And unfortunately, even the visa companies have their hands tied on this one (I asked several, also having an STV).

Ahh, there it is. Thanks so much!

Thx Tod. We'll be getting that 90 day single entry Non-O visa back in the US, as we have to do a run back home for a bit (family business & can't convert our current visas in-country). We'll have that in our local Thai account before leaving to return home to be sure we don't hit any timing snags.

Question to clarify, since we're embarking down a similar path...must the 800K THB requirement be met for the INITIAL single entry Non-O visa, or just when the 1-year extension is filed? Just working out the timeline for all this. I know the money has to be in 2 months prior - just wondering whether that's prior to the single-entry non-O that gets you in, or prior to filing for the extension.

And once it's done, it's done. Gotta leave the country to get a different type of visa. STVs can't be converted in-country.

@Michael *******

I heard the same yesterday when talking with a local language school about getting an ED visa. Come in on a tourist visa and have them begin the ED visa process immediately upon your arrival since the paperwork takes a bit to get processed.