@Luit ****************

I have it in a high yield account back home at 5%. I don't have a Thai bank account yet, but people on here say it is very low. I'm tempted to let an agent do the retirement visa, he says I wouldn't need the $800k in the bank but people on here say that is shady. Is that how you did it or are you on a different Visa?

Wow. All these comments, and only TWO people even tried to answer the original question.🤦🏻‍♂️. It's OK to say "I don't know" (I don't😁). But some of the stupid irrelevant comments.🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️ The travel insurance might be worth checking into though. And that was a good point that insurance would only cover for "accidental" death, is that what you were referring to, or any scenario where you passed away? Hope everything is alright.

Hopefully you're not paying these legal firms. You can save some money and get the info from the eVisa site or very knowledgeable people on here. I'm on the same path as you though. It wouldn't hurt to come and check things out first like you mentioned. I came over for 2 months last year on a 60 day exemption. Got my Non O in July and I am coming up on my 90 days next week. I couldn't definitely decide on the Retirement Visa...that $24k just sitting in a bank equates to roughly $100/ mo in interest. Plus needing a rentral contract for your accommodations when I like to travel all over, so I'll just bounce to Vietnam and figure out the pros and cons doing a few exemptions a year while visiting surrounding countries, getting the Retirement Visa or even the DTV, which may also be an option for you. You didn't mention your age (over 50?) or if you have been here before, or any of the other nearby countries. You may like them enough to spend time in also. Lots of things to ponder before you make a decision. But it's a good problem to have. I'm looking forward to Vietnam. The more I read, watch vids and I got some helpful advice on here last week, the more I look forward to it. Then there's Malaysia, Cambodia, the Philippines, Japan, etc. Thailand will always be here. Good luck. It'll be fun either way.

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

what would you estimate the occupancy rate to be in the condos and apartments in Bangkok? With the massive number of buildings, and even more under construction or renovation, would you think more than 50-60%? And most would have to be long term tourists, as most Thais wouldn't pay what they seem to go for, unless locals get much better pricing. I'll be close to $5500-$6000 USD total for hotels in my 3 months here, probably what I would have paid for comparable condo in the On Nut area for the year...😁🤷🏻‍♂️

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

I know lots of people use Airbnb, but isn’t it technically against Thai law for them to book for less than 30 days? And I figured if the property has a lot of empty rooms, they may be willing to rent one by the month. I’m not necessarily looking to only stay a month but I just hate to sign a 12 month lease and then something happened back home and I had to leave.

@David **

if you search AIS in your google maps app, they will pop up all over the place. No matter where you are there will be one close by.

@Eric *****

ok. I figured that. Thanks.

@Jack ***************

you could literally do it over the phone. It’s probably as cheap. If not just a little bit more than what you’re paying now anyway. My Verizon phone works just as good here as it did in the states.

@Liam *******

I've watched so many vids I have to go back and review them. It depends on the area. You'll definitely get a better price in On Nut thab Asok or Thong Lo. I kind of put on the back burner as I have to do a bounce next week but I concentrate harder on it when I return.

@Jim *******

exactly! At first I just blew it off, but the more and more and more you hear...so I have nothing to worry about? Thanks.