last year and again this year we got frames and transition lenses (the kind that turn into sunglasses) for 1500 baht from a small neighborhood store. They send the order to a factory and it comes back ready in 2 or 3 days. For the eye exam I had my prescription already, but for the second pair we went to the Big C building and asked a few glasses shops if they can do the exam for us. If you ask nicely they will usually do it for free. Three different shops gave different results. But one shop was super professional and did alot more tests so we stuck with that result and made glasses with their prescription. The glasses stores at Big C I think were charging minimum 3000 but usually 5000-7000 baht for glasses. But we only paid 1500 in our neighborhood. For normal lenses I think it would have been 500 at the cheapest but usually 700-1000. I would suggest getting your eye exam and prescription at a real doctor or in your home country and then just shop around at little glasses stores in the neighborhoods for a good deal.

@Jamie ********

a PS3 from the US might not work in Thailand, for sure the electricity is different and would need a converter and POSSIBLY the video format (NTSC vs PAL) would not work on Thai televisions.. I would say just bring the games and you can find a used PS3 on facebook marketplace. clothes is cheap here and used clothes is even cheaper, don’t bother bringing alot of clothes when you can buy here. But yes it would be cheaper to pay extra baggage fees when you fly in than trying to ship it.

Unless you are living out in the countryside a car is not worth it, just use public transportation and taxis and the car apps. For a house (as opposed to an apartment) you will probably spend 300-500 US dollars a month. Living a simple life and occasionally touristy outing will probably run you 1500-2000 USD a month

I also got extensions after that first entry in 2023 with no issue

I spent from 2020-22 on covid extensions, basically the whole time that amnesty and covid extensions were a thing. I left and came back like a year later in summer of 23 and they gave me a hard time at the airport and told me they are going to let me in this time but won’t let me in again without a proper visa. Since then I have a proper multiple entry visa and have left and came back regularly with no issues.

Congratulations!…. Did you need to show proof of where you will stay in Thailand?

@Wabi *****

a thai phone number and download the app. Maybe take a pic of your passport and a selfie and fill in some basic info when you sign up

If you just want to pay with qr code you can use true money without a bank account

You can look up prices online on shopee and lazada to get an idea how much something costs. Then go to your preferred store and see if their price seems fair to you. If not, You can offer the price you want to pay. The worst that can happen is they say no.

@Kristaps ********

also i forgot to mention at the embassy you should also make a certified copy of your passport. For americans thats another $50 and have that translated and approved at MFA as well. Not all city halls will ask for it but if they do you should have it. I was told it was optional but at city hall they required it, so keep that in mind.