Can I obtain a retirement visa for Thailand while working in Australia?

I read here, many people said, no agent needed. Yes if you can do it fully by yourself. but funny thing for me about this is, they also claimed that endless Thai style bureaucracy. Immigration, banks, other authorities in Thailand. I agreed fully. Everything is really depending on who is on the table for you. Well, depending on who is in charge, everything can be easy or so difficult or almost not possible. There are rules and laws in thailand as well but rules are just in paper. It is not only in Thailand, but many places like this. It is like lucky draw. If you have luck, you can do it fast and easy by yourself to get through and get what you want. But bad luck? I can not say this. Using an agent costs much and doing it yourself is far cheaper. It is all individual choice. I really can not say what is better. The best thing with agent, of course, there are good and professional agents, and bad agents. You have to choose good one for you if you want to hire an agent. But you can find a good one, by googling and here too. Good agents need good review and good reputation. So they are open to everyone. Good luck to you.

If you have the requirements of course you can but this makes no sense to do it. I don't think retirement visa protocol will change that drastically in 2 years to make it that much harder

All I can say is Apply Online.

Problem solved!

Why does everyone go thru the O/A visas, what is the benefit?

Mate look at the OX done yourself and also all on line from Australia is a 5+5 year multi entry visa no yearly renewals.

(Only the 90 day reports when there for 90days which are also free to do)

No issues opening Thai bank accounts with when your there on the ground again without an agent.

You could do what I did. I got the OX visa leaving my money in Australia. I travel to Thailand 2 weeks every month, still working fifo on 2 and 2 roster. Some don't like to suggest OA or OX due to the insurance requirements I personally like having health insurance plus I have a yearly travel policy.

You don’t need a agent

Yes you can. I got myself a Non O a couple of years before I made the permanent move here. I got a Non O from the UK before arriving then sorted the extension when I got here. You need to make sure you are in Thailand each year when your Extension is due and, obviously, to get a re-entry permit each time. Agents in Pattaya can get your extension up to 3 months before it’s due which gives you more flexibility over your visits. The main issue at the moment is getting a bank account and even with a Non O from Australia they are likely to want other things like a Thai mobile phone account in your name, rental agreement or property details (if you have a Thai wife it might be easier). Agents can still get you a bank account with certain banks but at a higher fee than previously. I still think it would be better if you got a Non O before arriving.

Thai Visa Centre,ask for Grace

You can, but why? What's the rush?

You would get the retirement visa from the Thai embassy in Australia before going to Thailand.

Once you get to Thailand you will receive a 90-day entry stamp.

This gives you about 4 weeks to open a bank account and transfer 800,000 baht. The sooner you can do that the better (Maybe you already have a bank account though?)

As soon as your 800,000 in your bank account hits 2 months, and you have 30 or less days on your entry stamp, you can apply for the 1-year extension.

Once you have your 1-year extension, purchase a re-entry permit and you can leave Thailand until your next extension is due if you want.