@John ********

I can only speak of my own experience. I came into the country only on a Visa exemption. I then funded my account with 800k lump sum and then applied for a Non-O at Phuket immigration. Once the funds were seeded for 2 months I then went back to immigration and made the one-year extension based on retirement. I didn't have to leave the country to do it.

You have to leave the country to make a non-OA but not a non-O.

@Nongnuch *******

you can apply for a non-O in the country even if you enter on a 30 day exemption. That's what I did. You don't have to leave the country.

I was once given a 6-month extension right up until the last day of the expiry of the passport which had 6 months left when I applied for a one-year extension.

@Anthony *****************

it might be but it's not necessary to get a one month extension if you have 6 months left. That's a simple fact.

@Michael ******

there is no such status as property owner. As a former sales and marketing director for various property developments in Phuket for 13 years I sold many properties to customers who bought them as tourists and remained as tourists and enjoyed their properties as tourists. But that was back in the day when you could walk into any bank and immediately open an account on a tourist visa with only a passport and some proof of address.

@Michael ******

being a property owner doesn't change your Visa status.

@Michael ******

if you buy a condo on a tourist visa then you're still a tourist.

@Al**

Alan what if a tourist comes here and decides to buy a property. Then they will need a bank account. I have known many such people including myself, but when I opened my accounts 20 years ago it was easy.

@Randy *****

it depends where you are. If it's somewhere like Phuket then just about everybody can speak some English.

@Michael ******

so does that office include renewal of one year extensions based on retirement?