@Jair *****

It’s a better alternative for a long-term stay of more than two years in Thailand. That way, you avoid being tied to a mandatory and expensive Thai health insurance policy with poor coverage approved by immigration for the rest of your stay. Apply for a 90-day Non-O visa, open a bank account and deposit 800,000 baht, then apply for annual extensions of stay either based on the amount held in your account (800,000 baht) or proof of monthly income (minimum 65,000 baht) for the second year.

It’s basically up to you. You don’t need anything special to do a border bounce and activate your visa. Just complete a new TDAC form before re-entering.

@Summer *****

Ok, I understand. Most immigration offices allow Non-O applications to be done in-country. Applying in Laos is quite straightforward and quick — I know someone who got their Non-O within two days this week.

@Summer *****

Good luck, but it’s generally well known that a few immigration offices don’t process Non-O applications in-country.

It’s best to apply 6–8 weeks before you leave — no need to wait until the last minute. If you hadn’t received your visa before passing through immigration, you could still enter on a 60-day visa exemption and done a border run later to activate your Non-O visa.

@Todd *******

No, then you’re left with the first option.

No, the one year 90 days Non O visa is removed from the e-visa portal but the Non O-A visa is allowing you to be stamped in for a full year or for as long as your insurance remains valid, whichever comes first.

Everything you apply for in Thailand requires funds in a Thai bank, unless you can provide an income verification letter from your embassy.

Use this link and it’s free

You are required to provide documentation confirming that your current location is Vietnam when submitting an application with a foreign passport. Acceptable documentation may include an entry stamp, a boarding pass, or written confirmation of your accommodation. The First Friendship Bridge serves as the border crossing between Vientiane and Udon Thani; however, you must document or specify the mode of transportation you intend to use for entry, but there’s no direct train for this route. Personally I would have chosen a direct bus all the way.