Ok...if the 5 days is not a problem, then I got bad advice from a friend here. I will make sure I have everything in order for when I apply for the extension.

I will let those that are more qualified answer but I have never heard of an Non-O visa (which he has used before) somehow magically changing to an Non-OA while applying for an extension in Thailand. A non-OA can only be obtained if applied for in your home country. It sounds like he was, and still remains, on a Non-0 visa.

Yes, let the Chinese in, hurry. Lets hope the next new virus does not arrive with them. 😉

To be safe, I used FedEX from US to Thailand recently. Paid a lot for the service but got much needed package in 4 days.

Helped some friends start small businesses. Clothes, computer repair, hair/nails, food, all eventually failed. Success #1) Sent person to pharmacy school and helped 50% acquire first pharmacy after graduation. She owns three pharmacies now and recently bought herself a condo and car. Success #2) Built row of 4 houses way up north in village near school. Friend collects rental income every month, always 100% occupancy. Moral: Be smart before you start a business here. Opening the next general store, salon, or specialty shop here can be very high risk.

@Alex *******

I had a similar experience. On motorbike. Car pulled out in front of traffic (moving about 50 km/h), car in front of me braked hard, I clipped their rear bumper and side fender and ended up in a ditch next to the car that pulled out, and had stopped, with just a few scratches. Police witnessed the whole thing. Was prepared for the worse. After talking with both drivers....they asked where I lived and was I ok. They said the two car insurances would take care of the damage, "no pay". Not sure what would have transpired if police were not there. Miracles do happen.

Nobody know IF you can come in November or what restrictions will be in place.

I'm thinking September, at the earliest, for any significant number of tourist arrivals. Maybe October. Hope they do something about getting the split apart farang/Thai families back together sooner.

If the US stops testing....they will be at "0" new confirmed cases in one day. :)

You "should" be ok with a local police check, but a state police records check would be better. National check can also be done (non-FBI) by a couple authorized companies in each state, or an FBI check. All four levels have made it through the visa process but maybe not guaranteed at the lowest levels. I got paperwork for the "national" level check to be on the safe side.