The main differences are the things other people have stated about insurance and 800k.

The non-oa has to be applied for in your home country and I believe the maximum you can get from it is about 2 years.

The non-o can be extended for 12 months annually in Thailand, so you can stay for as long as you are eligible.

If you deposit 65k per month you can extend the second and subsequent years without 800k in a bank here.

@กะลาสี ****

you make it seem very difficult, yes if the person is a moron, you are probably correct. The process is not difficult, so for everyone else I would say the easiest way is to apply for the non-O in their home country first. They can then easily open a bank account here and deposit the 800k without needing an agent. They then have a couple of months to go to immigration for list of requirements and get their documents ready to apply for the 12 month extension of stay.

I have done a few online reports and up to now they have always been approved within 2 days. It seems like you have a problem if it's taken a week already.

@Paul ******

Brandon gave you excellent advice.

Up to you if you decide to take it, but you will be making it 10 times more difficult by ignoring it.

@Graham *****

even better, lucky him 🙂

Apply for a non O retirement visa online before you fly to Thailand. This will grant you 90 days and the option to extend your stay by 12 months (every year).

You will need to open a bank account when you arrive and deposit 800,000 baht immediately to qualify the extension.

@Simon ********

depends which office and if you are willing to pay. I think I paid 200 baht at Hua Hin and got it within about 30 minutes.

@David *********

most people get the non O visa based on retirement before coming to Thailand.

After 60 days you can extend your stay based on retirement for 12 months (this is not a visa, but a lot of people call it a visa).

@David *********

I think it's very expensive to apply for the non O retirement visa in NZ. That's possibly their reason for applying in Thailand.

@Ray *******

you are welcome, you probably have enough time get the marriage sorted in time if you hurry (you can have the party afterwards). Good luck with whatever you decide 🙂