had a friend with a problem, they bought a connecting flight from Bangkok to Malaysia and went to the embassy directly there to get a visa

personal experience.

tldr; Both countries and cultures are just the best. I would say of the two countries, they are my favorite in the world. You can't go wrong with these choices. I've spent a few months in Pang Lao, Bohol, and will now go every year, and like 15 winters in Thailand. You can't go wrong. Why not live in both 🙂

People: In Philippines the people were actually quite a bit friendlier on average, you would never be a "dumb farang" there, there seemed to be more cultural inclusion there instead of a a foreigner for life. Of course Thai people are amazing as well by any standard, so you can't go wrong. Safety was the same, although Philippines has a bad reputation, I never saw a reason for it, I presume the cities must have a high crime rate because the islands are as safe as it gets.

Infrastructure: Thailand is a pretty modern county with modern infrastructure. You can't beat the roads, public transportation, private transportation, hospitals etc. Philippines doesn't even come close to that. Even the city hospitals (around Cebu) have the feel of a rural public hospital in Thailand.

Food: Thailand has the best food in the world. My least favorite thing in Philippines was the food. If you can't relate, you will once you move to Thailand 🙂

cost of living: Philippines is a bit cheaper than Thailand, but i would have them on the same scale

Visas: Philippines is extremely easy to go and stay forever. You don't even need to do visa runs. You can extend your visa at the mall in the city and you can do it like 10 times. Getting a residency visa is just as simple. They actually want you to stay. Unless you are over 50, Thailand is a pain for long stay. Consider this if you plan on moving, you will need a plan if you aren't on a retirement visa. It's not simple

Ownership: Ownership laws are about the same, Foreigners cannot own property ever. Like Thailand you can own condos, or do like 30 year temporary ownership leases on land. There are plenty of loopholes like in both countries.

Tourism: Thailand is the #1 tourist destination in Asia. It's a mess. You can't go anywhere without a full bus, boat or beach. Coming from Bohol, I'm sure you've seen how easy it is to find a quiet paradise beach, or to be the only person at the most beautiful waterfall location. I suppose it depends where you go, but I found Philippines to be a lot slower paced and easier to get away from crowds

I just hold them until I make a British friend and exchange with them. I have like 4 currencies in my bag currently 🤪

I really loved starting with the alphabet which allowed me to learn to speak and hear the different sounds of the language. Thai just doesn’t translate to the Latin alphabet

If you open a bank with Charles Schwab. ATM charges are free. And they will refund you the 220baht local machine charge

I have 2 banks with a debit card each. Also a good travel credit card shouldn’t charge fees

Malaysia airlines has a free cancellation option. You can book a real ticket and after you land login and cancel. You’ll get all your money back. 100% free

true they’ve only been doing it for a few years and I don’t think they started linking it until recently

@Rob *******

doesn’t matter about passports or names anymore. They link your identity with your fingerprint. I have two nationalities and they always ask about my other passport

@Sarinya *********

definitely don’t show up without a visa before hand. If they don’t give one at the consulate. They won’t give one at the border

It’s possible she is no longer eligible for visa exemption. Much safer to get one beforehand