I got an O visa (not O-A) which cost me the equivalent of 1,900 THB at the embassy (online) which was good for a 90 visit to Thailand..... then flew to Thailand and opened a bank account (you can open a thai bank on the O visa as it is not classified as a tourist visa)... transferred the money from my Aussie account to it.. Then went to the local Thai immigration office with a Thai bank statement, proof of address (can be the TM30 from your hotel even) , passport and 2 photo's and paid another 1,900 THB then the O visa was extended for 12 more months.

@Jay *******

I would highly recommend getting the DTV in your home country … but best of luck

I arrived in Thailand on my DTV in September ….. not an issue looked at DTV …. Looked and the DTAC and then promptly stamped the passport and let me in

I got mine in less that 1 week

@Greg **********

well if you are not going to follow Thailand rules then ……silly you

@Pat *****

you need to be outside of Thailand to get the DTV right ??

What has this post got to do with thailand visa advice ???

@Pete *********

shop around …… some are mid 20,000 THB and some mid 30,000THB …… it really isn’t too difficult (once you have a bank account and have the funds in the thai account) to go to your home embassy in your home country and apply (costs 1,900 THB) to get your retirement visa so better off researching and do it your self ……

@Nigel *************

totally agree ….. I tried several times on my own and was refused ….. pay an agent and get an account right away ….. no hassle just a little thinner wallet but worth it