Arnold Yes well done . I had thought go on a visa exempt or tourist visa and just see what is possible. Thanks for that Arnold

Arnold how did you mansge to get the hospital note and details sent to your country for your application outside Thailand? Did you know which hospital to apply to or know someone at the hospital?

Kevin. Yes I agree. I think retirement with 800 k is the only long term solution. When i first arrived in Thailand in 2000 i used to be able to give my passpirt to local travel agent in Chiang Mai and go back next day and pick it up renewed visa stamp. But that was long time ago!!

@Mar***

thanks for your comment. I read of people doing various boader bounce with what assume is tourist visa or visa exempt. But also now seeing that the IO are becoming more aware of this and it does depend on a certain amount of luck to get allowed back. Certainly if it was the 3rd or 4th time of doing it on the same visa. I will go with retirement visa option. I would be interested in how anyone actually did get a DTV visa based on pre booked cooking course. or Medical / Dental appointments as requested on application!

@Luke ***

Cant get a Language course , ive been trying , they want you to get you a Education Visa. They suspect we want a course just for the DTV

Thanks to all for your comments , I will go the retiremant visa route as i have done before, it makes most sense. Its clear that the DTV visa can be confusing

Gorden I'm applying also but reading through comments regarding getting a DTV only Muey thai classes seems to be the option where they will offer the necessary proof of enrollment and i assume requires payment up front. I can't get a language course as the ed visa covers that. Also is it a risk applying and paying up front to any course online ? Just trying to see how its possible to get the soft option DTV

Regarding the DTV visa . I read that the 500 k doesn't have to be in a Thai bank can be in your home bank ac. But this could be wrong, I suspect. Also anyone know of cookery and/or Language classes? Bangkok or Chiang Mai

I judt checked AXA had reasonable prices up to age 79