@Frankie ****

even low class tourists contribute to the local economy, you get some that only buy beers, and eat street food, even if 1000s of people are only doing that, it supports and keeps the local economy ticking over, any good business owners will tell you, a high turnover with a small profit is the best business model, a business with a high profit margin and a low turnover, they generally at the end of the day make less money, you can apply that same concept to tourism, Thailand has always attracted more lower end tourists than high end, and always will in my opinion, most rich people tend to go elsewhere, I personally think all "genuine tourists" that are travelling should be welcomed.

@Greg ********

even low class tourists contribute to the local economy, you get some that only buy beers, and eat street food, even if 1000s of people are only doing that, it supports and keeps the local economy ticking over, any good business owners will tell you, a high turnover with a small profit is the best business model, a business with a high profit margin and a low turnover, they generally at the end of the day make less money, you can apply that same concept to tourism, Thailand has always attracted more lower end tourists than high end, and always will in my opinion, most rich people tend to go elsewhere, I personally think all "genuine tourists" that are travelling should be welcomed.

@Alexey *********

yes I've heard that, I think agents will only assist with the application process, for a Non O visa extension based on marriage.

@Benz *******************

he asked how to get a Non O visa, so I briefly explained, if he is already in Thailand, he needs to make enquiries at his local immigration office, if he can get the initial in the country Non O, if not he will need to leave Thailand, and visit a Thai embassy/consulate in a neighbouring country.

@Glen ******

you only have compulsory medical insurance, with the Non OA not the Non O.

@Alexey *********

can only use the ฿40k monthly method, for the 2nd year extension, and I have heard some immigration offices, won't accept it at all. for the first year you need the ฿400k deposited in a Thai bank, in your name only, if arriving on a 90 day Non O visa.

@Chang *****

฿5000-฿9000 for an agent to do the initial 90 day Non O and 12 month extension?? It's more like upwards of ฿25k, if you have your own finances it's cheaper, but like you say, 500k will cover the whole process doing everything yourself.

If you are still in your home country, apply on the Thai E-visa website, for the initial Non O before coming to Thailand, when in Thailand you should be able to open a bank account to deposit the financial requirement, and visit your local immigration office, and get a list of requirements for the 12 month extension.

@Ray *******

with a Thai bank account, select "cardless withdrawal" at the ATM and in the banking app, and follow the on screen instructions.

Apply for the non O on the Thai E-visa website, before coming to Thailand, that way you won't have any problems crossing through at immigration, you can also open a bank account on a non O, you can't on a visa exempt stamp, some immigration offices won't issue the initial in the country non O, and will advise you to visit an Thai embassy in a neighbouring country, doing as others have suggested will be a lot cheaper, than paying for fast track safe entry, and doing the whole process with an agent, buying return tickets is also not necessary.