@Belinda *******

this has always been the rule. Not new

@Charlotte ************

stm2, 9 and 11

Worst case they have already setup terminals at arrivals to do it on-site with help available.

@Jim *******

an embassy will accept either for the initial visa in your home country.

However Thai Immigration requires an embassy letter endorsing income for the extension which the US , CANADA and others no longer provide.

Therefore to do an extension IN thailand you need the 800k to start.

After transferring 65k per month for the entire first extension you can apply by using income proof of bank statements.

@Peter *******

yes leaving the 800k in is the smartest path.

The OP is asking about income method, which is fine for the original overseas visa BUT not extension in Thailand .

To do an extension in Thailand with income you need an embassy endorsement OR proof of 12 mths deposit into your Thai account.

The combination method is not accepted at all immigration offices.

@Jim *******

as a US citizen.

You could try an LTR visa, if you qualify by income.

You can purchase an Elite visa at a million or more baht.

IF you get a 90 day non-o or 1yr OA visa from the embassy in the US you may qualify for income.

BUT you will not be able to use income for a 1year extension in country as the US embassy does not issue income letters to support it.

You would need to deposit 800k baht in a Thai bank for at least the first year and

deposit a minimum of 65k baht per month for an entire year before applying for the next extension based on income.

Once you have a visa from an embassy you enter and can open a bank account.

Oyust only be in your name.

Of your enter visa exempt you will not likely be able to open the account without an agents help $$.

Okay sorry but it is a mess of a post.

800k retirement not applicable to you.

500k for DTV Which you cannot work in Thailand with.

Maybe you find an online job first?

Nonb Visa supported by a school, but most schools requires a university degree.

You may get a job in a school in Isaan or something remote but would pay little. But at your age and experience level may be tough to find. You'd most likely end up with an agency for any chance.

So in summary, unless you have deep pockets and just want to travel and enjoy, it's probably not going to happen.

If you are on the 30 day tourist extension you probably do not have enough time (Phuket its 15 working days) to convert to 90 day non-o.

They no longer allow conversion from tourist stamp/extension to 60 day Thai family to 90 day non-o .

So either leave and return as a tourist and get it started right away, which depending on your history could be problematic.

OR best path leave and apply for the 90 day non-o based on being married to a Thai at an embassy.

Then enter on that 90 day visa and then apply for the 1 year extension.

Most people

"under consideration" is just processing time for the set of documents sent away.

You will be fine, it's just a formality.

If they require an inspections it is quik and painless.

@Tom *******

yes genetics has nothing to do with illness......