Studying Thai cooking might qualify you for a DTV visa.😉

@John ********

That should normally work just fine, and I know there are members here who travel that way twice a year from the UK.

@Steve *****

You combine three months of pay slips or three months of pension payments into a single PDF file and upload it electronically in the e-visa portal as documentation.

The easiest solution is to apply for two 90-day Non-O visas based on retirement per year. That way you’re completely safe and don’t have to worry about an outbound ticket or spending time and money on an extension in Thailand.

@Jim *****

Yes, not all agents can assist with this anymore and you also have to do it in connection with a larger package where you open an account, apply for Non O and an extension of stay.

@Ian *********

Not only for retirement but still classified as one of the four retirement visas in the e-visa portal.

You'll struggle without a Thai bank account. It's best to apply at home before leaving or in a nearby country if you don’t want to spend money for an agency.

You can use up to 400,000 baht starting three months after your extension was granted. Remember that the balance must be back up to 800,000 baht at least two months before your next extension application, unless you plan to switch to monthly transfers.

EDIT, special for ASEAN countries;

"A Thai driving license can be used in place of an international driving permit in 10 ASEAN countries.The smart card driving license can be used to drive in all 10 countries: Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.This is part of an agreement among ASEAN member countries. The smart card records information in both Thai and English.Additionally, vehicles registered in Thailand can be used in these 10 ASEAN countries. However, for use in other countries, an English registration plate must be obtained for the vehicle".

The point is that you cannot obtain an international driving permit in Thailand with a two-year driver’s license, but you can use an international driving permit from your home country if you have one.

@Jair *****

It’s a better alternative for a long-term stay of more than two years in Thailand. That way, you avoid being tied to a mandatory and expensive Thai health insurance policy with poor coverage approved by immigration for the rest of your stay. Apply for a 90-day Non-O visa, open a bank account and deposit 800,000 baht, then apply for annual extensions of stay either based on the amount held in your account (800,000 baht) or proof of monthly income (minimum 65,000 baht) for the second year.