@Raymond ********

going to Immigration isn't going to get anything sorted out. If you had read all the previous comments in a post that's grabbed your attention, like I do, then you would see that

@Brandon ***********

, Moderator and very knowledgeable person in regards to Thai Visa matters, has told the OP the answer to his problem.

@Jeff ********

a retirement "extension" can only be obtained in Thailand, but one must obtain the retirement 'visa' first. I suspect that you've just got confused with your terminology there.

There is a "Non-OA" Visa, a 'retirement' visa, which can only be obtained from one's own home country, which does require health insurance and Police Clearance among other requirements. A 'standard' (my choice of word) Non-O Visa based on being ''over 50'' that can be obtained at Thai Embassies or Consulates before arriving in Thailand that don't have the requirements of the 'OA' Visa.

Purchasing a Non-O outside of Thailand is necessary now, as once in Thailand, foreigners cannot open Thai bank accounts on Tourist Visas or Visa Exempt.

@Greg **********

ok, so I technically, my wording was not correct, but I think that most would have understood what I meant. It's not like the mistake that many make in confusing Visa Exempt and Tourist Visas, which I do understand. Thank you for correcting me, but I think that "total hogwash" is a little bit rude, considering that I haven't been rude to you or anyone else. Enjoy the rest of your day

@Russell *******

Tod was referring to the original Visa that the OP would enter Thailand on. It's a 90 day Visa, that expires after 90 days and then becomes invalid, no longer exists. Further stay in the country requires applying for an "Extension of Stay", which replaces the original Visa.

@Jack *******

the original Non-O is 90 days and if the OP were to go to try to apply for the first extension of stay any more than 30 days before that original Visa expires, their money in a Thai bank account wouldn't have been 'seasoned' for the required minimum of two months. For the second and subsequent extensions applying up to 45 days before would be fine.

@Kimberly *********

a screenshot of an Admin post in another group four days ago

@Kimberly *********

I can't answer your question about the $1500 Visa, other than to guess that it might be the purchase cost of the LTR (Long Term Resident) Visa, or the one that used to be known as the Elite Visa, now called Privelege Card or something similar.

As for the other thing, what you were thinking of, is aimed at people who are entering as part of cybercrime activities or those abusing the system to live in Thailand instead of buying a long term visa, such as a Non-O. The new ruling, or policy is that Extensions on Visa Exempt entries are limited to two per calendar year. The first 60 day entry can be extended for 30 days. The second 60 day Visa Exempt entry will only be extended for 7 days. That means that the maximum time in Thailand of 60+3+60+7 days Visa Exempt in a calendar year. Thailand doesn't want to discourage genuine tourists and the senior Immigration Officer that made the announcement said that genuine tourists, especially coming directly from their 'home' country wouldn't be affected. Whether a general two Visa Exempt entries per calendar year will apply to anyone, I'm not sure. I thought I read something in the past couple of weeks, separately from the extensions announcement, but I can't remember what it was now. Beyond the announcement of clamping down on abuse of the Visa Exempt entries, individual Immigration Officers have a fair bit of leeway to decide who they allow in our refuse entry. I've read a lot of comments by individuals who visit Thailand a few times each year many not applying for extensions and often only visiting for 1-3 weeks in between periods of work. 'Popular opinion' is that as long as they're genuine tourists, they won't be affected.

Edit: below is a copy of a post four days ago, from Admin of the Facebook group "Thai Visa Advice: Q & A"

@everyone

𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗔 𝗘𝗫𝗘𝗠𝗣𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦

Based on recent reports from our clients at various immigration offices, visa exempt entries are now being limited to two across all borders, both land and air. Extensions are no longer guaranteed, and some offices are refusing to assist with transitioning to a new visa if your previous stay was based on an extension.

We're receiving a lot of inquiries about this. If you need help with in-country extensions, long term visa transitioning from exempt entry, or our prescreening and fast track services on exempt entry, please reach out as early as possible.

The best way to contact us is through our official Line account:

@Gary *******

I'm guessing that Siam Legal also offered to help you get a Tourist Visa? I wouldn't trust them, having found incorrect information on their website in the past year or two.

If though, you've got a history of repeated Visa Exempt entries within calendar years, you're probably better to get a Tourist Visa before arriving in Thailand. They can still refuse entry on a TV, but it's less likely unless you have a 'history'.

@Kimberly *********

"60+30+7"...what's that supposed to mean? I think I know, but if I'm correct, you've put it the wrong way!

As for your statement "Not anymore you won't", that's not strictly true. The new policy/instructions to all Thailand Immigration Offices, are meant to 1) clamp down on cybercriminals/scammers (in tandem with clamping down on mule accounts) using repeated Visa Exempt entries and 2) people who are using Visa Exempt entries/Border runs to live long term in the country. While they have said there's now a limit of two Visa Exempt entries at any Border point, which includes land, air or sea, there's still some leniency, for example, entering direct from one's own country will most likely not be a problem. Interpretation or Opinion at least, is that those who regularly enter Thailand for short holidays on a regular basis for a total of up to six months while staying only 1-3 weeks in a calendar year will be fine. There's apparently still some allowance for individual Immigration Officers to make an on the spot decision based on information they have on individuals in front of them.

@Sophie ************

the mention of flying in from the "home country" is due to the Thailand 'crackdown' on cybercrime affecting Thailand as a country and foreigners who are either participants or victims of the associated human trafficking. The recent announcement from Thai Immigration, mentioned that if foreigners enter direct from their 'home' country, they're a lot less likely to come under scrutiny. It's not necessary to enter from one's own country, but if entering from another country, there will likely be more questioning about their reasons for travel and entering Thailand.