I am over 50, and am just doing some research on which visa to apply for when I return on my next trip for long term stay. I have required 800,000THB in bank

Looking at Penang from Samui, it seems the "usual way" is go for a 3 month single entry Non O (300MYR), and apply for extension of stay based on retirement, plus SE / ME re-entry permit from local Imm office.

But reading through TV threads and came across this: http://www.thaiembassy.org/penang/contents/files/news-20150731-103408-798023.pdf it shows also a one year ME (750MYR), and a 3 year ME (1500MYR) Non Imm Visa.

Not sure if these are 'O' visa, or some other class, or if they would even issue a three year visa without special requirements, but what are the pros and cons of getting a 1or 3 yr ME vs 3 month SE + extension based on retirement and ME permit?

One would still have to do 90 day reports, so what other things to consider? Or am I getting this all wrong?

a single entry non o, would allow you to enter Thailand and receive a 90 day permission to stay stamp, which could then be extended for a period of one year for 1,900 baht, any trips out of Thailand would need a re-entry permit = easy and cheap. a 90 day report to local immigration would be required, during the extension period.

a multi entry non o, would allow, unlimited entry to Thailand and each entry would give you a 90 day permission to stay stamp, any entry could be extended for a period of one year for 1,900 baht, ( financial requirements) if you did not extend you could get 15 months use from this visa, by making a fresh entry the day before expiry of the actual visa. each stay in Thailand would be for a maximum stay of 90 days , ( unless extended)

As far as i know a multi entry non o can not be obtained in surrounding countries for 'retirement' reasons, it would have to be obtained in your home country

a 3 year multi entry is some thing unspken about on tv and i would leave it alone.

You might be able to get a multiple entry non-o visa valid for a year in Penang by showing the 800k baht in the bank.

The 3 year visa is a non-b visa for business purposes.

Thanks guys. Planning to do the Samui - Penang visa application on my next trip.

It might be worth considering a non imm o-a multi entry visa, which you would obtain from a Thai Embassy or Consulate in your home country. If used correctly, you can get almost two years from that single visa.

The OA from home country has advantages but also has extra requirements such as police checj , medical and docs notorized and bound etc.

The non o is simple process. Regarding your reentry permit you can if you wish simply obtain it at airport if leaving Thailand. Up to 30 days or some offices 45, you apply for your 12 month permission of stay. Easy. You only need to do 90 day report if your in los for 90 consecutive days