Apply for DTV visa in your country before you move to Thailand. This visa is much easier to maintain and it's 5 year multi entry. Retirement visa is so complicated and you must keep funds in your account in Thailand.
I don't know why everyone is so concerned. It's a simple task and it's recorded on the immigration system. It's no big deal for the average traveller but the Thai government is saying to track undesirables so let's just comply and see what happens. I don't care either way
Thank for your opinion it ain't worth Sh@#$it. I got my DTV there beautiful city heaps of nice cafes, restaurant,bars on the Mekong river,clubs, sights,l hired a scooter and got around also went up to veng vieng was awesome. Get out of your hotel room and explore. You are just waiting for embassy. Travel it's cheap in Laos