In some posts I've read that you only need to have 400K baht from outside Thailand in a Thai bank if you're married, and 800K if you're not. I've also read that there are other specific requirements but I'm not sure what those are. Or that on the form you can just say you're visiting friends but this is unofficial and only certain 'friendly' consulates will allow it (maybe in Australia).

Can anyone please put this altogether for the nonworking, unmarried, no dependents, under 50 year olds? Is it seriously worth pursuing a Non-Immigrant "O" or should we continue to stick with Tourist visas? Also, someone said KL (and maybe Sing) is now giving out double-entry TVs. Any confirmation? Thanks!

Umm, what country do you come from, but generally the chances of getting a Non-O are slim.

Umm, what country do you come from

USA

but generally the chances of getting a Non-O are slim.

Yes, that's what I've always understood in the past so my eyes kind of glazed over reading such posts since I never thought it was applicable to my situation. But since the 'new rules' there've been so many posts here repeatedly saying 'your best bet is to get a non-immigrant visa' as if one could be fashioned for most anyone. However I've yet to read a good explanation of how the broad class I'm a member of would get one.

Non Immigrant categories:

* to perform official duties - Category “F”

* to conduct business/ to work - Category “B”

* to invest with the concurrence of the Thai Ministries and Government Department concerned- Category “IM”

* to invest or perform other activities relating to investment, subject to the provision of the established law and investment promotion - Category “IB”

* to study, to come on a work study tour or observation tour, to participate in project or to attend a conference or training course, to study as a foreign Buddhist monk - Category “ED”

* to work as a film-producer, journalist or reporter - Category “M”

* to perform missionary work or other religious activities with the concurrence of the Thai Ministries or Government Department concerned - Category “R”

* to conduct scientific research or training or teaching in a research institute - Category “RS”

* to undertake skilled work or to work as an expert or specialist - Category “EX”

* other activities - Category “O”

Problem is with the "visiting family and friends" option it really does come down to which country you are from as to how the rules are interpreted and even from consulate to consulate within a particular country.

Unfortunately the countries which do issue visa on the above grounds are few and far between.

(Luckily for me i/m from one of them .......at the moment anyway )

There are very many people who have a Thai spouse but are not using a non immigrant O visa and that is what you are seeing posted here. They are being advised to take advantage of the non immigrant visa and especially the extensions of stay available from Immigration. Most Consulates indeed do not issue non immigrant O visas to just anyone (but there seem to be a select few that seem to be very liberal in there permitted reasons).