DrJack54

You should not have issue flying into Bangkok visa exempt.

Not interested in obtaining a 12 month extension to the non O along with a multiple entry reentry permit?

I cannot state with certainty but I have used a screenshot from Melb to HCMC. Also read reports where a screenshot of onward flight has been accepted.

You should take agent offer of 4k for multiple reentry permit. That is 3800 even if you do it yourself. If you opt to do the reentry permit yourself you would do it at airport on departure. As for single reentry permit (1000baht) you would need to purchase one every time you wish to exit Thailand and reenter. As for transfer of stamps you could travel with both passports till your next extension. Discuss with your agent.

Correct. The office for reentry permit at BKK is zone 2 past security check and prior to passport control. Note at DMK the office is just the other (air side) of passport control. At BKK they offer a service of filling in TM8 and photo. 200baht tip. I prefer to download form and have it pre filled in. Quick service.

Ridiculous

Pretty much only reason would be if extensive recent history being in Thailand the the tourist visa might be recommended. Also with the evisa not everyone is comfortable with that. Got some friends coming over soon and suggested enter visa exempt do 45 days in Thailand and then we will spend week or so in Saigon then back to Thailand for another 45 days. Nice offer from Thai gov.

I have read about the ME non O based on retirement. Surprised not more folk don't choose that option. Have never met anyone in person that has one. I believe they may also be available in Savannakhet.

My first years here I never did 90 day reports due to frequent travel and as a result was not able to obtain TDL as a residence certificate was required. Was not until covid subsequently did 90 reports I was able to obtain residence certificate. I tried agents in Bangkok Fatboy's and BSR to "get around" the issue. Both told me impossible. Places like Pattaya may be different.

Agree, should not be an issue however have spoken to couple of chaps doing month on month off and both are being told to "get a visa" . The OP being in Thailand for ~only 2 weeks at a time should (imo) be allowed to used visa exempt entries.

Just found this old thread in "off shore workers" forum. Extensions from non O based on retirement option. Another option would be a non O-A however need to obtain that in own country. Can obtain up to 2 years from a non O-A. Requires insurance. Thinking extensions better option. Only 4 replies

The oil/gas workers previously would often just enter visa exempt. Eventually io will pull you up on that and suggest long term visa. Most likely METV is not long term solution. Married guys have more options. Being over 50, suggest your best option is to obtain a non O and subsequent 12 month extensions. The 30/45 day extension window might be tricky. Re drivers license and purchase of bike...depends where you live. Bangkok requires a residence certificate and that's an issue as you would not be doing 90 day reports.

Be aware that currently visa exempt entries are 45 days. Also border bounce for visa exempt entries is 2 per calendar year. Each entry can be extended by 30 days. Plenty of options now. My recommendation right now is to enter visa exempt.

Nightmare reports for METV for Canadians and others. Here is one thread..,

I'm not up to date with non ED. I was under the impression that attendance was now check as opposed to yesteryear.

So earlier you mentioned UK guy. That would be KeyVisa. Throw in another random agent Maneerat.... You have first hand reports of "don't lose it or steal it" ? Nonsense.

The OP has his reasons. Think in another of his threads he is looking to change from non B work permit to extension based on retirement. You state.... "Easy peasy do it yourself" ... Do what.

@wrazoru I assume you have a Thai bank account as that can be tricky if passport has a visa exempt entry only.

Just travel with both passports. Visa info and extension stamp and reentry permit remain valid even though old pp is cancelled.. The new "until date" will be same as your reentry permit

Correct Slight adjustments. "Transit visa" ? Assume you mean visa exempt entry. The visa exempt entry is currently 45 days . To apply for the non O retirement you require 15 days left on stamp and 800k in Thai bank account in your name only. Then after 2 months seasoning the 800k apply for your 12 month extension.

Certainly is. Surprised io on arrival requested onward flight from you. Not usual but certainly can happen. I often mention Vietnam as prior to covid flew there every month for years. AA not a busy counter there and when no one waiting I have had chat with check in staff. This occured when lady could not find my reentry permit. Due to very frequent travel it was pages back.. Eventually I took pp back and showed reentry permit ... All good. Then I asked her "what if I use visa waiver." Reply: No visa MUST have flight out"

Yes presently the onward ticket would need to be within 45. Most likely the airline not even up with current change to 45. If it's a rent a ticket or throw away prob best to keep it within 30. If it's a genuine flight out at eg 43 days I would also have screenshot of the announcement of the 45 days till March 31.

All I can think of is they are wrongly of the assumption that Thai immigration ask for onward flight on arrival. As we know that rarely happens.

On the point of logic..... I have never understood how an onward flight helps the airline in the event of someone being refused entry. In general the person would be flown back to point of origin so how does an onward flight help.

Read the OP again. Seems he did not fit the profile you paint on some sort of tangent. The reasonable questions that were asked are all provided on the suspended TM6. The question about "Thai friends in Thailand" and provide phone # of Thai friend is so ridiculous it's almost unbelievable.