DrJack54

https://thaivisa-express.com/

That's a joke right.

First up you ran into a nutter. Surprised that you even had to ring bank. At an office like CW the head io would have pointed her in right direction. As for exiting Thailand to "kill off" the non O-A.....you would be aware that you would reenter visa exempt and obtain a new Non O + subsequent 12 month extension. Opening a saving account no problem. Do that before you exit and kill the current permission of stay.

https://www.immigration.go.th/?p=14695 Go to #22. Hit it. Then go to #4 on list.

What is the issue...hit this: https://www.thaievisa.go.th/ Next create account. Next fill in the fields. I just did this. Attached is screenshot just now. Difficult? No.

You didn't follow the clear simple instructions. 1. Hit the link 2. Scroll all the way down to e-Visa. In that section there is link... https://www.thaievisa.go.th Hit that. 3. Go to "other visas" 4. 5th on that list is Non O

Thinking you need to look again. Hit this link .... https://madrid.thaiembassy.org/en/page/19412-visa?menu=5d7cf78c15e39c3e0400199d Then scroll down to e-Visa. There is link .... Scroll down to "other" on Types of visas. I think number 5 on that list is Non O (retirement)

Correct. In some threads people have asked same question eg apply for e-Visa for Thailand while in Thailand. This will not work. I'm referring to nearby countries eg Vietnam etc. Your entry stamp to that country will prove you are in the country.

If using rent a ticket option then those tickets have limited validity. Often 48 hours. Unlikely would be checked. A genuine onward flight acceptable. You have received a lot of replies in various threads.

I'm done. You jump from obtaining a e-Visa to visa exempt entry in various threads Decide how you plan to enter Thailand for best advice

I have not heard/read that. Big change so doubt it's genuine claim. Guess it could be some more scrutiny on sham marriages. This is what you quoted from some random poster. That is rubbish. You can obtain a Non O in Thailand from visa exempt or tourist visa entry. That's why they have TM86 and TM87 forms for. To obtain Non O from tourist visa (TM86) or from Visa Exempt entry (TM87)

Don't need to... https://www.siam-legal.com/other-services/opening-a-bank-account-in-thailand.php In reading current situation SL are only assisting with bank accounts for few countries citizens and also doing the account in Pattaya.

It is. Siam Legal were previously mentioned in various threads as recommended agent for opening bank account. Some time ago they stopped offering this service. Not sure of current status. In any event the OP has his advice. For others that do not have a Thai bank account then 100% obtain e-Visa (Non O) outside of Thailand and use that to assist in opening bank account in Thailand.

The fact is that opening a bank account is almost impossible (currently) with a visa exempt entry. As a result anyone without a Thai bank account would be well advised to obtain e-Visa Non O prior to entering Thailand. The OP has a Thai bank account. I asked early for that very reason

Note re Thai Bank Account. The OP has one so he can obtain the Non O retirement e-Visa in Oz or alternatively obtain Non O at local immigration office in Thailand.

Your original question was regarding Non O e-Visa based on retirement. I posted this link earlier. Go to "other visa" and Non O retirement is 5th on the list. https://www.thaievisa.go.th/ Simple. Should take about 3 days

Being over 50 has nothing to do with it. Flying visa exempt from Saigon he most likely require an onward flight within 60 days to obtain boarding pass from airline.

Even if the answer is yes the result would be Nup. From AI...... "To appeal a denied Thai immigration visa extension, you would need to submit an "Appeal Letter" to the Immigration Bureau, typically alongside the original application form (TM.7) and supporting documents, explaining the reasons why you believe the decision to deny your extension was incorrect; this appeal should be addressed to the relevant immigration office where you initially applied for the extension." What chance would that have. Zip.

Just to add...the 12 month extension will be added to your current expiry date. In other words ...you don't lose days by applying early.

I understand what you are saying re validity of statutory declarations from Oz embassy however thinking that's your first point of inquiry. Married AU folk hopefully will provide first hand report. Here is link to legal firm. They suggest embassy, however refers to getting married. You are already married https://www.siam-legal.com/Thailand_Service/thailand-marriage-australian.php

Don't understand while an appeal would be necessary. Immigration has head officer and others doing the grunt work. Of course they also tick off the requirements. The requirements for extensions based on retirement are VERY clear and simple. The io would advise what is incomplete and needs addressing. The obvious main one being financial requirements. Not draconian at all.

As stated 800k.....2 months prior to date of application + 3 months after date of application. Not below 400k in any other months. Expiry date of extension doesn't come into it.

I'm sure you are aware that you can attend bank for "bank letter" and "bank statement" (12 months) few days prior to attending immigration for extension. You will have to go to immigration either way. Thinking best to leave things as status quo.

Your OP is clear. Thinking that your best option is for the Extensions new week provide what you have done previously. Hopefully immigration will outline what is required for following year. They most likely suggest wife needs to change to extension retirement by adhering to the financial requirements. Meaning 800k 2 months prior to extension etc. She cannot do that for next week. Obviously would need to be in her Thai bank account in her name only. Again (hopefully) immigration would facilitate you switching to extension based as her dependant. Personally I don't see a great deal of advantage in your plan. You would still need to go to immigration. Seems at best saves you dealing with bank for 12 months bank statement, bank letter etc.

The OP is on extensions based on retirement. The non Thai wife had a non O as a dependent due to being married. She "piggybacks" on his extensions. OP, thinking that you need to discuss with your immigration office. I'm not sure however my thinking is step 1. For wife to obtain extension based on retirement. At some stage she had a non O. Hopefully immigration will allow her to switch to extension based on retirement In turn allow you to switch to extension based as a dependant.