@Sebastian ******

you have a full year to transfer the cash across as you can open up a bank account once you have the ox Visa and permanent accommodation.

I have a non immigrant OX for 5 years and in Thailand. I am 63 so not retired but also not working. Retirement visa has less requirements for cash in the Bank.

Sounds like you might be able to claim the cost of the flight on the basis of stupidity ( I mean lack of experience) 😂

@Todd ********

I have OX and you still end up doing 90 reporting etc but you can open a bank account with it if you have a permanent address (not hotel). Then you should transfer money within 1 year to the account as they like you to report annually. Better to go for a visa that requires the least in a bank account as you don’t really want that much cash tied up doing nothing, especially if the baht weakens.

Amex not useful.

Open a wise account and secure the card before leaving. You will be charged 200 baht for each ATM withdrawal so most take out baht each time to keep charges down. 90% plus transactions cash here.

Wise is a multiple currency account and has low exchange fees so each to swap around your base currency

VFS the main visa agent in many countries. Systems still awkward though

4 days holiday for the government. Prepare all in advance and make sure they are open

@John *********

just checked and it states 1 year if from the UK although some insurance may become void after 3 months. I have the time so perhaps just get it done

@Jo *********

5 years (4 left) but believe can renew for another 5 years

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

cool. Then might just keep my head down and see what happens