Thanks for the clear input from the above posters.

I gather from the discussion that every years’ renewal of the retirement extension of stay follows the same pattern? Namely, of holding a 2-month ‘ seasoned’ 800K baht amount + sustaining a 400K baht minimum all year? In which case, the 800K baht is like a floating balance that can’t ever be spent (unless it’s topped back up for the annual renewal). Is my understanding correct?

For the record, I am Australian and would likely renew in Chiang Mai without regular 65K per month inputs in first and any subsequent year (existing on savings)

I am trying to mentally compare the cheapest Elite visa sunk cost ($20K US for 5 yrs) w the Retirement bank account method.

Thanks for reading