@Eyal *******

non-O is a 90 day single entry visa. You use it to enter Thailand and it gives you just enough time to open a Thai bank account and prepare yourself to apply for the 1-year extension.

Non-OA is a one year multiple entry visa. You get a 1-year stamp every time you enter Thailand until the visa expires. But you're required to go through a much more thorough visa application process including medical check and criminal history check. You'll also be required to have mandatory health insurance to enter Thailand and for the rest of your life in Thailand if you choose the extend based on this visa.

Apply for the non-O visa. There is no insurance requirement.

It's the non-OA that requires insurance.

No one ever said there was a 5k limit.

@Rob *********

it is for someone on a retirement visa. Impossible, actually.

@ThanyaMichael ********

I think they normally want a "certified" translation. Which means a translation company does the translation and then certifies that it's accurate. And then possibly you need to get something done at the MFA after that, but I'm not sure on that part. You should be involved in the translation process if you want to influence the Thai spelling of your name.

Paying rent or not isn't a factor for TM30. TM30 is required by law if you are staying at a location. The owner must file the TM30 within 24 hours. So your wife would submit a TM30 same as before.

@Mark **********

Your first entry is no issue at all.

For the 2nd entry, make sure you have the 3 proofs. If for some reason they want to give you trouble, it will be them asking for one of those proofs.

1) Proof of funds (20,000 baht or equivalent in another major currency IN CASH ONLY)

2) Proof of onward travel (a ticket out of Thailand within 60 days of your arrival)

3 Proof of lodging (at least a week or two of hotel reservation)

Yes, as long as you're not abusing it.

If you haven't been in Thailand recently before doing it then it's risky. There's no rule about how long you can be in Thailand like this but people get warnings after 2 times and some even get denied entry if they've spent too much time in Thailand without the proper visa.

So if you haven't been in Thailand recently before doing it and if you don't plan on returning for at least 6-9 months afterwards, it's probably okay

You will not get the visa without the insurance. Because the visa is valid as of the day it is issued, so you can enter Thailand that day. So your insurance must be valid to get the visa.

When you enter Thailand with a non-OA visa, you are stamped in for 1-year, or until the end of your insurance, whichever is less.

I'm not sure what that means, "certifying a British passport."

What exactly are you trying to accomplish in Thailand?