@Pete ******

I question the legality of the bank freezing your account like that .

@Peter ****************

for retirement extension purposes, it's 800K 2 months before applying, 3 months after applying, and not below 400K the rest of the year.

For marriage extension purposes it's 400K 2 months before applying. That's it. Although there are reports of people in the recent weeks being told by Bangkok Bank specifically that the 400K will be frozen in the account for also 2 months after.

I don't think it's a national thing, and I also question the legality of the bank just freezing your account like that without any wrongdoing from your part.

@Jan *****************

keyword there is "maximizing".

They don't want people trying to live here long term on visa exempt/tourist entries.

If you maximize even one border run with a 60 day entry and 30 days extension, you've already spent 180 days in Thailand.

They are very likely to question you about being just a tourist at that point.

On the other hand you can enter many times a year without ever having any issues, if your travel history shows you are in Thailand for shorter periods. Not maximizing your stays and extending them.

@Pertti ************

but a tm30 is not the same as a residence certificate. A tm30 is you (or rather the landlord) letting immigration know where you stay. And yes done in person they will put a receipt in your passport for you.

A residence certificate, needed for example to open bank accounts, purchase vehicles etc, is immigration verifying your address and giving you a letter stating that it is your address.

In other words, you might be able to just go online and find a specific flight to Thailand from the Philippines, at a date convenient for the visa application to be finished, and give them the flight information.

Look very closely at what they are asking for. Are they specifically asking for a booking? Or maybe just an itinerary? For several embassies they just want a flight number, date etc, which you can get without actually booking anything yet.

@Jorge ***

I don't think any embassies will issue the 90 day non O without you showing them 400K in an account. Happy to be corrected. So you would have the same problem you are trying to avoid. Difference is though, that applying for the visa outside Thailand, you can use funds from your home country.

You are exactly right. That would be the way. Wait until she turns 50. Apply for the non O before going (making her able to open a bank account). Deposit the 800K after her arrival in Thailand and opening her account in a Thai bank. Apply for the year extension of the non o.

@Paul ********

it sounds like you are all set up then. Don't overthink it. You have the requirements down.

@Paul ********

absolutely yes then. Then it's up to you about insurance. No requirements for that.

Beware though, about the other question, having a lease/rental contract or a permanent address (wife's house?).. Some immigration offices do want to see that. Best is to ask your specific one, or mention where yours are, so maybe others local to that can answer that question 🙏