I think a big difference is that if you apply in Thailand, you do not need to purchase medical insurance Joseph.

As James stated, this is normal practice, so nothing to worry about, unless they found something really irregular about your application the next step is a formality. Congratulations!

Hi Trevor, the non OA visa is if you apply from the UK, the non O is if you apply within Thailand for reasons like retirement. If you apply for a tourist visa in the UK this gives you an initial 60 days and you can extend for 30 days easily.

Totally agree, the depth of knowledge the admin folks have is amazing and very much appreciated 👏👏👏

Yes I agree they are superb, as is all of the advice given on here by Ellie, Tod, James etc 👏👏👏

@Charles ************

where you live is important to decide first, as your bank account, address and immigration office ideally all need to be in one place, because you need to get statements and letters from the bank on the day you apply for the non O visa.

@Steve *******

yes and the immigration staff have been really helpful and friendly with me. They have a job to do and if an extra copy of this or that or a map is required, it's okay with me. Let's put it this way, it is much easier to get a long term visa in Thailand than many other countries and the rules/staff are a joy in comparison to other places too.

@Steve *******

I think Ellie has summed up the reason perfectly in her response to me, but I could hand draw a map using Google, so I am still not convinced it achieves much.

These are the rules and I am sure we are all happy to comply, even if they are a bit baffling at times.

@Steve *******

I prepared and printed a detailed Google map and a crappy hand drawn one for Hua Hin immigration and they were not interested in the really good Google one, just my drawing. It's a bit baffling, but it was no problem, so I think your map should be okay.

@James *******

many thanks, that is what I wanted to know.