@Dylan *******

yep, it was better when you paid the 200 and they EMS'd it to you 🙂

@Shai *******

NO the process doesn't take longer than the under review period, IF you don't have the required minimum stamp time left they won't let you apply, and if they think you won't get the visa, they won't let you apply

I have never seen someone apply, then go back in 2 weeks and be denied the Non-Imm

@Shai *******

no, you need to have the required days left on your current stamp when you apply for the Non-O visa to cover the 'under review' period

In Bangkok you need a minimum of 15 days to apply for an in country Non-Imm visa because it goes under review for 2 weeks. After you file the application for visa/pay the 2000baht fee they give you a receipt and it has a date of 2 weeks out stamped on when you come back

BUT

You're staying here on your current visa exempt entry.

They won't even let you apply if you don't have enough time left to cover the under review period

And in Chiang Mai you need a minimum of 15 BUSINESS DAYS (about 21 calendar days) to apply for Non-Imm visas up there

You can file a 90 day report in person from 2 weeks before your due date until 1 week after the due date (giving you a 3 week window to report)

SO

if you had a 90 day report due on Dec 3rd, your "window of opportunity" to apply without a 2000baht failure to file on time fine is from Nov 19 until Dec 10th

As long as you show up on/by the 10th of Dec to file you're okay and will not get a fine for failure to file on time. <- That would happen on the 11th 🙂

You shouldn't have an issue entering because of a couple factors

1 - you aren't trying to live here on back-2-back visa exempt entries.

2 - you're not staying the full 60 days you get stamped in for

3 - you (most likely) have proof of onward travel

I wouldn't worry about your entries at all.

Let's really sort this out so people don't panic

While it's true if you're coming here "free stamp" (60 day visa exempt) thai officers at passport control CAN ask for the "three proofz"

*proof of onward travel within the days you'll stamp in for

*proof of lodging

*proof of funds (which is 20K baht or the equivalent in CASH)

the likelihood of being asked for ANYTHING is slim to none

Unless you're trying to live here on free stamp entries (in which case they'll ask for proof you're going back to your country in 60 days) there is very little chance of being asked anything when you stamp in

Most "real tourists", aren't asked anything when they stamp in.

Coming in free stamp you have a much higher chance of being asked for onward travel by your air carrier rather than by thai officers at passport control

@คุณไรอัน *****

just so you and everyone else is clear

IF you're asked for proof of funds you CANNOT show bank balance, the rule is written as 20K baht or the equivalent in CASH

@Dca ****

processing at Savannakhet or vientiane for "regular" visas (Non-O, Non-B, Non-ED) is really fast IF you uploaded all the documents required when you applied.

They usually approve in 2-3 days max

@Kevin ******

they are not asking about getting a year extension, they are asking if they can show proof of funds with a bank account in their country to get the initial 90 day Non-O visa fun either Vientiane or Savannakhet <- which they can do

You are correct,

For them to get the year extension they need to bank the funds here,

but

with the difficulty in opening bank accounts on free stamps nowadays many people get the non O visa from a consulate then come back and open the account, transfer the funds, etc.

And no, you cannot file online, no matter if you had done it before or not, because this is a new non-o visa and will be a new extension meaning the first 90-day report on that extension needs to be done in person.