Lawyer absolutely not needed. The 500k balance depends on the embassy/consulate you apply from. Some just look for closing balance, some look for up to 6 months balance over 500k.

When I applied in Jakarta, only closing balance was needed.

As with most official stuff in Thailand, each office has their own set of rules.

@Ron *****

you gonna have to ask the bank why they have their rules. My thai friend called to ask them, and “under medical treatment in Thailand” was pretty much the only way with a resident type visa.(retirement, spouse isa etc). So after i started my treatment i opened the account . This was quite recently

@Stuart **********

i do yes: me personally. And actually on first branch i tried. But i know in advance about Bangkok Banks «medical clause”. Each branch different obviously, but they do have a “official” clause from HQ specifically for medical treatment.

@Stuart **********

quite possible actually.

- Dress formally (very important)

- Have a residency certificate (can be obtained even on tourist visa in Bangkok)

- Have a medical appointment, or medical certificate from a hospital

- Go to a branch inside, or near hospital

Its generally quite difficult indeed, but this makes it allot easier.

@Steven *********

chill and have another beer lol. And its not 3 days before, its up to 3 days.

There was plenty of conflicting information released from official sources bere the actual launch, confusion understandable. No need to be nasty…

So many nasty grumpy chang chuggers here lol.

To be fair, there was conflicting information released prior to launch indicating «at least 3 days before». But its indeed 0-3 days. As also seen on website.

Chill, and order another Chang lol

@Darin *******

incorrect. But to be fair there conflicting information released prior to actual launch. (In classical thai fashion)

It can be done 1 minute before passing immigration. But no more than 3 days in advance.

@Les ******

yeah there was indeed some confusion for a while before it launched. Just ignore the grumpy Chang chuggers. Min 3 days before was talked about for a while.

But indeed within 3 days before arrival. And can be done same day, even after landing before passing immigration. So 0-72 hours before

I would indeed not cheap out on health insurance. After extensive research I was left choosing between AXA and Cigna.

Cigna probably the better one, but I went for AXA inpatient only. Basically to insure against the really expensive stuff.

@Todd ********

prices in Thailand are definitely similar to northern Europe. Im currently under long term treatment in Thailand for spine injury (Bangkok Government hospital), and shopped around for surgery in Europe and Thailand. Im from northern Europe. I ended up doing the surgery in Europe. (Not in home country)

Thailand medical care definitely not «dirt cheap». My surgery would have cost me the same in Thailand as in Germany and France. In fact, a ADR surgery would be more expensive in Thailand. While a old fashioned fusion surgery (ACDF) about the same.

Its only «cheap» if you have access to public healthcare trough thai spouse or work.