@Dave *********

just for clarity, you probably know this already... To change to a non-o in Thailand, you can't enter on your non-oa, on your return

Perhaps prepare to change to a non-o while out of Thailand, or on your return.

It would depend on how long is your trip likely to be?

The 60 day tourist visa (TR60) should show as an option, and that is extendable, once, for 30 days, in country. Giving you 90 days

@James *******

I can't see how he'd apply for the non-o using this portal.

Am I missing something?

Hence my thoughts that the TR60 would be easier and mentioning the major pitfall of the non-oa

@Edgar ********

yes but Lloyd and James are recommending the non-o retirement.

I can't see how he'd apply for that using this portal.

Am I missing something?

@Lloyd *******

yes and easily done with a letter from the bank, once you've moved the money. 100THB.

And when moving his money using whichever transfer service, he should select the purpose as 'long stay retirement in Thailand'

The easiest way and if you're happy to put the 800k in a Thai bank, I would advise arriving on a 60 day tourist visa (easily extended 30 day, if needed) Open bank account, move money, then apply for a change of visa to 90 day non-o retirement 2000THB. Once the money has seasoned for two months, apply for a 12 months extension 1900THB. No additional insurance required for the Non-o once in country, where as the OA requires ongoing insurance for each extension and has to be applied for outside Thailand.

Before coming over, make an online appointment with your Embassy to request a 'Embassy Certified Copy of your passport' it will help when opening a bank account and some embassies have a long wait for appointments. If using a phone to view the UK embassy appointments, select 'desktop view' to see them correctly, otherwise it doesn't work...

@Maya ******

new ownership, partially renovated, now called Smiley Frog. It didn't close and is still very much there... Rooms, garden and restaurant

Loads of places, all depends on your budget.

Backpacker - Smiley Frog

Low-mid - Blue Star

Mid-High - Good Times

High - Natee