Absolutely the way to go.

5% is I fear an overly conservative estimate for Thai banks. Last week I checked at BBL and the highest rate they offered was 1.625% on a fixed 9 month deposit - leaving 3 month for seasoning in an accessible account.

Would love to hear where you can get 5%.

On another note - using multiple OA visa's (every two years) you'd never need to have money in a Thai account, nor for that matter have to season money in an account - just have when applying.

Read this post all about the different visa often called "retirement" there's a few options.

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@De***

I would say with only one setv and one visa exempt entry you've a fair while before it'd be considered "extensive" history of using tourist type entries.

You can get a 30 day extension on your last visa exempt entry at immigration office - same process as the extension on your initial setv

Tod reported in November CW required a TM30 - 1 case only - and that was for a non-0 90day not an extension.

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(I believe) that a visa cannot be transferred, only extensions - hence you'll need to use both passports.

@Dan***

- wrong.

Visa exempt entries are 30 days.

The immigration officer will be able to see all your previous entries / history irrespective of having a new passport.

@Chris******

the only limit on visa Exempt entries (2 per calendar year) is when entering through a land border.