@Brandon ***********

I don't think it says that....

@Kim *********

no I read both your incorrect reesponse and the article. It appears that you don't understand what is written in the article. Read the article again. Your understanding does not match the article content.

It explicitly states 180 days per year plus an extension.

It seems similar to the METV. 6 months validity but with only 60 days per visit. Can enter multiple times getting 60 days each time. With the METV and extensions some folks are able to get almost 9 months stay from the 6 month visa that only allows 60 days per visit.

Good luck to you.

@Phil *****

the communication issue appears to be with your misunderstanding. The "4 accounts" comment is asking YOU where YOU were able to opened the 4 accounts. The OP only wants to open one new account for himself and trying to find options on where that is easily accomplished and asking since you were able to open 4...

@Kim *********

thanks. This link says exactly how I described it. 180 days in a year, that can be extended an additional 180 days. Not 180 days spaced out over 5 years.

"5-year multiple-entry visa and the right to stay in Thailand for a total of 180 days a year, with an option to extend for another 180 days. "

So, in theory, it can be 360 days in a year and therefore ~1800 days over 5 years.

Thanks for sharing the link that proved my point. Now let's see start the details are if they actually create this visa.

@Kim *********

please provide a link showing this. I read 180 days renewable for another 180 days each year. The way you're interpreting it, this is a terrible visa and worthless for a digital nomad.

@Kim *********

Isn't it 180 days per stay not a total of 180 days during the 5 years. Of course this visa doesn't exist yet and things may change but that is what I read. Huge difference. And only 180 total days over 5vyears doesn't make any sense at all.

I'm also from the US. There are other places in SE Asia like the Philippines and Bali that do have visa options and are "cheap". But I'm gonna throw out another option that is unconventional... Japan.

It is inexpensive now with the exchange rates, well developed, great food, easy transportation. Not as cheap as Thailand but affordable. I'm getting a Studio for my daughter in Setagaya (near Shibuya Tokyo) for between $400-600/mth to give you an idea of costs. The hiccup here is no long term visas but can stay up to 90 days each time as long as less than 6 months a year.

Philippines- lots of experience here as well. But the infrastructure and reliability for things is low. Unless you stay in certain areas of Manila like BGC or near Ayala or IT Park in Cebu but then it's fairly expensive when compared to Thailand. Plus the food isn't great. Definitely more expensive than Thailand when comparing similar quality of life. Philippines is great for scuba and stuff but the level of development and infrastructure wore me down. And unless eating Filipino food eating out gets expensive when compared to the other countries (even Japan).

Bali - nice to visit.

So for me, I'll visit the US a couple months a year and split the rest of my time in Thailand and Japan with visits to the other countries.

@Mike *****

I haven't mentioned using an agency in USA. Thanks for your comments though to consider all options. I have considered using an agency in Thailand but planning to apply here in the USA this time instead. I've been to Thailand 13 times already over the past decade but this is the first time considering the retirement visa option. I was asking about two topics:

1) Pros & Cons of Non-immigrant O versus OA versus METV

2) Experiences with the DC versus the Chicago consulate / embassy as I have the ability to show residency in either jurisdiction. Their websites show different requirements for the OA option.

Anyway, I've chosen to try the OA approach. Let's see how it goes.

@Charlie *****

only $4-$6 for a nice lunch too!!

I'm also going to get an apartment there. Mainly for my daughter that's going to University there but also for me to visit.

@Charlie *****

yep. Unless you fly there more than once.... then can stay up to 6 months in a year.

I'm extremely familiar with Japan. Lived and worked there many years