@Michael *********

my mistake. There's a YouTube vlogger in Pattaya, I believe his channel is called "Rides 4 Kicks." He did a video a couple of months back on the new ferry route. Recommend you check out the details for of location, time and costs of the ferry. Sorry for the bad info.

@Johnny *********

no worries. It's an overnight ferry.

The one in Pattaya shut down quite a long time ago but they opened one that I believe runs from Si Racha (just south of Pattaya) to Yala in South Thailand. I may be mistaken on the exact arrival location in South Thailand but it will definitely get you across the Gulf of Thailand.

@Garrett **********

as long as he's ready for the possibility he may spend the day going from bank to bank, then I agree with you.

I tend to do things myself and not hire an agent (e.g. Thai drivers license, visa renewal, 90 day report, etc.) However, if I were trying to open a Thai bank account on a tourist visa, I would hire an agent. I think most agents charge about 3K THB but IMO it will be money well spent. I say this because I've read many posts in these groups of people going to bank after bank and being rejected. My 2¢ on the matter. Good luck!

You should check out the US state department site. I could have sword the testing requirements were changed about a month ago to 48 hours before your first flight.

@James **********

if I were you, I'd call the airline for verification. If you can get a straight flight through BKK, it'll undoubtedly save you a lot of money and stress.

Seems like there are several flights that do not require you to leave the international area of the airport in BKK.