There's no such thing as a "volunteer permit."

Volunteering is considered work, which means you must have 2 things to make it legal.

1) A visa that is not work restricted (a marriage visa/extension is not work restricted)

2) A work permit

If you are missing either of those, then you cannot legally work in Thailand.

A retirement visa is a work restricted visa.

Bank account transfer (SWIFT), Wise, Moneygram, Western Union, Xe, Revolut, etc. Though probably the worst way would be to use one of the Kasikorn money exchanges and deposit a foreign currency. They usually give a terrible conversion rate.

@Jack ****

ah, that might work then. I misunderstood

@Jack ****

no because some immigration offices might not accept the 800,000 split across 2 separate accounts.

Officially the photos must be from within the last 6 months. But I just use photos until I run out.

They will not accept unsolicited documents. If they want additional information that isn't something that disqualifies you immediately, they will send you a notification and give you an opportunity to upload documents to the e-visa portal again.

@Christopher **********

immigration does not like the DTV visa and they do not want to process extensions for it. If you go to immigration to ask, they will suggest you do a border bounce instead. If you still persist they will give you list of requirements. When you return, there will magically be new items that were left off the list that you have to leave as obtain. Repeat this process until you they get you to give up or you run out of time.

One example: in Chiang Mai they require proof of 500,000 in a Thai bank account, knowing full well that you can't get a bank account on a DTV.

Another example: they require you to have 15 days left on your stamp or they will not accept your application.

Pretend you're going to the embassy and handing them your application and passport. That's how the Thai embassies see the process, even if it's all done online.

You're required to apply through the embassy where you are physically located, and you're required to remain within the jurisdiction of that embassy until your application is processed.

Failing to abide by these rules may result in your application being rejected or your visa being cancelled, without refund.

@Dan ******

immigration doesn't like the DTV program. They were not consulted before it was announced and implemented. They don't want anything to do with it, including processing extensions for it. Most offices will tell you to just do a border bounce if you want more time. For those that persist and submit an application, they can expect a long list of requirements that changes each time they return to the office, until they finally give up and leave.

If you already have a Bangkok Bank account then your plan should be okay.

Expect to be confronted by your bank and forced to sign a document that gives them permission to freeze your 800,000 baht for 4 months per their new policy. Anyone trying to get proof of funds for immigration on money that has not already been in their account for 4 months must sign this document to freeze the money for 4 months from the day the letter is issued.

Suggest showing them what you think of their policy by trying to open an account at a different bank and using the new bank for your 800,000.