DrJack54

45 days visa exempt entry by air AND land. Only 2 visa exempt entry via land per calendar year. That limit does not apply for visa exempt entries via air.

That would be up to the airline. Seems you have read the threads that discuss this. You could opt for "rent of flight" which involves companies such as "onward flight.com" etc. There are many reports of not even being asked for onward flight. Also reports of being asked for onward flight and with the (previously) 30 days visa exempt entry and airline being strict. Also reports of airlines accepting that extension can be obtained. So basically guess work. Mention your airline and you may receive a first hand experience.

It's visa exempt entry not visa on arrival. Currently gives 45 day stamp. Extension remain at 30 days

The 3 dots top right of your post has option to Edit. That option has limited time span. Not sure. At a guess 20-30 minutes.

Would not recommend a non O volunteering with extention

If you have the 800k in the bank really don't need an agent. Where are you planning to stay ? The non O is single entry visa. Reentry permit is available. Obtaining non O in Thailand will not require insurance.

If worst comes to worst then fly out without a visa. That will stamp you in for 45 days. Obtain 30 day extension. Then obtain a non O based on retirement. Requires 800k in Thai bank on day of application but after that you can use the money (no plan to obtain 12 month extension) Not perfect but a fall back option.

You ain't in America, but it's an option.

Definitely.... https://tm47.immigration.go.th/tm47/#/login

From the OP..... "For various reasons, I plan to hand carry US$ 10k to use for toward the THB 800k requirement....." If he was planning to obtain the non O outside of Thailand there wouldn't be reference to the 800k. Perhaps the op at some stage might clarify. Love these threads (not) OP started tread yesterday 6am and never visited since.

He is using incorrect terminology. From immigration he obtains a 12 month extension based on retirement. It is not a retirement visa.

You can enter thailand twice per calendar year using visa exempt entry. Regarding obtaining a tourist visa... You can obtain a SETV at Savannakhet etc. You can only obtain a METV in your home country or country where you are permanent resident.

Yes. Depending on where you are staying you could consider a "holiday" to HCMC. Good consulate for tourist visa.

It's not about cash import rules carrying cash. He is asking about if this "plan" works for the 800k requirement for a non O. Answer: No

Don't really think that matters. The OP stated... . "I plan to hand carry US$ 10k to use for toward the THB 800k requirement...." As pointed out to him that will not work for obtaining a non O retirement inside Thailand. He will need to show funds came from abroad via transfer.

You cannot obtain a tourist visa inside of Thailand. You need to exit and apply at consulate or embassy. One example would be Vientiane.

Which immigration office. Is this extension the first?

With a bank account you have it covered. After arrival you need to transfer 800k into your Thai bank account. If using WISE select reason for funds as last option. Think reads something like "for long term stay" Next attend immigration to apply for the non O. Note must have 15days remaining on your 45 day permit. Some offices 21 days eg CM.. The non O gives you a 90 day stamp and in the last 30 days of that permit (with the 800k in bank for 2 months +) you apply for the 12 month extension. Obviously there is other paperwork such as basic copies of pp pages and bank letter, TM30 etc etc. Covered in many threads. That's the bones of it.

There are mini buses on Nong Khai side that run to airport and Udon Thani. Hopefully if someone has recently done that border bounce can give updated information. PM sent.

For the 60 day extension the money in bank is not required. The 60 days is just to season the 400k for the required time (2 months) so you can then apply for your 12 month extension.

I stated "obscure option" meaning it certainly wouldn't be a common suggestion. The taxi to Nong Khai is from airport. However cheaper option would be by minivan. Previously I would fly most often with AirAsia from DMK. That airline not necessarily the cheapest now. Mini vans run from central plaza and sometimes from airport. It's one hour and a straight flat drive. As for bar area if you Google "Top Mansion hotel" that is located in the bar street. Many good cheap hotels there.. There is one set of bars known as "Day Night" same street.

Reads to me that you have never used the 60 day extension to visit wife.. Especially as you seem unaware of that option. You cannot extend for "few weeks" It's a 60 day extension.. 1900 baht.

Have you previously used 60 day extension to visit wife. That would provide enough time to season the 400k for two months. If you have used that extension ....the best option would be to border bounce and reenter visa exempt and obtain non O marriage at your immigration office. To apply for non O the 400k only needs to be in the account on day of application. The subsequent extension requires the funds in bank for 2 months. The 90 day stamp from the non O provides enough time to obtain extension. You would apply in last 30 days with minimum 15 days remaining on your permission of stay. As always consult with your immigration office and ask for flexibility

Think it's just a thing that annoys me.. Some folk staple their 90 report receipt in pp. Some also TM30. Also TM6 by io when they were being issued. It's nuts. Wednesday I go for my annual extension. I will not present report receipt. Nothing to do with extensions. I will not provide a TM30 as I have never done one since living in Thailand. This will be at CW and I will do a report for others. Of course with anything, I always ask with respect.

That is because the passport is the property of the French government. It's a silly habit that some Thai immigration officers do.