@Graham *****

agreed

@Brandon ***********

an interesting point.

@Brandon ***********

but if a yearly Non O is given based on either 12 monthly transfers of THB 65,000 or THB 800,000 then why aren't either accepted for the initial Non O. To me, that doesn't make sense. I complied but I still think not logical.

@David *****

yes. Sadly corruption is strong. I coverted from a visa exempt to a 3 month Non O when I returned after COVID around 2021.

One I arrived visa exempt, I went to Chaeng Wattana with all documentation including 12 months of international transfers of THB 65,000. To my surprise, Chaeng Wattana would not accept the monthly transfers; they would only accept THB 800,000 in a Thai bank or a letter from my embassy if they still issued (U.S. does not.).

I had to scramble and sell stocks and transfer the money to THB 800,000. On all my yearly extensions since then, I use the THB 65,000 and have not had a problem and I have not needed an agent. But I can certainly understand why people use agents.

@Daniel ********

yes. There is a strange policy glitch when going from visa exempt or tourist visa to an initial Non O where they will not accept the 12 month THB 65,000 transfer and only axxep THB 800,000. However, once you have the Non O you can extend every year with the monthly transfer of THB 65,000 and not need the THB 800,000. I got caught up in that a few years back. Thailand at its finest.

@David *****

just a reminder that it is not difficult to obtain a Non O without an agent. Also, if you transfer THB 65,000 per month from overseas to Thailand, no need to keep THB 800,000 in a Thai bank. Up to the individual to determine what is best for them

@Joshua ********

you can get the 30 day extension at Immigration office, not the airport. Some offices allow anytime, some only furing the last week of your initial entry. You get another 30 days addedt to your entry regardless when you go to immigration.

@Joshua ********

either is fine for a 60 day stay, either 30 day visa exempt and 30 day extension or a 60 day tourist visa prearanged online with U.S. Thai embassy.

Your profile shows you are from the U.S. If you arrive in Thailand without a prearranged visa, you will get a 30 day visa exempt, NOT a tourist visa. As long as you have a few days accomodation arranged, that is fine for arrival; you can arrange the remaining days on the go.

Only 50 or older, no exemption