@Robin *******

yes, it has to be in your account for two months before applying for your one year extension, but, for the initial 90 day visa as soon as it is in your account you can apply. It doesn't matter where the bt400,000 comes from, and as soon as you get your one year extension stamp you can take any, or all of the bt400,000 out of your account, just don't make the mistake of closing your account. It just has to be in your account two months before your next yearly extension.

@Robin *******

as long as there is one for every month, and not two one month, and none the next, you'll be fine

Yes, as long as they were direct deposited regularly into your Thai bank account every month for 12 months. Your bank must issue deposit summary for every month showing these regular deposits. You can not use the bank statements you get in the mail. Just keep in mind the bank statements are only valid for 7 days with immigration.

Anonymous participant this is for your next five years of visa. Why risk it. Just stay there until you get it.

You just go to immigration with both passports, and they transfer your current stamps into your new passport. It is very easy to do.

@Julian ******

that situation I am not sure about, but it should be the same. You don't get any refund that I know of for ending an elite visa early though.

@Julian ******

in country yes if you have enough days left on your entry.

Most end up using an agent to get their bank account, at a price, on any tourist visa. He will also need from 15-21 days left on his entry stamp, depending on the immigration office. Then as soon as he has the bt400,000, and the basic documents, he can get the 90 day extension to get everything else document wise, then when there is 30 days left on his entry stamp, or up to 45 days at some offices, like Bangkok, he can apply for the one year extension. Save copies of everything, as for the following years you just need new bank statements, and new pictures, unless you move. Everything else is the same.

@Dom *******

true, but currently there are no rules in place saying you have to attend classes.

It's not a question of which category to apply under. It is simply a matter of getting it as fast as you can. If you already have this new visa any changes made in the future won't apply to you as you're grandfathered in for the next five years. At that point any changes would affect you, but not before.