@Steven ********

they responded within a day with the query but than approved few days before i left … as i assume the date of approval starts eating into the 60 days within which you need to present at the immigration entering Thailand. I would say 2 weeks ahead of departure plenty of time. I did try to apply in-country during a previous visit and unless you do it through the agent (starting 35,000 for non-o + extension) it was quite demanding on the documents to provide. Applying non-o in home country is much easier (£60) as is the extension thereafter (1900 baht/ £40).

Italian property is much cheaper than french (even cheaper than in Thailand in some places). I adore Puglia and Sardinia but i do not intend to stay anywhere long enough to become a tax resident. International nomadic living can be very interesting. Japan is now also a very good value for money.

@Ning *****

… do you need annual lease agreement or any current TM30 is sufficient for annual extension? What about shorter rental agreements like 1 or 3 months?

Applying non-o visa in home country before arrival is much easier (using cash deposit or prove of income based on home country bank statements). Possible to open a bank account with a 90 day visa and “season” 800k deposit for 60 days before 1 year extension. Probably a property rental agreement needed (for the duration of the extension? Or OK shorter? and TM30 registration. The 800k deposit is most important. I assume gets easier with further extensions but i was surprised how easy it was to obtain the non-o initial 90 day visa (London embassy but applied all online).

If they want more info they will write to you.

I do understand your questions as some people have been brought up with very little opportunities and aspirations and never even considered a passport. I find civil servants in Thailand very helpful and as long as you find a passport office they will guide and help her.

@David ********

transferred 800,000 baht yesterday onto thai account - £17,200 through wise

There is a need to start discussing taxation if you intend to or will become a tax resident in this fiscal year (183 days of more physically present in Thailand 1st Jan - 31st Dec 2024). If not by default or plan to manage not to there is no need to worry about tax. Next step is how black and white the new changes are … or just grey.

@Jon *******

oh ok … been avoiding it since 2000 … closest i ventured finaly in 2024 was Jomtien. Still not met anyone you are describing above …