lopburi3 and ubonjoe, thanks very much for your posts which explain the Bangkok approval proceedure. Obviously I'll have to return to the retirement visa with 800k in the bank if I want to make life easier.

Whether it goes to Bangkok or not depends upon where you live. If you live outside the Bangkok region it will go to the regional office for your area.

Mine go to Korat for approval. I have been informed that there is no longer a committee for approval they just have to be approved by a higher ranking officer than available at a local immigration office.

My last extension was approved the same day that it was received in Korat (info on small stamp in Thai below extension stamp).

I guess bangkok is pattayas regional office because thats where they send them.