All so true. Many think agents are "visa angels", able to do magic for a price. We've heard of lots of people getting scammed. There are some fantastic volunteer opportunities though. Like everything else, choosing one takes some homework, checking references, etc.

Lots of good wisdom in these replies. Your visa platform is key. Volunteer visas can be a good way to sustain longer term, but that doesn't bring in an income. An education visa generally doesn't provide longevity (that one's complicated for a family). Do either of you have plans to find employment, or have leads on jobs? That's obviously another route. All that's to say, my wife and I made the decision last year to permanently relocate to Chiang Mai given we're recently retired. BEST decision ever! Even with all the covid "fun", we absolutely love it here. No regrets whatsoever. Thailand has its quirks, but that's part of the character of living here. We know so many families that are thriving here too. They either home-school or have their kids in an international school. So, don't be discouraged, but definitely do your homework. Praying for clarity in what lies ahead for y'all! (P.S., I've been to Kansas lots of times. I'm GLAD I'm not there anymore 🙂 )

Thank you! "Gee, I wonder if anyone's seen this announcement. I'll post it on every group site I know. I don't know what that little magnifying glass icon is, better ignore it."

Skype?

We have Cigna global and they also were able to provide a letter stating coverage, including covid coverage

Had many friends use them, some just last week even.

Yes. At least they did for us.

@Abel ********

Yep, that's the one

Yep. It was an STV (aka, the dead-end visa 🙂 ). I needed to get a special foreign insurance certificate from my company, and their coverage letter had to be very specific about coverage amounts. Took a little doing, but Cigna came through. Won't say it was easy, but glad there were options. But I'm with you, hoping requirements loosen as we go forward to encourage tourism. Now if they'll just allow the STVs to be converted in-country...it's just a push of a button on come computer somewhere, right??

FWIW, I got in on my initial STV earlier this yer, and back again later on a Non-O (with a dash home in between) using a foreign health insurance plan - Cigna Global. Well, maybe the fact that it's their global health insurance made the difference, dunno.