@Wayne ********

Agreed

@John-Paul *****

It's 300,000 baht to get you you started. I don't have it, I don't need it. You wouldn't believe the deal I have on my immigration even if I showed you. But I have lived here 5-years and I have seen the gold elite card of the person who paid 300,000 baht or as I say $10K to get started. You have to call them, go and talk to them and there are options. If you have been here any length of time this shouldn't shock you.

@Dmitrii ******

they have different kinds of payment options. Best thing is to call them. Because it’s such big money, they will actually answer the phone and talk to you and try to help you figure out a way to do it. A woman who does massage for me has a husband that just did that and that’s the only reason I know. I guess he’s not legally divorced in the United States and that’s why he hast to do it this way. 

Your long-term options are an Elite Visa or Marriage. The Bangkok airport in particular is going to get REALLY on you. I was able to do like you for about a year (before covid, I've been here 5-years now) before I got an ultimatum from the Bangkok airport immigration. I almost had to get sent back to Malaysia where I was doing my visa run.

So really, at your age either cough up $10K to get your first few years of elite visa. Or, head up to Chiang Mai or BKK to get married brother. No one cares if you think this is your home, there is no mercy. :)

Canada is easy, go to the embassy or call them first. Clear and easy path for her to come. However; if you think she will be happy there, think twice. My wife lasted about 2 weeks in the US and I don't live in a cold place. Now, we live here and couldn't be happier

@Damian *****

My point is really just this, if you or anyone else has an issue, and can't get it done, let the bank manager know you are lacking in health insurance and it could get the job done. :)

@Damian *****

I've never known someone who has not had a problem. I moved here at 37, 5-years ago. I've been around the block.

@Damian *****

This didn't work for me. I traveled to all these different banks, maybe 10 or more. I finally got mine by buying insurance from the bank manager of a BKK bank and by that time I was happy to do it. There is NO straight forward guide that always works for anything here. I've been here for 5-years.

@Amina *******

The system unfortunately is designed to create this kind of situation. But, after $700 in insurance and peace of mind for a year, I did cancel that and I still have the bank account. That was 5-years ago now amazingly. So, it's kind of a one and done thing.

This was tricky for me, hopefully it won't be for you. I went to Bangkok bank and had to buy 1-year of health insurance to get the manager to do it.