@Debbie ********

I don't think there's any way to bypass the normal check-in counters. With through flights there is a separate transfer area, which saves having to join the hordes but I don't believe VietJet have any such arrangements

Which airlines is she flying with? There may be an interline partnership

@David ******

As I say it's each to their own. Many people visit their home country every couple of years, so it's easy for them to get a new OA each time. I know several people with family/business ties who do this, and don't want to waste 800,000 baht.

@David ******

You can get two years from an OA without transferring a single baht. Australians can get a five year OX visa also without transferring a baht. I prefer to leave my money in a super fund earning 7.5% tax free interest. The interest easily covers a health insurance policy. But it's each to their own of course. I couldn't justify leaving 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account for the rest of my life earning a pittance of interest

@Pascal ****

OA doesn't require 800k baht in a Thai bank account

Totally agree with

@Tod ********

answer. If you have any longer term plans for visiting Thailand also look at the OX visa from the Sydney consulate, NOT the Canberra Embassy. This visa gives you five years unlimited entries, and can be extended a further five years, and also does not require funds to be transferred into a Thai bank account

@Scot ******

I don't know about Jontiem. I only know Bangkok immigration post them - takes about two weeks

@Scot ******

Try another bank branch. They're all different.

@Scot ******

Passport and lease worked for me..Bank didn't need residence certificate

@Deby *************

The only way to change from OA to O is to leave the country and either apply for the O at an embassy, or re-enter on a TR or exempt and apply for the O at an immigration office. But most definitely can be done