@Sumran ********

there is just temp taking, not blood collection.

@Garrette ***********

I am well aware of that living here so long, but was urging others to keep trying if, at first--or more, they were rejected.

@Garrette ***********

I already had multiple bkk bank accounts and thought I would open a "back up" account at another bank and decided on SCB.

I took along a thai friend who is close to fluent in English, just in case I needed language help of any kind-- I had, of course, my passport, in which is my "retirement visa", updated 90 day report stamp, etc. I had my thai driver's license, which has my address on the back, from a residency certificate when I got my license, I had my bkk bank bank books, and I actually brought a copy of my house lease, and my nearest branch rejected my application, why? they said I had to give them an Original copy of my lease--i went thru the new acts woman at her desk to the asst manager, to the manager--as I tried to explain that a copy of my lease was not even required per their own website ( this was more than 2 years ago) , and had not been required by bkk bank, let alone, they wanted an original signed copy. so ridiculous, and I did get more vocal with them than I usually might, but I gathered my documents and went to the next nearest branch and opened my new acct without any need for a lease, other bank books, my dr license etc-- so, as has been said again and again, when rejected, keep trying.

was Singapore on the original list, now cancelled. I have friends coming from Singapore next work-- they live in Singapore-- and we both looked at the list and did not see Singapore as there? did we miss it?

Google and research the Visa and work permit information, available on Google and in this fb page.

I think Cigna's is now the largest insurance company in the world. I looked extensively at their plans, and like all health insurance, bracketed by age and plan benefits offered . they will exclude, as all do here, for pre- existing conditions and may require a surcharge for things like being overweight.

again, I'm talking about Cigna plans on offer to expats living here. they are not cheap, but are a top notch company and recognized by most thai hospitals.

not really too much conflicting on this question.

leave it and move on with lesson learned.

get a tourist visa and make it simple, no need to hassle with going to immigration and paying another fee

@Stuart ********

just to be clear, i doubt also that immigration will fear his working here, but very likely they will believe he's trying to live here, to retire here, without the appropriate visa.