@Greg ****

I would have to say that I'm not sure about leaving Australia, while awaiting approval, as I have yet to go through a Visa application. Whether it's at the lodging of the application, or upon approval, I think that you would have to send your passport in to have the Visa stamped in - or, you get an email with the approved Visa, which you can print out and present to Thai Immigration along with your passport when you arrive in Thailand. As for Visa processing times, I can't tell you how long, but if all documents are provided, I would think no longer than three weeks depending on how bust they are, but I'm not certain. I would look to get clarification of that from someone like Tod Daniels, Stuart Cumming or Brandon Thurkettle who could provide you with accurate information.

Are you a member of the "Australians in Thailand" Facebook group? If not, maybe search for it and join, then ask about these things there, where members are Australians and would be able to answer from an Australian perspective, rather than worldwide. If you're not already in that group, just a word of warning, there can often be some that seem to have nothing better to do than be 'Keyboard Warriors' who seem to enjoy being idiots, being rude, or 🤡🤡

@Pam ********

no, it's "not all dribble" on YT, but some of the type of stuff we're talking about here, is based purely on rumours and YouTubers grabs for views and likes. Some of them are no better than regular Media outlets that often sensationalise things to get viewers or readers.

As I am looking to live in Thailand, hopefully in the near future, I am following and taking in information on requirements. I'm very wary about taking information on YouTube as fact in these matters, because they're often basing what they say on 'rumours', some of which may come from Thai Government officials, but as many would know, those things either never happen, or take sometimes years before it goes through the proper Government processes and get approved.

Then there's Expats that have had bad experiences and 'make a bit of' noise' because they're not happy, but often fail to tell the whole story, because they don't want to embarrass themselves, but would rather blame others.

You're obviously, based on what you've said, with respect, not in a position to consider retiring in Thailand, so I'm assuming that you've not been looking into the requirements in detail and finding out the facts. I'm in two or three Facebook groups related to Thai Visas, and I would much rather get my information from Moderators and group members that have a proven record of providing accurate information, rather than YT or other Media outlets.

I would be interested to hear from you what those laws are that you refer to, that are changing 🤔 please enlighten me

Have you checked the Thai Embassy in Canberra, or Consulate in Sydney website to see what they require in the way of documentation and proofs are? I haven't actually done an application myself, but I'm sure from reading a lot of posts and comments, you would need to provide Bank documents that prove that you have the funds, whether it be Thai Baht in a Thai bank, or the equivalent in an account in another country. While you may be able to lodge an application online, if you don't provide all the documentation required, you'll be sent a request for what's missing. At that point, your application will at least be on hold until you provide it.

A quick online search posing a question about the requirement confirms it. I would say that there's no point in lodging an application until you have the funds available to you

@Brad ***********

Non-O Visa IS a long term Visa. Even though in itself, it's only 90 days, it allows for continual annual Extensions of Stay, whereas DTV's and Tourist Visas are considered short term Visas

@Alan *********

that's what I was thinking, but then it depends on where one would be in Thailand at around the sixty day mark where exiting and re-entering is required. If the OP is not reasonably close to a border, it could be 'reasonably' costly in airfares or travelling other ways. Depends on one's finances to, whether there's a budget to stick to or not.

@Brad ***********

according to his first sentence, he will arrive on a Non-O Visa

@Stan *****

definitely... I was listening to talkback radio here in Oz, while in my car this evening. They had a health segment, which was mostly focused on women's health post menopause, but mentioned that having sex when older, reduces risk of heart attack by thirty percent (scientific fact).

@Jakee *********

ok, yeah METV definitely needed after previous questioning by Immigration, but sorry I can't answer that question for you. A Moderator, like

@Tod ********

or someone experienced with Visas likely can.

@John *********

ok thanks. It was just a question a little way in advance for me, as it's still not clear when I can move to Thailand.

@Jakee *********

depending on how often/how many times you're intending to enter and exit Thailand, the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa that

@Graham *****

mentioned might be your best option to avoid being questioned by Thai Immigration about why you (might) be entering so often, but, as UK passport holder, you can just arrive at a Thai Airport and be stamped in free on the "Visa Exempt" scheme. That doesn't have any fees attached to it as a Tourist Visa does & no applying in advance.