@Erik **********

that's partially correct.

The online form (done by Hotel) is not sufficient to get a Certificate of residency in Jomitien.

One first needs to get the paper TM30 (example is attached) from immigration.

I don't understand why you paid 1000B, unless you paid an agent to do it for you.

The paper TM30 is free and the certificate of residency 300B. Both can be obtained in about 1-2 hours.

In Jomitien they issue the certificate of residency on the same day (300B fee) and will accept a hotel as address, actually many hotel in Pattaya offer monthly long stay rates.

- when checking in at hotel ask them to register you right away online and print out the confirmation

- Get a Thai SIM Card at a 7-Eleven

- take the printout from hotel to immigration and get a TM30, in low season that should take less than 30 minutes and is free.

- with the TM 30 you can then immediately apply for the residency certificate, usually issued in less than 1 hour, unless it's before lunch or closing time.

Bring 2 passport Photos, and you need a Thai phone number (Hence, the step above to get a SIM first)

The Immigration information counter in the left building on the parking lot will give you all the required forms, tell you what passport pages you need to cooy

and finally hand you Q number once they checked if all your documents are in order.

Photocopies can also be made there for just 3B per page.

I recommend to go to Immigration around 9:30am, the initial opening rush should have cleared by then.

Blue= regualr savings account, with e-banking & ATM

Orange'= time deposit, no ATM, cash withdrawal only at Bank counter, an only the same province it was opened

Probably depends on where you are.

Jomtien immigration accepts fixed deposit accounts. I use Bangkok Bank (the orange bank book, not the blue one). Receiving interest once per year on the day of the initial deposit.

As long as your Philippines DL is not the temporary one, you are legally allowed to drive in Thailand. There is a specific agreement among ASEAN countries.

No need for an international license... But the brown helmets on the streets may not know about this agreement.

@George ************

I have friends in Hua Hin, they mentioned on several occasions that their local immigration office is very helpful. You can probably get your retirement Visas without an Agent. But much can change in 3 years.

If you want to alter between Bangkok and HH, I would think it's better to get the visa in HH.

I assume you have been to Thailand before and been to the various places that are popular with retirees and also decided where to settle.

If yes, it's best to join Facebook groups for these areas to get a feel of the local Expat community and their general advice on the immigration office and agents in that area.

If you haven't been to Thailand, don't worry about Visas. Get on a plane and come here for 1-2 Months to see for yourself if Thailand is the right place for you.

Yes you can use your Singapore license in Thailand, as long as it's not a temporary Permit. It must be the full 5 year one.

But beware that the police may not know about the ASEAN agreement and still try to fine you.

To be 100% safe, get a international permit from Singapore

@Pete ******

I was given the same information in Chonburi: 3 Months before expiry.

Also, a 5 year license is only issued to holders of long therm visa or extension of stay.

Tourist will only get 2 years.