@Graham *****

provably, but it is the only one of 6 carriers I have travelled to Thailand on.

Just one example of one who did.

90 day Non-O for retirement can be extended one year at a time. Medical insurance is not required but the financial requirement is 800k in a Thai bank ( NOT 80K)

Philippine Airlines is the only carriers that required. But they where being overly stupid since I was returning on a multi entry one year extension. Had to argue with the supervisor regarding the fact that I live in Thailand

Yep!

@Bill ********

for GoGo’s and bars absolutely. For night clubs maybe close to Soi 11 or Ekkamai

Ibis styles Phra Khanong, 5 minute walk to BTS couple of stops from the big shopping malls along Sukhumvit

@John *********

arrived as tourist and converted to non-o the 1st year. Now going into the third year so all sorted. Next renewal in a month.

I really wanted to go non-o for the added flexibility in selecting medical insurance outside of the Thai approved list. Applying from within the US it seemed difficult as the closest Thai embassy was in Los Angeles. Plus required police reports, medical reports, etc. etc.

@John *********

good point. I didn’t think about acquiring and non-o before coming based on funds in a originating country account.

I not sure how renewing the extension the following year would be handled regarding the bank account funding though.

If you already arrive with the non-o visa in theory you should be able to open a bank account and deposit the required funds and then submit the application for extension.

I was not able to get a bank account opened when I first arrived so I did hire an agent to get that handled.

Using an agent to get the bank account opened and process the immigration documentation correctly can be helpful first time around.

Beware! It is best to have your own funds ad required for the visa you are requesting. If the agent funds the account it is not legal and you will not meet the qualifications for renewal next year.