@Mark *******

write off to bad luck, in my 15 years full time, been bitten by a multi colored mosquito which gave me a half golf ball lump but that’s it. Almost bitten by a giant flying black hairy ant with three red dots in Phangnra national forest (that would’ve been a possible death experience but the guesthouse was in the thick jungle). Only issues have been a high fever from scuba diving through a Thai company out of Ao Nang (currently only use foreign owned). Other are being bitten by Soi dogs. Awhile back we had foot long centipedes in the yard, tough bastards, had to use a machete to kill. But regardless Thailand is my favorite paradise.

Best wherever you are, go to your local immigration and ask. Immigration speaks English and every province the IOs can be different.

@Kedi ********

I lived here 15 years. Plan to go 2 weeks beforehand but I got this. Next year will switch to retirement of which have all the paperwork.

@Tony ******

never had a problem, Vietnam is one of my favorite countries. Unlike Thailand where there are feral (Soi) dogs everywhere in packs, never saw one in Vietnam.

@Mark *******

only case of Dengue I’ve heard have been far north east, like the jungles surrounding Chiang Rai.

My budget $ from US goes to wife account. My Visa & other special stuff comes from multiple sources including from within Thailand, go to my account. I don’t think they care where the source money is from.

Didn’t know foreigners get any interest. I know I don’t get credit but luckily I have excellent US credit & credit cards from there.

What vaccines? I know American media preaches about false viruses, the democrat way. But you don’t need any here.

Come in with a Non-O based on retirement, you should get an account though I’m Bangkok Bank but have accounts with 3 banks. And I own a residence. But as long as you’re on a long term visa, don’t see why not.

Best budget yourselves based on spending. If tourist oriented & like play the nightlife, then probably 100,000-150k a month so dipping into the Visa fund is likely. But if just living, your budget would be around 50k & can leave your Visa fund as is.

Best have two accounts, Visa fund which you never touch & a budget account.