@George ******

I opened a separate account for my visa money. So there are only a couple of transactions each year.

@George ******

my Bangkok Bank has always done it while I wait.

Don't you need to get the re-entry permit from Thai immigration before you leave Thailand, or you will have to start your visa process all over again? Or am I missing something?

@Alex *********

I swapped from the OA to the O visa as a personal choice. I still kept up health insurance although it is no longer compulsory. I had been on the OA for about 16 months when I swapped. I considered swapping to the OX 5 year visa, but that only allows 2 x 5 years. I decided it was easier to just switch to the O Retirement Visa and be done with it. I opted for the 800k in my Thai bank account, rather than mucking around with the 65k every month. Sure you get very little interest on the money, but I don't have to worry with ensuring I transfer the 65k every calendar month. If you miss a month, you go back to square one in applying for the visa again. I just transfer when I need more spending money.

@Porky *****

when I applied for my O visa, to replace my OA visa, I had to provide a map showing my girlfriend's house location. We had to have photos taken of us at the house both outside and inside. She then sent the photos to him electronically. But there was no home visit. I did not have to do any of this for my first extension of stay.

@Mari ********

why would they want to use your passport to confirm you have not used the import tax exemption previously? The stamp could be in an earlier passport. Surely they have a computer system where they record these details.

@Alistair *******

but non O is a retirement visa isn't it?

@Psyde *******

hahaha you are the one suggesting everyone should try to rort the system by looking for loopholes. You sound like the sort of person that Thailand would be better off without.

@Psyde *******

it seems you are the sort of person who believes there should be warnings such as "do not iron clothes while wearing them". Common sense says you should not do this, but unless it is specifically stated you think it is allowed. You would then sue the iron manufacturer for not warning you. Similarly, common sense says the Thai law intends tourist visas to be used to be a tourist. They upped the time from 30 + 30 to 60 + 30, because that is what they believe is the time for a valid tourist. But people like you try to find loopholes all the time.

@Karl *********

I'm sure it was intended as sarcasm, but still a stupid comment.