Possible to Convert Tourist Visa to Non-O "ED" then later to Non-O for "retirement"?

[mojaco]

There is a family I know wanting to come to Thailand.  This question is not about the current COVID19 restrictions/policies, it is only about retiring in Thailand with a proper "non-immigrant status".  A "Non-O" for "retirement" is not available in the USA, only a "Non-OA".  They do not want a "Non-OA" for all the various reasons discussed on Aseannow.  They want to be on a "Non-O".

They only have enough funds (800,000) for one parent to "convert to a Non-O for retirement" within Thailand.  And right now the other parent cannot travel to a bordering country to get his/her own "Non-O".  So is this possible:

(1) They both enter Thailand on Tourist Visas (or even Non-Exempt)
(2) One parent puts 800,000 Baht in a Thai bank as an "International Transfer".  
    QUESTION: is depositing as an "International Transfer" required to "convert"?
(3) The other parent converts to a "Non-O" ("ED" status) by studying in an approved school
(4) At some later point the parent stops studying and changes the "Non-O for study" status as "following the parent who has the "Non-O for retirement" status.  Can this be done within Thailand and without needing his/her own 800,000 Baht?
(5) At what age will the child no longer be able to "follow his/her parent" and need his/her own independent visa status?

I appreciate simple answers to these questions. 

[ubonjoe]

The Thai embassy and the 3 official consulates are issuing non-o visa for retirement now.

See: https://thaiembdc.org/2020/11/17/nonoretirement/

The only catch is that you would need proof of the medical insurance valid for 90 days from the date of entry.

The the spouse of the one applying for a extension of stay for retirement using the non-o visa that was issued for retirement.

If they have a child that will be attending school in Thailand they could get a non-ed visa and then a one year extension of stay for attending school.

[mojaco]

Joe - Thank you for this very good news!  I thought only the Non-OA was available these days.  The Non-O option answers all their questions.!

 

You can close this topic now if you want.

 

[mojaco]

Two still unanswered questions. 

 

(1) If you go to Thailand on a Non-O (not Non-OA) does the 800,000 Baht needed for an annual extension have to be a proven "International Transfer" or not?

(2) Does the 800,000 have to be in the Thai bank account 2 months before applying for the first annual extension?

 

I have become a little confused about the 800,000 requirements, even after looking for answers on aseannow.com

 

Edited October 25, 2021 by mojaco
Added clarity

[ubonjoe]

10 minutes ago, mojaco said:

(1) If you go to Thailand on a Non-O (not Non-OA) does the 800,000 Baht needed for an annual extension have to be a proven "International Transfer" or not?

(2) Does the 800,000 have to be in the Thai bank account 2 months before applying for the first annual extension?

1. It is not required to apply for a extension of stay. It is only needed when applying for a non-o visa at immigration.

2. Yes

[mojaco]

7 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

1. It is not required to apply for a extension of stay. It is only needed when applying for a non-o visa at immigration.

2. Yes

Again Thank You for quick, clear answers!