@Bart *************

you are absolutely right, and I shall delete my comment to cut down on confusion 👍

@Neil ********

yes if you fit the criteria.

@Todd ********

not that I can walk home from, and still in my dressing gown....

@Faith **********

well any lawyer firm (and dare I say......Agents) can assist with applications for all visas. So if its the paperwork/administration side you were not confident with you can get help. With the Elite, the agents are paid a commission, so usually no charge, but that's the most simple of application's. If I were you, I'd find a recommended lawyer in your chosen destination and apply for LTR at 5000 baht per year, with fasttrack immigration perks. Failing that, the retirement visa is your next best bet, just 1900 baht a year, remembering you can always buy your own 'fasttrack service' for $30-50us per time (and buy lounge access if you're caked with cash - I never get to the airport early enough). Lawyers/agents will do the work for you, and most will know if your application is good before pulling the trigger anyway. Good luck 👍

@Todd ********

being that I saw I'd never qualify for LTR without some nefarious accounting, fabricating a Masters Degree, and 5 years experience working at a PLC , I switched off from the benefits. I should've at least tried applying. It is clearly a no brainer. I've had to cut back on my lunches at 'The Cliff'.

There is a specific group for Elite Visa. Can't be hard to find. If you don't qualify for LTR, then Elite the only option, unless over 50, married to a thai, have a child with a thai, setting up a business, or investment $1m with the BOI. I got the Elite just before the price increased by 50%. Now I'd question the value, as I don't bounce in/out often at all, just enjoy the long stay. You won't get accepted for Elite curently, if you've had ED Visa, or volunteer Visa.

Ź

@Bill *******

well it does Bill. Some can get visas off it

@Mark *********

Jesus Mark, saying "I had no problem" when opening a bank account................years ago, is pretty pointless. Surely you are, as I and most are, aware that opening a bank account (post covid, but not relating to) on a tourist visa is much more difficult than it used to be. Got any more nuggets of wisdom, or are you walking around semi unconscious with your head in the clouds ?

@Andy *****

not saying anything about you. I believe what you say. I'm saying that anything involving thai immigration is no guarantee, or proof of anything, given that we should all now know that thai immigration is one of the most blatant corrupt government bodies outside of the third world, on a petty scale with their 300-500 baht imaginary charges, or to turn a blind eye to something or someone, upto the mass movement, at lunchtimes, of people that should or shouldn't be allowed through border points under scrutinisation, and of course don't forget the developing industry of Visa Agents, with close ties with immigration itself. Surely you've seen the envelopes passed around, and they ain't writing letters to each other. Therefore a proven criminals word, is pretty much worthless. Agents are just the English speaking cashiers that collect money and pass it on to which ever immigration Officer, at suitable, sensible, safe and secure time and place, usually a carpark to hand over single payment, covering hundreds or thousands of moody immigration services, a preferred alternative to fumbling disorganised idiot tourists dropping cash, notes and coins everywhere while trying to covertly slip the IO his 2000 baht 'fee'.

Apply for a visa 3 days before travel ?