This is an interesting development.
I have just renewed my Retirement visa for the 9th time. I needed a minimum of Tb800,000 in the bank for three months prior to the application, and this must be held for some time after. I needed health insurance (notarised as it is a foreign policy). I needed a letter from the bank, which is only acceptable if issued on the day of application, and a medical examination and certificate. That is not to mention a photo in front of my house showing the house number, a Google Map showing my house location and a sketch map of the same. I further needed a lease agreement and a copy of the house book.
Finally, a copy of all 66 pages of my passport. I also required a multi-entry visa stamp as I travel often. I still need to register with immigration 60 days after entering Thailand. Cost Tb5700.00.
I now read for Tb10,000 I can get a DTV for 5 years multi-enty and unlimited entries to the Kingdom. This does not make any sense. Surely, Immigration should now extend the 5-year visa designation to all those on a Retirement Visa?