DrJack54

No problem. To each their own, however that will require bank statements for the year to apply for annual extension as transactions may be consolidated.

OP, you are correct. Must be in cash. Baht or equivalent currency. Having stated that very rarely asked for.

Yes.

From couple of friends earlier this year.

Indeed. Never understand why folk don't have a dedicated bank account for immigration purposes and other accounts for day to day banking.

Does immigration office require bank statement? Why not just your bankbook showing balance history?

Your call. Frankly don't understand why you would bother. Bird in hand ..... BTW the 30 days you refer to is just the under consideration period. They won't issue you another 30 day extension. I assume you have one previously. The word "special" means nothing. It's just an extension.

I'm not clear on the OP extension.......is it his first extension? If so he would only be required to show the 800k for 2 months prior to application.

You need to do more research. UK, USA and AU embassies do not provide the letter you refer to. Re money in bank method for extensions retirement it is 800k two months in bank prior to application for extension and 3 months post application then not below 400k and back up to 800k prior to next application for extension. OR Monthly deposit from overseas of 65k. For extensions based on marriage requires 400k for 2 months prior to extention and in many cases for the consideration period after application. After that can be withdrawn. OR Monthly income 40k per month.

Each to their own. Sounds like 3500b included the extension fee 1900baht. Excellent deal. Probably no under consideration period. If you have already do the standard 30 day extension. You would be obtaining a covid extension 60 days. Now you are still in no mans land. BTW do not listen to io re go on overstay.

So you were offered a covid extension for 3500baht? And you didn't accept it?

Why don't you just do a border bounce and reenter visa exempt then obtain non O at Phuket immigration.

@Mark79 you have your answers. In addition remember to update anything that has your existing pp #. Especially your Thai bank account.

No. You can obtain 60 day extension to visit wife after your 30 day extension

There is translation breakdown. Immigration can not give you a tourist visa in Thailand. Regarding a non O application the 800k would need to be in bank account the day you apply. The application would need to be made 15 days + remaining on your current permit

Actually 4 methods. You can have agent do it on your behalf.

You are referring to 90 day reports. Very simple to do. 3 methods. Via mail and in person or Online. Not an issue. BTW cannot be done at police station. No bribe or extra payment necessary

I would go with the intention to apply for 30 day extension. The immigration office is on level 3 and there is photocopy joint left side of entry. Have your TM30 from your hotel just in case it's asked for.

OP, you have me confused. Thinking you were given 30 days visa exempt/visa waiver. That can be extended by 30 days. BTW you won't be able to apply for covid extension until you first up apply for standard 30 day extension.

No. What you are referring to (I assume) is extension to non O based on retirement. No minimum number of days. To renew the extension each year you would need to be in Thailand to make application.

For me it's a no brainer. The small catch is for those that do not Thai bank account in place. Makes time tight. The other thing is that for the non O retirement to be obtained in Thailand the applicant needs show funds came from abroad. If obtaining the non O outside Thailand that is not a requirement.

By 90 day tourist visa you mean a 60 day tourist visa with a 30 day extension. If someone only wanted to stay 4 months there are plenty of simple options. Just couple of examples.. Enter visa exempt and obtain extension and do one border bounce with visa exempt entry. Has option to obtain 30 day extension. OR Tourist Visa entry + extension+ border bounce. So many combos for stays approx 4-5 months. Longer stays can involve non O .

Must exit Thailand via international airport to claim VAT

Think that you will find a non O retirement obtained in home country will require insurance with 90 day cover. The non O obtain in Thailand along with subsequent extensions does not require any insurance. Can even enter Thailand visa exempt and do the "conversion" to non O.

Visa on arrival is available to few countries. It allows 15 day stay. Often confused because some folk referring to visa exempt entry (30 days) as "Visa on arrival".