No, in theory you print a copy and keep it with your passport.

If you don't want to open an account in Thailand, go inside Krungsri bank with your passport and debit card to withdraw cash. There is no ATM fee and the withdrawal limit is much higher than the ATM (I can't remember how much). You get the exchange rate of your bank in your country. I use Starling bank debit card and get a really good exchange rate.

Most people seem to choose the non O visa.

The downside of the non O is that you need to deposit 800,000 baht into a Thai bank account when you get here.

The sequence is:

Apply for the non O in your country before coming to Thailand.

Enter Thailand using the non o.

Open a bank account immediately (this should be possible with the non o visa).

Deposit 800,000 baht into your account in the first week or two.

Go to immigration and get a list of their requirements for a 12 month extension of stay based on retirement (every office is slightly different).

Wait until your money has been in your account for two months and then go to your immigration office with everything they ask for on their list, to enable you to get the extension and pay 1,900 baht.

You can repeat the final part every year. Good luck.

@John *******

I sent more than £10,000 a few weeks ago via Wise.

Do you pay it into your Wise account before transferring it to your Thai account, perhaps that is the difference 🤷

@Paddy *********

okay, it must have changed.

@Paddy *********

since when?

I thought you could send up to 2 million baht?

@Jan *****************

I am beginning to think Nelly is a Troll. Time for me to block them.

@Nelly *****

if you are so certain, why are you asking?

The idp is valid for a longer period than 3 months (I can't remember how long 12 month's?), but it is only valid in Thailand for 3 months at a time, so if you are planning to retire here, it becomes invalid after 3 months, as everyone is stating.

Up to you if you want to risk it, as long as you don't crash into me!

Would you drive without a valid license in the UK?

The IDP is only valid for 3 months, so if you plan to drive a car more than 3 months and be insured, you need to get a Thai license.

It takes about an hour, it's easy and only costs a few quid, so why wouldn't you?

What exchange rate will you get from HSBC?

This is where they usually make their money.