DrJack54

It's eVisa now and not pleasant price. Previously I would obtain 3 month multi entry and do 4 visits per visa. That visa currently not available (no idea why) only one month single entry for Oz folk. (unless business)

The person you quoted is incorrect. As mentioned earlier more days out is better than a quick turn around. Very easy to spend time in places such as Saigon. Think you mentioned UK passport. They are 15 day visa exempt for Vietnam.

No.

I use two accounts with same bank. FD and Savings. You only require one bank letter as they list both accounts. 100baht. I obtain the letter on day of application at CW. No issue.

That would be required if it was for non O retirement application but not required for 12 month extentions.

Seems that you will be doing your first extension from your non O. Not all immigration offices accept combination method.

Not all Asian countries even have visa exempt entry. For example for me (Oz) I need a visa to enter Vietnam and all that's available is single entry tourist visa 30 days. (Not cheap) When things are made easy and flexible (as they are in Thailand) some folk still complain. You mention travel and sight seeing. From Bangkok jump on plane to Udon Thani and stay few nights. Chill bar area. Quick easy drive from UT to Nong Khai for your 45 day gift that has extention available.

Correct. It won't help. It's not just the fingerprints. (That's easy to avoid). Why is the border bounce such a big deal. Guess it depends on your location.

Good question. There was a really good fella on AseanNow that generally was spot on. He often stated that Savannakhet provided a ME Non O based on retirement. However I have never read a report to support that.

We are in no mans land now. After covid just getting back to normal. Hard to predict attitude from repeat entries via airports using visa exempt and extensions. Personally I would go for 2 back to back along with border bounces.

That changes things. Yes fly in visa exempt. Do as you plan fly out and back. Consider staying few days out. Places such as Saigon are ripper joints to take a brief holiday and airport close to great tourist area. The next two I would still suggest fly out and back with tourist visa or border bounce.

Risky at best. You should do border runs. Potentially problem at airport when you arrive. Also what is previous history of stays in Thailand prior to this master plan.

Most likely will not be questioned. BTW...You would be aware that traveling with wife/family you can use the Thai passport control exit. You will not be questioned. With visa exempt exempt the throw away line would be plan to leave in 28 days.

What I posted very early. "He could possibly mean a ME non O that allows stays of 90 days. That visa is valid for 12 months" However OP persisted with questions.

Not interested. The multi entry non O is available in a few countries. Certainly not all Even in nearby countries some consulates provide that visa and some do not. In Laos that visa is available in Savannakhet but not Vientiane. It's available in HCMC. Think Phnom Penh only provide single entry non O valid for 90 days. Anyway ....the point of the thread?

As I stated earlier. Your friend most likely is referring to a ME non O based on marriage. That visa is valid for 12 months and allows entries that are given a 90 day stamp. No mystery.

You can post name of agent on AseanNow. My guess your referring to Maneerat soi post office. Yes good agent.

The requirement for income method is 65k+ per month. Not aware of any immigration office that accepts an "average" amount of 65k . Some folk have been caught out if their transfers are at end of month and due to holidays or whatever the transfer has been delayed to next month. Immigration doesn't like excuses.

Thinking I posted this exact formula to you in another thread. Which part do you find confusing.

2 visa exempt per calendar year is for land border entries. Visa exempt via air is unlimited but in reality not feasible

Clearly you do not understand the requirements at CW for extension based on retirement or marriage. I am aware of the requirements and hence never have an issue at CW. Strange how there are very few posts about issues with extensions at CW. From my experience it's always down to the applicant

And what about the other requirements. Not below 800k for three months after last extension and back to 800k for two months prior to this application. I'm guessing not.

No. Be aware that visa exempt changes to 45 days from Oct 1. Border run very generous option imo.

You will need to leave Thailand and reenter. Be aware that after October 1 you will receive 45 days visa exempt entry. Gives you time to apply for your non O retirement with 15 days remaining of the 45 permit. Subsequently obtain your 12 month extension 2 months later. How long do you have remaining on current permission of stay?

You state less that 90 days. METV is not what you want. Any permission of stay can be protected by purchase of reentry permit. If you wish to enter Thailand with a visa you could obtain a single entry tourist visa. As for Laos trip you can obtain visa at border and reenter Thailand visa exempt and receive 45 days. Having stated all that even your first entry with a TV can be done visa exempt. No issue.