DrJack54

Agent: Siam Legal or ThaiVisaCenter or Bangkok Buddy etc. Cost approx 3k. As mentioned several times in this thread, Bangkok has added difficulties compared to some other provinces. Without a work permit or a non O visa most banks will require a residence certificate from immigration or letter from embassy. In Bangkok to obtain a residence certificate you need to be filing 90 day reports Obviously not done by visa exempt and tourist visa holders.

Guess I will find out October 19. Been in Thailand same address for 10 years. Never have done a TM30. Will be disappointing if this is a new requirement.

Strange. I have never provided copy of TM30 or 90 day report for extensions retirement at CW. Have appointment for my next one on October 19. That will be interesting as don't plan to submit either.

There is a post in this thread that showing bank account when receiving final stamp was not required. Also I cannot recall a post ever outlining any repercussions other than a warning. Having said that.... immigration officers do sometimes request it so bottom line....why would anyone risk it being an issue. Leave the money untouched untill you have final stamp.

The 35k was economy. I wouldn't know Business class. Flying to from Melbourne, Oz it's a 9 hour direct flight. Just checked my current flight coming up. 7,500baht return direct. One thing the Oz folk have over the UK and even moreso USA guys. Flights so easy with low cost airline such as Jetstar. Edit: the above fare is book when airline has their Sales. For folk not retired I imagine the travel dates are far more restrictive.

According to Skyscanner (that has options to look at recent flights UK to BKK) Approx 35k one way direct. Sounds very expensive.

Yes he did. I give up.... I stated "read MY earlier posts they did not mention non O"... Meaning I suggested visa exempt + extension then wash and repeat with border bounce. My suggestion later regarding he could have a 5 month stay without obtaining extension to a non O was just to point out your error. Done.

Read my earlier posts. They did not mention obtaining a non O. BTW it would only be two visits to immigration for 30 day extension+ non O. The onward flight "get around" is very simple and options discussed often. You stated that the only option without exiting Thailand was to obtain annual extensions to a non O. I simply pointed out that is incorrect Which it is. Your words...... "This is the only way you could stay for 4-5 months continuously each year without having to leave Thailand"

What? .....you suggested this.. "which would then allow you to apply for a 1-year extension of stay." He can obtain a non O retirement in Thailand with no intention of obtaining annual extension

I notice post from ubonjoe pointing out that they were issued in the past. Presumably you are now on annual extensions based on retirement with the normal financial requirements.

The OP is married. Extensions based on marriage even from a non O-A do not require insurance. Yes correct that if applying for a non O-A visa, insurance is required.

Find this post really interesting. We all are very aware of availability of ME non O based on marriage from places such as Savannakhet, Saigon etc. There was an expert (some time ago) insisted that a multi entry non O retirement (12 month visa) was available from Savannakhet. However I have never seen a report of one. The ME 12 month visa is very popular with some married guys. Would have thought it would also be popular with guys with non based on retirement.

Which immigration office. Not aware of that rule.

He could enter visa exempt obtain 30 day extension and then obtain non O equals 5 months. Really depends if he is prepared to meet the financials for annual extensions.

Thanks for report on bank account process. Given that you ended up with ME Non O from Penang you would have been able to open bank account in Bangkok but as you outline the speed of opening one using an agent make the transition from visa exempt to non O in Thailand simple. The ME non O you obtained in Penang.....could you provide more details. So was that 2017 and was it based on marriage? I wonder if currently available in Penang. Useful for some folk looking for alternative to Savannakhet. Pre covid I think many use an agent if obtaining visa in Penang.

OP, you are not required to have health insurance for non O marriage and annual extensions.

If you apply for extension it will be granted with expiry Sept 2023. You should obtain a pp renewal now. BTW you have an extension of stay not a visa.

From the OP.. "Yes that is what I'll be doing ... Saigon it is" Very sensible decision and what he has done previously.

So you stated the following.. "I was able to open one at Bangkok Bank last month I had to have a confirmation letter from Immigration, which says my 30-day Visa is valid and the address where I stay was the adress of my budy. Not sure if would have worked with a hotel address" Don't understand much of that. Immigration can supply a residence certificate. What you described is very different. Do you have copy of letter? That would be interesting.

I suggest that you try to use online reporting in the future. Here is link. You need to register and it's a vastly improved option. https://tm47.immigration.go.th/tm47/#/register/add

Not clear what you are stating. A 2 month visa is a tourist visa and can be extended by 30 days. 3 month visa think you mean non O which can only be extended by 12 months and has financial requirements. Not best option for 4-5 month stay. Read my first post. Visa exempt entry + extension+ border bounce with another visa exempt entry+ extension= 5 months. No visa required.

I always obtain Dong and USD (if needed) at SuperRich green prior to leaving Thailand. I've never had any issue exchanging currency in district 1. Gold shops with money exchange at rear.

Think I have seen this previously. In any event visa exempt entry currently gives a 45 day stamp and can be extended by 30 days. After that do a border bounce and repeat. Approx 5 months.

I was not aware of such a big difference in cost at HCMC vs Savannakhet. That aside I would be doing Saigon. As you know easy to airport in Bangkok and Saigon airport close to district 1. Ripper joint..

How do they stay 5 months without an exit and reentry