@John ********

Ty John.

@Оливер ********

Funny how the story changes when you get called on an issue. Why didn't you say in your post you just found out? You are still on the list and you can pi$$ off.

@Оливер ********

I did read your post, and if the airline has a history of last minute cancellation, which you seem to be aware of, then why would'nt you take steps to insure you have no problems?? Better yet, fly an airline that does'nt cancel frequently. As I said, you made the list.

I know this may sound like a stupid question, but why in the hell would you wait until the last minute? Not like you didn't know immigration would be closed for the holidays. It is no wonder at times many Thai think farangs are stupid. Guess what, you made the list.

From my personal experience, it was easy to do my NON-O retirement visa myself. I got a 90-day NON-O from the Thai Embassy in Seoul Korea, Nov 2015 before I retired. Came to Thailand Nov 2015, and at the time immigration was accepting a notarized letter from the US Embassy in Bangkok as to my retirement income. The US embassy no longer does this, for what reason I don't know, but Canadian Embassy still does and immigration accepts, so don't have to lock up 800,000 in the bank. 2017 was the last year the US Embassy verified income. I was told by immigration that I needed to have 800,000 on deposit 3 months prior to the renewal of my retirement visa (extension to stay). I did this, and have had the money in the bank since then. You are allowed to withdraw money from this account, making sure not to dip below 400,000 at any time during the year. Can start withdrawing 2 months after your visa has been issued, however, you must top the account up to the 800,000 2 months prior to renewal. I personally leave the money alone. When renewing, I get a letter from the bank, which cost 100 baht, and a 12-month bank statement cost 100 baht. I use Kasikorn, so do not have to wait for a week to get statements sent from Bangkok Bank in Bangkok to account holders in my area. Along with 2 passport photos, and a house book, I go to the immigration office in Udon Thani. In and out of immigration in 15 to 20 minutes with renewal. I always leave a little coffee for them. If you have the financial means I highly recommend doing the visa yourself. Another option for people is to provide 12 calendar month bank statements showing at least 65,000 baht coming to a Thai bank for a retirement visa or 40,000 for a marriage visa. If you are on a marriage visa and choose the income in the bank, you must have 400,000, which you can withdraw during the course of the year, however, the same rules apply for renewal, you must top it up 2 months prior to renewal. Hope this gives a little incite.

@Gordon ******

True Gordon. Living in Asia 50 years, you get used to the BS. Have a great day.

@Tony ********

Likewise. Have had the NON O for 9 years.

@Tony ********

Tony, Tha NON O-A requires insurance, where as the NON -O does not. Don't know about the NON-OA being able to leave and come back and getting another year. I do know for a fact that both the NON O and NON O-A extension to stay require renewal every 12 months. A NON O is the better of the 2 because no restrictions and or additional requirements are added to it. Have a great day.

@Gordon ******

Because like most things in Thailand, money talks. Give you 3 guesses for you to answer your question, and the first 2 don't count. How do you think agents get these illegal visas so quickly? Where do you think a portion of the fee you pay an agent goes? Have a great day.

@John ******

With all due respect, I believe the confusion lies with the individual being told what needs to be done and they don't like what they are told, so they vent their frustration here. Does anyone honestly think they can go into an immigration office in Chang Mai and tell the officer that he heard on Thai Visa that they do things differently in Udon Thani, or any other province and expect the officer to change his mind? Most of us are used to uniformity in our native countries. That does not exist here. People need to understand that and do what they are instructed to do by the officer in charge. Life will be much easier. Also, if people would be willing to give a few baht under the table, that would surely help. Living in different countries in Asia over the past 50 years, I have learned just a little about each one and how to make life go as smoothly as possible. Have a great day.