I got a receipt when I extended, but I didn't keep it. This seems a bit over the top even for Thailand. I guess take a picture of the receipt from now on.

It's a very clunky system.

Use a laptop and get someone you trust, who has some IT skills to help you. You just need a bit of perseverance not a lawyer. Good luck.

@Andrew ******

still not safe and the food is still terrible.

@Joseph ********

exactly, it would be like being a prisoner.

@Jim **********

I think there are other negatives too, healthcare, infrastructure and crime.

I have never felt unsafe here in Thailand, but it always felt like there was danger, particularly for foreigners in the Philippines (even in the countryside local people would warn me against going outside!). I guess on the plus side many Philippine people speak English.

@Brian *******

I think that most people will consider healthcare before leaving the UK, I certainly did.

Having paid into the uk system all of my working life without a break (45 years) and barely used it as I am fit, healthy a non smoker, moderate drinker and never take drugs, why shouldn't I be allowed to return whenever I choose and get treatment?

There is nothing in the rules that prevent me from doing this.

There are plenty of UK people that have never worked or contributed a penny to the system that have unhealthy lifestyles that get treatment every day.

I think a better idea would be a 2 tier system; 1. Priority for those who contribute 2. For people that do not contribute enough and/or have unhealthy lifestyles. I realise that will be a controversial thing to suggest, but something needs to change and it's not expats returning during their well earned retirement.

I don't know the answer for certain, but if you think about it, if it was that simple there would be a lot of people applying for visas on this basis.

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

with the non o, you can deposit 65,000 a month for the year of the extension and use that method in subsequent years, if the 800,000 is the deciding factor (I know your greater knowledge/bigger brain will correct me if I am wrong Brandon). So the non o seems the better choice.

@Detlef **********

did you read Martin's response?...

They bribe immigration officials, and to find a compliant official often get your visa in a remote / rural office, so you are then tied to that agency until you leave as the local office won't renew. Also the gov occasionally cracks down on widespread corrupt visas.

@Tim ******

We used to live about an hour from Pattaya, so we visited Pattaya and the islands many times. It has the potential to be a nice place, but is blighted/dominated by the prostitution scene and the inevitable people that attracts. Everyone will have a different opinion on this and all I am saying is for them to consider other places before settling there.