Once upon a time I was on an Non-Ed 1 year extension with a multiple re-entry permit. I just checked my passport and the three times I left and re-entered Thailand they stamped me back in with 'Non-RE', so it doesn't mean retirement. If you're friend doesn't have a re-entry permit then they made a mistake. I wouldn't worry about it. How could someone on a new visa possibly be expected to spot the mistake at the airport. Most people commenting don't know what Non-RE means.

I recently got a 12 month multiple Non-O based on foreign spouse with an investment visa at the Thai Embassy in Yangon. The financial requirement was the equivalent of 2,000,000 Myanmar kyats in any bank account. That’s around $950 at the official CBM rate. You could email them to ask if they issue the visa for a parent of a Thai child. They’ve replied to me in the past. It’s best to ask them if they can confirm with the Thai national who approves the visas because the local staff don’t always know.

@Tod ********

I hope it's ok to jump on this thread as it looks like OP's question has been answered. If you hold a 1 year multiple (90 days per stay) Non O, do you have to wait until the 11th month of the visa to apply for a one year extension?

Update: I couldn’t get through to the consulate and they still haven’t replied to my email. I went in person before they opened at 9am. Security told me the guy who signs the visas doesn’t start until 10, so straight to the airport with the family. All was fine at BKK immigration, they didn’t say anything just stamped me in for 90 days. I would have lost $400 in flights so I’m glad I ‘risked’ it. Thanks again for all the helpful comments.

They are actually really good at emails but it's a Sunday. I'll give it a go. Won't have long before i'll need to change the flights.

@Dale *********

There's no clear signature unlike my son's visa which was issued at the same time.

I am noticing it before the flight but my flight is at 11.30am tomorrow and the consulate opens at 9am. I was careful to check all of the details were correct before i left the consulate but i missed the lack of signature. I think it's safest to postpone the flight a day and get it sorted. There's three of us flying so it's going to cost a bit to move the flights. Such is life.

@Đặng ***

great. Thank you.

Thanks for the update. So you need to have had a balance of 500,000 plus for each of the previous 6 months? I wonder if you can combine bank accounts, any idea?

FYI anyone reading, I wasn't able to change my 60 day tourist visa to a Non-O visa at Bangkok Immigration. I was told for a Non- O linked to an investment visa you must apply overseas at a Thai embassy.