@Paul ******

You're mistaken. The 800,000 baht if maintained in a Thai bank account can be used indefinitely for further extensions. There's no requirement to transfer 800,000 baht every year. Never had been. The 65,000 baht per month method is ongoing.

Beware! Big Joke is on the warpath. He wants to shake up the retirement extensions

If it's all above board with correct bank account criteria being met it's fine. The reports over the last few days that "Big Joke" will be looking closely at retirement visas due to connection to farang bikie gangs operating in Thailand does not bode well for those who have been bribing immigration officers (via an agent). Like the culling of ED and Volunteer Visas, the retirement visas could be in for a massive shake-up

/01/thai-police-pledge-to-eradicate-foreign-motorcycle-clubs-involved-in-alleged-criminal-activities/

@Rc ******

I kind of guessed your question was more rhetorical than you wanting a straight answer. We all yearn for a consistent immigration department, but because of this "immigration officer" discretion it's never going to happen, and whilst large sums of money are changing hands between "agents" and government officials it's never going to change. I guess we can always hope the new government will reform the immigration department and put a stop to inconsistencies and corruption.

@Garrett **********

Refused because too many COVID extensions. They told me they believed I was not a tourist and was working in Thailand, and they wanted the embassy to decide.

@Rc ******

Haha! "Should" being the operative word! You have a lot to learn about Thai immigration!

@Garrett **********

You'd better tell the immigration officers at Nong Khai of that. I was refused entry last year on visa exempt coming from Laos. They actually told me to go to Vientiane and get a tourist visa from the embassy. So I spent a pleasant few days in Vientiane, got the tourist visa, returned to Nong Khai, and was admitted to Thailand with no further issues.

@David *********

Instead of the 800k in the bank you can use the 65k per month transfer method. Money is yours to use as soon as you get it. The Married to a Thai visa is different, it's not a retirement visa and requires only 40k per month transfer (although how anyone can live on that beats me but many seem to do it)

@David *********

Health insurance is not compulsory for the "over 50" visa in Thailand, although it's strongly advised

@David *********

It's actually easier for older people to stay than younger ones. Over 50 it's a doddle