@Michael ******

I would like to bet that 5 years is about average for the process. Congratulations on finally getting it.

@Us ****

because Thailand is a wonderful country and the USA isn't. Look at the best two candidates the USA have come up with to be president. Bear in mind this is the best line up in the last 3 elections. 😂

@Wayne *******

great answer.

It is now a lot harder to get a bank account in Thailand with a tourist visa or visa exempt. As a result I would advise your friend to get a non immigrant O based on being over 50 in his home country before he comes to Thailand. With a non Immigrant O he will find it much easier to open a bank account.

@Declan *********

TTB have an account that has no ATM fees from any bank and any province.

I did a border bounce, came back on a 30 day visa exempt (1st July). Then I applied for the Non O based on marriage. I needed to show the 400k came from outside of Thailand.

@Tod ********

no requirement for the extension but there was for the original visa.

@Tod ********

yes I was doing the banked money on a marriage extension.

@Tod ********

I don't know if the other office you refer to is Phetchaburi but after 8 years on the O-A I had to show funds had been transferred from abroad. Wasn't a big hassle as I mark my monthly as a foreign transfer with Wise. 😊

Congratulations you have again got lots of conflicting information. "Buy a cheep flight out of Thailand within 60 days". "Don't worry it won't be a problem". And a few solutions in between. Unfortunately the people giving you the advice aren't giving you the full story, that is which. Airlines are asking for a return flight and what route they are being asked on.

The best information that was given was from

@Brandon ***********

.call the airline you have booked with or better still intending to book with and ask them what their policy is then make your decisions on that basis.

You will not have an issue at immigration. The only people who may have an issue at immigration are those that have spent an excessive time in Thailand, basically living in the Kingdom on tourist visas and visa exemption entries.

Enjoy your time here.