I have a question as I refine my long-term plans for Thailand. I didn’t realize until recently that I can’t take the monthly 65k international bank transfer option on a Non-O retirement visa until after my first year. Coming up with the 800k deposit now will require that I delay the start of my stay in Thailand. I may start in Cambodia for a while because their long-term visas are so much cheaper without those financial requirements.
Here is my question. When I make the 800k deposit for my first extension in Thailand I will consider that my emergency savings so if I decide to leave and work for a while after a few years, that money will be available to withdraw. From an immigration standpoint, would there be any issues with living in Thailand for a few years on a Non-O retirement, then leaving for a year and then coming back and starting over again? I may also find reasons to live in other nearby countries for 6 months to a year every so often. Do they care if I end up re-applying for new Non-O retirement visas every few years instead of staying in Thailand and continuing to extend the same visa? Yes, I do realize that each time I get the initial visa and then extend, I will have to satisfy all of the requirements, including the 800k. Thanks
