@Leonard ********

I don't know about this. It's been talked about for the last couple of years, but I don't think it's designed to replace the OX visa

@Leonard ********

No not at all. OX is a retirement visa

@Leonard ********

I use my superannuation statement. I have a lump sum as well as a private pension.

@Bernd **********

It's the Sydney Consulate which allows it. It's the only one, so a few Aussies have been taking advantage of it. A 5-year stamp without having to transfer a single baht is brilliant.

@Bernd **********

Australia is the only country which allows funds held in an Aussie account to be used to show finances. All the others require transfer to a Thai bank account

The only thing you have to remember about Thailand, the government has a very reactive process relating to covid. Anyone who has been in Thailand during the covid era will know this. An outbreak in an illegal gambling den in Thong Lo closed the country for two months. If there's a sudden outbreak don't be surprised if the anti-vaxxers are denied entry to flights, ferries, clubs, restaurants etc. This is Thailand. It could happen

@Russell ******

If you're Australian there's an even better option. The OX gets you stamped in for FIVE years, with an extension option of a further five years. That's what I'll be looking at next time I'm home

@Russell ******

Completely wrong. The OA gets you stamped in for 12 months. Before the visa expiry date, you border bounce and get another 12 month stamp. No need to show funds in Thailand. I did it for eight years before covid. Never visited an immigration office. It was heaven.

@Craig *******

If you've no intention to return to your home country at any time, the OA is not suitable. As an Australian, I have to return for 45 days in any two year period to retain my tax exemption benefits in Australia, so for me it's a done deal. The O wouldn't really suit me, as I hate immigration and I'll never pay an agent. Many people are not aware of some of the benefits of the OA over the O as they seem to be frightened of having health insurance (which is totally alien to me). It's true in-country extensions you require a Thai insurance policy, which are ridiculously expensive for the amount of cover you get, so that's why I opt for border bounce at 12 months, and new OA at 24.

@Bernd **********

I know a lot of people are frightened of having health insurance. I'm not one of them, as the extra interest I make on that 800k (around 52,000 baht) easily covers the 30,000 cost of my health insurance policy, and I have that bonus of being covered for accident or illness and never have to start a GoFundMe begging account when a motorcyclist sends me flying! The double bonus is no need to go to an immigration office. For me, it's a total no brainer.