@John *********

not if using the 65k monthly option, you don't need it there earning nothing every year.

@Peter *******

seemingly?

@Chris ******

drat, that was in my initial question, and i specifically noted Chaeng Watthana in bangkok, so I was hoping it would get answered based on that. I can only assume the folks that replied 2 months are referring to Chaeng Watthana

@John *********

this is a good point - I started the transfers before the first extension so there will be 12 by the time of next application, but i almost did not realize that was needed to start early.

@Chris ******

ok so bringing back up to 800k is not required but it would be a back up. Good point, and helpful to know it would be for 2 months not 3.

@Graham *****

this is a good point - I started the transfers before the extension so there will be 12 by the time of next application, but i almost did not realize that was needed to start early.

@Tod ********

Agreeing here and to also add, and please correct me if wrong, the only criteria that would impede a passport from being valid prior to its expiration date is the number of blank visa pages that remain. If a passport expires prior to a visa, then there are various ways to either carry over or re-appy, as Tod describes

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

yes, and to add that #2 becomes an option for your 2nd extension and beyond once you can show you have transferred 65k+ every month to your Thai bank account for the past 12 months. - although the question may be specifically about the initial retirement visa application rather than extensions, which would be like option #1 but you can use your home country bank account to show you have the funds. (The options listed in the post appear to be for the extension, not the initial application)

Hua Hin- long stretch of beach with condos much like any anglo development. Chiang Mai - totally different northern climate and culture with centuries of history wafting every which way. But a beach is nice...

For me it was the airline I traveled on that asked for return flight info. I had to pull out the e-visa and all documents to show the 90 day visa and it took several people looking at it before they gave the ok. Going through suvarnabhumi immigration was no problem with the visa doc and no return booked.