What is the process for applying for a retirement visa in Thailand and how does the 800,000 Baht requirement work?

Yesterday I finally applied for my one year retirement visa here in the Korat immigration office and it went ok. I am Australian and deposited the required 800,000 in my K-bank a week earlier. The only hiccup was the bank statement and updated passbook that both had to be issued from the bank the day of application. Meaning i had to go back to the bank and get new ones and rush back to immigration. I did offer to show a credit advice as proof that the funds were from abroad, but they said they did not need it.

Everyone was polite and helpful, but some confusion initially about what happens next.

I arrived in Bangkok on October first and got the 45 day exemption. Eventually after I had paid and submitted my application, I was told that they would not stamp me today, but that I come back on Nov 11, 3 days before the 45 day exemption expires, and I would be stamped for 90 days, presumably allow the 800,000 to “cook” for the required two months. After the 90 days I will get my one year visa.

I can leave Thailand during those 90 days if of course I get a reentry visa.

I am pretty satisfied with this outcome as it stands and I just want to thank this group and those who gave me some advice earlier 🙂