Thank you for your response.

@Brandon ***********

thank you. I was originally going to apply for a retirement visa before I came to Thailand but my GP wouldn't sign a medical certificate and said I need to see a private doctor but wouldn't tell me who. So I talked with a couple of friends who have a Retirement Visa and they told me to do it in Thailand, which was how they got theirs. I was following there instruction but obviously this doesn't work now. So my question is this: If I apply for a Retirement Visa in the UK and I am in Thailand when I receive it (because I've already booked flights and accommodation so will as holiday at worst) will I be able to switch to the Retirement Visa by presenting at Immigration? would I need to leave and re-enter the country? or would me being in the country at the time I receive the vis from Thai Embassy in UK invalidate the Retirement Visa or put me in breach of immigration law? I hope you can shed some light on this as I keep getting cut off from a phone call with the Thai Embassy

@Rich ********

Thank you. I was informed by two friends who reside in Thailand that this was possible however I know things have changed.

@John ********

sorry to hear that. Yes I'm feeling very cautious about getting this wrong given what I'm reading online.