Really the only things you should bring with you are essentials. I sold and donated everything and came over with just a carryon and never regretted it. The few learnings I have had I rectified with my last trip back and brought back towels, sheets and underwear, because finding these quality items can be challenging. Pack only your lightest clothing. Furniture and other household items are easily purchased here at a fraction of the cost.

Hubby has been travelling to Thailand for years before I met him. He brought me over around 11 years ago for holiday and broached possibly retiring here. We retired in 2022, arrived in Thailand Jan 2023, and we both love our life here. While neither of us are Thai, we love the people, the food and the culture. Where else could we live beachfront, sitting outside with a cool ocean breeze and listen to the waves lapping on the shore on a pension?

@Jan *****************

I think it is hit and miss, we lucked out as we found the right one on our own so did not need an agent. I do think too it helps how you approach them and what their mood is on the day.

@Jan *****************

Like anything here, sometimes it is who you know, but we've had no issue at all. I think it depends on the branch itself and each bank branch does have different rules. It actually surprised me at how easily we had it.

@Jan *****************

at the time we arrived we got 45 days (Jan 23) we extended ourselves 30 days and did not use an agent.

@David ***********

We did the 800K in a joint account (Bangkok bank) It does help to have someone to assist you in opening a bank account (We had a friend help us)

@David ***********

yes, visa exempt, extended for an additional 30 days to give us time to applying from within Thailand, opened the bank account immediately upon arriving which gave us the time needed for it to season

@David ***********

we did ours in Hua Hin 🙂 stayed there 3 months before heading further south to PKK

As a side note - feel free to send a dm if you have questions as to how we did ours. It may help others if you state where you are applying from and what area you plan on settling in

@David ***********

- hubby and I went through this last year (Jan 23) from Australia. It's a pretty straight forward process. If you are doing like we did and each applying for for the non O (no trailing) make sure you have your 800,000 baht in the bank to season. It does help if you have a Thai friend to help navigate through but you can do it on your own if needed.