Not sure what you are referring to a a “follower” visa.

All changed on January 1st when all consulates and embassies switched to using the evisa system. No longer can you go “in person” to one and apply. You apply online. You need to be in the country from where you are applying through. Although it’s an online application and you could theoretically be anywhere in the world they will want proof that you are there and in some cases may ask for in person interviews or in person payment.

@Adam *******

Probably Bangkok Bank. I think their staff get a commission if they sell a policy but that’s just a guess.

@Jack *******

You are probably referring to a visa exempt stamp. That is not a tourist visa. It’s just a stamp allowing you to stay for 60 days with no pre-paid visa (available for 93 countries).

However depending on previous entry history an immigration officer may question you as to whether your entry pattern is typical of a “normal” tourist or question whether you’re trying to stay long term in Thailand without a correct visa.

With a visa exempt entry you go to Laksi Plaza. Floor 3 Counter K. Book an appointment online to avoid the queues.

No idea what embassy letter you refer to.

You’d need the TM7, copy of your passport data page and entry stamp. A passport photo, TM30 and 1900 baht.

You’re getting your wires crossed a bit.

A Non OA visa which you can only apply for in your home country requires insurance. To get extensions off of that would also require insurance.

To get a Non O visa in country does not require insurance, nor do extensions off of it.

The fact that the bank will open an account for you if you pay for their “completely useless” insurance policy is irrelevant. If they’ll open an account for you jump at the chance. Ok it’s 5k wasted money but so many people have issues opening accounts these days that it’s probably worth the investment and write it off.

You can’t open a local account being outside of Thailand. You’d have to be here to do so.

It’s getting harder to do so here in Thailand but it’s not impossible (unless you’re in Pattaya for the moment).

For most places you should find it ok to do so on a Non O visa but it’s not a given. You’ll probably need to try various branches and possibly need a certificate of residence from immigration and perhaps agree to buy their useless “insurance policy” but it can be done.

The chances of being questioned if you arrive by air will be high. Perhaps less so if you cross via land.

A tourist visa may help but it is no guarantee. You don’t need a permanent address in Laos to apply. A hotel address would suffice.

The chance of actually being denied entry would be less if you can provide the “3 proofs” at your entry point. 20k cash in baht or equivalent. Proof of accommodation and proof of a flight/ticket out. Those won’t stop you being denied but they are the three main reasons that the officer could cite as a reason to deny.

@Robert ********

As the first three words. Supply and demand. Demand is high. Supply not as much. Airlines have staffing issues since Covid. Possibly not as many daily flights so prices rise.

Book flights as early as possible to mitigate any fare rises. And generally the fares never go down.

@Erhan ******

You only need to report if you stay 90 consecutive days within Thailand. If you never stay that long you never need to report.