@Kace ******

It's not setup for anything. There aren't many countries in the world where you can just decide to go be there without a visa for as long as you want. Thailand is one of those that you can't do it. If you want to abuse the system then you can pay illegal bribes. That's a decision you can make, but the system isn't setup to cause that.

There is a very clear system setup for you to have a long-term visa. It's not Thailand's fault that you can't meet those requirements.

@Det ******

exactly

@Kace ******

it shows you're not a tourist. That is why they are denying entry to people. Visa exempt is for tourists and someone trying to live in Thailand is not a tourist. That's the entire job of an immigration officer

@Det ******

there's no criminal record check for non-O retirement visa either. So why waste time and money?

@Kace ******

I've only ever heard of any using mini-buses (aka vans)

I guess you have to choose which risk you're willing to take then

@กาเลน ****

I think up to 19. 20 is the age they are considered adults in Thailand

@Gosia *********

that depends on if you get a visa before you travel or not. If not then legally you're required to have proof of a ticket out of Thailand within 60 days. Immigration almost never checks but you might have problems with your airline.

If you get it the visa first then it's not a requirement.

@Richard *******

yep. It's all online now in the US.

You'll look for this option for the 90 day non-O visa.

Make sure after you upload your passport front page and the system autofills your information, check very very carefully. Many people have had their applications rejected because the autofills system put an incorrect O (letter) in the passport number instead of 0 (zero)

@Richard *******

There's nothing that says you can't apply for a non-O visa for your trip in February then apply for another one when you're ready to move to Thailand.

Apply for it before your first trip so you can open your bank account, then on your 2nd trip so you can actually start the long-term visa process.