@Eric *****

The only countries I ever had difficulties getting a visa for have been China and Pakistan. Singapore, and the Philippines I just got something at the airport, and Vietnam I did online prior to arrival. I travel on a US passport.

Singapore is expensive. I avoid the Philippines at all cost. To me, a solo female traveler, it feels unsafe and I don't care for the food. I love Da Nang, good food, quite affordable and feels safe.

@Joseph ********

thanks. That is helpful to know. I am just going to keep traveling like I usually do and deal with whatever comes my way.

I have a similiar challenge. I visit Thailand whenever I transit there, maybe 4 times a year. Sometimes I stay a week, sometimes 2 months. When I flew out of Bangkok a month ago, I asked about this with airport immigration officers. No one had an answer, so they called a supervisor. Supervisor said it is up to the individual immigration officer upon entry. Not a very reassuring answer.

@Sue *****

I also thought I needed surgery. I really appreciated the Neurosurgeon advising me not to have it without trying treatment. How many surgeons send business away? Anyway, I am very satisfied with the care I get at Bumrungraad. Been going there for decades.

@Sue *****

you are most welcome. Good luck. Back pain is the worst.

@Sue *****

I was first seen by Dr Withawin Kesornsak, he is a Neurosurgeon in the spine center. He advised me to delay surgery as long as possible. He referred me to Dr. Nattaya Udomsakdi. She is a pain management specialist in the Spine center. I have been seeing her on an as needed basis for the past 3-4 years. With the treatments she does for me, I am able to live without pain meds. That is a win for me! And she is incredibly patient. I get incredible anxiety with anything medical, and she is great dealing with that. Good luck.

I have an excellent spine doctor at Bumrungraad. Let me know if you want her contact info. I fly to Thailand to see her, she is that good.

I use a free app, you can port your old number. it is called textnow. I have been using it for years. Free and it supports the 2F verification process. It also allows me to have a US phone number for business and friends and family.

@Neil ********

No, that is not true. Unless you qualify for Medicaid (virtually no assets and below poverty income) then you still have to pay for Medicare. There are monthly premiums, co pays for Dr visits and for other related services (like physical therapy, etc) and costs of medications. It is far from free (and the care sucks in comparison to a Thai hospital). They can keep their care, give me Bumrungraad and the bill!