I arrived on an OA from the US and set up the Thai account after arrival.

Love the ten year endorsement - like 200,000 Thai baht -- assuming you need a lot of help to even qualify for a Visa.

I used the county sheriff in texas -- you need it for visa if processing in DC -- that is if you are still in the states.

HOLIDAY SHOP in Bangkok did my translations -- Owner is Irish Lady

@Dave *********

only hassle with monthly deposits is if your pension arrivers Jan 31 , Mar 1 and Mar 31 -- immigration will challenge the term "monthly" since there was no bank deposit in February -- i'm sure a donation to coffee fund might help them understand. Just part of the fun of living in paradise.

non US carriers are often cheaper -- I love the Istanbul to Phuket connection - United partners

off point but a funny story -- the US forces first "use this" government travel card was Diner's Club. Made sense to someone with DC Points who saw their advertisements I suppose. Jumped through hoops "mandating" use of the MF'ing (mil speak) card for travel expenses or else risk non-reimbursement -- come to find out the on-post billeting offices around europe and asia did not accept Diner's Club. One million establishments world-wide except where where Uncle Sam's Airlines flew most.

My thai wife speaks fluent English so do I need to learn it ?? A big Smile and 20 baht bill seems to get it small tasks done without offending anyone.

I used a Brit named Jimmy @ Pattaya Visa Services when I wanted to buy a car in Pattaya but was processing my paperwork in Udon Thani -- Dark side across from the Red Bar -- I think Pattaya Visa even shows up on google maps. DM 4 phone.

@Andreea *****

I stumbled across an app for my Iphone -- "Learn Thai - travel phrases" -- Only $5 per month or $25 to own outright -- very easy phrase structure with pronunciation for either males or females -- with pronunciation and spellings so you can hear and see the phrase. If it is a frequent phrase you can add it to favorites in the APP. Worth a few day review before you buy -- APPOXIS is the developer.