If you're happy to put the 800k in a Thai bank, I would advise arriving on a 60 day tourist visa. 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, where as the OA requires ongoing insurance for each extension etc...

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.

Note that a rejected covid extension will give you 7 days, dated from the day of application, not added to your existing stamp. Don't apply too early...

@Steve ******

seemed pretty obvious, can't think of any other rules related to entry that changed in May

@Steve ******

I think he means the 'new rules' for entry, not requiring PCR tests etc.

Covid visa?

I think you mean a 60 day covid extension, which you can apply for after first having the normal 30 day extension. Needs to be applied for before the scheme finishes .

With the 60 day covid extension, you would be given an under construction stamp, and then have to return for the final approval, circa 14-30 days later.

Note the 60 days added are usually from the day of application (unlike your 30 day extension, from your stamp date)

Note 2, where you go in Bangkok, depends on which scheme you entered Thailand on.

Visa exemption 30 days = IT Square Laksi Plasa, or

Tourist visa 60 days = Chaeng Wattana

@Brett *********

as he said already...

@Rez ***

easier than turning up at immigration with your passport a photo and 1900THB... Enjoy your trip

Note, 90 day reports have only recently been added to the appointment system at CW and it's currently possible to inadvertently book an appointment when the office is actually closed for holidays. Double-check your dates...

Same would appear to be true for those booking appointments for a tourist visa extension on May 4th

Not a requirement but many Thai's will have a family member that wants to stay with them.

@Jonathan *******

mine was a week ago