Everything is done online. Some embassies do call people in for an interview but I’ve not seen any posts about Pretoria doing that.

A non O visa is valid for 90 days from issue. This means you have 90 days to wing your way to Thailand.

On entry you’ll get a 90 day stamp. Should be ample time to open an account and fund it for your extension.

@Lee ************

A non O visa is valid for 90 days on entry. The OP will be away for 4-6 months. A re-entry permit isn’t going to help. They need a new visa.

@Melanie ***************

The British Embassy in Bangkok hasn’t issued passports in decades.

Yes. You use the company called VFS Global to renew if you do it yourself. Contact them to arrange an appointment and details of what’s needed.

Alternatively use

@Mark's ***************

to take any hassle out of doing it yourself. Great service.

@Diana ********

You can only get an extension for one year or as long as your passport is valid until whichever is the shorter. The fact that you only had 9 months left when you extended means you only got an extension for 9 months. Completely normal.

You’ll have to get the stamps transferred and apply for a new year extension when that stamp is running out.

When you get your new passport you take it along with your old passport to the office that issued your extension of stay stamp (it’s not a Non B visa) and get the stamp transferred.

No idea why you think it’s a money making thing as the transfer is free.

Using a valid visa there should be no time limit that you need to stay out of Thailand for.

There may be some land borders that insist when using visa exempt but shouldn’t be an issue with a valid visa and almost certainly at no airport entry.

Also seemingly CW doesn’t need a photo (Phuket does).

The reason itself doesn’t matter, but if it’s for “long term stay in Thailand” Wise try to route it as an international transfer (if using Bangkok Bank) rather than a domestic transfer.