I don't know about Thailand but in China for example you cannot hold two visas at the same time. If you're issued anew visa the old visa becomes invalid and if you happen to be inside the country at that time you're there illegally unless possibly if your new visa covers the current date. But even so they usually have to be activated with a stamp, and that's something the immigration only can do.
This is news to me that non-o would only need a covid insurance? Has this changed today? Do you have any pointer to official announcement regarding it?
Initial non-o visa is 90 days, you can then extend for:
- retirement reason (your first column) for 1 year, or
- marriage
Also, if you're female marrying no money is needed....
It is possible to enter on visa exempt and before 15 days left of your legal stay apply to transition to non-o visa. The money needs to be in the Thai bank already (transferred). After the money has been "seasoned" for 2 months can apply for 1y extension.
Not sure how easy it is to get non-o abroad. I know it's listed but never heard of anyone gotten it and how (speak up!).
Self being here, I can't leave as, I don't want to take the cost of a long insurance when coming back...
The only way I see around it, is to come back some month just before it expires and buy a short insurance, if that's allowed, and then extend the stay for another year.
Actually if you want to save money on 7 day sandbox hotels in Phuket at least seems to be much cheaper per night in total and I'm not sure if it includes the testing fee even?
It is a requirement of exempt entry. For visas I am not sure but if you can find a cheap one it's a good way to make sure that you don't get any troubles.
I think there is a website which has the country entry information and the requirement for onward tickets. . In principle your airline should be able to answer this question.
The best I saw was, on i think the American Thai Visa website, where you needed to upload two photos of you I'm not sure if it's the same photo twice but you needed to upload it twice. Acording to the instructions.