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

@Duncanc *********

not required to get a license to loan money to companies. All that is needed is money and a legal agreement. Frankly this isn't relevant to the visa / consulate questions ...

@John *******

I understand that. I have two options for what could be called my current residence in the US.

My question was around the differences in visa types and what folk's experiences were in dealing with these two consulates

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

any recommendations for the doctors that do this?

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

seen that. I have options for Missouri or Texas

Many options like taxi, Grab, Bolt etc but I prefer Mike's Taxi Service. Book on their website. Costs 1000 to 1200 baht. Professional and reliable with good cars

@Martin ********

all hail the high and mighty hypocritical busy poppet! You're so cool I want to be like you when I get old and crochety