@Kevin *********

yes, it seems a bit confusing at first, but if you get the non o in your home country first, everything in Thailand is very easy really. I have extended 3 times now and it has taken me on average about 40 minutes each time at immigration, plus a few minutes at the bank each time. Just be organised, get a folder together to hold copies of your documents and you can do it easily each year. Good luck and enjoy your life in Thailand.

@Randy *****

this is one of the more 'bizarre' requirements IMO. I usually go armed with a Google map print and a hand drawn version. They always use my crappy hand drawn map. I presume they think if it's hand drawn you are more likely to live there?

You can always print the map from Google and then trace it roughly onto another piece of paper and add in a few local landmarks yourself.

@Kevin *********

no. In the 90 days you get your act together and apply for an extension of stay based on retirement for 12 months. It's not a visa, just an extension that allows you to stay in the kingdom for 12 months. This extension of stay can be repeated every 12 months.

Much easier if you apply online for the non o retirement visa at the Thai embassy before you come to Thailand.

That way you will be able to open a bank account in Thailand without using an agent and you do not need a flight ticket out of Thailand.

Wise has a comparison tool that tells you which is the best option at the time you are transferring. It is not always Wise (but often is).

@Tony ********

I think it's 2 million Baht.

Is this a trick question?

You seem to know the requirements.

Apply for a non o retirement visa before you come to Thailand online at the Thai embassy website.

Come to Thailand.

Open bank account immediately.

Deposit 800,000 baht in first week.

Wait until the money has been in bank for 2 months.

Get 12 month extension at immigration for 1,900 baht.

Easy.

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.