@John *******

at least in my recent experience in the US, applying for a non-O here requires comprehensive medical insurance (in addition to COVID coverage) that is both expensive and requires a medical checkup if you are over 61.

Thanks everyone, especially Tod for putting the contact info literally right under my index finger. I will share my findings. BTW, yes I am married to a Thai woman.

@Tod ********

thanks, Tod. My ignorance was clearly displayed by my inability to ask the question properly, but you and others deciphered my concern and you answered it in detail here. I’m understanding that one doesn’t lose the extension by not showing up if requested to, if you are out of the country on that date, as long as you can show the proof on your next visit to immigration after returning to Thailand.

I am very grateful for the informative comments. Thank you all. I think I will do a Mae Sai border bounce on January 2, then plan a holiday via air to a nearby country in early February. That should get me through the two months and leave one land crossing left for the year in case something goes awry during the new application process on the next trip back. The 60 day extension using marriage is new news, and valuable information. I assumed (incorrectly) proving income presence and averaging 65k/month would have worked.