@Zara ******

it’s online. You don’t see a human, so it doesn’t matter.

But given the choice I’d go to Penang for the food!

@David ******

you use a border force officer to get one. They do use them, you just don’t necessarily require one. You just ask.

@David ******

you have to send a copy of every page of your passport including the entry stamp to the country. VPN isn’t going to help that!

Yes, I just recently did this and it was great! Laos had just changed the rules, so it was a much easier option, all done online, straight forward and clear what to do.

As others said, you can cut rent in half, food will be nothing like that unless high-end dining every day ($5-$10 PER DAY is plenty), phone / wifi $20, transport, again, significantly lower. Maybe $50 per month, assuming bus / train use. For elephants, I'd recommend WFFT in Chiang Mai as it is one of the few genuinely ethical experiences. Avoid Phuket as others have mentioned, Samui is expensive. Many nicer experiences, e.g. Koh Phayam, Koh Tao, Koh Lanta. Krabi / Ao Nang may suit your needs. Massages are around $7-12 for 'standard' massage. No idea of the cost of 'special' massages as I don't partake... Anyway. Sounds like you've thought of most things so have a great trip. Recommend to bring mosquito repellent as the strongest ones here are insufficient for me. Also sunscreen is expensive and / or whitening.

@Gary **********

work visa for me.

If the main question is about getting them here, the main issue, even in cargo is the number of pets permitted on a flight.

It looks like you have everything else covered in the comments.

I brought 6 pets with me. The paperwork and everything else was a PITA to do, and also used a pet agent both sides. As money isn’t an issue, I would say this is a must.

You can also find pages for Flight volunteers (I do this) where you find someone flying the route to be your pet companion. Most do this for free… I suspect you will struggle to get all on one flight, but this would save you going back and forth. Feel free to PM.

@Paul ****************

I have 5 cats that I brought to Thailand and they are fine. I keep an eye out for snakes but as they have always been indoor/ outdoor, I decided that their comfort whilst they are with me is more important than the chance they may get killed by a snake. That being said I’ve had them in SEA for 7 years, and no problem so far.

@Javier **********

Funnily enough, many of us have other priorities, you know, like working, socialising, living our lives. We do it as a favour!

@Javier **********

obligation?! Clearly you don’t moderate on any groups.