@Lee ********

if you will be based in pattaya i can introduce you to the manager of mitsu pattaya.

Bought a new mitsubishi (1.56m bht) 3 mths ago using bank transfers for 20k dep & balance, no probs...providing you have a thai bank acct.

Still need passport with valid visa & residency cert.

If insuring in your name through the dealership( normally free for 1st 12mths) a valid drivers licence is also reqd

@Michael *******

yes - alcohol sales ban, 24 hrs

..

My GP in Aust just laughed & signed it...14 yrs ago.

I have been in thailand for 13yrs on an OA visa. I would strongly recommend an O visa as an alternative. An OA visa requires mandatory health insurance ( both in & out patient) at a level set by the gov which can be subject to yearly change...only upwards of course. The O visa has no health insurance demands but of course you can still secure a policy to suit your needs, not the government's

With non O health insurance is required for your initial tourist/ exempt visa period only...ie short term.

Following approval of your non O visa it is not mandatory for annual extensions.

@Terry *******

I've been living permanately here for 12 yrs on a OA...perhaps averaging one overseas return trip annually. I will be swapping to an O when my current visa is up for extension. I have the 800k & have had health insurance for the duration of my stay.Long before it became compulsory, currently complying with the k requirement. I plan to retain this policy as i find it offers peace of mind as I age. I am not prepared to pay for the 3m tbh plus policy as i find the amount of cover & policy cost excessive. Therfore i will be hopefully transferring to a non O.

@Terry *******

each to their own opinion...l'm not a well-heeled englishman who would be regularly returning to your homeland on multi entry visas.My initial comment was referring to retirees looking to SETTLE in thailand on a OA visa Just for your info a non O visa allows you to enjoy the benefits you enjoy without purchasing any annual health insurance.

@Terry *******

you've missed the whole point. The health insur premium limit is about to be raised to 3m tbh making the cost to potential & existing OA visa holders prohibitive. Replace the word levy with cost.

@Terry *******

correct but ultimately a very high price to pay thks to the health insur levy.