Best visa before non O conversion after arrival at agent.

[ozimoron]

In the past I have arrived visa exempt and converted that to a non O visa on expiry. I was told at the time by the agent that it was less expensive to get a 60 day TR visa in advance and convert that to a non O on expiry.

 

Which is best now? Can an agent still do this? I already have a bank account at Bangkok Bank.

 

Do I need an outward bound ticket?

 

Is there anything else I should know about the visas? All other requirements I can research myself.

[ubonjoe]

Will you be applying for the non-o visa based upon retirement or marriage to a Thai.

You can apply for either one with a 30 day visa exempt entry or the 30 day extension of it.

Both will require 800k baht or 400k baht in the bank on the day you apply.

[ozimoron]

7 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

Will you be applying for the non-o visa based upon retirement or marriage to a Thai.

You can apply for either one with a 30 day visa exempt entry or the 30 day extension of it.

Both will require 800k baht or 400k baht in the bank on the day you apply.

Previously the agent sorted out the bank details. They can't do that anymore?

[DrJack54]

20 minutes ago, ozimoron said:

I was told at the time by the agent.........

Is your agent just assisting with paperwork?

Do you intend to deposit funds into bank as per the requirements or avoid that with agent assistance.

 

[ozimoron]

Just now, DrJack54 said:

Is your agent just assisting with paperwork?

Do you intend to deposit funds into bank as per the requirements or avoid that with agent assistance.

 

avoid it with agent assitance

[ubonjoe]

1 minute ago, ozimoron said:

Previously the agent sorted out the bank details. They can't do that anymore?

They can still do it if you want them to. Of course there will be a substantial fee for them to do it.

[RichardColeman]

Yes, agents are still doing this, a 'friend' of mine who is doing this was told this 3 weeks ago - 25k from scratch. Get a throw away ticket

[ozimoron]

Just now, ubonjoe said:

They can still do it if you want them to. Of course there will be a substantial fee for them to do it.

I think I paid 25K last time. I just prefer not to tie my money up in the bank, I have it "invested" in crypto where it loses value every day ... ????

 

[ozimoron]

Just now, RichardColeman said:

Yes, agents are still doing this, a 'friend' of mine who is doing this was told this 3 weeks ago - 25k from scratch. Get a throw away ticket

From scratch meaning visa exempt 30 day visa?

[ozimoron]

Best idea for a throwaway ticket?

 

Can I travel direct from swampy to a SHA+ hotel in Pattaya? I like the D Hotel and I believe that is a SHA hotel.

[RichardColeman]

Just now, ozimoron said:

From scratch meaning visa exempt 30 day visa?

entry on 30 day exempt and then 15 months visa, (90 days and 12 month extension same time)

[DrJack54]

1 minute ago, ozimoron said:

I think I paid 25K last time. I just prefer not to tie my money up in the bank, I have it "invested" in crypto where it loses value every day

OK....

Yes it's common place. 

You would be obtaining a non O based on retirement.

The agent fee you mentioned is correct.

Don't know why they suggested tourist visa entry. Maybe to have time buffer.

Non O can be obtained from visa exempt entry and tourist visa entry.

[ozimoron]

Just now, DrJack54 said:

OK....

Yes it's common place. 

You would be obtaining a non O based on retirement.

The agent fee you mentioned is correct.

Don't know why they suggested tourist visa entry. Maybe to have time buffer.

Non O can be obtained from visa exempt entry and tourist visa entry.

I was told there was extra cost involved in first converting the visa exempt into a TR visa and then to the non O retirement visa. It's been a few years now so I don't remember the details. I think better to just arrive visa exempt.

[DrJack54]

14 minutes ago, ozimoron said:

Best idea for a throwaway ticket?

 

Can I travel direct from swampy to a SHA+ hotel in Pattaya? I like the D Hotel and I believe that is a SHA hotel.

The throw away ticket refers to onward flight to satisfy airline at departure if flying without visa.

Google "onward flight or rent a flight" and you will see options and explanation. Approx 12usd.

 

You can check out thread that ThaiVisaCenter started covering hotels etc.

 

Personally for the sake of one night in Bangkok I would stay there..

 

Edit: you stated...

"was told there was extra cost involved in first converting the visa exempt into a TR visa and then to the non O retirement visa".

Not done that way. Enter visa exempt or tourist visa no problem..

 

Added note. If decide on visa exempt entry just choose 30 day cover for your 50k insurance.