365Sol

I did see the Elite Card or whatever it's called, but wouldn't want to be committed to 5 or 10 years as this junction.  My time horizon is more like 2-3 at present.  I can certainly understand a sovereign country, Thailand or any other, wanting to ensure that visitors are capable of financially supporting themselves (and not needing to work in-country).  No objection there.  I just see it as really strange that an individual would have to offer proof of "employment" while at the same time being free to travel for 6+ months.  That's definitely not consistent with the way "employment" works in the U.S., where most employers offer 2-4 weeks of vacation per year, depending on length of tenure with the company.  Even Europe, with its generous vacation, is in the 6-8 week/year range.  So, no problem with providing proof of financial ability, but see the "employment" requirement as out of left field.  The suggestion then is just to try to explain that logic to the Thai embassy?      

I'm a little confused on the "employment" requirements of the METV. 

• I'm a US national, 40 yo, reside in Florida. 
• I currently work in the healthcare industry and have been fortunate to do well for myself.  
• At this point in life, I'd like to consider some extended, possibly multi-year, travel in SE Asia. 
• Financially, I can certainly show substantial funds in U.S. banks, but wouldn't have a source of employment. 
• I don't need or want to work any longer.  I don't own a company.  I don't do any kind of blogging, digital work online, or any thing of that nature.  I have no interest in teaching English, scuba diving, or any other such employment in Thailand.
• Seeming to require "employment" of someone who has the time and financial means to travel for 2-3 years seems odd?  Almost by definition, if you have that kind of time and disposable income, you're not working!
• Thoughts? How does one work around the "employment" requirement?