Hi

I'm not full time in Chiang Mai yet, most of my time is spent in Thailand on Tourist Visas.

I have roughly half the amount required for a retirement extension in Bkk bank and can make it up to the 800,000 baht..

Would the best (easiest) way to proceed be;

1. Get the funds in and then a bank letter stating the funds are there?

2. Go to Penang or elsewhere with letter and get a single entry Non O and then extension when the money is seasoned?

Any other advice appreciated

Thanks

Option 2 would be the best but you would need to able to demonstrate 800K before the visa would be issued.

Option 2 would be the best but you would need to able to demonstrate 800K before the visa would be issued.

Yes, I plan to have the funds in the bank and a letter before I go.

Is it straight forward at Penang, or would somewhere else be better?

BTW if anyone knows the process + a reasonable place to stay it would be appreciated.

Option 2 would be the best but you would need to able to demonstrate 800K before the visa would be issued.

Yes, I plan to have the funds in the bank and a letter before I go.

Is it straight forward at Penang, or would somewhere else be better?

BTW if anyone knows the process + a reasonable place to stay it would be appreciated.

If you are in Chiang Mia then Vientiane, Laos may be a good choice of place to obtain the visa .

Edited July 22, 201510 yr by nowretired

Option 2 would be the best but you would need to able to demonstrate 800K before the visa would be issued.

Yes, I plan to have the funds in the bank and a letter before I go.

Is it straight forward at Penang, or would somewhere else be better?

BTW if anyone knows the process + a reasonable place to stay it would be appreciated.

If you are in Chiang Mia then Vientiane, Laos may be a good choice of place to obtain the visa .

Thanks, do you know of any reports that one is easier than the other or is it just a question of having the funds?

All you will need is your passport to prove you age and your bank book showing the 800k in the bank on the date you apply for the non-o. A letter from the bank is not needed.

As said Vientiane would be the best place if you are in CM. You can fly to Udon Thani from CM and take a van to the bridge in Nong Khai. Nok Air has a fly/ride service to Vientiane via Udon,

Both Vientiane and Phuket have the same requirements.

Both are reliable as long as the requirements are met. Obtaining an "O" visa on the basis of being over 50 is easy.

From a personal viewpoint I like Penang but I live in the south of Thailand !

All you will need is your passport to prove you age and your bank book showing the 800k in the bank on the date you apply for the non-o. A letter from the bank is not needed.

As said Vientiane would be the best place if you are in CM. You can fly to Udon Thani from CM and take a van to the bridge in Nong Khai. Nok Air has a fly/ride service to Vientiane via Udon,

Both Vientiane and Phuket have the same requirements.

Thank you very much.

If I happen to be in Bangkok and I have the time to go, would Penang or Vientiane be a better option IYO?

Both are reliable as long as the requirements are met. Obtaining an "O" visa on the basis of being over 50 is easy.

From a personal viewpoint I like Penang but I live in the south of Thailand !

How many days should I allow?

I heard there are hotels/guest houses that provide service, is this true or risky?

I have never used the "services" of a hotel/guest house to obtain a visa but have heard others speak well of such services.

You will apply for the visa in the AM on day one and collect your passport in the early PM of day 2.

Thank you guys, for all your advice - last questions.

Places to stay Penang or Vientiane, nothing fancy.

Georgetown is an interesting place, lots of guest houses and boutique hotels around Chulia St area.

Not really sure how far the consulate is from that area though, never needed to go there.

If you've never been to Penang it's worth a few extra days as a mini vacation.

Look for a recent thread that talks all about getting a Non-O from Vientiane.

If you want a good place to stay there, then PM me.

charlie

Thank you guys, for all your advice - last questions.

Places to stay Penang or Vientiane, nothing fancy.

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Warning

I know it is done and can be done to use an Agent in Penang.

However, although it may be often done....I'll just warn you that at Penang you will see a sign displayed in English telling you that applications from Agents will no longer be accepted.

So, just in case, don't claim you didn't know about it.