I like it Andy! Of course it depends upon what suits you. My Thai Mrs runs a shop so we can only have short breaks and are content to remain inside Thailand.
For those aged 50 and over or of any age married to a Thai the DTV really isn’t all that significant. Aimed at digital nomads (operative word being nomad) a five year visa seems a little contradictory to me. There have been reports of DTV’s being issued for what I would term ‘spurious’ reasons e.g. a single dental appointment. Possibly the intention is to make the DTV almost guaranteed to be granted. That has implications for the Thai Immigration Office and Thai Consulates. Five years visa fee ‘upfront’, less passport stamping at border posts and only one (or even zero) extensions per annum for immigration offices to issue.
Top advice Keith. I got my Non-O (retirement) 3 month visa and 12 months extension plus opened a Bangkok Bank savings account via the most experienced Visa Agent in Pattaya who also has the lowest prices. I had to buy 12 months Personal Accident Insurance at a cost of 3,000 baht. Agent booked a moto taxi to take me to the bank and back. 15 minutes done and dusted.
It’s PAI (Personal Accident Insurance). If anyone is under 65, rides a moto and has no other form of insurance, PAI is worth taking out. Unfortunately, Bangkok Bank PAI doesn’t cover moto accidents if you are 65 or over.