An odd one - a friend in Krabi recently presented bank records for 800,000.. got the Non O, but didn't didn't listen to me, he spent much of the money on a house.. Then went back for the One Year Extension - Denied.... not enough money in the account

The Income Affidavit is presented both times

Okay

Just don't let them keep the originals the first time

No - when getting a proof of income for a 90 day O Visa (for over age 50) or for an Extension of Stay (one year for that Visa... the financial proof is obtained the same way - but done only once - get visa - use the same documents for the Extension of Stay.. They do ask Both times to prove it - even if done in a short time span

@Steve *********

- The One Year Year Extension of Stay - (age 50 or over) must me initiated while on a Non Immigrant Visa.

The Early Retirement was just a happen stance... as one can be an age 50 Executive still actively working making $500,000 a year - and just happened to be on a two year paid sabbitical from work. A Retirement status in one's home country or elsewhere has nothing to do with it.

You can get the Single Entry Non Imm O Visa (age 50) at Savannakhet, Vientiane, Penang and about 3-4 regional consulates...

First time application the 800,000 Baht in a Thai Bank must be 'seasoned' 60 days).

Alternatively - You can use the monthy income route by proving you have the equivalent of 65,000 Baht in income from America each month (from any source there)... Just make an online appointment - then go to the American Embassy Counselor Services in Bkk - swear via Affidavit that you have income equivalent to or greater than 65,000 Baht from America each month.. No financial proof required.

The term "Retirement" in association with a Visa (O or O-A) is as much a Nickname as anything else.. One just needs to be 50 years of age. AND these two Visas or an associated Extension of Stay are not related to any retirement pension or home country status of being officially retired. Financially you only have to show money in the bank or a monthly income.. The money (cash in the bank or monthly income) can come from any source

An Application for B Visa for Employees is most often done by Employer staff or their hired agent... As applicant you would likely fill out the Application Form itself but your employer would need to provide copies of fairly numerous documents the Employer has previously filed with Governments offices such as Revenue/Tax, Business (BBD), Social Fund (Tax), etc.

You will have to work with your Employer to file an Application for a Work Permit also.... with the Labor Ministry.