DrJack54

Thanks for report. To be clear (which it was) you did not use border run company. Here is another thread for border run from Pattaya. May be of use to some folk https://aseannow.com/topic/1312731-border-run-pattaya-to-cambodia/

Yes gone are the days of easy opening a bank account from visa exempt or tourist visa. An option is to use an agent. This is just for the bank account. Not referring to non O and extensions. That will be 4-5k However that only enables you to start the required 12 month of transfers. Horrible. Agree..very difficult for UK,USA,AU citizens. I'm not sure OP pp country

Actually appreciate your post. Really and well written. Bit off topic but I'm moving from funds in the bank for retirement extensions to income method. So yes PITA. I need to run the 2 requirements side by side till I can jump ship to income method. Being Oz my embassy does not provide "income letter" The OP has given us very little. Not even sure which country he is from. Being married he would only need to show 40k income per month. My point is that if someone cannot show 40k per month do they have adequate funds to live in Thailand

Let's end to and fro re Agents.

Back to topic which is not the old chestnut "Agents" Many have definitive views. The OP can make his own call. OP, any other details that would add to advice for options One positive is that the OP mentioned health cover in place. That's a positive.

Finally a post that cuts to the chase of available options. BTW with very few details from OP.

One last time. Provide the OP with your advice of a plan to live ongoing in Thailand. So far I have suggested non O based on retirement and subsequent annual extensions. Approx 27k + 13k per year ongoing using an agent...... And your suggestion...? Note he cannot meet Financials for marriage non O + annual extensions and agent will not assist with that option. Fire away.....

So on a positive note (if that's possible) give the OP a suggestion. Mind you difficult as he has outlined little.

I had rocks thrown earlier in the thread for suggesting you will have difficulty in living in Thailand without sufficient funds. I noticed not many of those folk offered one suggestion. I did suggest earlier that being over 50 you could opt for an agent obtaining a Non O based on retirement and annual extensions. Some others have outlined the costs involved for that option. I'm not sure the wife's $160/month is usd however say 5500b hopefully is manageable. Thinking the thread has not provided much advice as you have not outlined your source of income and the amount/month.

That is the best option and suggested by several. Thread drifted off to bringing cash into Thailand. This option has been discussed often in banking and finance. Topic closed

Reentry permit desk is zone 2 after security and prior to passport. On left side of passport check ques They provide an option 200b service fee and do it all for you. Photo included. Optional.

Settle. I posted that in second post of thread along with others. Thanks for confirmation

Return date irrelevant. Put whatever you want. Your reentry permit will provide until date that is the same as expiry of your current permission of stay stamp. (it's not a visa) Which airport will you depart from. You can obtain reentry permit at airport if Immigration is inconvenient. Edit: just noticed you are obtaining at airport Mention which airport for advice

What is your status in Thailand. Meaning are you on extension with reentry permit? Why do you need to do a TM30

If you use "onward ticket" or similar that works fine. Yes legit. My reference to Jomtien was that immigration office was requiring 2 months of seasoning for the Non O application. That is wrong it only needs to be account day of application. Assume you have Thai bank account

Your problem wouldn't be with Thai immigration on arrival. It could occur with airline requiring onward flight at check in. You have few options. Google companies such as "onwardticket.com " Buy cheapest onward throw away ticket. BTW: You are not obtaining the Non O in Jomtien?

I notice you do not have a Thai bank account. Where do you plan to obtain your 12 month extension. That would be where you plan to live. Also you don't need to apply weeks early for extension

OP have good read of this thread and links it contains. https://aseannow.com/topic/1296371-multi-entry-non-o-for-the-first-time-thai-child-but-how/

You could do that or a cheap throw away ticket. Is upload of flight required or just date?

2018 makes post irrelevant. Things have changed dramatically.

@Mike Lister any advice on bringing large sums of cash into Thailand to avoid potential tax laws.

I think this is poor advice. OP, why are you making easy difficult. You can transfer funds into saving account using various methods. Once in Thailand you can set up a FD account. BTW: why mention "common law wife" Means zip in Thailand. Is she Thai national.

It would be a long (embarrassing) list of examples of various immigration offices having rogue rules.

While there are immigration offices that just want to see the requured funds transferred every month on relatively consistent date, there are many offices that will also require proof coming from some sort of "pension" For example rental income not acceptable. The old TIT applies and folk should consult their individal immigration office.

The 90 days starts from when you enter Thailand. With 400k in the bank for 2 months you apply for 12 month extension. BTW: the 12 months is an annual extension of your permission of stay. It's not a visa. Assume you have a that bank account in your name only. After you receive final stamp for your extension you can use funds as you wish. Does not need to remain in bank. Sweet deal.