@Mark *******

don't think the length of the lease is an issue for extension, only that you have a lease.

@Stuart **********

overseas transfer is only needed if applying for non-o in country or if your trying to use the ฿65k/month method for your 2nd 1yr extension.

I secured housing first. Then certificates of residency for bank account and mc&car drivers licenses (just got the 3 at one time so save trips later). Then to bank to open an account. Wire transfer the ฿800k from us bank to Thai bank. All easy. Can seem overwhelming but just go I step at a time. It took about a week to find a house to rent. But that might be harder and more expensive in high season.

@Pe ***

you can pay for a short line, are disabled, or are over 70.

Just pre pay for 3 months. Then when close to expiration, sign up for a year. I got year's service before I got DL.

@Paul **********

dta's are treaties. You are a tax resident if the country you reside in for more than 180 days DTA's govern what is taxable income and any tax statements between 2 countries. USA taxes works wise income of its citizens, do the DTA with Thailand governs what each country can tax of the others citizens. Let's just age to disagree. That's how it's worked in each country I've been an expat in.

@Paul **********

funny, been there too. Only one tax residency and that's resident country for over 180.

@Paul **********

not true. First bite comes from country of tax residency regardless of source of income. For a USA citizen who is in Thailand for 180+ in a calendar year, Thai tax comes first and becomes a USA tax credit.

I had the same issue and entered in 60 day exemption. After I secured housing (couple of weeks) I did a border run to activate the non-o (got evisa in email 2 days after arrival). None of the entry info is on the Evisa. Relax and take your time. It actually gives you more time to get things together rather than feeling rushed to get things done in 30 days

Breathing and upright!