Is it advisable to enter Thailand on a 30-day visa and apply for a Non-O visa in-country?

@Tod ********

If applying non O in home country can you demonstrate 12 months pension exceeding 65,000 instead of 800,000?

@Gregory *******

the thai banks implemented a policy stating that you can't open a bank account on a free stamp or tourist visa entry. You need a Non-Immigrant type visa <- that you can extend long term

That's why I said UNLESS you have a thai bank account already you're idea to show up free stamp and then apply for the in country Non-O isn't gonna work.

You need to get the initial 90 day Non-O visa from the online eVisa system thru the thai consulate in your country (using proof of funds in your country) before you come here.

That will let you open a bank account and transfer in the 800K baht so you can apply for the year extension based on retirement at the immigration office once the funds have seasoned 2 months

Gregory Hilton if you already have the thai bank account and can put the 800k in it then you can do in country. Some people have bank accounts from before the banks rules tightened up. IF you don't have the bank account, you get the non-O in your country and use it to open the bank account when you arrive

Gregory Hilton you get the non o in your home nation showing funds in your account in your home nation . That is the only way you stand a chance of opening a bank account in Thailand.