@Jim *******

Or even without one if you "convince" them otherwise.

Nobody knows - except (maybe) the Thai consulate in your jurisdiction. I am not aware of any shared experience on this so far. Will likely also vary from consulate to consulate as all things do in Thailand.

@Brian *******

I certainly wouldn't. Then again, the realities in Thailand seem to be different. I met many people who had no clue how to cover the next month here. 😃

A work contract should do. Some consulates require it to explicitly mention that you are allowed to work remotely (from Thailand). If you want to be on the save side, have your employer conform that with a separate signed and stamped letter.

Yes. It it easy? Depends. Will it work smoothly at every bank or branch: No. Can it be done yourself: yes. Can it be easier to just hire an agent to do so: also yes. Question asked so frequently (even today), best to use the search feature.

In 99% of cases if doing eVisa there is no need to either hand your passport in or to show up in person. All online. But - to mention this for sake of completeness: They do reserve the right to invite you in person if they are in doubt. Have not heard of that happening, though.

I would not mind the rainy season, much - mostly only short but strong rainfalls and nice weather in between. But the excessive heat and the air pollution can be hard to bear for some.

@Ladiina *******

I am not aware of any shared experiences yet what consulates accepted as proof of financials by means of a guarantor. You will have to check with the consulate in your jurisdiction - or wait for shared experiences / reports to come in on that. You could (in theory!!!) also borrow the money, transfer it to your account and use that as proof. BUT: Some consulates anticipated that and are already asking for bank statements over a longer period of time.

Worst (highest) temperatures between April and June. Worst air quality between February and May. Most rain between June and September. Optimal conditions between October to January.

@Jon *********

From how I know things Thailand, I would assume that exact requirements to qualify will vary significantly from consulate to consulate. So, yes, best to wait and see what consulate might be most lenient in that case. I also agree that the potential to misuse this open visa might lead to requirements being tightened up at some point. I am not a big fan of playing one (age) group against another. But, being 42, I am happy that finally not only 50+ years people have it easy to be staying in Thailand more long term now.