Yes, it's understandable since some people abused the visa. What wealthy person just spends extra? None I know. We have money because we know how to keep it working and know how to budget. I could either buy an Elite or stay on ED and learn Thai which I was going to do anyway. It seemed like a no-brainier. Keep the cash making money in the market, have the visa and get fluent. But these scammers ruined it, and from what I've heard ever having an ED is a disqualifier for having an Elite visa now. I know foreigner who scam the system flagrantly... I followed the rules. I'll keep following the rules but it's heartbreaking to be treated this way. Especially after investing so much of my time in a culture.

good idea!

Yeah.. it was a mistake on their part. I used an agency since I'm not good with paperwork.