Can you apply for a retirement visa in Thailand during the 30-day visa-free period?

I think it’s cheaper to apply in your own country if you’re ok doing the application yourself. As long as you can prove residency in your own country and supply a bank account with appropriate funds. The biggest amount of money you pay is for the compulsory Thai insurance. Which you can buy online via the visa application. But allow at least a month if you are applying this way, as if you submit & your paperwork is returned by email there’s a 5 day wait inbetween for them to look at it. The headache was getting a GP letter for my partner with the listed diseases. The DBS check I just did a basic one & they accepted. We’ve done the OA retirement visa application both ways now and I’m not using the agent in Thailand again. It was a bit back and forward doing application myself in uk but definately worth it.

You need to have at least 15 days left on your current stamp when you apply, 21 days in a couple of places. Also as

@Brandon ***********

says a couple of places require the funds are in your bank for 2 months before you apply but most don't. Best thing is to go to your local immigration office when you arrive, get the 30 day extension and ask them what their requirements are.

Yes, but you need to work on getting your bank account setup and the money transferred quickly.

It's not possible though if you're going to be applying at one of the offices that requires the money to already be in your bank account for 2 months when you apply, like Jomtien.