DrJack54

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

Need to file a TM30.

What's wrong with mail option.

You won't obtain a ME Non O marriage from Vientiane.

Correct.

Normally the 90 day report would have nothing to do with your extension. However exception is your first extension and that starts your clock.. 1. You can do next report online. 2. Exit and reenter then your clock is reset date you reenter. 3. You did not need to do a TM30. It was not a new visa. It's an extension of stay. You reentered with reentry permit. No need for TM30 unless you changed address.

The change in funds in bank requirements changed think about 2019. You have had ample time to set up monthly transfers and use that method. 65k transfer per month.

You cannot extend a non O by 30 days. If married to a Thai you can obtain a 60 day extension to visit wife. You could do a border bounce for visa exempt entry currently 45 day stamp

Immigration won't be interested in your return flight however airline at departure may request to see one. Throw away ticket or "rent a ticket" is an option.

So 6+months ago. Not a problem.

Do nothing. Assume you are on extension and reentry was with reentry permit?