@James *******
I have been testing the waters so to speak as regards living in Thailand and I think a decision is imminent! So I will be applying for a retirement visa forthwith, which I will do when in Thailand.
I trust and hope they will let me in this forthcoming occasion, as I will have met all the requirements necessary for a 60 day tourist visa. Though I understand that is not a given.
As for a METV I understand that one has to apply for that in the country of citizenship/origin