20 minutes ago, SamSpade said:

One thing to be aware of when applying for the Non-IMM O in the UK is the option you need to choose is "Retirement (Pensioner aged 50 or above with State Pension who wishes to stay in Thailand for no longer than 90 Days)"

This can cause concern for people who aren't recieving the State Pension, but you don't need to be, you just need to have the 800K THB equivalent in a Bank Account.

They updated the system (I think it was 3 weeks ago?) and now the correct option is Those who wish to stay in Thailand for no longer than 90 days (single entry).

8 hours ago, BaanOz said:

Hi, if I arrive on a 90 day O-visa and I get a bank account opened and transfer the money the first week of arrival, leave it there for 2 months, that would mean 3 weeks before it expires to apply for the extension.

Is 3 weeks enough to apply for the 1 year extension?

I'll be applying in Phuket, can see the minimum time to apply here: https://piv-phuket.com/retirement/

I live in Phuket , but its been some years since i was on a Type-O visa. I assume based on the Phuket Immigration Volunteer link you provided you plan to apply for a 1 year extension of your permission to stay in Thailand (on that 90-day Type-O visa) for reason of 'retirement'?

My recollection, if all items are in order, that Phuket immigration is relatively quick to provide an extension based on retirement and 3 weeks is adequate. But if you are applying for the one-year extension for reason of marriage, then some years back, when I was on a non-immigrant visa for reason of marriage (it was actually a type-OA) it was VERY slow to get the extension. Back then, my understanding, is Phuket province was granted in province approval authority for extension of Visas based on retirement, but not marriage - and all the paperwork (for a marriage extension application) had to be sent out of province. Hence IMHO if one is applying for a 1-year extension in Phuket, based on marriage, one should apply as soon as one is allowed to apply (ie if possibly apply 45 days in advance in that case - if 45-day in advance application still allowed).

But I believe if applying for the 1 year extension, for reason of retirement, on your existing type-O visa's permission to stay in Thailand, your 3 weeks time should be adequate. It don't think it would hurt to apply 30 to 45 days before if you have the finances in place - if that is still allowed. However i could be out of date, so listen to the view of others here.

6 minutes ago, oldcpu said:

But I believe if applying for the 1 year extension, for reason of retirement, on your existing type-O visa's permission to stay in Thailand, your 3 weeks time should be adequate. It don't think it would hurt to apply 30 to 45 days before if you have the finances in place - if that is still allowed.

You can apply for extension up to 45 days early in Phuket.

Would require funds seasoned for 2 months.

Application for extension retirement and marriage can be applied for up till date of expiry of current permission of stay.

Regards marriage you would be given a return date for "under consideration period"

This can be beyond expiry of current stamp.

You do not go into overstay.

Bit off topic: if you apply for a Non O in Thailand you require 15 days remaining on stamp.

CM and Phuket 21 days.