@John ***********

- unless you can find a Visa type (Extension of Stay) that can work for a long term stay in Thailand you may not have a choice of staying in Thailand. Almost two years ago Thailand Officials announced that they would rid Thailand of people working Illegally. And they consider anyone practically staying - living in Thailand on an series of Exempt Entries, Tourist Visas and ED Visas mixed in as indirect proof of working illegally. This view point will be difficult to overcome

@John ***********

- Options? If you like S.E.A. then learn about neighboring countries - explore the options there. A good friend who was stymied by Thai Immigration has made several visits to Vietnam to size up alternatives.

It is not a VOA but similar Visa Exempt. And bottom line your frequent and recent stays in Thailand will likely block your entry soon. Thai Immigration simply does not want people to visit frequently - back to back on tourist Visas or Exempt Entries or a mixture. They will likely consider you to be living in Thailand without using a long term visa (regardless if you are eligible for Long stay or not). Thai Immigration wants many tourists who come for two-three weeks - spend a lot of money and go home.

@James *******

- the referenced article says Non Immigrant

Where does this linked article say that?

The article quoting a Thai official does not mention it is limited to holders of non imm O-A Visas. But Rather it says All Non Immigrant Visas.... Is this Thai Government Official Confused? I don't know... But describing the affected group as All non immigrant is not the same as saying all non O-A visa holders

You can go to Penang, Malaysia and get a one year Non Imm B Multi-Entry Visa - that requires you to do a border run every 90 days.

@Tod ********

- this denial of using monthly income is not new and it does happen. My friend was told because he is American and the U.S. Embassy had stopped issuing the Embassy Income Letter / Affidavit that he had only one choice - 800,000 banked and seasoned money. Plus I have read of other cases. Some I/Os do make up their own rules despite what the Police Orders say. Denial of the use of the mobthly income option is real from one Imm Office to another. It is not the applicants imagination. And most people are reluctant to challenge an I/O by going to a supervisor

Maybe it is buried somewhere in the comments and replies (I checked but did not see).. Is she a citizen or legal resident of Hong Kong?

Doubtful for one year B Visa in HK