DrJack54

Yes that would be an option. I guess the step away book real throw away ticket was a very quick solution. I just recently booked a ticket Bangkok to Saigon. Took a minute.

Be aware that Laksi immigration for your 30 day extension is not far from CW. It would even be possible to obtain your extension AM and still have enough time (with PM appointment) to apply for the non O same day.

It will. It's a clear requirement. If you have insufficient days left you can obtain a 30 day extension to your 45 day stamp. 1900baht.

It was not. It's common that immigration require an update of bank book on day of application. Some want to see "activity" by way of small deposit/withdrawal.

OP,....on an aside. Be aware that you require 15 days remaining on your permission of stay, just be aware of that when you make your booking for appointment at CW.

Why should he. Thailand offer visa exempt entry why not use it.

Your new anniversary will be Dec 16.

I agree. Think the issue will be exit stamp with a land border.

From my earlier post...... "Funny how couple of the questions that were asked such as address in Thailand etc are fields on the tm6 which has been suspended. The reason given "to speed up process times at airports" seems rather stupid to suspend the TM6 then ask some of the same questions by the io.

Extension done in person. How did you enter Thailand. Tourist Visa you will attend CW. Cannot be done online.

The questions ask of you are not what was asked of the OP. BTW. He did not have recent history in Thailand. Had not been in Thailand for two years. Funny how couple of the questions that were asked such as address in Thailand etc are fields on the tm6 which has been suspended. The reason given "to speed up process times at airports" My point....why weren't you asked for your phone number etc. From the OP..... "Then asked about 5 questions, like how long you plan to stay, what do you do for work, which hotel you stay at, do you haveThai friends here, and she wanted the phone number of one Thai friend, which she entered into the computer, plus also my number."

They arrived approx Sept 25. Visa exempt stamp admitted till Oct 25. They will need to obtain a 30 day extension to obtain (conversion) to non O retirement. They can try and press the case with the rogue Samui office or go to another immigration office.

The OP had not been in Thailand for TWO years. No questions were required. Certainly not the ones outlined by the OP. Her job was to stamp the pp indicating 45 day permit. Not rocket science. BTW .. current thread running OP with similar history to OP in this thread. Just arrived same airport and posted this .... "In Thailand! You guys were right.. immigration was a breeze ????". Immigration officers and consistency do not go hand in hand.

Well done and went as some predicted. BTW assume you entered visa exempt. Any question re onward flight from airline at your departure? Any questions from the immigration officer at passport control upon entry?

You are making simple sound difficult. Transfer any amount you require using transfer company such as WISE.

Indeed....and this was a mistake made by some and during covid with closed borders caused big problems. So your post and the previous post from uj outlines the correct path.

Nonsense. From the OP...... "Arrived back after over 2 years not being here." Over the top questions from the io..

Just another clerk trying to think she has relevance. Ignore. Was zero reason for her questions.

Correct. No problem with your plan. Be aware that 45 day visa exempt ends March 31

The airline at departure MAY ask to see onward flight. You can Google "onward flight.com" Another option is a throw away ticket. Cheapest available approx 1500baht. A Bus/train ticket will not cut it. Must be flight.

Seems you will need to obtain 30 day extension as stated earlier you require 15 days left on permit to apply for non O retirement. Great that you have funds in place in the Thai bank account. Suggest you clarify completely with Samui immigration their refusal. I have read some silly stuff about that office. Can't recall but it may have been refusing covid extensions or something similar. You could then consider applying at another immigration office. Hopefully someone will post advice of another immigration office option..

Which border run to do depends on where you are staying.

The refusal was a Samui thing. The requirements for the non O retirement from a visa exempt entry are simple. 800baht in Thai bank account in your name only on day of application. Couple of photocopies of pp, TM87, etc. You require 15 days remaining on your permission of stay to apply for the non O. You must be near end of permit. You can obtain 30 day extension at immigration. Do you have Thai bank account?

1. You do not need to exit Thailand to obtain 30 day extension. Extension obtained at immigration office where you are staying when you apply. 2. You need to exit Thailand however that can just be a border bounce. Reenter visa exempt for another 45 days. That can also be extended by 30 days. Note you can only do two visa exempt entries via land per calendar year. 3.dont waste effort on a METV. With the travel plans you outline there are better options.

As I understand it ....always read "2 MONTHS prior. So would seem November 30. Having said that your 60 day extension would take your permission of stay till approx December 16. Clearly apply for extension sometime in December