Some countries Embassies will provide an affidavit to prove income, instead of requiring the 800k deposit, and apologies i don't know if yours is one. UK, USA and Australia will not provide the affidavit.

If you get a non-O, for the second 12 month extension if you have deposited 12 monthly 65,000 baht into your Thai account, you can transition to that method instead and withdraw the 800k.

@Manfred *********

yes, I think that is the reason. I read anecdotally that the 800k was introduced because historically foreigners came to Thailand with little money, had no insurance, got ill and Thailand was left with the medical costs. Foreigners now have a choice between the non-OA visa that requires the mandatory insurance, criminal checks etc, but no need to deposit 800k in Thailand OR the non-O that requires a deposit of 800k in Thailand. They can both be applied for outside Thailand.

@Manfred *********

I should have said, i think the confusion is that the money has to show as coming from abroad if applying for the non-O inside Thailand (not the 12 month extension).

@Manfred *********

I would post another question to get the definitive answer from the moderators for this, but I am pretty certain as long as you get the non O before moving to Thailand, for the 12 month extension it doesn't matter where the money came from originally, it just has to be in your Thai account for 2 months.

@Colin ********

if you get the non-O from the Thai Embassy in your country before coming to Thailand, there's no need to leave Thailand. The non-O should enable you to open a bank account in Thailand and you can then easily fulfill the rest of the requirements to extend your stay for 12 months.

@Colin ********

I never use agents, so I don't know, but I wouldn't have a clue where to start a workaround to open a bank account, therefore the OP might want to look into that as an option. The agents often have contacts in banks and can 'ease' the process. Personally I think their best method is to go to a neighbouring country, but it's up to them.

You were given out of date advice. The problem is opening a bank account inside Thailand, as this is a requirement. It used to be possible, but it seems even agents are unable to open accounts now. You therefore have two options. 1. Fly to a neighbouring country and apply online at the Thai Embassy for that country for the non O based on being over 50, using proof of funds in your home country. 2. Use an agent, but they will likely have to get you an Education Visa first and then convert it to non O later, after opening a bank account for you. The second option is likely to be expensive, as they have a lot of steps to complete.

If you look at Wise there is a comparison tool that is really useful. Wise is not always the cheapest on their comparison tool.

@Billy *********

that probably explains why the price has rocketed. It's really easy to extend your stay yourself, it takes me about 45 minutes in immigration each year and costs 1,900 baht. Good luck.