@Peter *******

It has been done many times in the past (pre-covid) and will be done by some in the future. No rule change yet to stop it. However, if Covid re-entry rules persist the time required back in the home country processing a return to Thailand could get drawn out.

@Peter *******

IF NORMALITY ever returns to Thailand ... That is if non covid times return where the land borders of Thailand and of immediate neighbor countries are also open - Then having an O-A Visa takes on a whole new light. Because the O-A visa is in actuality a two year visa with an unique method to gain use of the second year. In normal times near the end of the first year with the O-A Visa - because it is also a Multi-Entry Visa - one can just go to the Thai Border (example - Satun) check out of Immigration - walk over - enter Malaysia immigration - then immediately exit Malaysia - walk back 100 meters and renter Thailand... getting stamped back in with an additional 12 month stay in Thailand. Hard to believe - but True.

In normal times one can do this by air travel also when there is no large financial barriers barring return.

The 800,000 Thai Baht Equivalent used in your Home Country Bank Account to qualify financially can be removed the day your O-A visa is stamped - stickered into your passport - you can withdraw all the 800,000 equivalent. No one will ever check again. However, about one year later when in Thailand and you go to Immigration to process a One Year Extension of Stay based on the O-A Visa - then you will have to open a Thai Bank Account in your name only - and deposit 800,000 Baht into that account a full two months prior to Extension Application.

With the Non Imm O Visa... You will have to first enter Thailand with an Exemption Entry of 45 days - then best get a 30 day Extension. Set up a Bank Account & deposit 800,00 Baht. Next after waiting until the last 45 dsys down to 30 days go to Thai Immigration and apply for an Extension of Stay for Retirement baded on that B Visa...

Age 50 or above, fill out form TM.7, Copies of updated documents bankbook, bank statement, etc. Go to Immigration get a detailed list

I left out must be age 50 or. above

You can also go to Thailand on an Exempt 45 day entry - Extend 30 days... Go to Thai Immigration and apply for a Non Imm O 90 day Visa. Open a Thai Bank Account in your name only - deposit 800,000 Baht wait 45 to 60 days and then apply for a one year Extension of Stay based in the O Visa.

Currently under Covid entry rules you must also buy Covid-19 Insurance

You can apply for a Non Immigrant O-A Visa (one year Multi-Entry) Long Stay "Retirement" at a Thai Embassy or Consulate (mostly done online now). You do this before you leave your Home Country.. Financial proof is the Equivalent of 800,000 Baht in an account in your name also located in your Home Country Bank. You also must get a medical clearance and a police clearance (nothing complicated). Plus buy Covid Insurance and General medical insurance. The particulars are listed on the Thai Embassy Website serving your country.

The monthly income amount for "Retirement" is 65,000 each month - not 67,000 Baht each month.

@Sammy ******

- I manage a Group of 1800 mostly men - many of whom have to document monthly income for marriage or retirement. It is the norm for Extension of Stay Applicants (whether Marriage or Retirement) to have to document Foreign Origin of monthly income

Yes some I/Os make up this bullshit about "Pension Income" proof. They do this only because they can - but it is still bullshit. I do not know of a single USA person who files non imm o "Retirement" who is required to supply a document proving "Retirement" from the Social Security Administration.

@Steve ******

Yes it does - unless it is in country income from a Farang who has a Work Permit