I've always said that a retirement visa / extension is nothing more than a 12 month tourist visa. It's been debated before, and the only thing someone on a retirement visa can do that someone on a 30 day visa exemption can no do is have a 5 year driving / riding license instead of a 2 year license. Someone on a 30 day visa exemption can do everything the same. Thailand does not offer a reasonable pathway to Permanent Residency and / or citizenship, so you are always just a tourist here. Also, Thailand is an unstable country. I do not trust the Thai government, nor Thai officials. The interest earned on the money it would take to buy a condo in my block more than covers my rent, so why would I buy? The same with the 800k baht in a Thailand bank. I use an agent because the 800k baht here is a waste of money, and a risk. I have a reasonably new motorbike, a great home entertainment system, and some decent appliances. I'm happy to remain in Thailand, but should I ever need to / want to leave, I can go at a moments notice and my financial loss is minimal. I have not invested in Thailand financially, or emotionally. At the moment, I don't see a need to "just leave" but it's good to know I can.
