Solid advice. I used both passports to leave Thailand, but, I had to go to immigration in Mukdahan, I live in Korat, I was told they can do it at the border, but with the amount of Laotian workers queuing for their visas, the border immigration officials suggested I pay for a taxi & it'll be transferred immediately, only took an extra hour and it was free.

I was thankful that the Thai immigration officer suggested I go to immigration in Mukdahan to transfer my current visa to my new passport. A taxi fare from the border to immigration is a pittance compared to the time it takes them to do it at the border crossing. All in all, very easy to do.

@Graham *****

yes, I do. I did this when I first arrived here and it suits my current needs. Thanks for the heads up.

@Ellie ******

thanks for the info. 🙏

Less paperwork, easier and less expensive than a Non-O based on marriage. Don't let the 800k balance drop below an amount when applying for the extension & explain to your wife, it'll save you both money. I've still got 2 years to wait, but, am looking forward to the Non O based on retirement. If you're working, Non O based on retirement excludes you from employment.

As far as I know

@James *******

, if he applied in Australia, he only needs to prove he has the equivalent of 800k Thai baht in an Australian bank account. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Laila, Savannakhet is your best bet. K.L. have been known for being very critical. 1 document missing & they jump on it immediately.

Savannakhet allow you to use the copy shop opposite & return to the front of the queue without having to line up again.

Only problem is the sign outside says they open at 8:30 am, but they actually open at 9 am. It can also get very busy, I arrive at 6 am and am usually 1st in line. Best of luck.

@Ian ********

I think you're spot on the money with that comment. Losing face or even the thought of it can turn a simple chore into an insurmountable obstacle. I did need the residence certificate which wasn't an issue as I just colour photocopied the one I paid ฿500 for to get my Thai license. I was told that I'd need to buy 2 residence certificates for ฿1,000, however, I thought I'd just try my luck and thankfully the bank accepted the colour copy of the original.

@Ian ********

I did likewise with Bangkok Bank in Sikhio, Korat. The branch has since been demolished and I'm due for a new bank book & Visa debit card. I hope that doesn't cause any headaches. Initially BB Sikhio said no, not possible. We went, had lunch and returned to the same branch, different staff member, and it suddenly became possible. 🤔

I think if the bank teller you're dealing with isn't familiar with the process, a simple no, not possible is less of a headache for them.

I applied for an extension of stay, Non immi O, (based on marriage) before .

In total my extension is 356 days, I'm not going to argue about 10 days.

Troubling times, and most immigration offices are working on what information they have at hand.

@Rob***

, thanks. I'm staying here until my current visa extension expires.

I need to travel more within Thailand.

I'll think of a re-entry permit (single or multiple entry) if I need it.

Cudos to you and the other admins who monitor this group. 🙏