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.

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 🙂