@Tania *********

i agree with what you are trying to say and people should expect trouble trying to live here off of short term entries meant for tourists. But doing so is neither illegal or breaking any rules. Those are simple facts. Nothing to do with being up to me.

@Tania *********

as everyone says, the IO you're standing in can deny anyone for almost any reason. Each one has their own idea of how long is too long. That doesn't make it a rule you're breaking. Just like using visa exempt until they decide to deny you entry isn't illegal.

@Tania *********

there is no 180 day rule. Many countries have that, but not Thailand.

Unless they already have a thai bank account I'd suggest they apply for the non-o (not the non-oa) prior to coming. One of the requirements to apply inside of Thailand is to have 800k in a thai bank account. However, that has become extemely difficult recently because the banks want you to already have a long term visa before letting you open an account. That shouldn't be a problem if they already have the visa.

@Paul ********

you need the bank account first. The 800k in a thai bank account in you're name only is one of the requirements for the initial 90 day non-o based on retirement when applying in Thailand. Banks used to let people on a tourist visa open one up until recently. Even agents may not be able to help with that anymore. Unfortunately it's become a bit of a catch 22 situation.

@Tony *********

fair enough. I do think it's important to clarify though and not make a blanket statement that working is not permitted. Although the retirement is likely the most common by a fair margin, being married to a Thai is also quite common.

@Tony *********

a non-o is just a generic term and does not specify the reason. There are well over a dozen different categories of the non-o visa. The op does not specify which non-o they are getting. Non-o based on marriage, as well as others, do allow the holder to get a valid work permit and work. Others like the non-o based on retirement do not.

@Ursula ********

the easiest way is to apply for the non-o, not to be confused with the non-oa, before entering Thailand. When applying outside of Thailand the account can be from your home country. Then when you enter you should have no problem opening an account on that visa. Do this and get the money for the 1 year extension transferred right away so it is fully seasoned for the required 2 months before application. The extension does require it to be in a thai account in your name only.

As others have said you can 100% apply for this inside of Thailand. The issue that makes it difficult now is if you don't already have a thai bank account to meet the financial requirement for application inside of Thailand. Banks used to give them to people that only had a tourist visa or visa exempt but have all but stopped that recently. Even agents can likely no longer help you open a bank account. Not sure if they can still help you "bypass" having an account altogether though.

@Django *********

perhaps I misunderstood the "coming back" part. If you mean returning to the US I believe you can pause your cellphone plan so you don't lose the number. Just get a Google voice number tied to it before you do, it should still work. That'll save you $90 a month alone.