A mate of mine needs to swap from tourist visa to Non O so he can apply for a retirement visa. He has a forthcoming trip to South Korea can he swap visa's in the Embassy in Seoul?

Is the swap in BKK a simple procedure? If so he would do this.However he only has 3 weeks left on his current tourist visa.

There would no swap if he applied in Seoul. He would simply be apply for a new visa. Not sure they would do it though. It would be best to contact them first. Info: http://www.thaiembassy.org/seoul/en/organize/30552-Embassy-Map.html

He needs at least 15 days to apply for a change of visa status in Bangkok and 2 trips to get the visa/entry stamps. He would need to show financial proof to get it. After he got the 90 day entry stamp he would need to get a single re-entry permit to keep it valid when he enters the country after his trip.

There is no "retirement" visa nor is it possible to "swap" visas.

A non imm "O" visa is easily obtained in Vietiane or Penang if over 50 with financial proof of the ability to meet the requirements for an extension of stay.

I have no idea if the visa can be obtained in Seoul.

To convert from a tourist visa entry to a non "O" requires a min. 15 days remaining permission to stay, financial evidence of meeting the requirements for an extension and two visits to immigration.

A Non 'O' is not available in Seoul according to the website. http://www.thaiembassy.org/seoul/en/services

A Non 'O' is not available in Seoul according to the website. http://www.thaiembassy.org/seoul/en/services

It doe not appear on that menu but people have gotten multiple entry non-o visas based upon marriage there. Suspect it is just an omission on the site.