@Ellie ******

Absolutely! I didn't actually say there was. There is a date of arrival and if this has changed since the previous TM47 was lodged, immigration MIGHT wish to reconcile their records. The manual TM47 form does have a field for the TM6 number, which to me indicates there is a link required (or maybe not, hence the capitalisation of the word "might"). I just thought the OP should be aware of this possibility

@Martin *********

As you have a new TM6 number, you MIGHT have to report in person the first time, but absolutely try it first online.

@John *********

I'm one of those sad cases in life who simply respond to a question without analysing someone's profile. Someone looking to open a business in a field which is probably protected for Thai people led me to think it could be a joint Thai/Farang venture. I apologise for my obvious faux pas

I'm assuming you're married to a Thai?

@Sarah *********

Sorry yes, for visa applications outside of Thailand you already do need the three million insurance. It's for the in-country extensions that the new requirements commence in September. My insurance has a $100 (Aus) deductible, so small amounts are not covered. I've made two claims in the last 2-3 years. One was not health related, it was for a rental car excess payment (there was no deduction on that, I got the full amount), and the other was actually an outpatient job for a trapped nerve in my lower back, which required scans, physio as well as pain killers etc. The total was around $500 Aus, which I got back $400. I had to pay upfront of course, scanned and emailed the receipts and was paid within a week.

@Sarah *********

From September this year the insurance criteria is changing and the ridiculous "outpatient" component is being removed, although the amount of coverage is rising to three million baht. However, most travel insurance policies are unlimited for medical costs, so even a credit card insurance will pull it up (Previously I used an AMEX platinum 12-month insurance provided by Covermore which cost me nothing). There is also an option to use value of assets in your home country to cover health insurance, if for any reason you are denied insurance (age, pre-existing condition etc). It seems I'm in a minority group who actually believes in being insured, whereas many expats in Thailand go out of their way to avoid having it - their logic defeats me. Perhaps they will rely on GoFundMe when a motorcyclist takes them out!

@Luc *******

I'm in the same boat. I have a string of rental properties in Australia which need taking care of, which is why I favour the OA visa, using funds in your own country to meet the financial criteria. In theory you need never transfer one baht into a Thai bank account, and can get almost two years from the one visa, with a border bounce. Covid stuffed up this method, but it's pretty close to being workable again. By far the best retirement visa for anyone who travels home within the two year period

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

Pre-covid the OA was by far the best option. No need to transfer unnecessary funds into a Thai bank account, can use your home country insurance, and with a well-timed border bounce get two years stay without having to apply for any extension. Return to Australia for a visit, get a new visa, repeat the process. So easy. And the bonus was I lived for six years in Thailand and never visited an immigration office once. It was brilliant! I yearn for a return to those days!

@Luc *******

If you didn't have the 800k in the bank, a bribe has been paid. Your choice of course, but I find the 65k/month process to be the best. The money is mine to spend as soon as I get it, and let's face it, you need money to live on anyway, so you have to bring it in from overseas anyway. I can't see the big deal. I managed to live in Thailand comfortably for 12 years, and never paid a single baht to an agent.

@David **********

I don't think so. You cannot get a tourist visa inside the country, and it certainly wouldn't be under consideration. I'm guessing you've got a "covid extension"