@Richard ********

Don't do "Whatsapp". And, prefer either public posting (for everyone's benefit), of if necessary DM/PM. In any case, in answer to your above question, my personal opinion is just as easy to do it the way I suggested -- i.e. arrive Visa Exempt and/or on Tourist Visa and convert to Non-O and then 1 yr. extension. If done my way, no Criminal Check nor Medical Check required. As noted in my Instructions, however, if you do it upon arrival must act diligently (i.e. quickly) to get Bank Account opened and money transferred.

@Đl ****

Not sure if your question is about using the alternative "Income Method" which requires 65,000 Baht per month transferred from overseas for 12 months; or simply about taking your time getting the 800K into Bank. If the latter, of course it does not matter, so long as you have the 800K in the Bank at time of Application. Also, some Immig. Offices require proof of foreign origin of funds, some don't (e.g. Chiang Mai).

@Jo *********

Yes Joe, was just stating the Law, but also specifically noted: " But, rarely are visitors from the major countries (USA, UK, AU, Western Europe) queried by Immig. Officers ..."

@Ellen *********

Section38

@Terry *****

STEP-BY-STEP DO-IT-YOURSELF INSTRUCTIONS -- APPLYING FOR RETIREMENT STAY AFTER ARRIVAL IN THAILAND (Must be over age 50): i. You may arrive either Visa Exempt (currently 45-days), or on a 60-day Tourist Visa. ii. Then, immediately after your arrival, you must promptly open a Thai Bank Account, and transfer 800,000 Baht into Thai Bank Account (if married, some Immig. Offices like CM, accept Joint Account with 1.6 Mil. Baht. Also Note, that either Passbook Savings or Fixed Deposit is acceptable, but not Investment Account. Finally note, that some Immig. Offices, but not all - e.g. CM, require proof of foreign source of funds. WISE is an inexpensive, easy & reliable service to transfer funds). iii. Then, you apply for a 90-day Non-O Visa at local Thai Immigration Office. If on Visa Exempt, you use Form TM87, if on Tourist Visa TM86. You are required to apply with minimum 15-21 days remaining on permitted Stay, depending on Office (Chiang Mai, requires 21 days). Requirements: TM87 or TM86 (Note: Fear not, only 1-page Form simple to fill out in English with only basic info., name, address, passport info., arrival info, and stated purpose: "For Retirement"), Must be Over Age 50, 2000 Baht, Copy of all relevant pages of Passport (i.e. Facepage, and Entry Stamp); copy of TM30 (that is the required arrival form that is either completed by your Hotel or Condo, or you do yourself at Immig. Office w/i 24 hrs of arrival); copy of proof of residency (Rental Agreement, or Hotel Reservation -- some offices may not allow if only staying at a HOtel); and most importantly proof of the money in Bank (Copy of Bank Book, and a certified Letter from the Bank usually costing 100 Baht). Above is all simple and straightforward, so no need for spending money on a Visa Service. iv. If all docs. in order, Immig. Office will put a Sticker in your Passport that you are "under consideration", and a date to return to pick up your Visa Stamp (prior to your Stay expiration). v. Next, when you have 30 days remaining on the Non-O (and your Bank Money has "seeded" 60 days -- i.e. stayed on deposit), you go back to Immig. Office to apply for the 1-yr Retirement Extension. Requirements.: TM7 (Req. for Extension of Stay); 1900 Baht, and all other same docs. as above (newly updated of course). And, you will receive 1-yr Extension of Stay -- usually same day, if you arrive in morning. Note: For both processes above, your Bank Passbook Balance must be updated same date as application, and the Bank Letter should be no more than 7 days old -- easiest just to do both same day just before going to Immig. Office). vi. Finally, you should/must get a Re-Entry Stamp -- easiest/best to just do immediately after you get your 1-yr. Extension stamp. It can be single Re-Entry for 1000 Baht, or 3800 Baht for unlimited multiple Re-Entry. The Re-Entry Stamp allows you to leave and return to Thailand, without invalidating your 1-yr Extension. If you fail to do that, then your Extension of Stay is nullified, and you must start the process again. (IMPORTANT: If you want or need to leave Thailand while on the initial 90-Day Non-O, same thing -- must get Re-Entry Stamp.). Hope that is all clear.

@Stuart ********

Maybe more so, because Thailand and Cambodia not so friendly?

@Wayne ********

Far more importantly, you were VERY Wrong, about not earning any interest in Thai Bank Account. Add to that your permanent mandatory requirement for Thailand Health Insurance, and I'll stick with my good advice and recommendation to use Non-O Visa, and 1-yr Extensions thereafter. Case Closed / Discussion Closed.

@Mike *******

Welcome.

@Wayne ********

Not wrong about having money in Bank, per weblink I posted (you did not). And, interest on my Thai Bank Account Deposit is earning more than my USA Bank. And, I can "touch it", 3 months after approval of Extension of Stay. Or, if I didn't care about my next year's renewal, I could withdraw all money whenever I like.

@Robert *****

Yes, you are wrong. By Law, Visa Exempt Entry additionally requires: i. Confirmed Ticket out of Thailand. ii. 10,000 Baht/person (20,000 Baht/family). But, rarely are visitors from the major countries (USA, UK, AU, Western Europe) queried by Immig. Officers for above. But, they could. HOWEVER, most major Airlines will ask for proof of onwards flight, because it is the Airlines that would be "on the hook" to return the person if denied entry.