@Gary ******

, No, a new passport is ready for any Thai visa right away.

Definitely get a new passport now and in the US (otherwise, any visa that you'd get would only be valid till the expiry date of your current passport in December max).

Furthermore, you definitely NEED to get your Non -O visa in the US before coming to Thailand, it indeed will be wayyyyy easier, way cheaper (cause you won't need any agency assistance) and headaches free compared to what could be the procedure for it here in Thailand (where you'll need the assistance of a local agency, with the current situation and being your first Non -O and not just an extension of it).

Plus, you can't even travel any country with less than 6 month of remaining validity on your passport.

Take care.

Anyone that's not a Thai national is called a Farang, that's it.

It's not derogatory though, it only means Foreigner (not from here), that's it.

A few other countries use similar terms to "classify", especially in Africa.

Patrick, it makes no difference in your case (non O or non OA) and for this matter.

One can always succeed in opening a bank account with all kinds of visas (even on a tourist visa or a visa exemption sometimes), depending on the bank and (or) the branch you go to and try your luck with.

But, what I was trying to say is that, if one go to any bank and any branch and can provide a CERTIFICATE OF RESIDENCY, it's GUARANTEED 100% that he will be allowed to open a bank account with them.

To obtain this CERTIFICATE OF RESIDENCY (valid for 1 month, 300 Thb), you only need to first make sure your landlord has reported you online as his tenant (as he legally should) on their dedicated website.

Cheers.

@Patrick ***********

, Hi Patrick, any bank will allow you to open an account if you can provide a CERTIFICATE OF RESIDENCE that you can get from your local immigration office for 300 Thb. Being on a OA visa, it would be easy for ya.

Cheers.

If you have a long term valid visa (a long term visa =1 year) they won't ask you anything (Non O, OA, ...), but if you don't, some airlines MIGHT ask for an outbound ticket (it's you and your luck).

But to avoid gambling, I would just recommend anyone to buy a random cheap throw away ticket to any neighboring country as your ongoing ticket, just in case you come across a joker at time of checking-in.

You don't wanna ruin your plans and buy yourself tons of headaches for such a detail, right?

@Paul **********

, moronic reasoning here again.

Prices aren't cheap, they just match the cost of living of this place, as simple as that.

Only morons constantly compare prices to the ones back home and so end up always happy with every quotes they get, even when ripped off big time (with a smile).

Dude, I've seen people quarantined mostly being able to use hotel's facilities including pools and gyms. Just pick the right hotel. Anyway, you still have internet videos showing tons of bodyweight workouts videos (calisthenics).

@Stuart ********

, gotcha.

It's been transferred from abroad via Transferwise since the very beginning.

Good day.

@Stuart ********

, thx a lot for your answer and everyone else for their input.

I have absolutely no problems with the financial requirements, having the 800k in a Thai bank account already for several months now and even the 65k as a steady monthly income.

My only concern was whether or not one could apply for a Non-O visa within the country, as we can't hop across the border and come back "exempt" anymore (and for a long time ahead, I guess), in case anybody else had experienced this situation.

Checking directly with the immigration office now seemed to me quite irrelevant as we all know everything in this matter changes faster than the weather these days.

I guess I'll go and check with them around February and see what their suggestions are then.

Maybe I'll have to first apply for a 60 day covid extension, as you suggested, before applying for the Non-O itself later on.

Thanks again everyone,

Cheers