Oddly, I was asked in Bangkok 1 month ago for a return flight and hotel booking but not for proof of funds...

If you are really from the DRC.... you need to go home to apply.

I'd go with... for the first 3 years live on 40K a month (easily done outside of Bangkok) - then after 3 years, you'll have the 800K in the bank to safely ignore the income requirement.

Brexit would be my biggest immediate concern because while I don't see a likely 20% slide in the pound... that's a big grey area to flesh out. Otherwise, you should be able to coast for 3 years and then forget about it.

Once you have an ED-Visa in your passport, you are not asking for a visa waiver and can enter by land without issue (assuming immigration don't find another reason to deny you).

@Guenter *******

You appear to be completely bonkers - nobody was entering into such a discussion. Blocked because I can't tolerate this much stupid in my day. Goodbye.

Yes. You can stay for up to 1 year without exiting, you need to report every 90 days when you do so. You do not need a new visa for 5 years. How is this inconsistent in the slightest? Though, it's worth noting 90 day reporting is very, very easy for Elite visa holders.