actual rule is funds required in bank on day of application.

Unless your embassy provides "income letter" you would need to show 12 month of transfers to change from tv to non O and subsequent extension using income method

You could consider a "throw away flight'' for your eVisa application

VIP service simply allows you to use those immigration gates. Think it will not make a difference. Outline your history. Are you planning to enter Thailand with a visa or visa exempt..

Did you do you application at Jomtien? If not where,?

The TM30 is a given and yes some offices would also ask for rental agreement. Reports that "conversion" with just TM30 was possible at CW ..however anyone's guess. If in OP,s friends shoes think I would ask agent price just to assist process with meeting his own financials.

Seems your friend is in Pattaya area. CW would be an option. However as I just posted ...I would first try using agent in Jomtien to be "middle guy" . Your friend still shows his money in bank 800k. Guessing agent might do that for maybe 5-8k For the subsequent extension your friend can do that alone . No agent. Perhaps not possible but easier than apply elsewhere.

I have never had the pleasure of meeting said lady desk 7. My office is CW and I find that they pretty much follow the rules.. As for your friend he could consider obtaining conversion to non O in Bangkok or perhaps visit agent such as Maneerat and provide his own money in bank. Just agent to "assist" without full service to avoid money in bank

Your OP stated Non O from tourist visa. Jomtien is a rubbish office as I noted in my first post. I'm not sure of your situation however I would avoid that immigration office at all costs for "converting" visa exempt or tourist visa to non O using TM86 and TM87. There are some other offices that also ignore Thai immigration rules. Not sure but Samui might be another. The "screw up part" of your post spot on. On last day of permission of stay the "fat lady sings" front desk will ask for 5-15k. Rogue office.

You are polite and won't explain things further.. The OP is experienced guy and thinking his question has been answered.

OP, just bumping your thread as you didn't receive much advice..

You may wish to delete your post. The OP is asking about obtaining a non O from a tourist visa entry. He will use TM86 as part of that process. Specifically he is asking re how many days is required on his permission of stay to apply for the Non O. He is not asking about 12 month extension. The non O will give him a 90 day stamp. Edit: your post is incorrect on every level.

Friend of mine did the same. From memory he was met "airside" by PE staff and taken to room where visa affixed to pp. Stated that it was seamless process. Your experience the same?

Don't understand the reason to quote my post. The OP is a 20 year old digital nomad. The "offer" of job is a scam. In his other thread he inquires about ED visa I posted above that since he wants to live in SEA and cannot afford a PE Visa that living in Thailand part time and equal balance in other countries would be an option. Assume he does not have qualification to teach.