If you got it online before coming to Thailand, it starts the day you enter Thailand.

@Paul *******

calling names, how adult 🤣. I navigated the visa process myself, made my own decisions and took 'impartial' advice when needed. It's very easy for most people.

I would ask myself, is it worth breaking the law and risking being deported/banned (this does happen) at a time when there is close scrutiny on banks and you can withdraw your money in a little over a years time? Up to you, but you have already completed the difficult part of the process.

@Paul *******

visit an agent? They have a vested interest to tell him to use an agent for this process.

Get the non O instead. No mandatory health insurance or criminal checks. Yes you need to deposit 800,000 in a Thai bank, but if you send 65,000 baht per month, you can withdraw the 800,000 when you get your second 12 month extension.

Excellent post, and good to see one that explains exactly how it is done and goes some way to 'myth busting' the usual comments that it takes a lot of time/work and requires agents etc 👌👏👍

@Sasha **********

2 or 3 months after you get your extension you can spend 400,000, but it must return to 800,000 2 or 3 months before your next extension. If you decide to leave Thailand you can withdraw it all.

@La'Vita ********

I have no idea how much it is in that currency, I live in Thailand and I am from England. Maybe list every currency in the world?

Yes, if you have (or can open) a Thai bank account to deposit the required 800,000 baht.

The easiest way based on what you said is to get a non O visa (not OA) from the Thai Embassy in the USA before travelling to Thailand. You should then be able to open a bank account to deposit the 800,000 baht for the first 12 month extension. The option of using monthly funds is only available for the second extension, when you can show 12 monthly deposits of at least 65,000 baht. Good luck.