DrJack54

Which immigration office.

Perfectly normal to me implies common occurrence. Normal procedure. I haven't read a similar OP regarding Bangkok. Retirement. Certainly not from CW. I wonder if the OP deals with Nonthaburi.

You are joining two separate processes. The agent can open a bank account on your behalf if you do not have one. Then the agent can obtain the non O and subsequent extension without you providing the financials. It's tit for tat debate about the legality of obtaining the non O and extension. Bottom line is that it's done by many over many years. If you use an agent make sure that you use a well know one.

Thinking given your plan is to enter visa exempt (45) early Jan then you should do a border run just prior to expiry. Turn around and reenter visa exempt for another 45 day stamp. That's 90 days and you still have option of obtaining 30 day extension is required.

+ 1

You are not on overstay. You have not filed a tm47. Possible 2000baht file.

Non O marriage and non O retirement are not remotely the same with regards to home visits.

The 2 border runs per calendar year is for visa exempt entries. You have a visa. That is not included in that count.

Apples and oranges. Home visit for extensions based on marriage is very common. The thread is about first time non O based on retirement.

I will wait for similar posts from folk that have had same experience in obtaining a non O retirement at CW. Haven't read one apart from this thread.

I recall that thread. Point is ....there are folk almost daily obtaining a non O retirement at CW from a visa exempt or tourist visa entry. Have not read one similar report to the OP.

I find all this very interesting and have never read a similar report for application for non O retirement at CW. The pathway visa exempt or TV entry followed by application for a non O retirement and subsequent extension is asked about every day. Have not seen a report of home visit for retirement and certainly not from CW.

Yes. Which part of my posts have indicated anything otherwise. The immigration offices are very strict on checking the financials are met. That has nothing to do with an office requiring a bankbook check 3 months after extention. It's not necessary. Those that deal with Jomtien (and others) can ignore that request if it is given.

I just assumed you were making a joke until I googled your claim. Indeed "brainstorming" has had a line put through it as inappropriate. Unbelievable!

@Andrew Dwyer above post confirming what was posted earlier.

First up Nonthaburi does have somewhat of a reputation. The 500baht per day fine is for overstay. The fine for not doing a 90 day report is/can be 2000baht. The fine for not doing a TM30 is often approx 800baht. One solution would have been to check into cheapest hotel that deals with that office and firstly check that they will file a TM30 and provide you with screenshot. You most likely will require a TM30 for your 30 day extension to your 45 day visa exempt entry.

That's exactly what I posted and yes it's something that immigration offices are very strict on even for small short falls.

That has been done (not always) by places such as Jomtien. This topic has been covered many times. There is no record of reporting back at 3 month mark. There is no receipt given for the report. It's a nonsense. Don't bother with it.

There are couple offices that may ask for 3 month bank book check. Jomtien being a notable one. Ignore it. They can check that you have met the financial requirements when you apply for your next annual extension.

That is correct and applies to 90 day report done in person. Suggest that you attend immigration asap.

Don't be concerned with being late. Hotels (in the main) do file TM30,s however this won't be a concern. Do your TM30 prior to dealing with immigration for example for extension etc All good.

No interaction with immigration equals no TM30

You will be fine to enter via land or air with an METV. BTW you are not renewing your visa. It's a multi entry visa and has a validity period. Each time you enter Thailand during that validity period you will be stamped in for 60 days and if you want you can obtain a 30 day extension for each entry. The nice thing with an METV is that's it's not a visa exempt entry at border since you have a valid visa. Also you could fly to places such as Saigon with no concerns about returning visa exempt. More appealing to land border run in some folks eyes.

There is no retirement visa. There is a non O based on retirement or marriage. Currently your annual extensions are based on retirement. You are fine.

As usual depends on the immigration office that you deal with. There may be some that allow you to apply for 30 day extension early and some will tell you to come back later. Don't understand the desire/need to apply early unless doesn't fit in with travel plans.