I wanted to share some useful information:

I flew to Thailand 2 months ago to get a hip replacement. My last trip to Thailand was a long time ago. People on this site helped me with vital travel tips, because by the time time I arrived, I was in a WHEELCHAIR - (yes my condition got exponentially worse). I only knew one quick way to get started: I checked into a $30 hotel (The Palace), near Bumgrungrad, and went down there. After a visit I learned the surgery was $20,000+ USD. I knew I was simply reconnoitering and getting information. He told me to go to his alma mater, Ramathipbodi Hospital, for a better deal. It took me about 10 days to get things lined up (major surgery) at Ramathibodi: a lot of waiting, tests, etc. No other Fahrangs AT ALL - fully Thai. It wasn't so bad. I adapt and learn.

The doctor told me I had to check in WITH A FRIEND (who had to say in my room for the whole stay) or it was not possible. Since I wasn't in Thailand to recreate, and I was damn-near crippled, it looked like an Apollo 13 moment: complete failure. I went down to a legitimate massage place on Sukhumvit Road and within two days, I had arranged to have a nice woman (52 years old) - agree to help me. The doctor at Ramathipodi had already told me I needed to stay in Thailand 3 months. So first trip was to Immigration. My friend totally helped me, and major surgery is a sure-bet extended visa. After about 10 days of hospital visits, everything worked out. I was was 'fast-tracked' at Ramathipbodi Premium because I am an American and can affort $200/day hospital stay for 3 DAYS... I never saw one foreigner in over 2 weeks, weird. Surgury/stay/surgeons/prosthesis/care was 10K USD... email with questions.

I have a life-lone friend in Thailand now, and maybe could be advice to you if you need information.

Thank you everyone -

Caleb - USA

I have an unbelievable story! One of our new teachers in the office (July) actually got a work permit today! He should be getting his non b this week. Yes, you can swoon now. He’s from Wales.

Hi all. I wanted to share a happy store about DMK immigration this time. 😂 I flew out late Tuesday night from there with a 1 day overstay as my visa actually expired the day before on the 2nd. I was so anxious eventho it was just a day (not even a full day) over. I was rushing to make my 7:35p flight and was praying. Hahaha

The agent was very nice she called another make agent over and asked if I knew I'd overstayed, I confirmed yes because of my flight already being booked. She smiled asked when I was returning I told her 6th and she sent me through with the male agent. Who just checked something in the computer. I was all pulling out money to pay and he just smiled and told me to go ahead. When I tell you I was so happy! LMFAO! I floated through security and was at peace by not paying that 500 baht I swear to you. I'm flying back in the early morning but landing in Suvarnabhumi this time. Fingers crossed! 🤞

Hello TVA fam. Just wanted to share a story with you. I am on my non b teaching visa and when I was going back today to my condo I saw 7 immigration officers with police officers at the entrance. They where talking to anyone they saw including the door man and receptionist. They called me over nicely asked for my passport or copy which I didn't have. I said it was in my room they escorted me there I showed them my passport my tm 30...the took a picture of me near to my room door...looked and something on their tablets...took down my passport information and said okay thank you you may go. They talked to all farangs in the be condo and much more. I think my big joke wave has hit Chiang Mai. But ye just a story. Gl all.