Anyone familiar with how one goes about reapplying Non-Immigrant R (religion) visa for ordained monastics once it's no longer extendable after 5 or 10 years extension (depending on what country's passport you hold) and do they set any limit as to how many times it can be reapplied (if not lifetime?).

Also, is it true one doesn't necessarily have to have Non-Imm R visa to become a monk in Thailand just like one doesn't necessarily have to have Non-Imm B to work in Thailand (I was told so by immigration official at Chaeng Wattana)? I don't think you can be a monk under Non-Imm B, but how about retirement visa or under Thailand Elite program?

Does anyone have negative experiences or remarks about the Thailand Elite program? I wonder if it will be around in 15 or 20 years after I pay 1,000,000 baht. Thank you in advance.