@Greg *******

I have not been here 180 days, and unless I earn income in thailand I will never pay tax here as I am excluded under the DTA between the US and Thailand.

I do know several retired visa holders who do have to pay tax here except they do not bring in enough to thailand to be taxed or have to file taxes.

There is a threshold. Yes I did read just adding to the article based of comments in this thread questions asked by people.

After a 180 days here in a calender year you are subject to tax foreign income is taxable and retirement pension as well unless you are covered in DTA agreement between your home country and thailand everyone situation is different I would consult a tax lawyer here and your embassy to see if you are exempt.

@Pete ******

then you will have to declare it at customs and be ready to prove where it came from and its stupid to travel with that kind of money on you

Personal choice and fees it cost as far as bank transfers wise is a goto but ask your bank how much the fee is to wire from there to your thai bank

Wise or depending on amount in baht you wish to withdraw some banks will allow you to buy baht inside the bank good market value and lower fee not an ATM

If under 30k use atm select "Continue with out conversion" Western Union charges too much for cash pick up and takes off average of 1.50$ from exchange. ( with out thai bank )

If you have someone you trust with thai bank or yourself wise is the next option

If you have the approved DTV once you leave thailand and come back in present your approved DTV and you will then get a 180 day stamp. Once approved you have 5 years to use the DTV.

You can but more expensive for short term. You are better off renting a hotel room by the month. Saves money

Photo copy of passport to show no other visa and get record to show you only have the one passport

You will be fine there is a 7 day window generally