you were able to. Anyone can. You just need to apply from home country.
Can also use an agent to avoid the 800k entirely. Or the 10 year LTR retirement visa has only income requirement. No need to deposit in Thailand at all
yes you can work, depending on which version of the visa you get. Also has no tax for retirees and 17% tax only if working. But i came here to retire and enjoy life, not to work.
you are misunderstanding the entire process. Obviously you have never used and agent, and are not a financial wizard. The basics are this mate, you don't need to provide any info the agent. They handle it. And the way to save yourself money, is to keep the 800k somwhere abroad making 5-8% annually and save yourself $$ every single year