@James *************

you don’t ever have to leave. Extension each year for non OA (required health insurance, visa gotten in your home country) each leaving and reentry gets you a year’s stay, for the first year. For non O, usually obtained in Thailand by first entering on tourist visa–then get 90-day retirement visa, which you then extend each year. You don’t have to leave the country, but if you do, get a reentry permit to preserve your visa. 

As other said, it’s a good option if you have the money and you’re well under 50. Myself, I’ll be on my fifth extension of a non-O retirement visa. Not that much trouble to get, I have to do 90 day reports and get reentry permits, but elite still requires a 90 day report. Expedited passport control and limousine service from Bangkok airports are not of that much value, you can pay for these things if you need them.

@Rog **********

Unique car and motorbike driving licenses if you drive both. If you have a current license from your country and an international driving permit attached to it, that is easiest. You will need the residents letter we speak of here about bank accounts. I use an agent, fat boys in Bangkok, for my driving license. You can do it yourself, but I find the process bewildering.

@Rog **********

depending on your passport, some embassies will give you a certificate just saying that you were affirm you live at the address. US embassy does it, it cost $50 and takes a month for appointment. You can get it from immigration offices but you may be required to have a TM 30 and have filed 1-90 day report.Agencies can sometimes help. Which country is your passport, and we are in Thailand do you live?

@Michael ******

It seems like Thai bank tellers are polite, but they are taught to be downright hostile to foreigners without work permits opening accounts. They may be afraid you’re earning money in Thailand, not paying taxes, and they are somehow responsible.

@Terary *********

any major or convertible currency

@Mauro *******************

banks are usually hostile to Farangs. The tellers may be polite, but this is what they are taught. I’ve heard that if you don’t have a work permit, they suspect you were working illegally and not paying taxes, and the bank is somehow responsible-plus, if you were American, they have additional paperwork

He probably doesn’t have a Thai SIM card

@Myron *********

The IDP will have ticked off whether for a car, motorcycle, bus, etc. I don’t think if you have a car IDP from Canada that will help you get a motorcycle license in Thailand. If you have a valid license for the class you are going for, it saves some time, watching the video or something, if you have the IDP.