the OX requires either 3 million baht deposited into a Thai bank or a deposit of 1.8 million with an income of 1.2 million per year with the requirement that the deposit be 3 million within a year. Plus the deposit can't be brought down to less than 1.5 million and that must be spent inside Thailand. How did you get around that?
actually, within the 5 years I can find 400,000 and be good for 20 years. Otherwise, if I don't want to, I can convert to a retirement visa. I"m still undecided on whether to go retirement or elite, but I have 8 months to figure it out. Right now I'm leaning towards elite, but that could change.
So really, a 5 year elite visa costs 600,000. For an extra 200,000 (because basically that 400,000 isn't really yours if you never plan to leave) it almost makes sense to just pay up front then forget about it. Unless you do the 65,000 every month (and never, ever miss a month.)
I have never traveled with that much cash. That's what cards and ATMs are for. I will going into Thailand in case someone asks, but it will make me uncomfortable at best.