@Eric ********

Extension to stay based on OA, since it seems unlikely I could change to Non O, which normally requires leaving the country. But I just got a quote for 7,700 baht for an acceptable health insurance policy w 200k deductible which I only need for this purpose, as I plan to keep my Cigna policy. So, 7,700 tacked onto costs for a one year extension to stay based on an OA visa. Not happy.

@Dianne ****

Now that Robert Lagas clarified this applies for my first extension of stay, I understand the requirements. Take note, although this may already be clear to you, it is 2 months before the application date (which I select within an acceptable time period), not the expiration date of the current permit to stay stamp, so it will be more than 2 months. But defintely not a full year. Then I follow the guidelines for the next year as Robert outlined as has been posted on this forum before. This is different than proof of monthly income.

@Robert ******

excellent! Thank you very much for the detailed and quick reply.

Re: transfer 800,000 two months before applying for the extension of the 90-day Non O

Can admins confirm that 2 months is still the initial aging/seasoning requirement for Non O based on retirement? Asking because this is a common concern and confusion - and I believe I saw a post recently with different info - and I may need to do the same later this year. I know about the subsequent year-long and renewal bank balance requirements, and assume no changes for that.

If you have your prior TM30 in your passport, go to CM immigration, 3rd floor for TM30 reporting. When it is your turn, just hand over your passport, showing the TM30 and explain you just reentered Thailand. They will stamp the same TM30 to note you reported on this date. Usually takes 5-10 minutes unless many people, which is not likely.

Should be reported within 24 hours, but a reputable visa agency recently indicated they are not so strict now.

@Ian *****

strange, because Aetna is listed here as acceptable:

@Suzy *******

I think this is a great reminder of the bureaucracy here - that they even pay attention that the permit is 365 days, never 366. Perhaps the laws or regulations stipulate 365 days, not 1 year :-)

@James *********

I have considered the issue of guaranteed renewal previously. My conclusion is that it has little value since they can price you out of a potential renewal at a certain age. In other words, if in the future an annual renewal cost me $10,000 or $20,000 or $30,000, eventually my guaranteed-renewal is useless. I might be able to lower that cost by significantly by increasing my deductible, but that gets me closer to self-insurance - but true self-insurance is not acceptable for visa purposes. Or I switch to annual extensions based on retirement, until they also have an insurance requirement.

James Miller Thank you. I know I don't need anything from the Thai Consulate. Re: same day border run, nice to know that's an option; however last time I was in Vientiane was in 1997, so as long as I'm going to be there, I want to walk around town and talk to some people. I have the time, I'll just miss one day of my Thai language class. I'll do the Laos visa-on-arrival, and I think I have the needed info for that.

@Robert ******

Yes, I definitely plan to do that. I know I need to remind the IO that I have an OA visa, and ensure the stamp is for a full year. Thanks for the reminder.