@Janet ********

they are doing that in the opposite order: exploring their options, then traveling to Thailand. A perfectly sensible sequence.

@Joey ****

Yes, you can buy as many single re-entry permits as you need each time you need it. I have read numerous times that these are always available at immigration at the airport. However, I always get mine at an Immigration office in advance because if you get distracted when leaving the country and fail to get your re-entry permit, it's a disaster - you would have to start from scratch with immigration when you return because your prior permit/extension of stay is no longer valid

Fyi...Microsoft announced that the 21-year-old calling and messaging service will shut down May 5. The software company is encouraging Skype users to migrate to its free Teams app.

/28/microsoft-is-retiring-skype-in-may-encouraging-people-to-adopt-teams.html

@Joey ****

don't forget the cost of reentry permits - 1,000 for a single reentry, 3,800 for multiple reentry. These are essential if you have a one-year extension, to keep that end date valid when leave the country and return. I travel enough to make the multiple reentry permit worth it and I do the immigration application by myself without much stress or problems. I try to get an appointment, which is usually only available 2 to 4 months in advance because there's only a few slots and with an appointment the last couple years my immigration experience has been quick and smooth.

@Greg **********

thank you for the clarification

In Thailand, overstaying your visa for up to 90 days typically results in a fine of 500 Baht per day, but it does not lead to a travel ban. However, if you overstay for more than 90 days, you may face a travel ban depending on the length of the overstay:

Overstay less than 1 year. Ban for 1 year

Overstay more than 1 year. Ban for 5 years

Overstay more than 3 years. Ban for 10 years

@Eric *****

Re: I find it just as expensive, if not more, than the US for a lot of things, at least in the larger cities like Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya and Chiang Mai unless you live in a hut and eat street food.

What in the world are you talking about? I don't live in a hut, I live in a multi-bedroom house 20 minutes from town (Chiang Mai) with a large garden for far less than my small apartment in Oakland, California in a challenged neighborhood. My food costs at many different kinds of restaurants, not street food, are less than 50% (and often less than 25%) of costs in most big cities in the USA.. Yes, there are some things where pricing is similar to the USA, but that's a small fraction of my budget.

@Ning *****

not showing on my Android phone. You might be referring to Street View, which I can access on Google Maps by going to the icon with an image like several layers at the top right and then on the pop-up screen at the lower left is Street View

@Brandi *******

I use Traveling Mailbox, excellent service. They allow you to use one of several different addresses that they operate. I chose an address in Texas because it has no state tax. However, I also using a friend's house address in Texas as a backup since some financial institutions require a physical home address that is not a mailing service. Only one bank has required me to provide that physical home address

@Steve *********

thank you