@Marty ********

the „the better rate of return“ was probably correct in the past but with lower interest rates and a very strong THB, this argument doesn’t hold these days… THB gained approx 10% over the last 6 months or so against all “western” currencies.

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

yep, it’s Thailand. Thank you 😊

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

that‘ actually a great visa even for retirees as long as one is interested in cooking class (would exclude the Mueng Thai🤔).

Just wonder if, after leaving and returning, one has to prove again the attendance of a class…

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

It’s a multiple entry visa, should mean that you can leave the country during the 180 days but are allowed to be in TH max 180 days per year starting with the date of the visa, is that correct?

And what does this “180 days + 180 days” mean please?

Look at the “bright” side…. Wine & western food is supposed to get cheaper …😊 but who believes in that😵‍💫🤔😆😆😆?

@Jacques ****

🤔 a 9% increase of baht a bounce? Hope you are right, most of us want a weaker baht😊

The baht had reached even 40/Euro briefly. I follow the move closely since November last year when baht was around 38.

Economy is not great, the prime minister changed, therefore baht should not have gained approx 9% as of today.

However most, if not all Asian currencies became stronger ag Euro and USD but what a noticed, and it might be a coincidence, the baht increased daily since the DTV was introduced and, what I hear, a lot of foreigners from all over the world have been approved…. those people have bought the baht for sure.

A visa exempt tourist needs a relatively small cash amount but DTV approved guys need money for 180 days!

Just my thoughts and yes, Thailand cannot afford a strong baht but will, or better, can they do something against it?

It’s a free currency market, offer and demand rule it.

I wouldn’t put too much hope in the BOT😱

@Tod ********

I have the feeling that the OP, primarily, does ask for the requirements in case he wishes to keep the O-A visa.

As I understand from Marty Pollard‘s comment, it is possible to use the O-A visa for several years (6 years in his case) as long as the yearly insurance is renewed in time, the 90 day reporting is done and a METV has been bought.

Theoretically that would mean that a visit at immigration office would NOT be required except for the METV.

That‘s how I understand the „prolonged“ I-A visa or am I wrong?

@Mark *******

got it, age group 55-60😊😊😊

@Mark *******

only 8.000 baht? Sounds very little.

The initial A-O comes as METV but for the second 365 days you will need to buy the multi-entry stamp, correct?