@Todd ********

Thanks for a comprehensive reply Todd. My biggest fear of the Philippines is, as you've indicated, the issue of typhoons ( and floods). Do you think the Pinays are better than Thais culturally. How about their expectations from a partner point of view?

@Todd ********

I find comments like your's helpful Todd. Can you expand please?

If its on a new passport you need to do in person

I have been receiving medical treatment for the past 3 years in a Thai government hospital. Is it likely I can get Non O visa on medical grounds? Up to now I've been staying on O-A retirement visa. Why change you may ask? It's become mandatory for O A visa holders to have 3 million TB health insurance on top of the obligatory 400k TB inpatient and 40k outpatient cover.

@John *********

Absolutely John, that also applies to other countries.

@Bonnie ******

so right Bonnie. Maybe 3 years back they introduced the health insurance requirement of 400k TB Inpatient and 40k TB outpatient for Non Imm O-A long stay retirement visa. When I applied today for my annual extension they now want 3million TB of cover. Thailand apparently want to ensure exclusion of people like me, retirees who spend maybe 1million TB per annum into the Thai economy. I'm seriously considering relocating to Philippines