As with everything else going on (currency, cost of living, the enconomy concerns), the Thai visa "jump through these hoops" requirements are in a state of flux and will sort themselves out in due time, although if they continue to raise the bank deposit requirement, those of us on a fixed income will sooner than later be squeezed out. The one saving grace in my case (see below) is that fact that you can combine an income certificate with a Thai bank deposit account to meet the 800,000 Baht threshold.......at least for today!

To me the whole A-O visa thing is better than a soap opera and I never look forward to meeting any of the characters in person, if I can help it.

Thai Royal Embassy note:
At the end of the one-year stay, the alien who wishes to extend his/her stay must submit a request to the Immigration Bureau with the documented evidence of money transfer /or a deposit account in the Kingdom /or an income certificate at the amount of no less than 800,000 Baht /or an income certificate plus a deposit account at the total amount of no less than 800,000Baht a year.